[missleman101]

I'm new to the speaker scene and I'm looking for a good 2.1 speaker set or some passive bookshelves and a amp for around $150. Just looking for something to hook up for my computer that's half decent that me and my suite mates can listen to while where in our suite.

 

[cel4145]

Would you like some floorstanding speakers? If so, these Pioneers are a great deal. Use promo code EMCNAJB224 for $20 off. Or you can get $30 off these bookshelves (promo code EMCNAJB226). 
 
Then this Lepai t-amp is great for the price. Won't get super loud, but you'd get a good listening volume out of them and those speakers.  Or, check your local Craigslist. Often good deals on used receivers for about $50. 

 

[missleman101]

Quote:

Would you like some floorstanding speakers? If so, these Pioneers are a great deal. Use promo code EMCNAJB224 for $20 off. Or you can get $30 off these bookshelves (promo code EMCNAJB226). 
 
Then this Lepai t-amp is great for the price. Won't get super loud, but you'd get a good listening volume out of them and those speakers.  Or, check your local Craigslist. Often good deals on used receivers for about $50. 

I like those a lot but i'm looking for more of a bookshelf speakers , maybe even self amplified. I was looking at some audioengine A2, are those any good? or do you have any other suggestions?

 

[cel4145]

Sorry. Use said "passive" bookshelves in your original post. That means unamped. And the 2nd link above in that first paragraph is to a pair of bookshelves that are regularly $80 a pair down to $50. That Pioneer series and the new versions of it that Best Buy carries (check their website), are considered some of the best values in speakers in their price range.
 
I haven't heard the Audioengine A2s. I know that they are popular, but I believe that they might be hyped because of all the advertising, too. I stopped using amplified speakers for my desktop setup several years ago. Sorry. Not much help with that. 

 

[Prakhar]

Im also interested in this. I've heard the larger models of the pioneers are really good (BS41)... 

 

[cel4145]

If you want to learn more about the Pioneers, there's a 3000+ post owners thread on AVS devoted to that series and the newer model. Great place to ask questions of people that have them. 

 

[Prakhar]

Thanks for the link... Time to trawl through the massive thread...

 

[missleman101]

Quote:

Sorry. Use said "passive" bookshelves in your original post. That means unamped. And the 2nd link above in that first paragraph is to a pair of bookshelves that are regularly $80 a pair down to $50. That Pioneer series and the new versions of it that Best Buy carries (check their website), are considered some of the best values in speakers in their price range.
 
I haven't heard the Audioengine A2s. I know that they are popular, but I believe that they might be hyped because of all the advertising, too. I stopped using amplified speakers for my desktop setup several years ago. Sorry. Not much help with that. 

i like the $50 bookshelves you linked me but what about a different amp , since there not as expensive, do you have a better suggestion of a better amp? Possible something that has plug ins for an self powered subwoofer?

 

[cel4145]

Accessories4less.com has some factory refurbished, factory warrantied Onkyo and Denon HT receivers in your budget range. Those should have subwoofer line outs. They have a good reputation as a vendor (my family has used them twice to buy receivers, too).
 
I think most 2 channel stereo receivers in your budget range do not have subwoofer out. But that's typically not a problem because you can easily find a subwoofer with speaker level inputs. Then you hook your main speakers to the A left/right speaker output on the receiver, and your subwoofer to the B left/right speaker output on the receiver. Other than Craigslist, your best bet for a 2 channel receiver is accessories4less again.  Look for Onkyo. 

 

[missleman101]

Accessories4less.com has some factory refurbished, factory warrantied Onkyo and Denon HT receivers in your budget range. Those should have subwoofer line outs. They have a good reputation as a vendor (my family has used them twice to buy receivers, too).

I think most 2 channel stereo receivers in your budget range do not have subwoofer out. But that's typically not a problem because you can easily find a subwoofer with speaker level inputs. Then you hook your main speakers to the A left/right speaker output on the receiver, and your subwoofer to the B left/right speaker output on the receiver. Other than Craigslist, your best bet for a 2 channel receiver is accessories4less again.  Look for Onkyo. 

Alright then do you have a better suggestion for an amp without a sub line out ?

 

[cel4145]

Quote:

Alright then do you have a better suggestion for an amp without a sub line out ?

 
This Onkyo is $109 plus shipping. 

 

[aspenx]

Quote:

Accessories4less.com has some factory refurbished, factory warrantied Onkyo and Denon HT receivers in your budget range. Those should have subwoofer line outs. They have a good reputation as a vendor (my family has used them twice to buy receivers, too).
 

 
Do I absolutely need a receiver to output the signal to the speakers? I have a DAC with a spare set of RCA output (which I assume are line level) and want to make use of these outputs to power a speaker for each channel. Are there any passive bookshelf speakers that would work with my intended setup? I don't want to use the "headphones output" of my laptop as it would be cumblesome choosing between devices instead of the knob switch I have on my DAC. Anyways, I have no problem modifying the terminals of the speaker cables but I currently have no speakers to try it with. Really appreciate some advice.