[goldnbearbuckeye]

How's it going, guys.

I've been reading this forum non-stop because I'm trying to do something about my Laptop sound. I've even bugged a few members (sorry).

Anyhow, I have a HP DV1000 with mediocre to terrible sound.

I have a pair of HD-280s, but I feel they're not getting any justice done to them from sticking them into the headphone jack.

The bass is (to me) pretty nonexistant, and I'd like a fuller sound.

But on top of this I'd like a modest stereo system or a PC 2.1 system.

After some research with a budget of about $200 USD (I know, very modest. But who knows, Head-fi apparently knows how to get deeper and deeper into your pocket as you go), I've come up with a few options. Of course, this budget is going to expand over time, but this is just to get me started.

I've almost given up on the computer speakers. I want a deep and powerful bass, and while Klipsch PM 2.1s seem to fit the bill, I'm just not comfortable with having a pair of speakers last me six months (or, with my luck, until right after the warranty expires). And even then, from what I read on head-fi, there are better options in the Bookshelf category.

So.. With that being said, I thought about the T-Amp with the Insignias. That should keep me way under my budget. Which is a great bonus. I realize I'm not going to have audiophile equipment, but alas I am a student with a roommate (in the next room) and only a little money. A concern I have about this setup is that I feel like I might miss a nice powerful bass that I can feel in my bones that a 2.1 system might offer. And this isn't the only problem.

And with the T-Amp and the Insignias, I'd also need an external soundcard/DAC, yes? Here's where I get a little confused. From what I read, the EMU 0202 seems perfect for me... Or does it? Are the EMUs strictly for headphones? If this is the case, I am a little lost.

A nice little receiver/speaker combo that you guys use for your secondary or tertiary systems would probably suit me great.

So in summary, I'm looking for help in setting up my laptop. Here's what I'm looking for:

~$200 (Elastic about this, willing to move up a little; I realize it's an investment)
Enough bass to annoy my roommate (I like my hip-hop quasi-club style; this probably eliminates Swans M200. So am I stuck with a 2.1 system?)
Not too much DIY
Headphone action for my HD-280
Known to not break down easily (eliminates Klipsch)
Makes my music and movies sound delicious

Things I don't care about:
I don't play games
I don't need surround sound
I don't need anything portable
I don't need it to look good
I don't need it to be SUPER loud
Refurbished is fine
I don't record music

If there's any information I've left out, I will be happy to expound. I know that's the biggest problem with these types of threads.

Thanks a lot, you guys run a great website.

 

[voxr3m]

Where did you get the idea that Klipsch multimedia systems break down frequently? By reading their support forum? That's not a very accurate representation of how they perform given that mostly only people who have problems are going to post about them.

For $200, you won't be able to get much bass unless you get a PC system with subwoofer. Bookshelf speakers will probably give you better sound quality, but you're going to lack bass response and that T-amp is sure not going to be able to keep up very well.

I would probably try to find a multimedia system. Going seperates isn't going to get you too much for $200. Even going used, that might be pushing it (i.e. additional shipping costs from ebay.)

The Klipsch systems aren't bad at all. Try and find a set of promedia 2.1's or IFI's on ebay. I'm pretty sure they can all be had for less than $200, either new or used.

 

[goldnbearbuckeye]

I suppose that makes sense.

So if I do decide to stick with the Klipsch's, is the 0202 still viable as my soundcard/DAC?

What else would you recommend?

My setup would look like this: Laptop -> 0202 -> hd-280/2.1 system.

Does that sound right?

 

[voxr3m]

The 0202 will work just fine. You can think of it as a fancy external sound card (damn those marketing people.

)