Need help to set up Bookshelves to pc

[bigdan89]

I am looking to to getting a nice setup for my pc instead of just always using my X2 headphones. Im looking into using http://www.fluance.com/signature-series-hifi-two-way-bookshelf-surround-sound-speakers . I know i need a amp and a dac to make this work I am just lost at what would be a decent way to do it without breaking the bank. Also i would like to have the ability to add a sub down the road.

 

[Beyakusenn]

For a budget-fier, there is one amazing market: second hand bookshelves. Some great bookshelves from the previous decade(s) sell for ridiculously low prices and with the many reviews available, it's not difficult finding out the sound quality of the model that happens to be for sale at that moment. Here are a few good examples:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mission-boo...501266?hash=item2cc169dbd2:g:tsEAAOSwhQhY5Azx
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KEF-iQ3-Mai...978386?hash=item5b3ac47892:g:kDYAAOSwIjJZQ1aW
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Single-Bowe...363622?hash=item33cf1183a6:g:5oYAAOSwYvFZEkND

For the amplification, I also recommend looking at the second hand market. there are some great deals out there like this integrated amplifier:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARANTZ-PM6...872670&hash=item3f80baa6b1:g:YOcAAOSwIjJZVm-h

With an output of 50W per channel, the amp above is easily capable of driving the speakers to sufficiently loud volume. If you want some additional headroom or perhaps you are looking for an amplifier with more outputs (often easier for subwoofers), there are still good integrated amplifiers to find like this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-TA-AX3...635625&hash=item33d0190f8d:g:sAMAAOSwi7RZNAC1

For a DAC, I recommend you get a good (new) one with the money you have left. Second hand is still a good option, but it doesn't make as much of a difference as with bookshelves or amps. Even when buying second hand, I recommend to get the best possible speakers first. As an indication, an ODAC should be a good starting point.

If you have enough money left, you could start looking into decent subwoofers. Second hand subs still give the best price/quality ratio, but don't get cheap ones. Those are often just woofers advertised as subwoofers and don't extend far enough into the lowest frequencies. Expect to spend at least $200 on a decent second hand sub (excl. shipping costs) like this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REL-ACOUSTI...626994?hash=item3ae67678b2:g:Pu4AAOSwZ4dZNKpr

 

[ProtegeManiac]

I am looking to to getting a nice setup for my pc instead of just always using my X2 headphones. Im looking into using http://www.fluance.com/signature-series-hifi-two-way-bookshelf-surround-sound-speakers . I know i need a amp and a dac to make this work I am just lost at what would be a decent way to do it without breaking the bank. Also i would like to have the ability to add a sub down the road.

NAD D3020 - USB digital input, has a lot of power for standmounts, and has a subwoofer output.