[BerticusAurelius]

All right, at first I thought I wanted 5.1 surround sound. But now I realize that 2.1 stereo is just fine. However instead of looking for a 2.1 sound card or just keeping my M-Audio Revolution 5.1 sound card (it'd be a waste), I think I want a PCI DAC (So I don't hog up a USB slot), hook that up to an amplifier and then a good 2.1 speaker system. I think I'll set my budget around $500. As long as it's not too much over $500, but offers a tremendous boost to performance, I'll take it. Considering I don't know much about speakers, I really need help with this. I'll be living in a dorm next year so, although I would like some really nice, big speakers, I really shouldn't. I'll be using them for some gaming, but mostly music and movies.

I made the final decision while looking for surround sound speakers, and got this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=212705

Seems like a pretty decent set-up. However times might've changed, so I'm looking to see if there's a comparable system now.

 

[TheVinylRipper]

I'm an old (very old?) audiophile of sorts. I'm also a serious penny pinching curmudgeon.

Spend the most money on the transducers (speakers/headphones), that's where the sound actually comes from.

Something like 60/40 or even 70/30 speaker to amp ratio.

My brother has a Klipsch 2.1 system that is THX rated, sounds excellent to my ears. Klipsch seems to be well thought of here.

My stuff is all bought used, strictly based on bang for the buck price/performance ratio. I enjoy searching for bargains, it's a form of recreation for me..

Used audio gear goes often for ridiculously low prices, especially two channel stuff.

 

[infinitesymphony]

OP, what do you mean by a PCI DAC; does the sound card necessarily have to be internal? USB slots aren't exactly hard to come by...

Also, is a subwoofer a requirement? If so, as TheVinylRipper said, you're probably best served by a set of 2.1 computer speakers.

If it were my $500 to invest, I'd buy a used integrated amplifier (or receiver if you can find a good one for a low price), a used set of good bookshelf speakers, and an audio interface / sound card. Actually, I put together a mid-fi system last year for under $500. If I'd paid MSRP for new versions of the same equipment, the whole thing would've cost $1,950; serious values can be found with used equipment.

 

[TheVinylRipper]

Don't ditch the Revolution, the specs sound quite good..

I have M Audio 2496 so I'm partial to them..

 

[BerticusAurelius]

Aight, I've decided to keep the Revolution. I suppose when I move out of the dorm, I can dedicate more money and a better setup. I see now that if I were to dump a lot of money into a high fidelity system the payout wouldn't be that great due to restrictions.

I've been reading some reviews of the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1. From what I gather, I need to replace the stock cables with Blue Jeans Cable (or Monster), and try to avoid turning on and off the speakers.

And I think I read something about klipsch speakers dying after a couple of years. I'd have to get replacement parts or something. I'm pretty concerned with this, should I be?

 

[poo]

Ignore the expensive cable replacement suggestion - your money will be better spent in other ares of your system.

 

[TheVinylRipper]

My brother has had his Klipsch for several years, no problems so far.

If your cables are really wimpy, something a little heavier might be good, but Monsters are made heavier than what is really needed.

Take a look at my website under "connections" for an example.