[Sploosh67]

So currently I'm running some Harman/Kardon Soundsticks II on my laptop. In the near future, I'll have an Aune Mini usb DAC. I'll also be making electronic music with these. I'd like to have both the speaker and headphone option as I'll be getting some headphones as well. I'm not sure how much speakers are going cost, but I'd say something like $100-$250. I doubt the Soundsticks are up to par and I don't know where to look. This is all going on my laptop for now, but I'm sure some cable converters are possible to obtain. Bass of course is nice, but I guess I'm looking for a clear, somewhat acceptable for music production, introductory setup. Thanks

 

[trog]

Actually looking at your source (lappie) and having both speakers and cans in the mix have you looked up the new Fiio E10 USB DAC/Headphone Amp? Seems like the way to go for me hehe Perhaps a Dayton DTA-100A amp and Polk Monitor 30/40 II, Infinity Primus P162, etc?

 

[Roseval]

Music production?
You might have a look at what the pro world is using.
This is active speakers almost all of the time.
Have a look at brands like ADAM, Genelec, KRK, etc.
Yes, it will stretch your budget but it will deliver transparency in return.
Maybe something like the ADAM ARTist 3 is a good starter
http://www.audiostream.com/content/adam-professional-audio-artist-3

 

[Sploosh67]

 

Checked out the ADAM Artist, and thought it was really cool. However, I don't have $1,000 to spend. Or so the places I looked up sold them for that much. As for the USB DAC, why would the Aune no suffice? Why should I purchase, say the E10? It's not even out yet if that is correct. If it was/is, how much would it be? But the Primus series looks good save for a subwoofer I would have to buy to get that bass. Which shouldn't be a problem seeing as the highest model peeks at $87. Would I have to buy 2 of them?
​

 

 

[trog]

I would vote with limited funds to hit better speakers right off the bat and the E10 would retail for USD $80 

 

[Sploosh67]

Why would the E10 benefit me? Is it better than the Aune? Read this review http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1007inf/ and liking it. If I could roll with those, I think I'd be fine. And it's a good price. Nothing like the ARtist 3's, but better than Soundstick II's. Should I push those speakers, stick with them, or is there one for more value?

 

[tmars78]

M-Audio is really pushing a lot of their speakers out as they're being discontinued. You can get the CX5 for $300.
 
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-CX5-Speaker--2-way/dp/B00228WDSU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318200756&sr=8-1
 
Here is a review of them:
 
http://magazine.dv247.com/2010/04/22/maudio-cx5-active-monitor-review-part-1/

 

[Sploosh67]

Would I need to buy two of them?

 

[tmars78]

Quote:

Would I need to buy two of them?

Yes you would. And I was looking at the dac you mentioned getting, hooking that up to the CX5s is about as easy as it gets. DAC>RCA cables>Speakers

 

[Sploosh67]

Sweet! Thanks everyone for the help

 

[Sploosh67]

If I were to purchase the M-Audio CX5's, would I also need to obtain a subwoofer or can they pump out a hefty enough and pleasing bass for someone who's going to be searching for it? The reviews I've read haven't answered that question.

 

[tmars78]

How much bass are you really looking for? If you're looking for earth rattling bass, then yes, you will need a sub. I haven't measured to see how low they go, but they do a good enough job for me. I listen to mostly hip-hop too. And I also used to own a car that had a stereo that hit over 140 db on the mic at competitions. 
 
Edit: Just turned on a song from Bass Mekanik, my dad, me and my brother are in agreement that to start off, no, you don't need a sub, that they hit pretty hard for a 5" woofer. 

 

[HxCKhaos]

Have you seen these?: http://emotivapro.com/products/powered_monitors/
 
They look promising, I can also vouch for emotiva quality, owning their ultra 12 and umc-1, its nothing but top-notch
 
Review: http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=speakerreviews&action=display&thread=19765

 

[Sploosh67]

Meeeeeeh, $400 is pushing it. I'm really happy with what I'm reading about the CX5's especially since I've never been introduced to something of that high quality sound. And sounds good about the sub. Definitely saves money. Also, that's super legit that you used to enter those car competitions. And that you got your dad and bro to get their opinion/agreement XD hopefully in the future, I'll be able to upgrade the speakers in my Subaru Outback. Or a tuned Subaru WRX.....man it's good to dream XDD but a nice audio system isn't going into that car until it can kill road competition and has DeLorean doors. You know, priorities ;D

 

[tmars78]

Quote:

Meeeeeeh, $400 is pushing it. I'm really happy with what I'm reading about the CX5's especially since I've never been introduced to something of that high quality sound. And sounds good about the sub. Definitely saves money. Also, that's super legit that you used to enter those car competitions. And that you got your dad and bro to get their opinion/agreement XD hopefully in the future, I'll be able to upgrade the speakers in my Subaru Outback. Or a tuned Subaru WRX.....man it's good to dream XDD but a nice audio system isn't going into that car until it can kill road competition and has DeLorean doors. You know, priorities ;D

Yeah, that was in my younger days. I loved how loud that car was. And yeah, I love my CX5s. I really couldn't be happier with them, and I got them when they were still $600/pair. I still think they were worth it.