[shado]

I've had the 2.1 since 2010.
Ready to upgrade now.
Seems like nothing else is better though even for little higher price range...
The speakers retain their value... they're going used/refurbed for the same price I paid for them new 3.5 years ago.
I'm on my third sub and second right speaker (didn't blow them but ****ed up the connectors).
Check out this thread from a fellow member: http://www.head-fi.org/t/532858/logitech-z-2300-the-last-of-the-titans/90
 
I like the speakers a lot.... bass is great and mids/highs are just good.... so I'm ready to upgrade.
I'm just looking for something with more "detail"... better crisper highs...., fuller midrange, etc....
I'm even OK with just upgrading the speakers and keeping the sub; but if there's a known sub that get lower, cleaner, louder, more accurate I'm all ears.
 
Are there any 2.1 systems out there that can outperform in $200 range?
I'm not opposed to going custom either.... finding standalone speakers and a perhaps and a suitable sub (maybe home threatre?)
 
Any suggestions to help me in the right direction appreciated.
 
EDIT 1: I also need to upgrade my sound card. I currently have Sound Blaster X-Fi.
Price range is probably $100 for this (doing my own research on this first but if you have suggestions let me know).
Sound card software has 10-band EQ that I use often.
Looking for something for better sound quality and same/more EQ bands.

 

[shado]

For sound cards, I'm looking at the ASUS Xonar Essense ST or STX.
It's my understanding only difference is PCI and PCI-X. 
Not sure if SQ difference is worth the price though ($180 - $200).

 

[trog]

Drop by AVS speakers subforums in general i would hold off a pricey soundcard purchase and get as best speaker/sub my budget allows me to ^^
http://www.avsforum.com/f/89/speakers

 

[shado]

Thx for tip.
I agree. I planned on the sound-card being upgraded after the speakers.
 

 

[cel4145]

See this CNET article: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57439115-47/build-your-own-desktop-stereo-for-under-$70/

Add a Dayton SUB 1200 or SUB 1000 from Parts Express.

More discussion about this in this head-fi thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/627161/my-very-low-budget-nearfield-desktop-rig-lepai-amp-and-dayton-audio-speakers.

For a soundcard, the Creative Titanium HD is an excellent value.

 

[shado]

Thx for links.
When I mentioned home threatre sub I was actually alluding to the Dayton's.
Nice work.
 

 

[cel4145]

Yeah. One of those Daytons is what I would get in that price range. I haven't heard them, but have heard lots of good stuff about them. For a computer desktop setup, the SUB1000 would probably be more than enough output, although likely the SUB1200 digs a little lower.

 

[shado]

Will def. go with the 1200 for sub.
 
Currently trying to decide on speakers:
On my radar so far:
M-Audio B5A Deluxe (or 2nd gen D2).
I'm willing to spend more than $30-40 on speakers ($70 with amp) so I will try to go above the Dayton B652's if worth it....
 
I listen to a lot of hip-hop/bass so the only thing I don't like about the B5A is the 5" inch woofer (6.5 would be better, but that's what sub is for anyways....)
Side note: Hopefully I can find the B8A's used for decent price!!!

 

[shado]

More research has the sub between Dayton 1200 and BIC F12.

 

[cel4145]

The BIC F12 is popular for HT usage in the $200 range. Unless you need the high output of the F12, there might be better sounding, although a little less powerful subs, in that same price range. For example, this JBL SUB150P gets good testimonials for having very good SQ for its price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882665157

A good place to seek advice is over in the AVS subwoofer forum. For instance, there is a budget subwoofer discussion thread.

 

[shado]

Thx you again for your honest help. That JBL actually has double the RMS power and more peak power than the F12.

 

[cel4145]

Thx you again for your honest help. That JBL actually has double the RMS power and more peak power than the F12.

Yeah. But the BIC F12 is a 12" driver, and then driver sensitivity and enclosure size with ported subs plays into that as well. I wouldn't count on it getting louder than the F12 (might be close). Still, seems like it should sound better. This review is very positive for a subwoofer in the under $200 range: http://www.avhub.com.au/images/stories/australian-hifi/reviews/2011-05_to_12/2011-11/jbl_sub150p_subwoofer_review_lores.pdf.

 

[shado]

Quote:

Will def. go with the 1200 for sub.
 
Currently trying to decide on speakers:
On my radar so far:
M-Audio B5A Deluxe (or 2nd gen D2).
I'm willing to spend more than $30-40 on speakers ($70 with amp) so I will try to go above the Dayton B652's if worth it....
 
I listen to a lot of hip-hop/bass so the only thing I don't like about the B5A is the 5" inch woofer (6.5 would be better, but that's what sub is for anyways....)
Side note: Hopefully I can find the B8A's used for decent price!!!

 
I've moved away from the M-Audio's because further research has me convinced it will not have the bass response I want.
The Dayton B652's are still a cheaper option on my list, but right now I'm looking into KRK Rokit 6 and Yahama HS80.

 

[ahm12]

I am sorry i dont wanna start a separate thread.. i am kinf of in a same boat. I dont have any pc speakers right now.
 
all i care about is Bass..i have sound blaster z sound card with dt990 pro headphones..
Now i want to get some speakers.. i was looking at the two best speakers in $200 logitech 623 and corsair sp2500 ..their subwoofers are only around 130watts..
 
Instead of getting these speakers i was thinking of getting this LG shelf system for $199. The subwoofer is 200watts.. isnt hooking up this shelf system to my pc will be a better choice ??
 
 
http://www.lg.com/us/home-theater-systems/lg-CM4530-home-theater-system

 

[shado]

Quote:

I am sorry i dont wanna start a separate thread.. i am kinf of in a same boat. I dont have any pc speakers right now.
 
all i care about is Bass..i have sound blaster z sound card with dt990 pro headphones..
Now i want to get some speakers.. i was looking at the two best speakers in $200 logitech 623 and corsair sp2500 ..their subwoofers are only around 130watts..
 
Instead of getting these speakers i was thinking of getting this LG shelf system for $199. The subwoofer is 200watts.. isnt hooking up this shelf system to my pc will be a better choice ??
 
 
http://www.lg.com/us/home-theater-systems/lg-CM4530-home-theater-system

Your needs are completely different than mine. Start another thread or do some more research first.