[Crow T Robot]

I'm trying to replace my aged set of Klipsch Promedia 2.1s, and what I thought was going to be a simple exercise has been anything but.
 
Initially, after much deliberation, I purchased a pair of Audioengine A2s and auditioned them for about a week. While they sound noticeably more detailed than the Promedias, I agree with the comments I've read here that they sound boxy, removed, and overly boomy, so I've packaged them up to ship back to Amazon. I was about to pull the trigger on some A5+s, but, again, after reading the forums here, I'm unsure that they're what I'm looking for.
 
Basically what I want is a setup that lets me hook up my PS3 and Mac to my speakers and control the volume of both with a single knob, so according to my research I need either a set of speakers that accepts multiple inputs (like the Audioengines), a set of powered speakers and a DAC/preamp, or a set of passive speakers and an amp. I'd also eventually like to invest in a decent set of headphones, so I'd need something with a headphone amp as well.
 
Any recommendations for a sub $500 setup based on my needs?
 
Additional info: I don't really consider myself a basshead, but I was bothered by the lack of low-end on the A2s. I listen to mostly classic rock, indie, folk/acoustic, and a little electronic.

 

[celcius]

I'm kind of in the same boat. Have you considered getting a cheap/used receiver and some infinity primus p152's?

 

[Crow T Robot]

Thanks for the reply!
 
Any recommendations for a fairly cheap/small receiver? Also, I think I've seen the p152's recommended elsewhere, but I can't find much info on them on the web. Are they comparable to the Audioengines in terms of sound quality?

 

[PurpleAngel]

If you would consider a 5.1 setup. The Klipsch HD500 5.1 speaker set is selling for $250 with free shipping at Newegg
Yamaha receivers come with Silent Cinema, which is Yamaha's version of surround sound for headphones.
For $200 you should be able to find a used Yamaha AV receiver off Craigslist or eBay.
You can run digital optical from the PS3 and Mac to the Yamaha receiver.

 

[Crow T Robot]

My desk is in a smallish (15x20') bedroom, so I think a 5.1 system is a no go. That Klipsch system does look nice, though.
 
I'm starting to think that for my budget, and the amount of space I have available, I'd be better off with a set of active monitors and a DAC/preamp. Currently I'm thinking about getting a Matrix Mini-i and a set of M-Audio BX5a's. Although for a little more than my budget, I could get a set of KRK Rokit 5 G2s.
 
Anybody have experience with the Mini-i?