What audio system do you have, or plan on getting?

[Frankler]

I store and listen to all my music on the computer.

[Harry]

Do a quick search in the archives my friend, and you find lots of info on that.

[sound67]

I store and listen to all my music on the computer.

Now, I'm having an aneurism ---

Thomas

[drogulus]

     I'm happy with my PSB Alpha Mini speakers, which work well in a small room. I do need a new receiver, though, and I'm looking at Pioneer and Yamaha. The depth is restricted on the shelf under the computer so not all brands can be considered, otherwise I'd very likely be looking for usual suspects like NAD, Marantz, or perhaps Outlaw. The biggest change will be adding a power amp at some point (Crown or QSC), and a better sub (SVS is the likeliest). For a computer based system, I think computer speakers should only fill a backup role when you don't want to turn on your main system.

     I just tested my PCs analog out and it's way inferior to digital out to a receiver. Best of all is integrating your PC into your main system when this can be done. Now you have your whole PC music collection available to the best sounding equipment you have. Second choice is digital out to a DAC/amp like the Bithead which will provide excellent sound to quality headphones and once again avoid the nasties produced by analog computer sound that's built into the case.

[Bonehelm]

Who got worse speakers than me? I got Logitech Z-2300. Costed 250CND in stores back then but I got it for 80 off ebay.

[M forever]

I just tested my PCs analog out and it's way inferior to digital out to a receiver. Best of all is integrating your PC into your main system when this can be done. Now you have your whole PC music collection available to the best sounding equipment you have. Second choice is digital out to a DAC/amp like the BitHead which will provide excellent sound to quality headphones and once again avoid the nasties produced by analog computer sound that's built into the case.

Very true. M is sitting here with his headphones hooked up to the BitHead right now (BTW, your link is empty, so here is the link to the BitHead: http://www.headphone.com/products/headphone-amps/the-mobile-line/headroom-total-bithead.php ). It's great for traveling - that's what is mainly made for - because it is so small but I also use it all the time when I move my laptop around the house.
For a stationary PC, it shouldn't be a problem at all though to find a sound card for not too much money with an S/PDIF digital out which pretty much any a/v receiver should accept.

[71 dB]

Who got worse speakers than me? I got Logitech Z-2300. Costed 250CND in stores back then but I got it for 80 off ebay.

Buying crappy speakers is waste of money. Buy quality loudspeakers. It's worth it. Good sound for 10-20 years. It's shocking to see what kind of plastic crap many use in order to "enjoy" their classical music. 

Good speakers don't cost more than ~$500/pair.

[drogulus]

Very true. M is sitting here with his headphones hooked up to the BitHead right now (BTW, your link is empty, so here is the link to the BitHead: http://www.headphone.com/products/headphone-amps/the-mobile-line/headroom-total-bithead.php ). It's great for traveling - that's what is mainly made for - because it is so small but I also use it all the time when I move my laptop around the house.
For a stationary PC, it shouldn't be a problem at all though to find a sound card for not too much money with an S/PDIF digital out which pretty much any a/v receiver should accept.

    Thanks, M. I corrected it anyway.

[Mark]

I store and listen to all my music on the computer.

I have the model up from these ... but only for occasional use with my laptop.

[sound67]

Two separate stereo systems.

No.1

+ +
KEF Reference 203 / Musical Fidelity A308 / Jolida Music Van Tube Reference CDP

and, as of late, ...


Logitech Squeezebox "Duet"

No.2

+ +
Klipsch Reference RF-7 + Cayin TI88 + Arcam CD 93

Thomas

[rickardg]

Which system should I plan on getting as a cheap entry system? I'm not into 'audiophile' stuff, I just want to play my CDs with reasonably good sound. Since I play a lot of music from my computers I suppose digital input would be a good idea?

If it matters the room is fairly small about 5m x 5m, one wall is windows from floor to ceiling (no curtains) and the wall opposite the speakers is covered with bookshelves.

Our current system is a Tivoli Audio Model Two with CD and subwoofer.


It sounds alright most of the time but I think I detect some shrillness in the higher register when I turn the volume up for music with big dynamic range (e. g. the strings in loud tuttis) which I, cluelessly, attribute to the fact that the speakers are quite small. 

[sound67]

If it matters the room is fairly small about 5m x 5m, one wall is windows from floor to ceiling (no curtains)

Huge glass panes with no curtains? A worst-case audio scenario (the bookshelves are good though).

What's your floor like?

but I think I detect some shrillness in the higher register

Figures.

Thomas

[Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich]

I'd also say it's the speakers which count. I've got some Jamo D590 which are alright for me.


A good old Pioneer A757 or 656 MK2 (not sure - other room ) - Wanted to replace it with a Cambridge Audio Amplifier, but no money currently 

[rickardg]

Huge glass panes with no curtains? A worst-case audio scenario (the bookshelves are good though).

Yes. I could negotiate some curtains if it would improve SQ significantly, but we like the view and the light.. :-)

What's your floor like?

Currently bare hardwood, but sooner or later we'll find a persian carpet large and cheap enough to cover most of it.

Figures.

Because of the speakers or the room?

[sound67]

Yes. I could negotiate some curtains if it would improve SQ significantly...

Trust me, they will!  - If you also address the issues below!

Currently bare hardwood

Ouch! If you now also remove the bookshelves you got the worst audio room in the entire solar system - except MAYBE a windowless cell consisting entirely of bare concrete. 

Because of the speakers or the room?

The room. The speakers are the most important part of the audio equipment, but, actually, the most decisive factor of them all is the room! With your kind of living room, even a 1 mill stereo system wouldn't help much.  0:)

So get some curtains, a large carpet (the fluffier the better) - and even the Tivoli will sound better - not good, but better. 

Thomas

[Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich]

Exactly my problem. 4x7m living room, 4m window without curtain, parquet floor ... Unfortunately no chance to change it (aka 'wife' ).

[sound67]

Unfortunately no chance to change it (aka 'wife' ).

Well, ... 

@rickardg

Concerning the equipment to get once you've fixed the worst "room acoustics blunders" - there are infinite possibilities, depending on how much you're going to spend.

An inexpensive but clever solution is to get a set-up consisting of the better-quality compact stereo system with sufficient power to drive the speakers (like the Yamaha Pianocraft 320) - then forget about the speakers delivered with it and get a good set of none-too-smallish but none-too-powerhungry bookshelves (meaning bookshelf speakers of course ), like the Klipsch Reference RB-25 or, better, RB-35 (now discontinued and available at great pirces!). This is what it would look like:

http://press.yamaha.co.jp/press/download/photo/jpg/2007/0708020102.jpg

Thomas

[DavidRoss]

Which system should I plan on getting as a cheap entry system? I'm not into 'audiophile' stuff, I just want to play my CDs with reasonably good sound. Since I play a lot of music from my computers I suppose digital input would be a good idea?

If you care about good (i.e. "accurate") sound, then you're into audiophile stuff.  You should be able to assemble a musically satisfying system with a stand-alone CD player, an integrated amplifier, and a pair of "bookshelf" speakers on stands for $1000 or less--especially if you're willing to buy used.  What is your budget, and where do you live?  (US, EU, Asia?)

[sound67]

Exactly my problem. 4x7m living room, 4m window without curtain, parquet floor ... Unfortunately no chance to change it (aka 'wife' ).

You're running a JAMO D590 set in that kind of room? These speakers definitely need good "dampening" with carpets, furniture and stuff - otherwise, their downfire bass will sound boomy.

Got those, too, when they were available "on the cheap" for 150 Euro a piece. THAT was a great deal (loaned them out to friends after playing around with them a bit).

Thomas

[Tapio Dimitriyevich Shostakovich]

Yes, bought them when there was the hype in www forums. I thought my living room conditions would change but they won't. Do you think small carpets under the speakers could help? Well I think I'll try and listen...
All in all the sound is a bit poor in the mid range.