need help on a new low budget computer system

mgtitans17 · « **on:** 30 Apr 2006, 06:39 pm »

I am planning on upgrading my computer speakers because right now all i have are the ones that came with my dell and im listening to music a lot on my computer. I would like to get a decent set of speakers and a cheaper amp that would just sound all around balanced. I listen to mostly rock and alternative. I have a budget around $200 and im not an audophile by no means at all.

I am thinking about getting a set of athena as-b1.2 speakers and a sonic impact t-amp. I also am thinking about getting this regulated power supply because ive read the t-amp sounds bettter with one.

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?dp=F2C20212E6021253E39363938357E373637373136313&stk_code=pyrps4kx

Im just very confused about everything because audio equipment is new to me so ive been trying to read as many threads as possible to learn. Thanks for any help and if there are any other cheap amps that would sound better opinions would be appreciated.

Carlman · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Apr 2006, 07:45 pm »

If you do not have audiphile taste, why bother with a T-amp and power conditioning? I'd suggest finding a good pair of amplified speakers for your PC rather than building a 'system'. It'd be simpler...
-C

PS, Since this is your first post and you're looking for a starting place, I moved this to 'the starting block'. Welcome and best of luck.

mgtitans17 · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Apr 2006, 08:07 pm »

Im not an audiophile but i do appreciate good sound. I think it would sound better and be cheaper to just make my own system though.

Levi · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Apr 2006, 08:12 pm »

Here is good sounding computer speakers. You can also hookup your MP3 player in one of the inputs.

mgtitans17 · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 Apr 2006, 08:25 pm »

What is that system called and where can i get it at?

Would amplified speakers sound worse than the athenas + the sonic impact t-amp+ the regualted power supply?

RH Customs · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 Apr 2006, 08:37 pm »

Go with the above. Now yes the Klipsch spakers are on the pricey side, but are worth every penny. I have had the 4.1 ( http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=102&s=specs) for 5 years and they still hit hard and sound just as exllent as higher end HT set ups.

mgtitans17 · « **Reply #6 on:** 30 Apr 2006, 10:47 pm »

Does that system come in a 2.1 version becausei really dont have enough room for 4 satellites.

Im still wondering if amplified speakers will sound better than the athena as-b1.2's with the sonic impact t-amp?

NoOne · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 May 2006, 12:25 pm »

I've had them all I think. Cambridge Soundworks from 9 years ago, now the Megaworks by Creative. The Klipsch, Midiland and a variety of the high end Logitech 2.1 setups.

My favorites are the Logitech Z-2200's. I did love the original Soundworks but Creative has cost reduced them alot. The Klipsch were loud and boomy. The new Logitech 2.1's didn't seem to be as good as the older 2200's.

The Midilands had the best music reproduction but the sub was very weak, however it have a DD decoder and fiber connection.

I have the 2200's now and have been happy with them.

Marbles · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 May 2006, 01:56 pm »

Monsoon off Ebay, or Swan M200's. They are about as good as you can do for a computer system. Both are self powered.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836136102

mgtitans17 · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 May 2006, 08:13 pm »

I think i am just going to go with a set of jbl control 1x speakers with a t-amp. It will be cheaper and hopefully it will sound better too.

scooby_scrappy · « **Reply #10 on:** 28 May 2006, 12:34 am »

If you want to venture into tubes, you may want to look at tubeaudiodesign.com speakers. They are selling a demo tube amplified speaker TAD-102 for a excellent price:

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/audiojunk.html

I have the TAD-60 tube amp and TAD-803 Single driver speakers are they are a perfect match.

I have never heard the TAD-102 but if it is anything like my previous purchases, this is a excellent value.

mgtitans17 · « **Reply #11 on:** 28 May 2006, 01:57 am »

Those speakers are way to much for me. I just want a system that is a step up from most multimedia systems because im trying to save money for a car stero system for when i get my car. Im just having a hard time deciding on a good system that has the most bang for the buck.

scooby_scrappy · « **Reply #12 on:** 28 May 2006, 02:53 am »

The demo TAD-102 speakers are only $99 a pair and it includes a 10 watt tube amp. This under your $200.

mgtitans17 · « **Reply #13 on:** 28 May 2006, 03:13 am »

Ooops i was looking at the wrong speakers. The ones i saw cost $800. Now do the ones for $100 have something wrong with it because it talks about having a 20% chance of having like a fuse blow?

scooby_scrappy · « **Reply #14 on:** 28 May 2006, 04:06 am »

According to the website there is a 20% chance of problems but Paul (owner) gives you 30 day guarantee. Paul gives good customer service.

There is maintenance with tubes which need to be replaced every 18 months or so depending upon usage. The plus side you can swap tubes and change the harmonics of the music.

Give Paul a call and see what you think.

I am not affiliated with Paul but I like the two pieces of equipment I purchased from him.

Good luck.

mgtitans17 · « **Reply #15 on:** 28 May 2006, 04:21 am »

I dont think i want to have to deal with tube amps or a chance of a problem. Are the speakers that are on sale for $100 the same ones that cost $800 just without the chance of breaking?

NoOne · « **Reply #16 on:** 28 May 2006, 11:18 am »

I'm interested in Paul's system enough that I'd buy those and sell you my Logitech 2200's for a good price.

mgtitans17 · « **Reply #17 on:** 28 May 2006, 05:12 pm »

Im pretty interested in his speakers too but im just worried if i get them they may not work. If they dont work i can just return them for a refund or would he just send me a new pair? If they do break are they fixable? Are the speakers on sale for $100 the same speakers that he sells for $800 just without any chance of them having a problem?

scooby_scrappy · « **Reply #18 on:** 28 May 2006, 07:24 pm »

Give Paul a call. He should be able to answer your questions and concerns.