[Bill-99]

Been thinking about upgrading my current PC speakers to something that's more listenable. For better or worst, I spend way too much time on my computer (hazard of my job), so since I'm already there, why not have something that sounds good, too?

A pair of ELT LRS looks like an interesting upgrade path. Has anyone tried this? If so, other than the speakers, what equipment did you need, and how does it all sound?

All opinions and alternatives welcome!

-Bill

[cbj]

I'll take a stab at this since I am currently going through the same process.  First, I haven't heard the ELT LRS so I really can't comment on them specifically.  I will pass on a few generalizations that I have found on PC Audio.  

You have the same basic building blocks of a system:

1. Source- You will need a soundcard.  From what I have read all on-board chips (with the exception of the Nvidia Soundstorm) use the AC97 codec, which will upsample anything that’s at 44.1kHz (MP3s and CDs) to 48kHz. The upsampling will cause distortion.  Some factors in picking a card are: planned use of digital or analog outputs; if analog outpus what DACs the card has; reliability/stability; features; and of course cost.  Some popular cards are the Chaintek AV-710, Audiotrak Prodigy, M-audio cards, and EMU cards.

2.  Amplification-  The amplification you decide to go with might be swayed by your choice of source and choice of speakers.  Basic options are stereo receiver, digital receiver, integrated amp., and separates.  The digital and multichannel circle here has a good discussion of the new digital receivers.

3.  Speakers-  In most cases the speakers will be used in a closer than normal sterep setting.  I have seen some folks call it a nearfield setting.  There are pro audio monitors that are made for this application.  Of course you can also use normal bookshelf speakers.  From what I have read in nearfiled settings generally you want speakers with smaller drivers and with the drivers spaced close together.  

Some good sources of information:
AVS HTPC forum http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=e3b4daacb1d42920d17a9ecd3c1dda53&forumid=26
Head-Fi Computers-as-Source Components forum http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=59  
HTPC News Sound Cards Forum
http://htpcnews.com/forums/index.php?s=36cd9c0ac501f05ce798a7dd0f892600&showforum=10

As I said I'm just working through this now, so if anyone has any corrections to my post feel free to point out any mistakes, including spelling.

[Mike Dzurko]

Excellent post CBJ!

I've had a pair of the ELT sats on my boat for over a year. The "room" is about the size of a small bedroom. The ELTs are not really placed nearfield, they're about 6-7 feet from main listening position. They are sitting on a wide, flat and deep shelf. Driven by a very inexpensive Sony automotive CD player/tuner, (no separate amp). One of the four amp channels is driving a passive 10" sub crossed in at around 60Hz. The overall sound is very good.  A year ago, I put the ELTs on the boat with the intention of just listening for a weekend or two, they've earned their place.

[WerTicus]

the sound blaster audigy two is pretty cool - sound quality is just a bit below that of a denon dvd2900. to give you a benchmark

...

speakers for pc are generally crap... cambridge soundworks are the best ones i have heard

and logitech make the worst i have heard... the z680's make bose sound good!

[eico1]

I agree about nearfields, I am going to try these powered KRK's:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--KRKRP5.

I have a larger set of 9000s at work and they are a lot of fun.

I'd also check out Tannoy Reveals.

steve

[thedeskE]

eico
The Rockets are OK. KRKs V4 are really good for small spks. A bit more money though. Audition at most pro music stores.

E