Computer Speakers

[Shirty]

For a long time I ran my PC through an old 1982 Technics amp hooked up to a pair of Mission 737s I picked up for free from an ex-audiophile when I was helping him move house.

Nothing pre-assembled has ever come close.

[1stRaven]

Another one for Amp + speakers. I was lucky enough to grab a Yamaha DSP-A2 and 2 B&W speakers off ebay together. Added a Kaf reference centre and haven't looked back.

[Dareos]

I completely agree, its just getting the right kit thats causing me problems, im afraid my expertise in this area is seriously limited

[stevie lee]

fwiw i've had a few dry solder/old age solder type problems with my 2 NADs, a C340 and T761.

the T761 was the digital chip not outputting to the front left, it only made a crackly sound, £25 at a private run repair shop (took about a month for him to find which one of the 20 boards with a bajillion solder points on it, it was though) the dealer shop wanted £25 just too look at it repairs on-top.
new circuit boards were up to £600 they said depending on what it did..

and more recently, the C340 has decided to buzz very loudly, all the lights turn on, then it shuts down, there was a loud pop aswell.
its either where the power comes in, or the speaker terminals that have gone. thankfully a capacitor hasn't popped, t was just static short circuit feedback pop noise. again, its just a case of re-soldering (from what ive read)


just 2 things too look out for from 2nd hand NAD amps. they are not all good, plus from my experience they don't age well.

but then again, if you see a really cheap spares or repairs one for a fiver, re-solder 1 thing inside and its good as new.


for everything else ask g8ina

[g8ina]

I do soldering too

[Dareos]

im bidding on this Teac, hoping i get it, looks to be a good unit, speakers once i get the amp.

[TooNice]

I thought the point of PC speakers is that they are better shielded. As I recall, interference could be an issue when CRT monitors were the norm. I was very happy with my Gigaworks until the subwoofer died (probably the fuse). For gaming and movies, I found the surround pretty good. If I wanted more "serious" sound quality though, I put on my headphones. I still find that one need to spend a lot more on speaker systems than headphones to get the equivalent quality (of course this is only viable if you are the only person).

Since 3DSS (old website that focuses on PC audio) died, I've not found a good source of information on PC speakers. I am not convinced that all PC speakers are bad per se, but unless you have friends who already own the speakers, it is hard to try before you buy. On the other hand you do have a better chance of trying (in store) before you buy with hi-fi speakers which I would always recommend with audio equipment.

[dave87]

Terrible picture, but with a Denon amp and some second hand B&Ws I'm quite happy. Definitely a lot better than the PC Speakers I've heard...



You don't have to go as big, and infact that may be an advantage. Nearfield type monitors and a punchy amp and I think you'd be set.

[Dareos]

using a DAC with that Dave?

[g8ina]

Prolly just optical out direct to the amp ...

[Dareos]

got my eye on these, 6 mins to go, tempted to push the button

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/super_bail...p2047675.l2562

they went at £196, i missed out

[Dareos]

TEAC DAC/AMP arrived today, looks decent. Now concentrating on speakers, theres a pair of Monitor Audio GR10's available for £250 nearby, very very tempted

[mikolaj87]

Have you checked Gumtree? From time to time you can pickup very nice speakers in great prices.

[Dareos]

It was on Gumtree i saw them, nipped round to the blokes house tonight , speakers in mint condition, and they sound awesome. They are now linked up via the TEAC to my pc
I now need a single speaker stand one fits nicely on the desk, the other is on the floor, not ideal, but desk is against the wall, not a great deal of room on the right side to put the other, and don't want to chance it falling off.

[Dareos]

Thanks for the help on this one folks, all sorted now, not really tested the speakers yet as it was midnight when i got them set up, gonna be friday before i really get to play i think

[g8ina]

and he lived happily ...