Amp + Speaker setup for PC

[dagsky]

hey all,

I've been eyeing up the Logi Z5500 but have read on other forums here there and everywhere that people would be better off getting an amp and speakers and hooking that up to the pc.

So lets say i have a budget of £200 for everything what should i go for? I'm NOT looking for the whole 2.1,5.1 etc etc nonsense. I'm only using it for my pc and listening to music on my pc. I do like to crank it up, i'm a sucker for bass and my music choice is trance......

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I would look at the following speakers:

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2197

http://www.richersounds.com/product/...1-custom-dkoak

[Bluecube]

I bought a ten year old second hand Technics amp of eBay for use with my PC and it's been one of the best purchases I've ever made particularly as I listen to a lot of music on my PC. The fact that it's an old amp hasn't made a bit of difference so it may be worth looking at this option if you want to save a wee bit of cash. I can't comment on the speakers as I just used a pair that I got with my Kenwood all in one.

[dagsky]

ok, so being a total noob at this, when looking for an amplifier, what do i want to make sure it has before i buy it? I've just checked the fleebay and there's like loads and jargon i'd never understand!

[g8ina]

Dag, just go look at the Cambridge Audio amps in Richer Sounds, great stuff and quite cheap, then a pair of Wharfedale diamond 9s and yer away, only 2.0 but better than most PC 2.1s etc.

[dagsky]

just been in the garage looking for something and i came across a subwoofer tucked away! Can't even remember when i got and why i got it!! Anway its an Eltax EA SW20 seen here hxxp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Eltax-active-subwoofer-EA-SW20-/220706279449

I've turned it on and it powers up, i've just got absolutely NO clue how i could connect this to my pc with my current logitech Z4. I only see on the eltax a line out........

[Bluecube]

You'll need a subwoofer output. Dedicated AV amps this output but I'm not sure if a PC speaker set will have the necessary output.

[Jasp]

Personally ive got a Onkyo HTX-22HDX kit for the TV downstairs didn't want the whole 5.1 crap and didn't want something that takes over the room, would be perfectly suited for a PC setup as its got 3 HDMI inputs and 2 optical inputs the sound for such a small system is excellent, never cranked it up fully as I don't need to. Pricey at £250 though and its a integrated sub so you can't add another down the line.

[dagsky]

You'll need a subwoofer output. Dedicated AV amps this output but I'm not sure if a PC speaker set will have the necessary output.

MEH!! Sounds complicated!

[dagsky]

you know this amp that i'm looking for, does it need to be integrated or power amp or what?

[Bluecube]

MEH!! Sounds complicated!

It's an output socket, nothing more. If you found it complicated then maybe you'd be better of sticking to a standard PC speaker setup!

You just want a normal integrated amp. Power amps are complicated.

[b0redom]

I was in exactly the same situation, I ended up buying a Cambridge Audio Azur 540a (for about 50 quid from eBay), and a pair of Q Acoustic 1010i speakers from Richer Sounds.

Sounds really good. The amp is probably overkill, but it was cheap.

[Zadock]

Dag, just go look at the Cambridge Audio amps in Richer Sounds, great stuff and quite cheap, then a pair of Wharfedale diamond 9s and yer away, only 2.0 but better than most PC 2.1s etc.

+1

I've got a Cambridge Audio A5 that I bougth from richer sounds, had it for something like 12 years now and its still going strong. Build quality is good.

[kalniel]

hey all,

I've been eyeing up the Logi Z5500 but have read on other forums here there and everywhere that people would be better off getting an amp and speakers and hooking that up to the pc.

So lets say i have a budget of £200 for everything what should i go for? I'm NOT looking for the whole 2.1,5.1 etc etc nonsense. I'm only using it for my pc and listening to music on my pc. I do like to crank it up, i'm a sucker for bass and my music choice is trance......

Onkyo HTX-22HDX

[krazy_olie]

I have these Audioengine a2 .
I would't imagine an amp/speaker setup ideal for a pc simply due to logistics, depends how you lay out your room though

Arguably underbudget the audioengines are but they pack a real punch, don't be fooled by the size or lack of sub, you will usually forget as the front ports on the speakers output so much bass that I have to eq some of it out! If you like trance you would like the flat response.

For their size and price (and looks?) i think they will struggle to be beaten.
A quick google will give find you plenty of reviews, many from audiophiles. The A5 model is quite a bit more but also has glowing reviews, also worth considering.

Lastly there are a good number of active reference monitors from people like m-audio and samson http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/active-monitors/

I went with the audioengines becuse they hit the right size/price and they double up as decent gaming speakers too.

[1stRaven]

I have these Audioengine a2 .
I would't imagine an amp/speaker setup ideal for a pc simply due to logistics, depends how you lay out your room though

Also depends on what you are looking for. If you enjoy your music, a decent enough amp and speaker setup second hand could be had for the same price as a good pc speaker setup.

5.1 setups can get a little more complicated with amp and speakers though, that is true. they do take up some space.