Getting new speakers

[hwood34]

I've finally decided to upgrade in the sound department. I'm no audiophile, but I can appreciate good sound as much as the next guy. I'm looking to buy these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117406
Does anyone have experience with these or the company and would you recommend them? I'm also open to any suggestions for under $200. Im just using a Bose Sounddock series II right now

[codyeatworld]

I bought some kanto yu2's recently and my m-audio speakers which are a few years old perform better for the same price.

I listen to rock, acoustic and hardcore for the most part.

[Photekq]

Buy some 80s speakers and an amp from ebay, or local classified ads.

[hwood34]

Buy some 80s speakers and an amp from ebay, or local classified ads.

Anything in particular? I have zero idea what I'm doing

[Photekq]

Buy some 80s speakers and an amp from ebay, or local classified ads.

Anything in particular? I have zero idea what I'm doing

Look out for a set that's within your price range, and you like the look of. See if you can find any reviews of it. Simple as that really.

[hwood34]

Buy some 80s speakers and an amp from ebay, or local classified ads.

Anything in particular? I have zero idea what I'm doing

Look out for a set that's within your price range, and you like the look of. See if you can find any reviews of it. Simple as that really.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Infinity-RS-125-Bookshelf-Stereo-Speaker-Pair-Wood-Cabinet-2-Way-60-Watt/331179195977?_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D21396%26meid%3D6646709192502903560%26pid%3D100010%26prg%3D9409%26rk%3D7%26rkt%3D24%26sd%3D141275411291
These seem to fit the bill, pretty good reviews from what I've found

[Tarzan]

There are a lot of options out there.  I'd looked into integrated amps, or separates, but ended up going with powered monitor speakers.  Previously I'd been using a set of Bose desktop speakers - nice sound but a bit too much bass for me - the monitor speakers suited me much better.

You mentioned you'd been listening to an Apple Sound Dock.  Do you have an amp of some sort for the speakers, or were you planning to plug them directly into a PC?  I can recommend the Bose units for ease of setup (plus they're individually powered) and I see the M-Audio speakers are well regarded at their price point.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-AV-40-Studio-Monitor-Pair-106866205-i1932063.gc

http://www.amazon.com/Bose-Companion-Series-Multimedia-Speakers/dp/B00CD1PTF0

If you're looking at used/vintage speakers be sure to give them a listen first, some speakers didn't age very well, the rubber/foam surrounding the speaker cones tends to develop tears.

(Hard to go wrong with a set like this, though...)
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4452365705.html

[hwood34]

I guess I would have to buy an amp. What should I be looking for?

edit: would something like this work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lepai-LP-2020A-Tripath-Class-T-Hi-Fi-Audio-Mini-Amplifier-12V-Power-Supply-/181376581684?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item2a3ae30034

[nraymond]

I'd recommend something a little higher grade than that Lepai.  I'm currently using the Sound Appeal SA-100T with those Pioneer speakers:

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier--50watts-Sound-SA-100T/dp/B00E8ONRBS/

I also have an Energy 10" subwoofer hooked up as well.  An all-around solid combination.  I can also recommend the Micca MB42x speakers, which I use on another computer:

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2/

I have those amplified with a Topping TP21:

http://www.amazon.com/Topping-TP21-Digital-Amplifier-Headphone/dp/B005CRLZGE/

I'd say the Micca hold their own against the Pioneers and are perhaps a bit better.

[noisyturtle]

Any Audioengine speakers are great, what's your budget?

Oh, I see under $200.
http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Premium-Powered-Desktop-Speaker/dp/B000VKEFMS/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1399259254&sr=1-3&keywords=audio+engine
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1399259241&sr=1-1&keywords=audio+engine

or if you want to spend a bit more, maybe take a look at these:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/audioengine-a5plus

[hwood34]

I actually ended up getting these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/331179195977?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
They seemed to be good speakers with some pretty solid reviews, then I got some junky amp which I'm probably going to have to upgrade in the near future. Now to get a sub...

[Cheesebaron]

Infinity is pretty solid, haven't heard those in particular, but those I have heard have been very good price/performance. Now to get you a nice vintage amplifier to match those new speakers

[Tarzan]

Vintage amps, and especially integrated receivers, are an overlooked bargain nowadays.  You can get very decent units from brand names like Adcom, Onkyo, Harmon Kardon, etc., that will have loads of power to drive speakers.  Plus, most of these have very good headphone amps, to serve double duty when you want to keep the neighbors pacified.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4442411962.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4453761229.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4454487973.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adcom-GFA-545-2-channel-Amplifier-in-very-good-condition-/131179548776?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item1e8ae91068

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adcom-GFA-5300-2-Channel-Power-Amplifier-/191155538933?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item2c81c20bf5

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-Model-A-760-Natural-Sound-Stereo-Amplifier-/321398040825?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4ad4d0e8f9

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-NAD-power-envelope-stereo-amplifier-see-video-link-/400704250368?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item5d4bd5a200

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-PIONEER-SX-3700-AMPLIFIER-RECEIVER-WORKING-CONDITION-/181399025689?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2a3c397819



 

[HoffmanMyster]

Buy some 80s speakers and an amp from ebay, or local classified ads.

Vintage amps, and especially integrated receivers, are an overlooked bargain nowadays.  You can get very decent units from brand names like Adcom, Onkyo, Harmon Kardon, etc., that will have loads of power to drive speakers.  Plus, most of these have very good headphone amps, to serve double duty when you want to keep the neighbors pacified.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4442411962.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4453761229.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4454487973.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adcom-GFA-545-2-channel-Amplifier-in-very-good-condition-/131179548776?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item1e8ae91068

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adcom-GFA-5300-2-Channel-Power-Amplifier-/191155538933?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item2c81c20bf5

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-Model-A-760-Natural-Sound-Stereo-Amplifier-/321398040825?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4ad4d0e8f9

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-NAD-power-envelope-stereo-amplifier-see-video-link-/400704250368?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item5d4bd5a200

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-PIONEER-SX-3700-AMPLIFIER-RECEIVER-WORKING-CONDITION-/181399025689?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2a3c397819

This is what I would recommend, and what I do personally. 

Something that would help though is some info on what you're looking to use this for.  Are you looking for a stereo setup for mainly music, something for home theater, something for your computer, etc.  In the end, a nice vintage amp and some old speakers will do what you want either way for a great price, but if you have a specific use it might help narrow the field.

[hwood34]

Buy some 80s speakers and an amp from ebay, or local classified ads.

Vintage amps, and especially integrated receivers, are an overlooked bargain nowadays.  You can get very decent units from brand names like Adcom, Onkyo, Harmon Kardon, etc., that will have loads of power to drive speakers.  Plus, most of these have very good headphone amps, to serve double duty when you want to keep the neighbors pacified.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4442411962.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4453761229.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/4454487973.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adcom-GFA-545-2-channel-Amplifier-in-very-good-condition-/131179548776?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item1e8ae91068

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adcom-GFA-5300-2-Channel-Power-Amplifier-/191155538933?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item2c81c20bf5

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-Model-A-760-Natural-Sound-Stereo-Amplifier-/321398040825?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4ad4d0e8f9

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-NAD-power-envelope-stereo-amplifier-see-video-link-/400704250368?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item5d4bd5a200

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-PIONEER-SX-3700-AMPLIFIER-RECEIVER-WORKING-CONDITION-/181399025689?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2a3c397819

This is what I would recommend, and what I do personally. 

Something that would help though is some info on what you're looking to use this for.  Are you looking for a stereo setup for mainly music, something for home theater, something for your computer, etc.  In the end, a nice vintage amp and some old speakers will do what you want either way for a great price, but if you have a specific use it might help narrow the field.

I'm mostly looking to get the most out of my music on my computer. I do plenty of gaming, but audio for that isn't really a priority. I listen to a little rap and electronic, but not enough that bass is super important; mostly metal and hardcore

[HoffmanMyster]

I'm mostly looking to get the most out of my music on my computer. I do plenty of gaming, but audio for that isn't really a priority. I listen to a little rap and electronic, but not enough that bass is super important; mostly metal and hardcore

In that case: dedicated computer audio systems (systems meant for desk use) aren't necessarily my strong point (I just hook up a vintage amp and speakers), so I don't know what's good and bad in terms of the 2.1 systems available.  But if you're willing to have a big amp/receiver near your desk, the vintage gear route will be suuuper cheap and still sound great.  Others have provided links to the sort of thing to look for, so I'll spare you that, but I can vouch for that type of system working really well.

So, I haven't really offered a ton of info...sorry about that.  But hopefully you're able to find something locally that will suit your needs.    It all comes down to what's available on your local craigslist, or possibly even at Goodwill if you're lucky.

[hwood34]

I'm mostly looking to get the most out of my music on my computer. I do plenty of gaming, but audio for that isn't really a priority. I listen to a little rap and electronic, but not enough that bass is super important; mostly metal and hardcore

In that case: dedicated computer audio systems (systems meant for desk use) aren't necessarily my strong point (I just hook up a vintage amp and speakers), so I don't know what's good and bad in terms of the 2.1 systems available.  But if you're willing to have a big amp/receiver near your desk, the vintage gear route will be suuuper cheap and still sound great.  Others have provided links to the sort of thing to look for, so I'll spare you that, but I can vouch for that type of system working really well.

So, I haven't really offered a ton of info...sorry about that.  But hopefully you're able to find something locally that will suit your needs.    It all comes down to what's available on your local craigslist, or possibly even at Goodwill if you're lucky.

Oh yeah, I have plenty of room on my desk. And I'll definitely look into those amps. Thanks everyone

[Tarzan]

I'm mostly looking to get the most out of my music on my computer. I do plenty of gaming, but audio for that isn't really a priority. I listen to a little rap and electronic, but not enough that bass is super important; mostly metal and hardcore

Personally, I favor enough amplification for the task at hand, maybe a little more.  Music will sound a good deal more dynamic when your amp has enough power to support ample headroom, instead of clipping or running flat on musical peaks.

One other consideration for amps is space.  If you're looking for a small desktop unit, that rules out a lot of vintage gear, one reason you see so much from the 80's and 90's up for sale is because they run large.  However, if you've got a spare side table, you can set up a really nice system for both music listening as well as gaming support.  Although you didn't mention listening to radio or CDs, I wouldn't rule out an integrated amp/receiver, there are some real bargains in that category, priced well under your budget target.