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Gamoe · Feb 19, 2007, 02:22 AM

I have a simple A/V set up with Mac mini and all, but I'm looking for a quality audio setup for less than $400. That includes amp and speakers. They can be bookshelf or free standing speakers, but they must not have a built-in amp.

I've been using a pair of Audioengine speakers, but I think it was the built-in amp overheated which led to the abrupt cessation of music at special birthday party for a family member, so I don't want to go the built-in amp route again.

I'm not very demanding when it comes to audio, but I don't like complete trash either. I like/liked the sound from the A5 speakers. They're definitely clear and loud enough for me, but I want something that's along those lines but won't overheat on me or cost me a small fortune. I'm definitely more into substance than style.

Surround sound is fine and dandy, but I think I'd rather have two quality speakers for the money it would cost me to have the same quality surround sound setup.

Any suggestions?

Gamoe · Feb 19, 2007, 06:03 AM

I was thinking that if it indeed was the amp, maybe I'll just get a separate amp instead. Does anybody here know enough about audio equipment to tell me if indeed it was the (built-in) amp that failed me (and not the speakers themselves)? Any receiver/amp suggestions?

centerchannel68 · Feb 19, 2007, 07:36 AM

Craiglist. For $400, you'll be able to get a MASSIVELY powerful, awesome system. Just the other day I saw a complete set of vintage Harmon Kardon components (amp, tuner, cassette, and record player) with a pair of huge JBLs for $250. All of it was in gorgeous shape.

Seriously. HIT UP CRAIGSLIST IMMEDIATLY. You'll be able to get something absolutely sick. I'd look for you but I don't think Mars has a craigslist.... so tell me your real location and I'll try to find something awesome for you.

imitchellg5 · Feb 19, 2007, 10:40 AM

I agree with Rob. Craigslist is AWESOME for home electronics. My dad picked up a Harmon Kardon 5.1 channel reciever, 5 Klipsch speakers, and a JBL subwoofer for $100. All of it was about 7-8 years old too.

Gamoe · Feb 20, 2007, 04:39 AM

Thanks for the tip. I took a look at Craigslist, but nothing so far. In the meantime, any suggestions on brands and models, new or old, to consider or to avoid?

I plan on getting two bookshelf speakers, an amp and a subwoofer, hopefully all less than $500 together. It seems to me a passive subwoofer would do fine with a decent amp. But, should I get a tweeter or other type of speaker? It's not for a very large area, by the way.

Ruf993Turbo · Feb 20, 2007, 06:05 AM

I just did exactly what you are trying to do now and it works great! All the equipment I used are just stuff I had put into storage and I decided to pull them out and put them to use on my new MacBook Pro. The result is great.

I took a pair of Polk towers that I don't use anymore, a Velodyne 12" HT sub and a Pioneer Elite reciever. I ran the laptop to the receiver using an optical cable into the receiver. This is probably a little bit more than you want to spend on a setup, so I would advise you getting a set of decent speakers (like the others said, craiglist is a good place to start). You will save a lot of money if you go with a receiver that's 3-4yrs old, they will perform wonderfully and save you lots of money. You don't even need a Dolby Digital receiver. If you can find an older model Denon Stereo receiver, it would sound really good! (probably find one for $100-150). And find a pair of towers or larger bookshelf for $250-300 and you got a great setup. The sub is not necessary, I just had an extra so I thought I'd throw it in. Make sure you tune your receiver correctly. Don't turn the treble or bass on the receiver to max, this will distort the sound horribly. Max setting on my Pioneer Elite is +6db for both treble and bass, I have treble at +3 and bass at +0. I tuned the rest in the iTunes equalizer.

Hope this helped and here's a picture of the before and after of my own setup:

centerchannel68 · Feb 20, 2007, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Gamoe

Thanks for the tip. I took a look at Craigslist, but nothing so far. In the meantime, any suggestions on brands and models, new or old, to consider or to avoid?

I plan on getting two bookshelf speakers, an amp and a subwoofer, hopefully all less than $500 together. It seems to me a passive subwoofer would do fine with a decent amp. But, should I get a tweeter or other type of speaker? It's not for a very large area, by the way.

The bookshelf speakers should have tweeters in them. Again, tell me your area and I'll find you a badass system on craigslist. I can't search if I don't know what town you live in. There's tons here in Milwaukee.