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Looking to upgrade speakers. Any advice?

I

ibarrett94

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 31, 2011
73
0
Currently I am using some JBL creature speakers(the boob ones) from about 2007. I am looking to upgrade this tremendously. I want to connect my hackintosh desktop, my apple tv, my ps3, my tv, and a pair of wireless headphones so I can play any of the mentioned through the headphones. Also, i was thinking about hooking up my airport express to it so i could airplay audio to it from any of my idevices. What is your setup and what do you recommend? i am looking to spend about 500 give or take a hundo.
 
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If you're just looking for a stereo (not 5.1) system, look for a decent receiver with a lot of inputs and some good speakers. My first system was a Sony receiver (STR-DG910, they don't make it anymore) with a pair of Sony SS-B3000 bookshelf speakers. The receiver was about $400 and the speakers were $100 (always check Amazon and B&H for deals), and for what I wanted it for (a good system with a lot of inputs) it was perfect.

Your mileage may vary, and Sony is varying quality (I've heard pretty good things about Denon and Onkyo receivers in that price range), but I love those bookshelf speakers. I can honestly say I haven't heard a better set for less than $100.
 
These Pioneers are the best speakers on the market for the money bar none. Shop around and they can be had for ~$150. I' highly recommend getting the matching center channel as well, it makes a really big difference in the listening experience. It really blends the soundstage. (there is also a floor standing equivalent of those speakers for $50 more.)

If you want more info on the speaker here is a 100+ page thread at avs forum.

This Denon receiver is a bargain for the money here. If you want networking features you can step up to the 1613 for another $60 but with the Apple TV it seems like a waste to me.

That's going to run you around $430 for the three speakers and receiver. Add some quality speaker wire and taxs/shipping and you'll be right at your budget. Down the road add a subwoofer and you'll have an excellent set-up for the money.

Don't true and do a complete system for $500. Your going to use subpar components and end up with a subpar experience. You can do a solid 3.0 system now and add the rest later. First I'd get a good sub for ~$200 and then a another pair of the Pioneers last to complete the system. In the end you'll have a much better sounding system and to be honest the 3.0 system I recommended is going to sound better than any 5.1 system you put together for $500.
 
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Take a look at this refurbished Onkyo, it gets great reviews.
http://http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8050/Onkyo-TX-8050-2-Channel-Network-Stereo-Receiver/1.html

For speakers those Pioneers above are a great choice, I prefer PSB speakers. If you search for a pr of used or B-stock PSB Alpha B1's you will come in pretty close to your target for both items. Stereophile gives the PSB Alpha's much love.

You may also consider a refurbished Integrated Amplifier like an NAD 316 or Cambridge 350A. Check Spearit Audio and DMC-Electronics
I have my Mac Mini, an Audio Engine DAC and Music Hall MF 2.2 turntable running through a Vincent Audio integrated and a pair of PSB Image B6 and am very happy!
 
Bose Solo TV may be an option...

A solution that I have found for me which does not consume too much space in my apartment: the new Bose Solo TV (optical in, SPDIF in and coaxial in).

I hooked it up with my apple tv3 via optical cable and my tv via SPDIF cable. In that configuration I am able to have a gorgeous sound while watching tv (or a movie via my PS3/NAS) and also can stream music from my mac/iPhone/iPad via AirPlay.

So if you are searching for an easy central solution, this would be my recommendation.

A short review can also be found in my blog.

Cheers,
Brian
 
I can vouch 100% for Onkyo....My setup is seamless, I have the higher end Onkyo AV 3D unit, but replaced the sub-woofer which I considered inadequate with one of my own. If you don;t want to go down the whole AV route, which can be expensive, then consider a pair of studio monitors.

I use Genelecs for my recording purposes, and the sound is the best I have heard having owned and auditioned many makes over the years:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/genelec_6010a_anthrazit.htm

I use the higher end model, but the pair in the link will take a lot of beating.
 
Macman45 said:
Where does the OP state that he / she requires a single speaker?:confused:
Click to expand...

I think Olly was just noting that the OP should not take the price and assume that it is for a pair, but instead they would need to double it in order to get a pair of speakers.

BTW, I did not look at the link. This is just how I interpreted the comment.
 
Macman45 said:
Where does the OP state that he / she requires a single speaker?:confused:
Click to expand...

Your post stated "...but the pair in the link will take a lot of beating" but your link is for a single unit.

Hammie said:
I think Olly was just noting that the OP should not take the price and assume that it is for a pair, but instead they would need to double it in order to get a pair of speakers.

BTW, I did not look at the link. This is just how I interpreted the comment.
Click to expand...

Bingo. :)

Studio monitors are usually sold as single units and I was trying to inform the OP. Imagine how disappointed they would be if they placed an order for what they assumed was a pair of speakers then realised they would have to fork out double the money to get the full set.
 
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