Advice on upgrading my sound setup

Kaelsin · 25 Nov 2012 at 15:31

Hello all,

I have some cash to burn at the moment and I'm hoping you fine chaps can point me in the right direction on what the next logical upgrade should be next.

I do a lot of gaming but find myself watching movies / TV more and more through my computer.

I currently have a Asus Essence STX, Sennheiser HD 595s and Edifier R1600T Studio Plus 2.0 Monitors as my audio setup.

From the small amount of confusing research I've done it appears that I should be aiming to get a good external amp/DAC and a good set of bookshelf speakers?

If this is correct, would it be possible for some recommendations on an entry level amp/book shelf speakers?

Thank you.

melmac · 25 Nov 2012 at 16:28

Actually the next logical upgrade depends on what you use most. If you want to improve things on the headphone side of things you will have to get better headphones.

As for the speaker side of things, you have to decide what you want. Will you want a 5.1 setup eventually? Or is 2 speakers going to be enough? What sort of space do you have? What sort of budget do you have?

Kaelsin · 25 Nov 2012 at 16:36

melmac said:
Actually the next logical upgrade depends on what you use most. If you want to improve things on the headphone side of things you will have to get better headphones.

As for the speaker side of things, you have to decide what you want. Will you want a 5.1 setup eventually? Or is 2 speakers going to be enough? What sort of space do you have? What sort of budget do you have?

I have around £200/300 to spend at the moment. Not sure on speaker set up, I have room on my desk for two bookshelf speakers but also enough room for 2 floor standing speakers as well if their considered better.

I'm quite happy with my 595s at the moment, looking mainly to upgrade my speakers and the sound quality in general.

melmac · 25 Nov 2012 at 17:41

See it really depends on what way you want to go. Sure you could get a good stereo amp and proper studio monitors which will give you better audio quality, but unless you are listening to music from good sources you might not notice.

I think might just need a little bass to improve your movie watching experience. So have a look at these 2 speaker packages and see what you think.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-000-AE&tool=3

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-003-CS&groupid=702&catid=22&subcat=1920

If you feel you will be getting into music more then we can talk more about the amp/receiver and speakers route.

Kaelsin · 25 Nov 2012 at 20:47

I've seen for a while that the Aegos are very highly rated, I can't personally say I've seen much about the Corsair brand of speakers.

Are they considered better than the Aegos? Or should I be looking to go with the Aegos?

Marsman · 25 Nov 2012 at 22:09

It depends what you are after. Better sound quality, or more bass. If you are primarily looking for more bass, then either of the ones melmac mentioned would certainly provide that. If you are looking for better sound quality though, more so than a drastic increase in bass, then Aego's would probably be more of a side step, or in the views of some, a backward step.

The Aego's are very good speakers, but £150 is too much for them now, IMO. A few years ago when they were £100, they were considerably better value for money. Now there are other good cheaper alternatives. A lot of people will say they are still a great purchase and easily worth £150. Understandable, as there aren't many cheaper 2.1 speakers that sound as good. The trouble is, a few people have had the Aego's and Edifier R1600T's and rated the Edifier's as the better sounding speaker. Not everyone will have that view, and especially not anyone looking for some thumping bass. The question is: Are the Aego's really worth £150 of your money, considering there are people who find the speaker you currently have, is the better sounding speaker?

As for the Corsair's: They divide opinion somewhat. Some think they are fantastic and worth every penny. Others think they are ok, but too expensive. I've also seen some comments from people who thought the Aego's sounded better. It's all down to personal preference. Until you have heard and compared speakers for yourself, it's hard to say what you will prefer.

If it were me with a possible £300 to spend, I'd be looking at a stereo amp and bookshelf speakers. With the possibility of adding a decent budget subwoofer at a later date.