DAC+AMP with PC speakers?

Ice Rich said:
Cheers guys,

Yes apologies I should have mentioned the source - I only have the 1 PC so no need for multiple outputs.

Those nearfield powered monitors look very nice - would the soundblaster G6 be powerful enough to power those do you think?
Click to expand...

Think you need read up on line level and high level.

That soundblaster doesn't have a speaker amplifier

Active speakers don't need external amplifier

Passive speakers require an external speaker amplifier
 
hornetstinger said:
Bose are rubbish mate they're the worst speakers you can buy.
Click to expand...

:o :rolleyes:

Even taking into account that it’s a gross exaggeration, I disagree.


I’ve previously recommended the Companion 3 and 5/50, and I’d do so again in a heartbeat.


If OP is looking for utmost quality, then yes, separates are the way to go.


However, if they’re looking for bang for buck, the Bose companion 3 and 5s and excellent.


They offer good enough sound quality, they’re very well integrated as a system (as in, there’s good cohesion between the sub and satellites), they’re fun/easy to listen to and most importantly, they produce a wide frequency response in ample quantity.


What this means is that, to get as good/better sound from separates, you need to spend significantly more (perhaps 30-40%).



This is coming from someone would typically identify as a quality snob. I own a room-corrected system and have built my own acoustic treatment. I even invested in a sub which contains opposing drivers just so that they don’t cause cabinet and local vibration, all for the sake of seeking perfection.


But I’m also realistic, and I know the Companion 3s and 5s very well. They sound great for the money, and they’d be my go to system for any desktop setup if you just want a decent sounding setup which doesn’t take up much room.
 
MrRockliffe said:
:o :rolleyes:

Even taking into account that it’s a gross exaggeration, I disagree.


I’ve previously recommended the Companion 3 and 5/50, and I’d do so again in a heartbeat.


If OP is looking for utmost quality, then yes, separates are the way to go.


However, if they’re looking for bang for buck, the Bose companion 3 and 5s and excellent.


They offer good enough sound quality, they’re very well integrated as a system (as in, there’s good cohesion between the sub and satellites), they’re fun/easy to listen to and most importantly, they produce a wide frequency response in ample quantity.


What this means is that, to get as good/better sound from separates, you need to spend significantly more (perhaps 30-40%).



This is coming from someone would typically identify as a quality snob. I own a room-corrected system and have built my own acoustic treatment. I even invested in a sub which contains opposing drivers just so that they don’t cause cabinet and local vibration, all for the sake of seeking perfection.


But I’m also realistic, and I know the Companion 3s and 5s very well. They sound great for the money, and they’d be my go to system for any desktop setup if you just want a decent sounding setup which doesn’t take up much room.
Click to expand...

Utter rubbish mate you've fallen for Bose marketing.

Those diamond sw-150 sub diamond 9.0 and t amp will outclass Bose rubbish.

Wide frequency response from Bose? Lol!
 
hornetstinger said:
Utter rubbish mate you've fallen for Bose marketing.

Those diamond sw-150 sub diamond 9.0 and t amp will outclass Bose rubbish.

Wide frequency response from Bose? Lol!
Click to expand...

Your response is as expected :p Thanks for the chuckle :D


hornetstinger said:
Those diamond 9.0 are £50. And will sound better by massive margin

You have to spend £700 to better Bose? Hahahaha wrong.
Click to expand...

And better still :cry:
 
Heh keep on your delusions mate. Explain how good a tiny speaker has wide frequency response and not expecting a mid woofer play that high.

You want speakers to reach down to 80hz at least
Not Bose 200hz+
 
Thanks Hornet but that looks a big setup even minus the speakers - I just don't have the budget for that

Mackie CR3-X

Are Active speakers. I like look of them. Think they are rated at 80hz and seem to have good reviews. Good choice?
 
hornetstinger said:
Explain how good a tiny speaker has wide frequency response and not expecting a mid woofer play that high.
Click to expand...

Sure

So much like a pair of decent bookshelf speakers will be able to play down to 55 Hz quite comfortably but also give a good mid range and high end response, Bose will employ a crossover to ensure that sufficient quantity of playback occurs throughout the range of frequencies the speaker can play.


In addition, they use something called wave guide, which is fancy marketing speech for optimising and tuning the ports/cabinet on the speakers to emphasise the output of certain frequencies.


This gives the perception of improved sound characteristics, compared to the speakers being in free-space.


Hope this helps :)


@Ice Rich I suggest using your ears to determine what’s best for you, while considering whether you want an upgrade path.

The Bose will limit you in this regard - you won’t be able to upgrade the system in the future, without buying a new one entirely. You may decide that, actually, the Bose system offers enough quality/immersion, and you don’t mind.


You may decide that you want to begin investing in the hobby that is AV, and want to set yourself up for a good upgrade path.


I would recommend, however, you steer well away from Denon AVRs for music. In my experience, they aren’t as good as other AVRs, and nowhere near as good as a dedicated 2 channel amplifier.


It sounds like you need to have a think about what it is that‘a important to you here.

Is it cost? Upgradability? Size? Sound quality?


Then consider HOW important they are. It’ll help you make a decision which is best for you :)
 
You don't want a subwoofer to play too high up the frequency range. I'd recommend no higher than 120hz. I have mine at 80hz.

With Bose speakers it means the "subwoofer" has to play higher up this means bass becomes locatable. It also means poor sound from the main speakers


Bose can't defy physics


Consider those wharfedales or q acoustic 3010-3030 (and i model)
 
I'm aware of bass management. But little speaker had limited frequency range.

Those wharfedale has superior left and right stereo performance. Add a sub and you'll get proper full range.

Bose ..lol
 
Really appreciate all the replies , thanks very much. Good points Mr.Rock and noted , I have come into this a bit blind to be honest - I had no ideal the world of sound had so many levels and avenues to explore . I agree , the larger and more expensive setups looks impressive and it may be something I'll explore more and invest in . in the future etc.

I just have the 1 PC I use for the occasional gaming at the moment. Anything that offers an improvement over the current setup i'll be pleased with (it's just connected to a digital radio at the moment for the speaker using 3.5mm AUX cable.
Just to confirm , if I were to get those Mackies - seeing as they are Actives - I should be able to connect them to the Soundblaster?
 
hornetstinger said:
You don't want a subwoofer to play too high up the frequency range. I'd recommend no higher than 120hz. I have mine at 80hz.
Click to expand...

Correct, but the Bose “sub” is not a traditional one, and it is designed by Bose to work with the satellites.

It’s different for separates because you’re trying to avoid two speakers playing the same frequency, resulting in increased output for those frequencies, hence why you limit the output/use filters.


Ideally, a speaker wouldn’t be playing higher frequencies, but when well implemented by the manufacturer as a system, it matters less.


As I’ve mentioned already, I’ve got a lot of experience with the companion, and while the sub does not energise the room in the same way a proper sub will, it isn’t as locatable as an actual sub that hasn’t been set up properly, and I find that, when paired with the satellites, it offers good enough impact and energy to give the perception of a cohesive audio experience - it sounds like this is more important to OP than outright quality.


Another way of looking at it is that a basic 5.1 system will offer a better experience for most than a high quality 2.1 system (even accounting for music).


You and I won’t sit in this camp, because we’re enthusiasts and AV is our hobby. OP sounds like they are looking for something which offers a better experience than basic monitor speakers or £5 bargain basement speakers.


Ice Rich said:
Just to confirm , if I were to get those Mackies - seeing as they are Actives - I should be able to connect them to the Soundblaster?
Click to expand...

Yes, but I don’t think they’d offer you what you’re looking for. To you, they’ll sound flat with little bass extension, though they’ll do so more accurately
 
Thought i'd chime in with a differing opinion. If you have a G6 already, have you considered some headphones instead? That'll deliver better sound than anything in your current budget with bookshelves imo. You'll also get better soundstage and surround like sound.

Have you measured up your desk? Many bookshelf speakers will be like sticking 2 more matx pc cases on your desk, plus you don't want them backed up against the wall ideally, that could muddy and boom the sound.

I see Edifier speakers often mentioned on here for value, i think they're mostly active, not heard a pair myself. OC sell them if you wanted a browse.
 
Thanks again all :)

The_Arbiter said:
Thought i'd chime in with a differing opinion. If you have a G6 already, have you considered some headphones instead? That'll deliver better sound than anything in your current budget with bookshelves imo. You'll also get better soundstage and surround like sound.

Have you measured up your desk? Many bookshelf speakers will be like sticking 2 more matx pc cases on your desk, plus you don't want them backed up against the wall ideally, that could muddy and boom the sound.

I see Edifier speakers often mentioned on here for value, i think they're mostly active, not heard a pair myself. OC sell them if you wanted a browse.
Click to expand...

I think this is the best solution too :D I've just gone for a pair of HD600's and think i'll be happy.
Sorry to have gone against the advice that was kindly passed on, I have made lots of notes and one day may return to the speaker world when budget and space allows.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom