Do it yourself or all in one

MrKennedy · 19 May 2011 at 11:18

What would be better, Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500 or something like the WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 9.1 and a CAMBRIDGE AUDIO TOPAZ AM1. I wil be using the speakers with my pc for everything(music and games) thanks.

Razor-BladE · 19 May 2011 at 11:26

The latter will have better SQ, but may not have as much bass for gaming if you play games where theres a lot of boom boom stuff in it. But don't read this as worse bass; the 9.1's will have cleaner bass.

I'm actually getting a very similar setup when I get the monies.. Wharfedale 9.1's and the Cambridge Audio A5

MrKennedy · 19 May 2011 at 11:35

Ill prob go with the diamonds then

but will the amp but enough to power them.

Razor-BladE · 19 May 2011 at 12:31

Yes they will be. Although if you don't mind going second hand, then you can pick up a decent amp for the same price or for not much more.

MrKennedy · 19 May 2011 at 12:50

i dont mind going second hand, what makes or models should i be looking out for? also thanks for the input.

sHo0sH · 19 May 2011 at 13:11

I've just had an email through from Richer Sounds and they are offering a free cd player when you buy an amp and speakers.

For example - Cambridge Audio Topaz AM5 (£120) + CA S20 Speakers (£99) = CA Topaz CD5 V4 for FREE

Razor-BladE · 19 May 2011 at 13:22

Tbh I'm new in the audio world as well so it would be best if someone else gave you recommendations.

Although the brands I keep hearing are Onkyo, Denon, and NAD (apparently the NAD 320BEE is a very decent one for about £80 or so 2nd hand).

MrKennedy · 19 May 2011 at 13:38

Cool thanks ill have a look around for them.

Auraomega · 19 May 2011 at 15:23

Onkyo is budget (and normally only do AVRs rather than stereo amps). NAD and Marantz usually are the go-to brands in the higher price ranges. For budget amps I'd recommend Cambridge Audio and for budget speakers usually Wharfedale, although obviously there are other budget brands too those are what I've personally preferred.

I have very positive experience of Harman/Kardon too, I'm not sure what price their amps start but worth checking out second hand I'd reckon along with retro speakers; I managed to get myself 4 Sony speakers from the late 70s for peanuts and they sound amazing, you just have to keep your eyes open for bargains.