Get rid of my cheap hi-fi amp?

masslac

masslac

masslac

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I currently play music on my PC (onboard sound) via one of these -

http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=CAMB-A5-SIL

and a pair of these -

http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=GALE-3010S-BCH

Although my desk is fairy large (the speakers are far enough apart to sound OK), I would like to make some more space for paperwork etc, so am thinking about getting rid of the amp.

My question, therefore, is if buying these...

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-043-CL&groupid=701&catid=11&subcat=

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-069-CL&groupid=702&catid=22&subcat=719

would be as good as what I currently have. I am by no means an audiophile, just want to listen to my music with equipment which does not sound totally crap.

Thanks.
 
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I would expect the Gigaworks to sound worse. I wouldn't expect much in the way of a mid range from little PC speakers. At least the Gigaworks stuff is made by Cambridge Soundworks and not Creative themselves though. The stuff Creative make is really bad.

How about a Sonic Impact t-amp, or even a Super-T? They're tiny and you can keep your Gales.

Should definitely replace the onboard with a proper soundcard too. If you're a heavy gamer then the X-Fi (or a used Audigy 2 ZS) is probably a decent choice, although there are a few issues around with the X-Fi and certain motherboards. If you're not a gamer something like an M-Audio 2496 maybe?
 
fish99 said:
I would expect the Gigaworks to sound worse. I wouldn't expect much in the way of a mid range from little PC speakers. At least the Gigaworks stuff is made by Cambridge Soundworks and not Creative themselves though. The stuff Creative make is really bad.

How about a Sonic Impact t-amp, or even a Super-T? They're tiny and you can keep your Gales.

Should definitely replace the onboard with a proper soundcard too. If you're a heavy gamer then the X-Fi (or a used Audigy 2 ZS) is probably a decent choice, although there are a few issues around with the X-Fi and certain motherboards. If you're not a gamer something like an M-Audio 2496 maybe?
Click to expand...

As above, it would be a step backwards getting them speakers. change the soundcard first.

Babyface UK
 
Thanks for the input. I am pretty much resigned to the fact that my desk space is indeed limited, so might as well keep what I have.

Will look into a sound card tho.
 
Use an m-audio card the audiophile 2496 really kicks the creative card into orbit. Use one for music one for gaming etc. Use winamp and you dont even need to switch between the two.

Wouldnt touch creative for music with a rusty barge-pole.

So spend the money on the card, keep the amp and Gales, not on the creative pap.
 
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This shot of my desk shows how small the t-amp is btw. It's the little thing behind the mouse bungee. It's supposed to sound as good as a £300 amp - dunno if that's exactly true though. Certainly frees up some desk space though and it's only about £25 (+£20 for an adaptor). Uses very little power too.

http://www.sbdev.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/desk.jpg

Another possibility - stand your monitor on your A5 (assuming it doesn't block the air vents totally), should free up some space.

Btw if you're tempted to go for the Gigaworks speakers still, get the Aego Ms instead, they're supposed to be very good.
 
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I have had the T-Amp (+ beefier PSU) for about a year, and it's excellent for its size and price. I use it with an M-Audio sound card Plus extenal DAC driving some old Mission bookshelf speakers.

Highly recommended.
 
I got lazy and just put the monitor on top of my current amp. Might wall mount the speakers eventually. lol
 
your current setup is better than the T20.. using one of them now and i say they aren't an upgrade from your current setup..
 
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