Getting better sound kit

[p4radox]

Here's the deal:

I've currently using onboard AC'97 audio and some average PC speakers. They have this printed on the back:

2 Way
4" woofer
2" Tweeter
Impedance: 3.20ohms
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
PMPO: 120W

For a start, what do all these mean? I want to learn a little about the stuff I'm using before getting anything better.

I'm thinking of getting a Hi-Fi amp and some bookshelf speakers, for using with my PC for mostly CDs, mp3s and also some gaming. Music is the priority.
Amplifier - What sort of amp should I be looking at? I've noticed the Cambridge Audio A1 for £79.95. Is this any good? I'm not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I would like something of high quality and that will last me a long time.

Speaker Sets?: 1
Phono Stage Optional - PM01
Tone Controls Yes
Output Wattage (Wpc) 30
Inputs 4
Tape Inputs 1


Speakers: This is where I really need some advice, there's so much choice. What's a good price for something that will match the capabilities of the above amplifier (or any you want to suggest)? I don't want to spend lots more on speakers that wont give me a decent increase in sound quality. What about the Tdl NUCLEUS 2:

Sensitivity (Db) 89
Impedance (Ohms) 4-8
Power Rating (Watts) 100

Sound Card - Should I buy a new sound card to get the most from my new stuff? Or should I purely get a new sound card and stick with my currrent speakers? How about a Creative Audigy 4?


Maybe I could go mad and build my own speakers like here:
http://www.dansdata.com/f5.htm



Sorry for all the questions!

 

[Bunka]

Anything you buy will sound miles better if you have a decent soundcard what's your overall budget for soundcard, amp and speakers?

 

[p4radox]

Let's say my budget is £180 for amp, speakers and sound card.

 

[Tommy B]

I'd highly recommend you look on Richer Sounds.

 

[Mr Mag00]

I'd second that.
I have built many systems over the years using them. They offer a wide price range of up to date seperates and also some fantastic offers on disco'd/end of line too. Helpful, knowledgable staff, but always go in twice see someone else and get 2 opinions. Mind you I always do for everything

 

[fish99]

Buy used. For the £80 you're planning to spend on that cambridge audio amp, I managed to get a used Marantz PM66-SE amp off the bay, which was £270 when new and highly rated. It was mint too with original box, packaging, remote control (with new batteries), manual and not a single mark.

You get far more for your money if you buy used. Hi-fi gear is very reliable and usually well looked after. Of course you have to be smart about buying off ebay, but that applies for buying anything 2nd hand.

You could probably get some B&W DM601s from ebay for the same price as those TDLs.

And yes, a dedicated soundcard is a good idea. X-Fi XtremeMusic maybe?

 

[DRZ]

Here's the deal:

I've currently using onboard AC'97 audio and some average PC speakers. They have this printed on the back:

2 Way
4" woofer
2" Tweeter
Impedance: 3.20ohms
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
PMPO: 120W

For a start, what do all these mean? I want to learn a little about the stuff I'm using before getting anything better.

Quite a lot of that is meaningless!

2-Way means the signal is split into 2 - High frequencies to the tweeter, anything below to the other driver.

Impedance means how resistive the speakers are - the lower the resistance the more power it draws from the amplifier.

Frequency response 20Hz-20kHz - The information they have given there is useless - with an empty tin of beans I could reproduce 20Hz-20kHz - doesnt tell you ANYTHING about the sound. Reputable manufacturers quote it properly, ie +/- how many decibels (from 1kHz).

120W PMPO means that for any given transient, the amp inside can output at 120W. This is a lie in "real terms". That quoted figure will be at 50% total harmonic distortion or something ludicrous like that. Basically, at anything approaching "loud" they will sound cack.

I'm thinking of getting a Hi-Fi amp and some bookshelf speakers, for using with my PC for mostly CDs, mp3s and also some gaming. Music is the priority.
Amplifier - What sort of amp should I be looking at? I've noticed the Cambridge Audio A1 for £79.95. Is this any good? I'm not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I would like something of high quality and that will last me a long time.

Speaker Sets?: 1
Phono Stage Optional - PM01
Tone Controls Yes
Output Wattage (Wpc) 30
Inputs 4
Tape Inputs 1

Not a bad choice, I have one here somewhere which just isnt worth selling, I get more use out of it than I would out of the pittance I would get second hand.

Disregarding how cheap it is, it is a fantastic little amplifier.

Factoring in the price, it doesnt hold its own when compared to something massively more expensive but for what its worth, you will struggle to do better new. Beware buying second hand at this price - often it is the price range where the kit isnt treated like "hifi serious" and so may have been battered at parties etc. Approach anything with caution but bear in mind its actually quite hard to damage an amp, speakers usually pop first.

Speakers: This is where I really need some advice, there's so much choice. What's a good price for something that will match the capabilities of the above amplifier (or any you want to suggest)? I don't want to spend lots more on speakers that wont give me a decent increase in sound quality. What about the Tdl NUCLEUS 2:

Sensitivity (Db) 89
Impedance (Ohms) 4-8
Power Rating (Watts) 100

Not bad but I would be looking slightly above those personally Take a look in my sticky in HC&HF for ideas on new speakers

Sound Card - Should I buy a new sound card to get the most from my new stuff? Or should I purely get a new sound card and stick with my currrent speakers? How about a Creative Audigy 4?

Buy something by M-Audio if you are going down the hifi route. Creative are a joke.

Maybe I could go mad and build my own speakers like here:
http://www.dansdata.com/f5.htm

I would advise against building your own speakers unless you have a love for complex maths - its very easy to sling some drivers into a box but to get them to sound good is VERY difficult.

Sorry for all the questions!

No problems! Hope I have helped!

 

[p4radox]

Thanks for all that

Oooh I forgot about the HiFi forum, never been in there before - I'll take a look.

Speakers: If you think I should spend a little more, how much should I spend to match the capabilities of the amp? I can go 2nd hand if need be. How about the Tdl KV1?

Sound card: I hadn't really thought about spending huge amounts on a sound card, maybe £40 tops - unless I can get more for my money by spending more on a sound card and less on either speakers or the amp?

cheers