Help - 2.0 vs 2.1 and recommendations needed

[Vandella]

Hi, hoping to get some advice from all you knowledgable audiophiles

After many years of using a budget creative 2.1 system I am looking at upgrading. My budget is decent, can stretch to £200-£400 for the right setup but as is always the case the more I read and research the less clear it becomes.

Initially I was planning on purchasing powered bookshelf 2.0 speakers such as Edifier S1000mkii for a massive upgrade to my sound, others I have considered are audioengine A2+ speakers, edifier hecate g5000 or Q acoustic M20, but should I be looking at a 2.1 system for better overall sound from utilising a seperate sub?

The purpose of the speakers: I mainly play RPG or strategy games (long time WoW player but don't hold that against me) and rarely play FPS, so extra bass for explosions and gunfire is not a priority.

Also would like to hear your recommendations for alternative 2.0 speakers or recommendations for a 2.1 setup.

Thank you in advance.

 

[hornetstinger]

I'd go for the best stereo speakers you can now, you can always get a subwoofer later.

Look for some nearfield speakers. Whether active or passive. Pros and cons of each type. If going passive look for a stereo integrated amp/DAC with subwoofer high pass feature, something like Wiim amp could be ideal. Other than that, a AVR as those have plenty of I/O, subwoofer management/bass management, room EQ etc.

 

[#Chri5#]

That budget gets you pair of Ruark MR1 MK2. I have them as my desk speakers and they sound great to my ears. They also review well:

Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 review

What Hi-Fi? Award winner. An appealing pair of desktop speakers

www.whathifi.com

There's a sub-out port on them and Ruark have a matching sub (though you wouldn't get both in your budget)

RS1 Subwoofer

Description Born from the desire to enhance the already impeccable sound of our award-winning MR1 Bluetooth speakers, the RS1 subwoofer can transform the audio performance of any home speaker with driving rhythm and rich harmony. Beautifully controlled and fundamentally musical, RS1 is the...

shop.ruarkaudio.com

Ruark do sometimes list ex-demo products for a discounted price:

MR1 Mk2 Bluetooth Speaker System (graded)

Description Our award winning MR1 Bluetooth speakers will provide remarkable sound in multiple applications. Flawless as computer speakers, ideal to use with a turntable and a fantastic way to improve the sound of your TV, MR1 Mk2 will fill any room with quality sound without dominating it...

shop.ruarkaudio.com

 

[hornetstinger]

That budget gets you pair of Ruark MR1 MK2. I have them as my desk speakers and they sound great to my ears. They also review well:

Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 review

What Hi-Fi? Award winner. An appealing pair of desktop speakers

www.whathifi.com

There's a sub-out port on them and Ruark have a matching sub (though you wouldn't get both in your budget)

RS1 Subwoofer

Description Born from the desire to enhance the already impeccable sound of our award-winning MR1 Bluetooth speakers, the RS1 subwoofer can transform the audio performance of any home speaker with driving rhythm and rich harmony. Beautifully controlled and fundamentally musical, RS1 is the...

shop.ruarkaudio.com

Ruark do sometimes list ex-demo products for a discounted price:

MR1 Mk2 Bluetooth Speaker System (graded)

Description Our award winning MR1 Bluetooth speakers will provide remarkable sound in multiple applications. Flawless as computer speakers, ideal to use with a turntable and a fantastic way to improve the sound of your TV, MR1 Mk2 will fill any room with quality sound without dominating it...

shop.ruarkaudio.com

When you connect a sub to those ruarks do they enable high pass function? Ideally with no sub the amplifier inside the ruark for the speakers should be sent full range, when you connect a sub then <80hz is directed from the speakers to the sub pre out.

 

[siumatfung]

https://www.edifier.com/global/p/bookshelf-speakers/r1280db

Id recommend these if they are a bit too big they also do smaller ones but they'll fill your room nicely with a brilliant sound

Think ocuk stock them too

 

[arknor]

I'd get some powered studio monitor speakers.

Almost anything bookshelf size will be a massive upgrade over tiny pc speakers.

 

[ATIorNvidia]

A pair of Adam T5V or Kali LP-6's if size isn't too big of a concern.

 

[Vandella]

Settled on Kanto Ora 4 speakers with a Rel Tzero mk111 subwoofer (almost double my initial budget) - and do not regret in the slightest, quality and depth of sound is amazing and the bass shakes the walls.

 

[hornetstinger]

Settled on Kanto Ora 4 speakers with a Rel Tzero mk111 subwoofer (almost double my initial budget) - and do not regret in the slightest, quality and depth of sound is amazing and the bass shakes the walls.

Should be ok for PC 2.1 under desk system...but not in a larger room/distance living room HT system.

only 6.5" driver and doesn't go that low

 

[ATIorNvidia]

Settled on Kanto Ora 4 speakers with a Rel Tzero mk111 subwoofer (almost double my initial budget) - and do not regret in the slightest, quality and depth of sound is amazing and the bass shakes the walls.

The Oras are excellent speakers