Help with complete audio upgrade please!

D3M0N1C · 22 Oct 2014 at 16:52

Hey folks,

I've been using OCUK for 10+ years now, but this is my first visit to the forums. I'm usually pretty competent when it comes to choosing my own upgrades, but I haven't got a clue when it comes to audio, and I've been happy with what I've got until now, so after doing a bit of research, and still being none the wiser, I thought I'd come and ask the pro's for assistance

My Sony 5.1 DAV-D150G has served me well for over a decade now, although two speakers stopped working a long time ago, so has been used as a 2.1 system since. I should have upgraded years ago, it does have a VHS player on it after all.

My Asus Xonar DG sound card has just died too, so, its time.

My first thought was to get:

Creative Sound Blaster Z sound card and Microlab Solo9C speakers.

But after reading all the positive reviews, I thought I'd be daft not to go for the Corsair SP2500's. But, after browsing the forums, it seems maybe I could do better.

My budget was £200 for a new sound card and speakers, but could maybe stretch to £300.

I have a fairly decent PC, in my living room, under a large commercial office desk, hooked up to my old Sony 5.1 system. My room is about 4mx5m, and I'm usually sat about 3m away when watching TV & movies, then about 1m away whilst gaming.

I'd say my setup gets used for about 50% TV & movies, 40% music and 10% gaming.

I've also considered:

Edifier R1600T III 2,0 60W speakers with the Streacom ST-TL1 Tube Amplifier? Or the PIONEER HTP072 5.1 setup and a cheap sound card.

I do get some interference from my on board sound, and used to get a little when I had the Xonar too, so have thought about an external sound card or maybe an Amp.

Any suggestions?

Cheers.

rids57 · 22 Oct 2014 at 18:37

The Asus Xonar U7 external USB sound card sounds perfect for your needs: It would be away from all that noise inside the case, it provides all the DSP you need for movies and gaming and has a very good DAC for accurate music play back. It's biggest weakness is the headphone amplifier, which could be stronger but is nonetheless capable of driving the majority of headphones. It also provides you with a physical volume control on the desktop which is always a bonus.

As for speakers, a lot depends on how much bass you want and if you want bass at the expense of other areas....

The Corsair SP2500 have plenty of sub-bass for those explosions and annoying the neighbours but tend to lose out in the lower midrange which isn't ideal for music.

The Bigger Microlabs, the 8C and 9C will give you the best overall coverage, with deep bass and a sweet middle, so should be good for all categories.

The Edifier R1600T III will be missing the sub-bass but if my older versions are anything to go by are still very capable in the mid bass and upwards. They are very good for music and I don't have a problem with movies either, although I have to keep the volume levels sensible anyway as I live in a flat.

All of the speakers listed are active so don't need an external amplifier.

TwsT · 22 Oct 2014 at 20:47

U7 + edifier R1600T III would be £153 if you bought them today. would leave you some change to consider purchasing a sub

Or you could consider speakers with a bit more bass like rids said which is where the microlabs come in.

D3M0N1C · 23 Oct 2014 at 12:10

Thanks for the replies dudes, appreciate it.

I really am clueless on this one, been trying to make a decision for ages now.

Would I be losing anything by going with an external sound card, and are there any others to consider? I've always assumed an internal one would be better quality.

I forgot to mention that I have a Sharkoon X-Tatic Digital 5.1 headset, which has its own amp, so I've always got that to use for gaming.

So, just for TV and music really, all genres but mainly rock and metal. I'm not too bothered about wall shaking bass, that said I don't have much to go by as I've only ever had 5.1, so I am used to a sub.

I've looked at the ASUS STX cards but thought they might be overkill.

Always wanted the SOLO9C's, but I've read they need to be positioned away from the wall because of the bass ports, which put me off a little, because if I'm sat at my desk about a meter away from them, they'll probably sound crap and blow my face off. Anyone know how they perform at low volumes?

Marine-RX179 · 23 Oct 2014 at 12:29

D3M0N1C said:
Always wanted the SOLO9C's, but I've read they need to be positioned away from the wall because of the bass ports, which put me off a little, because if I'm sat at my desk about a meter away from them, they'll probably sound crap and blow my face off. Anyone know how they perform at low volumes?

I don't have the Solo9C, but I do have the Solo7C.

If the 9C is similar to the 7C, then yes you would need the volume up to certain level and listening at a distance in order to have them sound their best. For your use, you are definately better off with a 2.1 setup.

Just for your reference, I only use the 7C when watching movies on my TV or wandering around the room; at my time sitting in front of my PC at my desk, I'd use my Edifier R1600T Plus and Corsair SP2500.

D3M0N1C · 23 Oct 2014 at 12:40

Cheers buddy, I thought as much, and if that's the case with the 7C's, it'll definitely be the same if not worse with the 9C's. A shame as I did have my heart set on them, and thought they'd be awesome for music. I am usually sat 3m away when listening to music and watching movies etc, its just if I'm sat at my desk they're going to be a bit useless aren't they, and I can't afford two sets of speakers or I'd probably do exactly what you have and get the Edifier R1600T Plus as well. My mates just brought the 9C's so I'll go check them out later, if they sound that good 3-4m away, I might get them anyway and just use headphones if I'm at my desk.

To be honest I thought everyone on here was going to recommend the Corsair SP2500's over anything else in my price range, trouble is I don't really want something designed for gaming, which is why I looked past the ASUS U7 external sound card too. I want quality music over gaming.

Marine-RX179 · 23 Oct 2014 at 13:00

D3M0N1C said:
Cheers buddy, I thought as much, and if that's the case with the 7C's, it'll definitely be the same if not worse with the 9C's. A shame as I did have my heart set on them, and thought they'd be awesome for music. I am usually sat 3m away when listening to music and watching movies etc, its just if I'm sat at my desk they're gonna be a bit useless aren't they, and I can't afford two sets of speakers or I'd probably do exactly what you have and get the Edifier R1600T Plus or Corsair SP2500 as well. My mates just brought the 9C's so I'll go check em out later.

To be honest I thought everyone on here was gonna recommend the Corsair SP2500's.

The SP2500 is great for movies and games, but for music, as someone already pointed out the bass of the subwoofer is not that great compare to active subwoofers that are use with Receivers.

While I myself have invested quite at bit of active speakers, but if I was to do it again (and with more money to spend), I'd probably just get a amp/receiver and grab some decent passive speakers plus active subwoofer.

D3M0N1C · 23 Oct 2014 at 13:29

By passive speakers do you mean monitors? And if paired with a sub woofer, would they be any good for movies as well as music? I did briefly look into a custom 2.1 set up, but not sure I'd be able to get something decent on my budget, plus I'd have to get something that goes well together which would probably just baffle me even more lol.

Elfmeister. · 23 Oct 2014 at 13:49

The 9Cs get my vote.

Marine-RX179 · 23 Oct 2014 at 14:55

D3M0N1C said:
By passive speakers do you mean monitors? And if paired with a sub woofer, would they be any good for movies as well as music? I did briefly look into a custom 2.1 set up, but not sure I'd be able to get something decent on my budget, plus I'd have to get something that goes well together which would probably just baffle me even more lol.

Passive speakers are those that require separate amp/receiver to power to work (pretty much almost all the speakers that are sold at RicherSounds are passive), where as active speakers such as the Edifier, Corsair, Microlab they have that only built-in amp, so it would require no separate power source.

For example you Sony 5.1 DAV-D150G all your speakers and sub are passive, and are powered by the receiver.

D3M0N1C · 23 Oct 2014 at 15:34

Marine-RX179 said:
Passive speakers are those that require separate amp/receiver to power to work (pretty much almost all the speakers that are sold at RicherSounds are passive), where as active speakers such as the Edifier, Corsair, Microlab they have that only built-in amp, so it would require no separate power source.

For example you Sony 5.1 DAV-D150G all your speakers and sub are passive, and are powered by the receiver.

I get you, which would benefit more from a quality sound card, or would it be the same for both? I assumed that a decent receiver/Amp would act as the sound card, or does that not make sense lol.

I still think the Solo9C's are top of my list, I was just trying to see if there was maybe a better alternative.

If I did go for the Solo's, and had £50-100 for a sound card, preferably more for music and movies rather than games, what should I get?

At first I was thinking the Creative Sound Blaster Z, but apparently Creative are poor these days, The ASUS U7 is probably a better choice but more for games and headphones.

Also, If I brought a decent sound card, would I still use the AMP that came with my Sharkoon X-Tatic headphones, or would I go straight into the sound card?

I've looked at the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Speakers & SW150 Sub woofer as well, seems like a tasty 2.1 set up but would require an amp too.

So many questions lol,

Thanks

Elfmeister. · 23 Oct 2014 at 15:57

D3M0N1C said:
I get you, which would benefit more from a quality sound card, or would it be the same for both? I assumed that a decent receiver/Amp would act as the sound card, or does that not make sense lol.

I think it's the same. I don't think a sound cards going to make a difference if it was passive or active

D3M0N1C said:
Also, If I brought a decent sound card, would I still use the AMP that came with my Sharkoon X-Tatic headphones, or would I go straight into the sound card?

Yes. Depending on it's connections, what are they? I forget...

Marine-RX179 · 23 Oct 2014 at 16:00

D3M0N1C said:
I get you, which would benefit more from a quality sound card, or would it be the same for both? I assumed that a decent receiver/Amp would act as the sound card, or does that not make sense lol.

I still think the Solo9C's are top of my list, I was just trying to see if there was maybe a better alternative.

If I did go for the Solo's, and had £50-100 for a sound card, preferably more for music and movies rather than games, what should I get?

At first I was thinking the Creative Sound Blaster Z, but apparently Creative are poor these days, The ASUS U7 is probably a better choice but more for games and headphones.

Also, If I brought a decent sound card, would I still use the AMP that came with my Sharkoon X-Tatic headphones, or would I go straight into the sound card?

So many questions lol,

Thanks

If you were to do for the 9C, getting the soundcard is not a "must", as you can connect via HDMI or TOSLINK which would be digital anyway.

Supposingly if I was in your position and I don't really need 5.1, with the up to £300 budget this is what I would do:

£150 for the Microlab Solo9C
£65 for Wavemaster MOODY 2.1
£50-£70 for 2nd hand Asus Essence STX

D3M0N1C · 23 Oct 2014 at 16:03

They have orange black and green connections or optical, never tried them going straight into the sound card before.

And, thanks for your suggestions Marine

Elfmeister. · 23 Oct 2014 at 16:07

Use your on board optical for the headset and connect the 9C's via HDMi through the 7950.

Total Cost £150.

Marine-RX179 · 23 Oct 2014 at 16:17

Just to add to my previous suggestion...if you still have desire to go for 5.1/7.1 set up for the future, then you should change from the Asus STX to the Asus Xonar U7 for 7.1 support (STX only support 2.0 analog).

What you could do is:
£150 for the Microlab Solo9C
£65 for Wavemaster MOODY 2.1
£65 for Asus Xonar U7 7.1 soundcard

Add a Microlab FC730 5.1 around £80 in the future, and you will have a Wavemaster MOODY 2.1 (when you are gaming, AND a Microlab 7.1 setup when you watch movies (though the 9C would have the be connecting via analog same as the FC730 in order to make 7.1 works). You'd however need a 3.5mm splitter cable (or two-way switch) connect to the soundcard's front speaker port for connecting the Solo9C and the Wavemaster MOODY 2.1 at the same time (but you would really use one of the other not both at the same time).

TwsT · 23 Oct 2014 at 16:36

D3M0N1C said:
I get you, which would benefit more from a quality sound card, or would it be the same for both? I assumed that a decent receiver/Amp would act as the sound card, or does that not make sense lol.

A decent Amp Receiver that will act as the sound card will put you way past your budget.

MrK has a NAD 3020 that is a DAC and an AMP but it's your budget on it's own before speakers and you don't have stereo headphones so you would not be utilising half the product.

I still think the Solo9C's are top of my list, I was just trying to see if there was maybe a better alternative.
If I did go for the Solo's, and had £50-100 for a sound card, preferably more for music and movies rather than games, what should I get?

Solo 9C are pretty good but they are too big for desktop gaming IMO. Admittedly I rarely game on speakers anymore as my headphones can be much louder without annoying the neighbours.

The Edifier 1600T that our forum members know lacked a bit of bass by all standards this has been improved on due to a change of design but it does still lack on the LOW Bass

At first I was thinking the Creative Sound Blaster Z, but apparently Creative are poor these days, The ASUS U7 is probably a better choice but more for games and headphones.

No the U7 Isn't for games any more than any other none audiophile sound card it's also got a DAC chip in it that you see in much higher end AV receivers it held up well in kitgurus review which was done by Zardon a man who likes his audio and has a decent set up to compare things to.

The creative range with exception to the now EOL HD titanium is designed almost specifically for gaming all the features in the drivers everything for gaming. It has a headphone amp which means it's suitable for Gamers who like headphones over gaming headsets but it is certainly not an audiophile product. The U7 is essentially a D2X with a headphone amp that is external. IT's not got the Essence Tag so Asus don't grade it as Audiophile either but it sits at the top of the pile below the essence gear.

Also, If I brought a decent sound card, would I still use the AMP that came with my Sharkoon X-Tatic headphones, or would I go straight into the sound card?

The U7 can replace the USB part of your phones it will not use the amp they came with as they will plug directly into the SC which will amp them that box you have will not be affected.

I've looked at the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Speakers & SW150 Sub woofer as well, seems like a tasty 2.1 set up but would require an amp too.

Ultimately it's up to you. It depends on your budget and your house. How much space you have what your walls are made out of etc

If you want a cheap smart set up that doesn't take up too much room and hides the cables away Buy a D2X and the Edifier 1600T III

If you're concerned over things being more for music than games get an ampsome speakers and Buy a DAC like the ODAC or a Schiit modi

If you can stretch to 300 this is what I would do
Second hand stereo amp from a few years ago that's been well looked after. (50-100)
Some speakers like the tannoy mercury V1 (50-100)
then spend the rest on a DAC (100-150) although an ODAC is £80 and is a great DAC

Now this means you won't get virtual surround or any gaming features that most sound cards come with. it will be a raw signal in stereo.

and use your headphones as you are at the moment.

D3M0N1C · 23 Oct 2014 at 19:12

Thanks TwsT, appreciate your input dude.

I'd not even thought about a DAC, and to be honest didn't know what one was until the other day.

If that route is a viable option I'll have to look into it a little more. I'm not in a major rush, but would like to get it sorted before the end of the month. I know its my decision and can't just ask what to buy as everyone has different taste, but I really don't have much to go on. I'm not bothered about anything stylish or looks, I have a big room and a huge desk, don't mind cables either, I'm just after audio quality.

If I did as you've suggested, I'd end up with just a raw high quality stereo signal which is perfect for music?

If I went for the ASUS U7 or Xonar D2 and the Solo9C's I'd have a good general set up for movies and music but would suffer when gaming at my desk? (Which I could cope with)

To be honest I've never looked into audio equipment that much, and probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway lol, I'll do some research so I understand what I'm buying and why.

Cheers

TALON1973 · 23 Oct 2014 at 20:34

Said this in another thread .... take a look at the

Onkyo HT-X22HDX 3D Ready Ultra Compact 2.1 Home Cinema

can be had in the £250 - £300 range ..... has all the decoding onboard as well and is upgradable to 5.1 if needed .

rids57 · 23 Oct 2014 at 21:15

...which leaves nothing for speakers