New audio / speakers for PC

father-ted

father-ted

father-ted

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I have had a Logitech Z5500 for years, however the LCD display is shot (common fault) and it is now situated in a large room (approx 7.5m x 14m).
I want better audio for music, so am consdering getting x2 Sonos Fives with a sub (I have a full Sonos system in the living room already).

This will mainly be powered by my PC, with a Xonar D2X soundcard.

What would be best way to connect the Sonos to PC?
Are there any better options that I should look at?

Thanks
 
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I have AudioEngine A2's with an old spare Wharfdale sub, and a top end Xonar. Incredibly happy with my setup, either way moving away from mainstream Logitech setup is a game changer.
 
When I was in a similar position I bought a Denon DM41 mini hi-fi, a couple of Monitor Audio Radius 90 speakers and a Yamaha active sub. I think I spent about £350 all in as the speakers and sub were second hand. It's made a huge difference to the audio quality. I'm using the optical input and a Behringer USB audio interface. I might be able to do better, but my hearing is fairly shot now so I not sure it would make much practical difference.
 
yeah but have you tried that BD? Sounds fantastic. Also have the CD version. Sounds fantastic.

Also why would you think think a 5.1 system would sound bad for stereo? Just press stereo or pure direct.
 
There are multiple options depending on budget.

If it was myself I would look at active studio monitors, something like Adam Audio T5V's, put them on desk stands then look for an external DAC, however you could use your Xonar D2X if you wanted but external DAC preferred.

Something like Edifier S350DB would probably do you also, these have a DAC inside of them so you can just run optical or digital coax from your PC. The DAC inside the Edifier won't match a good external DAC but still be ok. This Edifier would be the most easy to setup.

The other setups mentioned in this thread are also all valid, it depends on what you what and budget. Some people like 5.1, some like 2.1, some 2.0, there is no right or wrong really.


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JasonM said:
There are multiple options depending on budget.

If it was myself I would look at active studio monitors, something like Adam Audio T5V's, put them on desk stands then look for an external DAC, however you could use your Xonar D2X if you wanted but external DAC preferred.

Something like Edifier S350DB would probably do you also, these have a DAC inside of them so you can just run optical or digital coax from your PC. The DAC inside the Edifier won't match a good external DAC but still be ok. This Edifier would be the most easy to setup.

The other setups mentioned in this thread are also all valid, it depends on what you what and budget. Some people like 5.1, some like 2.1, some 2.0, there is no right or wrong really.


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I prefer 2.1 for music tbh, thanks for the suggestions
 
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WiiM Amp | Versatile Streaming Amplifier: Stream Elegance, Amplify Brilliance

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For the amp/streamer that's what I'd go for. Unless you want a regular stereo integrated amp with external streamer.

For speakers you need to demo a few brands, Kef, B&W, Monitor Audio, Q Acoustics, Arendel, Focal, Wharfedale, Fyne etc just a few brands.
 
Studio monitors plus sub isn’t a bad call but defo demo a few brands.

I settled on Kef LSX II LT speakers earlier this year, paired with Kef’s Kube 8 sub. My office isn’t a big room, maybe 20 sq m, but the Kef’s sound great and the bass…Speakers are connected to pc via spdif on soundblaster z or I can stream from phone/laptop over bt or wifi. Kef app also has support for a load of subscription streaming services plus radio.
 
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Studio monitors plus sub isn’t a bad call but defo demo a few brands.

I settled on Kef LSX II LT speakers earlier this year, paired with Kef’s Kube 8 sub. My office isn’t a big room, maybe 20 sq m, but the Kef’s sound great and the bass…Speakers are connected to pc via spdif on soundblaster z or I can stream from phone/laptop over bt or wifi. Kef app also has support for a load of subscription streaming services plus radio.
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If you have the option of high passing the speakers , worth it for little speakers like that
 
Yes you can do that in the app, either letting it automatically detect the sub and apply a preset or setting it yourself (and creating your own preset). I initially used the auto selection then over time have tweaked it so it sounds where I want it. There's also settings for proximity to a wall and having them on the desktop (which mine are but raised to just below ear level when I'm seated). HP is at 105Hz with 1dB on the treble and -3dB on the sub gain using 'less' as the bass extension option. You get all the bass (down to ~30Hz which is the sub's limit) without it muddying the kick.
 
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