New sound system

thepeganator · 19 May 2010 at 13:15

Got about £200ish to spend on a new sound system, my stereo is going and I have some birthday money (today woo).

Not really got any idea about what to get, was looking at the z5500s but have heard you can build better by buying second hand and self assembling?

Pointers or "buy this" would be good, pretty clueless on audio.

Have an X-Fi Fata1ty as my sound card.

Budget can be stretched if needed probably!

Marsman · 19 May 2010 at 14:56

First of all, what will your main use be for this sound system?

Are you hoping to get surround sound, or are you willing to go stereo?

If you are hoping to go surround, it might be worth doing what another user has done. Bought a 2nd hand AV receiver, and got 2 bookshelf speakers. You can get both for around £200, but the beauty is you can add surround speakers and a subwoofer at a later date. You will get much better quality that way than if you just go for an all in one 5.1 system like the Z5500's.

Another option would be to buy a stereo amplifier and 2 bookshelf speakers. Again you could add a subwoofer at a later date.

Kurisu Makise · 19 May 2010 at 22:20

Marsman said:
Another option would be to buy a stereo amplifier and 2 bookshelf speakers. Again you could add a subwoofer at a later date.

yeah go with this

Tannoy custom f1 are only £120 a pair

thepeganator · 20 May 2010 at 15:43

Was looking for surround, but am open to having that at a later date.

What sort of thing should I be looking for second hand if I go that route?

Had stereo before and am looking to move away from that.

Will be used for gaming music and watching x264 tv shows, an equal mixture of all really.

Marsman · 22 May 2010 at 02:59

Ok, It would be best to look at getting an AV receiver and 2 bookshelf speakers, you can add centre, subwoofer and rears at a later date. If you want to get everything in one go, for £200 it's not going to happen I'm afraid, your only option would be to go with the Z5500's, but they are expensive at the moment. Onkyo, Sony, Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, all good makers of AV receivers. If you can get an AV receiver for £120-£150, then possibly stretch to £100 for the speakers. If you are willing to pick up buys locally, or in your area, you can get some fantastic buys. A user on here managed to get Wharfedale Diamond 8 speakers including a subwoofer for a paltry £35 or thereabouts. Guest2, got some B&W 603 floorstanding speakers for £90, local pickup. I have seen those go for £300 when delivery is offered.