Suggestions for a good amp/receiver & speaker system

[kindofblue]

OK AudiophilesI would request you folks to pour in some suggestions on a good audio system for my entertainment rig(aka my PC). I dont want to settle in for generic Altec lansings/creatives but I can't afford anything as flashy as an onkyo home theater either. This is purely for music purposes, so I would prefer a good amp or a receiver coupled with good speakers like Polk(or cheaper alternatives). Anyone had experience building such a system?

 

[manu1991]

For speakers id recommend these :
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/211&cl=in,en

a real good buy at 5.6k

 

[kindofblue]

I'll check out reviews for those, but arent they a little similar to the ubiquitous 5.1 speakers? Will they for example clearly reproduce bass solos in jazz pieces or have the clarity while playing symbals in a metal album?

 

[netfreak]

If you are looking for HiFi Music (instead of video games/ DvD Movies) then such a rig will cost you ~12k in addition to your PC.There are shops in that sell such rigs (with Hi Def Karaoke) to those willing to enter Audio business but do not have $$$ yet. These shops are in Andheri/Bandra area in Mumbai (arguably the place to be for commercial Audio).Instead of run of the mill sound card, you will need a sound card that give higher output (and beefy SMPS to drive that), USB sound card can be another option.Other then that these shops sell integrated Amp + Drier units for ~8k.This setup is strictly Hi Fidelity Stereo [they do not even try emulating 2.1 or 5.1 format].

 

[kindofblue]

Thanks Netfreak. Could you possibly have more info? Since I dont live in Mumbai, I'll have to search for equivalent stuff in my own city. What specs must I typically look for, what kind of speakers, how much RMS etc.. (I am merely a music freak rather than a person vying to do something commercial)The sound card bit came as a surprise to me since most modern mbo's ship with 7.1 onboard sound and I was under the impression that those might suffice. Though 12k doesn't sound too bad....

 

[netfreak]

I will try to fond out from ppl I know in that Industry.Regarding sound cards in PC, they are quite good but problem is with "line out", its weak and Amp will end up adding noise due to that.You want some card that has Optical in/out ports and has a good SNR. That ways, Amp will get exactly the same signal that CD drive generates.OTOH if source of Music is MP3 / some other compressed Audio then all this might not help at all, Fidelity is lost on most compression anyways.

 

[viralbug]

firstly, you need a good sound card, like a creative x-fi, to go with the speakers you would buy. it would make absolutely no sense in using a high quality speaker system with onboard sound.
i am no audiophile and i cant really give you any suggestions and im not sure how many there are on this forum. but i can tell you there are a few guys on Techenclave who can give you a good advice on this.

 

[firearm12]

Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Elite Pro --Soundcard
Onkyo TX-NR 1000 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver
Onkyo RDA 7.1 Power Amplifier
Wisdom Audio Infinite Grande Speakers


Can it get better than this