2Ch Desktop System

dipiazza

Hey guys ive been thinking about getting a decent 2ch setup for a while now and im trying to iron our some option to go listen to this summer.

I like mostly Rock music, but also like some occasional lounge, or a movie soundtracks (orchestra). Id like to keep the system pretty small, with the speakers as bookshelves and not too huge as id like to set them directly on my desk.

Some considerations i was having were for the Parasond Zcustom series. theyre real small and freakin cool. I was wondering if you all thing the 45watts per ch is enough from the Zamp. I guess my speaker choice would greatly affect that answer so feel free to reccomend other options.

My budget would be around $1200 i think at most.

What would you do? Thanks!

-Jake

dorokusai

Why not an Integrated Amp and Bookshelves? Do you need a source? The Parasound Z series is cool, but I'd work on something else. You could have a real nice rig for way less than $1200.

dipiazza

I could also go for an integrated. i threw out the parasound just cause i think they look cool.

what would you go for? i would rather spend as little as possible. the $1200 was basically a super high end option. low ball it.

Right i am using my computer as a source, but im realizing that it would really be a pointless upgrade if i wasnt upgrading my source. my computer as a source is pretty low quality. so i guess a CDP would be necissary.\

Thanks

dorokusai

I use my computer for a secondary rig and it works just fine....even plays DVD-A. It's probably my favorite rig simply due to the fact I get to hear it more than the main systems.

There are way too many cool bookshelves for me to start this game. This is the perfect opportunity to play with some gear and get your ears on all kinds of stuff.

Anything under $500 in the used Integrated and/or Bookends(Monitors) bracket would be fun. www.audiogon.com

Schris22

I don't like them for music...well for the softer kind of music, but def tech makes some monitors with or without powered subs if you like it. A lot of people like them for rock music.

I'm looking into bookshelves...My computer speaker uses Energy C-3's from audioadvisor.com but I don't think they are there anymore.


Chris

dipiazza

Thanks for the help. An new sound card is what i would like to upgrade.

Only problem is im using a laptop so that significantly limits me. Right now i use the M-Audio Sonica Theater. its bearable but doesnt really do it for me.

Got any ideas for a usb sound card?

dorokusai

Well, aside from the rhetoric, just remember that there are ALL KINDS of gear to play with. I would suggest you be different and not listen to this place at all. If you want to have fun with audio, take a chance, as that's what keeps it fresh. If you want to buy everyone elses' old ideas, rock on.

dipiazza

i see they also make the emu-1616, the usb version...

would that be equal?

dipiazza

Hey, i was checking this out on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9716602510&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

do you think there would be any kind of problem using the outlets in the USA as it is from the UK? should i just stay away from getting things from overseas?

faster100

what program from the computer do you use to play the music? just the windows player? I have a small tube amp and passive pre id like to setup on the computer for fun.. whats different from the sound card mentioned and say my Nforce integrated i have built in.. just curious

dipiazza

It depends on what kind of files im playing. Typically i just use Winamp beacuse its simple and runs lite.

The M-audio sound card i have pretty much only serves the purpose of supplying me with a didgital coax out. for Movies or audio encoded in 5.1 etc.

Im trying to figure out what sound card would be the best also... M-audio works. and its cheap, hence i have it, think i paid around $50 new on ebay. i used to have the creative audigy 2zs, didnt like it at all. very intrusive.

Im still not satisfied with my M-audio but for now... it works. Good luck!

dipiazza

Looking at this integrated on Ebay... 4 hours left! hope i get it!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9718472035&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Looks to be in awesome condition!