Need a little help getting started.

G3n3R@1

Up until now I've been ignorant about sound. I'm only 17 and havn't had much time to hear any decent sound systems. I'm sure it doesn't help that I don't know anyone with one either. Up until a few days ago I had what I thought to be a good sound system. KLH 100wpc reciever and some KLH 3-way speakers with 12" woofers. I was/is a bass lover and thats what it had. Sadly the POS reciever went out on me so I was forced to get a new one. I went to hhgregg with my friend and picked up an Onkyo TX-8222 reciever. The difference just in the reciever alone was astonishing. Really brought the KLH speakers to life if thats even possible:p . My friend picked up a pair of Polk R300s for $80 a piece at hhgregg and they sounded great. So with the extra cash I had I went and picked up a pair. TALK ABOUT A DIFFERENCE. Obviously this isn't a system to brag about but for me it was a HUGE difference. The bass isn't as loud but they still pack a punch and are 100x smoother and cleaner. The highs are crisp, clean, and much fuller. From what I've been reading around here on the forums I can tell it gets a whole lot better. Being 17 and all I obviously don't have alot of $$$ to blow on a sound system. So what I'm getting to for the time being is: are there any enhancements that I can accomplish on a low budget? I'm open to getting new speakers/receiver. Just not sure where to start since I'm completely new to the idea of nice sound systems:cool: . Appreciate any help and patience because I know noobs tend to be annoying:rolleyes: .

engtaz

Fry's online sells Polk R50's for a good price now and then. The guys and gals on this forum vary greatly in age, lifestyle, and interest. They are always good about giving helpful advice. Do you know if you want just 2 channel audio with or without sub? 50 watts a channel is not that much to drive better speakers that are out there.
Just give everybody a 1,2,& 3 points of where you think you want to go with audio and what is the 1st on your list of wants.

engtaz

G3n3R@1

Well, I plan to stick with 2ch. Not so sure about having a sub or not. Is it really beneficial for the extra bass? I like bass:) haha. 50w is the minimum it puts out. It should be 70wpc(still not much). I want a system that just over all sounds good. Loud, crisp, smooth heavy bass that doesn't distort, I listen to tons of music so it'll get its use. Plus I want to impress people .

read-alot

Take your time, listen to as many different systems as you're able to.

read-alot and make your own educated decisions on the next step.

It's a fun trip that never ends so enjoy the ride and remember take your time.

steveinaz

G3
Hit the "used" audio on the Polk Flea market, audiogon or ebay and get more bang for your buck. Later on, when you have more money coming in, you can start to upgrade. Get a nice receiver, some good bookshelf speakers and a good CD player. Don't sweat little stuff like high-end cables and such for now; save that for later.

Out on my patio I have a 60 watt (or so) Yamaha receiver ($35 used), a Toshiba DVDP ($25 used), and a pair of Energy C-3 speakers ($150 used); it sounds very nice. Just as an example. All of this bought right here, in the Polk Flea market.

G3n3R@1

I've been paying attention to whats been used and for sale. I know not to worry too much about the wires and what not. I just have standard 16AWG oxygen free copper wire. I guess a more specific question I can ask is: what speakers would be considered a worth while upgrade? I can sell what I have now obviously to help make up for the cost. If I'm considering upgrading speakers should I get a higher power reciever? As previously stated 50wpc(minimum) 70wpc@8ohms may not cut it for higher end speakers though.


OH btw. G3n3R@1=General

danger boy

G3 welcome to Club Polk... you are on the right track to setting up a good system for yourself. YOu can already identify good or better sounding audio. not many people with little experience can tell the difference some times.

Like SteveinAZ said.. the used market is where you'll find the better deals. Nearly all my gear over the years has been used.. Also look in your local area as well.

If your Onkyo has pre out's, then you can add a two channel amp to drive your speakers.. that will also increase the quality of sound.

From what i'm reading of what you said... sounds like you really enjoy bass. IF that's the case.. the floorstanding speakers will often times give you the best bass.

steveinaz

G3n3R@1 wrote:

I've been paying attention to whats been used and for sale. I know not to worry too much about the wires and what not. I just have standard 16AWG oxygen free copper wire. I guess a more specific question I can ask is: what speakers would be considered a worth while upgrade? I can sell what I have now obviously to help make up for the cost. If I'm considering upgrading speakers should I get a higher power reciever? As previously stated 50wpc(minimum) 70wpc@8ohms may not cut it for higher end speakers though.
OH btw. G3n3R@1=General

It's OK to power speakers with lower rated amps as long as you don't push the amp real hard. That's when clipping will happen and tweeters will get smoked. Just be reasonable with the volume control until you can get more clean power.

As far as speaker choices, depends on your budget. There's tons of great choices out there for bookshelf speakers.

G3n3R@1

I don't believe it has pre-outs. Guess I should probly look into something else. For oh lets say at around the 200$ range what would work well? After I heard the bass from the R300s I realized the rear port is what helps it quite a bit.

-Would bookshelf speakers be a better choice than floor-standing?

steveinaz

$200 bucks will buy you a nice set of speaks on the used market. I got my Energy C-3's ($600/pr retail) for a $150. Keep your eye on the flea market.

G3n3R@1

Well what I'm getting is: a speaker upgrade would be more beneficial than a new reciever/amp. I suppose I may try to get a set of better speakers then worry about a reciever w/pre-outs and a nice 2ch amp.

steveinaz

The Onkyo is fine. Pick up some speakers and watch for a decent CD player, you'll be on your way...

G3n3R@1

I have an older Mintek DVD player. Sufficient? Seems to sound pretty decent. Most of my music comes in MP3 form from my laptop.

steveinaz

It'll work for now, really depends on how serious you want to get into it.

G3n3R@1

Well I would say I have an itch developing. You guys aren't helping any:p !

tonyb

Check your local Craiglist too.....lots of good deals there.

G3n3R@1

Thanks for all the advice guys I REALLY appreciate it. I'm at work right now and turns out my boss has a pair of Technics SB-A33 speakers in the basement. He's letting me take them home and try them out. Not sure how good they are, won't know until after 8. Anyone have an opinion on them?