2Ch Desktop System

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dipiazza
dipiazza Posts: 363
edited May 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
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
Terps Swimming!
HT Setup
TV: Vizio VX32L
Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
Fronts: Polk R50s
Surounds: Polk R30s
Center: Polk R20's
Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

2CH Setup
Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

Headphones
Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

Other Stuff in Use
Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
Post edited by dipiazza on
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Comments

  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited April 2006
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    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.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited April 2006
    Options
    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
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited April 2006
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    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
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Schris22
    Schris22 Posts: 983
    edited April 2006
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    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
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR502-S
    DVD Player: Pioneer DV-578A-S
    Left and Right: R50
    Center: CS1
    Rear Center: R15
    Surrounds: R30
    Subwoofer: 10'' Dayton 100 Watt
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  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited April 2006
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    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?
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited April 2006
    Options
    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.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited April 2006
    Options
    i see they also make the emu-1616, the usb version...

    would that be equal?
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited April 2006
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    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?
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited April 2006
    Options
    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
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited April 2006
    Options
    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!
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited May 2006
    Options
    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!
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter