Need some options for better audio

[ScarisRacer]

Confession. I'm a bit of an audiophile. Actually, I'm a proper audio snob. For example, I've got Q Acoustics 2000i series speakers for my home cinema system. And the overall sound quality of them are spectacular.

However, here is my current PC setup (sorry about the low quality)

 

As you can see, it too has a surround sound system. All of which is on the desk. So, of course, I'm not using the 5.1 speakers to their full potential. And they're a cheap own-brand set from Currys.

What I would like is a 2.0 or 2.1 system instead, that have a much better quality of sound overall. But I really don't know how to go about this. Do I either:

 

A. Get a dedicated internal sound card, and then get some new speakers later on (either active 2.0 or the 2.1).

B. Get an external DAC, then the speakers.

C. Look for one of those mini desktop amplifiers that will allow me to wire up some passive speakers, like what I have on my home cinema.

 

Either will give a much cleaner and less cluttered look.

 

Cheers everyone

[ShearMe]

You don't NEED a soundcard or DAC unless your onboard is truly horrendous - get the speakers first mang.

 

LP-2020A+ Lepai amp is about all that's needed for passive speakers in small spaces.

[ScarisRacer]

You don't NEED a soundcard or DAC unless your onboard is truly horrendous - get the speakers first mang.

 

LP-2020A+ Lepai amp is about all that's needed for passive speakers in small spaces.

Onboard isn't great for me, nothing sounds natural.

[ShearMe]

Onboard isn't great for me, nothing sounds natural.

 

Is that because of onboard, or because of the shitty speakers/placement? 

[ScarisRacer]

Is that because of onboard, or because of the shitty speakers/placement? 

 

Both I'd say. But that said, I wasn't too bad, though not perfect on my old PC.

[ShearMe]

Both I'd say. But that said, I wasn't too bad, though not perfect on my old PC.

 

Buying speakers first, you will know quickly whether or not you like them, regardless of source. Buying a new source first, you're still stuck with your less than optimal speakers.

[ScarisRacer]

Buying speakers first, you will know quickly whether or not you like them, regardless of source. Buying a new source first, you're still stuck with your less than optimal speakers.

Ok then, in terms of the speakers, I'm not sure whether to go for something like this.

 

Or this

 

Or even pairing two of these

with something like this

[ShearMe]

 

 

 

Generally you want to stay away from anything marketed towards "PC use" as they aren't really designed with audio quality in mind so much as size and aesthetics. We like to recommend "bookshelf speakers" as they're usually small enough for PC use while still attempting to achieve good sound. You can always add a subwoofer later if you decide you need more boom, but bookshelf speakers often produce enough bass for small rooms on their own. Q-Acoustics seems like a good brand if you need small stuff, but I've no idea what that last picture is - a DAC? An amp?

 

The elephant in the room, of course, is your room - that triangular roof might limit your options due to the space it takes away. When you position your speakers, the ideal setup is away from the wall and corners, forming an equilateral triangle with your head, and angled in towards your head.

[ScarisRacer]

Generally you want to stay away from anything marketed towards "PC use" as they aren't really designed with audio quality in mind so much as size and aesthetics. We like to recommend "bookshelf speakers" as they're usually small enough for PC use while still attempting to achieve good sound. You can always add a subwoofer later if you decide you need more boom, but bookshelf speakers often produce enough bass for small rooms on their own. Q-Acoustics seems like a good brand if you need small stuff, but I've no idea what that last picture is - a DAC? An amp?

 

The elephant in the room, of course, is your room - that triangular roof might limit your options due to the space it takes away. When you position your speakers, the ideal setup is away from the wall and corners, forming an equilateral triangle with your head, and angled in towards your head.

 

That last picture is the Audioengine N22 desktop amp. I was thinking about wiring up a pair of the Q Acoustics 2010i bookshelf speakers (the walnut ones). I actually have 4 of these for my home cinema system, along with a 2000Ci centre and 2070Si subwoofer. The quality is absolutely phenomenal!

 

The 2010i requires between 15-75W to power them. The N22 outputs 22W RMS/40W peak per channel. This audio setup might be a rather pleasing combination.

[ShearMe]

That last picture is the Audioengine N22 desktop amp. I was thinking about wiring up a pair of the Q Acoustics 2010i bookshelf speakers (the walnut ones). I actually have 4 of these for my home cinema system, along with a 2000Ci centre and 2070Si subwoofer. The quality is absolutely phenomenal!

 

The 2010i requires between 15-75W to power them. The N22 outputs 22W RMS/40W peak per channel. This audio setup might be a rather pleasing combination.

 

Audioengine products are nice... but slightly overpriced for the performance. One of those apple-type scenarios. Your decision there, but I'd definitely say grabbing a small amp and at least trying out the speakers in that space would be a good idea.

[ScarisRacer]

Here's something I've found from an audio specialist. This company, Audiovisual Online, are offering this bundle deal. A pair of the 2010i speakers and a Marantz M-CR510 Hi-Fi Mini-System. This is compact enough to fit on my desk nicely.

 

Total price - £300 (saving me £95). Link: http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/bundle/408/

 

Would this be any good?

[ShearMe]

Here's something I've found from an audio specialist. This company, Audiovisual Online, are offering this bundle deal. A pair of the 2010i speakers and a Marantz M-CR510 Hi-Fi Mini-System. This is compact enough to fit on my desk nicely.

 

Total price - £300 (saving me £95). Link: http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/bundle/408/

 

Would this be any good?

 

Only if you need those fancy features on the receiver, or like how nice it looks. I wouldn't choose it due to the lack of analog volume control.

[ScarisRacer]

Only if you need those fancy features on the receiver, or like how nice it looks. I wouldn't choose it due to the lack of analogue volume control.

True, and a fair point. Also, I did a bit more research on that compact amp in that link you posted and ones similar to it. While those amps themselves are fine, the power supply that is shipped with them for the UK market are illegal. They didn't meet the British Standard requirement. So I'm going to have to avoid them for those legal safety reasons. Sorry about that.

 

I might go for the Audioengine N22 as it will be enough for me (and it's smaller than the Marantz receiver). Audiovisual Online is one of their official resellers. And I'll add some 2010i speakers to it.

 

Thank you for all of your advice

[ShearMe]

True, and a fair point. Also, I did a bit more research on that compact amp in that link you posted and ones similar to it. While those amps themselves are fine, the power supply that is shipped with them for the UK market are illegal. They didn't meet the British Standard requirement. So I'm going to have to avoid them for those legal safety reasons. Sorry about that.

 

Interesting, I knew the PSUs were sub-par, but had no idea they were blatantly illegal.

[ScarisRacer]

Interesting, I knew the PSUs were sub-par, but had no idea they were blatantly illegal.

They are in the UK for definite. And dangerous.

[TW1ST3R]

Ok then, in terms of the speakers, I'm not sure whether to go for something like this.

-snip-

Those Logitechs are pretty rubbish tbh especially if you're an audiophile.  My brother has them, the subwoofer is pretty decent, but the speakers themselves are pretty terrible in comparison, they sound pretty cheap and tinny.  I really don't recommend them at all, you could almost certainly find something better for that price.

 

Even though it'll likely be more expensive, investing in a decent pair of bookshelf speakers either passive with amp or active would deliver significantly better quality for the price you pay.  That being said, I can't really recommend anything as my entire audio system is cannibalised from various family member's unwanted things (I have an old Panasonic stereo system which is way better than the majority of 'affordable' things on the market today like those Logitechs you mentioned), so I haven't done much research on the topic other than research on headphones and DACs.

[ScarisRacer]

Those Logitechs are pretty rubbish tbh especially if you're an audiophile.  My brother has them, the subwoofer is pretty decent, but the speakers themselves are pretty terrible in comparison, they sound pretty cheap and tinny.  I really don't recommend them at all, you could almost certainly find something better for that price.

OK, so avoid those options, especially from a high-street retailer.

 

Even though it'll likely be more expensive, investing in a decent pair of bookshelf speakers either passive with amp or active would deliver significantly better quality for the price you pay.

This could be the best option for me. Seeing as I did try a pair of the 2010i speakers on my home cinema system last night on their own (after disabling the centre, surround and subwoofer) with some Two Steps From Hell and they sounded amazing!! There was bass there, but I didn't punch me in the face like a sub would. It was clean, crisp and clear.

[Oktyabr]

Headphones.  Problem solved

[ScarisRacer]

Headphones.  Problem solved

That might be some other time.

[ScarisRacer]

I think I've made my mind up. Once I've got things sorted out, the Q Acoustics BT3 active speakers will be my audio upgrade, in black.