I'm a student who is starting college next year, and I'm looking to get together a 2-channel system with my laptop (or desktop) as the primary source component. I'm planning on getting a USB soundcard along the lines of an E-MU 0202 USB to feed my headphones and also feed the yet to be built 2 channel rig.

My first “stereo” was and is an Aiwa 5.1ch shelf system. I only used the two channel components of it since the center and surround speakers were single driver plastic boxes. It mostly gets used as a headphone jack for my Senn HD555's fed optical SPDIF by my desktop.

I need help deciding on every component of the system that comes after the source (computer and soundcard). To save money I am considering using a pro-audio mixer like this (http://www.behringer.com/502/index.cfm?lang=eng) as a preamp. Does that sound plausible?

For speakers I'm not sure what to do. I think I want to go 2.1 with 2 towers and build a DIY sub. I am perfectly willing to DIY the sub, but I'm not interested in going DIY on the speakers. I'm not sure what I would do about the crossover for the sub and speakers though.

Anyway, if anyone could comment on using the mixer, and give me some advice for speakers and stuff that would be great. I don't really have a set budget. I'm working this summer but I'm not really sure how much I will end up making. I'd really like to keep things as inexpensive as possible so I'll have more beer money.

Thanks,
Oline61

I used to have an Aiwa 5.1 system too... sounds like it might have been the same model or very similar. The center/surrounds speakers were pretty awful...

If you are using a sound card I don't see why you will need a pre-amp. You will need an amplifier, yes, but the preamp would only be necessary if you are wanting to hook up other source equipment like CD player, phono, etc. As long as you aren't trying to play music extremely loud, you can get a pretty decent stereo amplifier for around $100. Sherwood has some affordable stereo receivers, or if you don't need the remote control you could look at getting a cheap integrated amplifier instead. If you want something that's a step above and still has that pro-audio flavor, check out the Behringer A500 amp. If you don't mind fan noise, Nady has some very cheap power amps.

There are some good floorstanding choices that don't cost a lot of money; do some searching here on the forum. I used the Athena Technologies brand for quite a while but there are the usual suspects like JBL, Klipsch, Polk, Infinity, Boston Acoustics, etc. Also some internet direct brands... av123 has the X-SLS tower speakers that don't cost a whole lot.

Inexpensive is the usually the best way to go for college gear that may or may not get accidentally damaged at parties, etc. Are you going to be staying in a dormitory or in an apartment, etc?

I used to have an Aiwa 5.1 system too... sounds like it might have been the same model or very similar. The center/surrounds speakers were pretty awful...
Neat, I have an NSX-DS50. What model was yours?

If you are using a sound card I don't see why you will need a pre-amp. You will need an amplifier, yes, but the preamp would only be necessary if you are wanting to hook up other source equipment like CD player, phono, etc. As long as you aren't trying to play music extremely loud, you can get a pretty decent stereo amplifier for around $100. Sherwood has some affordable stereo receivers, or if you don't need the remote control you could look at getting a cheap integrated amplifier instead. If you want something that's a step above and still has that pro-audio flavor, check out the Behringer A500 amp. If you don't mind fan noise, Nady has some very cheap power amps.
Thanks for this information. I hadn't thought about that. I guess if I get an E-MU 0404USB I could use it to control the volume and feed it's outputs directly into a power amp. I think I could even do a balanced connection if the amplifier supports it (the A500 looks promising). Would I need to get a cleanbox?

I would also really like to go 2.1, because I'm really not seeing speakers with the bass extension that I would like at the prices I can afford. What could I do about adding a subwoofer to this system?

There are some good floorstanding choices that don't cost a lot of money; do some searching here on the forum. I used the Athena Technologies brand for quite a while but there are the usual suspects like JBL, Klipsch, Polk, Infinity, Boston Acoustics, etc. Also some internet direct brands... av123 has the X-SLS tower speakers that don't cost a whole lot.
All of those brands have very similar products in my price range. None of them seem like they will offer the kind of bass output I want. I plan to play this system loud whenever I can, and I'm thinking any of these floorstanders would be able to handle good volumes with a sub crossed around 80hz, right? I'll have to wait and see how I can add a subwoofer to this system before I have a good idea what I want in a speaker. Thanks for all the recommendations.

Inexpensive is the usually the best way to go for college gear that may or may not get accidentally damaged at parties, etc. Are you going to be staying in a dormitory or in an apartment, etc?
I'll be staying in a dorm, but I'm attending college in my hometown, within 30 minutes of my house, so the system will probably reside at least in part at home. It will probably move around quite a bit, and used at parties.

Thanks for all your help,
Oline61

It was the NSX-DS55. Came with an included Aiwa 50w sub, I think the DS50 was the one without sub, right?

It was the NSX-DS55. Came with an included Aiwa 50w sub, I think the DS50 was the one without sub, right?
Yeah, I don't really remember much about the purchase. My system says DS50, but I also have the 50-watt sub. I think Best Buy may have given me the sub free with the DS50 on some package deal or something. Those surround speakers sure are something though!

I'm leaning strongly towards ordering an E-MU 0404USB and 2 Polk R50's from Frys ($69.99 each!) tonight. Then I'll decide on the amp. May look for a QSC RMX850 or an A500 on e-bay.

Maybe the bestbuy insignias would be a good option for you.

Remember where you're getting advice - majority of avsforum "advisors" are not college students who have forgotten what it means to have little $$.

In your case, I'd stick with headphones - you don't want to be getting into speakers - they will probably get trashed/jacked during college. Just don't ruin your hearing for the rest of your life by cranking the headphones/earphones too loud.

- Steve O.

Pioneer Elite has an integrated amp for $200 new...

Cambridge Audio at $350???

Or, get a Denon stereo receiver...

...add a pair of bookshelfs.

In your case, I'd stick with headphones - you don't want to be getting into speakers - they will probably get trashed/jacked during college. Just don't ruin your hearing for the rest of your life by cranking the headphones/earphones too loud.

- Steve O.
Unfortunately I am going to ruin my ears blasting music into them if I don't have some speakers to listen to :D. I blew about $140 on a pair of Polk R50's, so no big deal if they get trashed. I'm just trying to keep the budget as tight as possible so I have more beer money.

Pioneer Elite has an integrated amp for $200 new...

Cambridge Audio at $350???

Or, get a Denon stereo receiver...

...add a pair of bookshelfs.
Thanks for the recommendations. Right now I'm leaning towards using a pro-amp with an E-MU 0404USB as my preamp (because I'll have to buy that to hook up my source PC anyway), but I will definitely check out that Pioneer and look at Denon's offerings.

I used a Behringer mixer as a pre for a long time. It is certainly a decent budget setup. In fact now I still have a Yamaha mixer above my pre. While I like the ability to keep it out of my signal path for certain listening, I don't think you can buy a better preamp anywhere near the price range.

Alright, I have a pair of R50's with me now, wires and banana plugs on the way, it's time to take care of the rest of the system. I'm ready to pull the trigger on an E-MU 0404USB for my computer interface/pre-amp and a Nady XA-300 as my power amplifier. I will run balanced 1/4" TRS connectors between the 0404USB and the XA300.

Nady XA-300 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-XA300-Stereo-Power-Amplifier?sku=482059)
E-MU 0404USB (http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=15185)

Will this provide an improvement in sound fidelity over my AIWA shelf system when driving the R50's? Does anyone see any problems with this setup or have a better idea for what I should get? I'm still pretty new to this stuff and I want to make sure I do everything right and get as much bang for my buck as possible.

Thanks for your help,
Oline61

Unfortunately I am going to ruin my ears blasting music into them if I don't have some speakers to listen to :D. I blew about $140 on a pair of Polk R50's, so no big deal if they get trashed. I'm just trying to keep the budget as tight as possible so I have more beer money.


Thanks for the recommendations. Right now I'm leaning towards using a pro-amp with an E-MU 0404USB as my preamp (because I'll have to buy that to hook up my source PC anyway), but I will definitely check out that Pioneer and look at Denon's offerings.


You dont care it 140 dollar speakers get trashed? :( I'm shocked when any of my speakers get trashed because that means the death knell to all Audiophiles

*no speakers* :eek:

I didn't say I don't care, just that it's not a big deal. I have backup speakers (albeit crappy ones), and I have a nice pair of cans. I really don't foresee the speakers getting trashed though. I've been to many crazy parties, but never one where a pair of speakers got trashed.

I didn't say I don't care, just that it's not a big deal. I have backup speakers (albeit crappy ones), and I have a nice pair of cans. I really don't foresee the speakers getting trashed though. I've been to many crazy parties, but never one where a pair of speakers got trashed.

Some people throw speakers out windows! Now thats truly hair raising. Or worse Setting speakers on fire. :eek: I have heard about people kicking in woofers and overdriving speakers at parties. :(

One point needs to be brought up: before you buy anything, check out your living situation.

On another forum, it was discussed how stuff gets stolen from dorms; from bad room-mates to taking your stuff to bad friends taking your stuff to dumb room-mates not locking the door when they are not in the room.

One guy went to pee; and, someone stole his chair.

A CHAIR!!!

Keep it basic (such as a simple integrated amp or stereo reciever)...

...it's a small room; not, a club.

It has to last four years; then, you can buy nicer stuff.

You probably can run a subwoofer beneath the speakers. Something like the Dayton 12" (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?DID=7&PartNumber=300-635) would be sufficient for low budget dorm subwoofer.

Use a radio shack SPL meter, find out how the Polks bass response looks like below 100hz, and when the Polks drop out, set the subwoofer crossover there. Take another measurement with the subwoofer enabled, and play around with the phase and crossover to get a smooth transition, and you are all set.

Oh, and if you are worried about stuff getting stolen, get a good renter's insurance and a webcam security setup. Usually pretty inexpensive...

You cold get one otf those Sony Monster Mini Stereo's ! Because it can NEVER be too loud!
It can Never have too much bass.