View Full Version : Speakers for party music (fraternity)


sypher
12-11-07, 10:16 PM
Hey everyone,
Its the time of my college life that I have joined a fraternity. Our house has a pretty nice setup in our rec rooms with JBL's and Crown amps, but I am in need of some help. I have my own "party room" which is somewhat small, but needs to absolutly thump. Currently myself and my roommate are thinking of getting a Klipsch Sub-12 for the sub, but past that we are at a loss.

Can someone make a suggestion for speakers and an amp to power the whole setup. The speakers must be somewhat small, bookshelf size, and a good price, remember I am in college. Also the amp doesnt need to be anything special, it wont be hooked up to a TV or anything, just to power the speakers and send a signal to the sub. The key is they must be powerful enough to rock out a small room, say 15x20, and be robust enough to do this on a weekly basis, all while keeping the cost to a minimal. Let me know what you think, thanks in advance everyone!

-Nick

kunuggs
12-11-07, 10:22 PM
You've been here 2.5 years and it took you this long to post? Dang
Why don't you throw out a budget for everything and we'll go from there. I assume you want floorstanding speakers just b/c bookshelf speakers could easily be knocked off a stand? Even better yet, maybe you should think about wall mounting them above a height where stray, drunken fingers couldn't hurt them. But ya, give us a budget for the receiver, speakers, sub and wiring.

sypher
12-11-07, 10:28 PM
haha, yeah, I have been here a while. I actually had another account that I used. I do want bookshelf because I will mount them along the ceiling. I'm looking at 2 or 4 speakers. I know that I have the Klipsch Quintet III at home, and its a nice set, but I dont know if they can handle the volume im looking at playing. There will be other rooms blasting music too, so its important to be able to drown them out as well. Wiring isnt a problem, I can get 100ft or monster for $10. I would like to spend less than $400 on the amp and speakers, but i dont know if thats possible. We are spending alot on the sub, since we all know in a dance party, big bass is important.

6SpeedTA95
12-11-07, 10:48 PM
well if you want loud you might look at klipsch RF52s...the speakers will soak your whole budget though :(

PR Audio
12-11-07, 10:56 PM
You want loud, you want to party, you want to abuse them...You just want to have fun. As a former DJ during my HS and College days, I know what you are talking about. I remember when I use to hang Peavy's from the ceiling or have them in my room with their stands; they were ugly, big, and annoyingly loud...Cool!

But, in your case you want something smaller, that does not occupy much space. Two sure bets:

Cerwin Vega CLS-6 ($200.00 pair)

Klipsch RB-61 or RB-51 (between $250.00 to $325.00 pair)

I think these choices will survive your environment.

sypher
12-11-07, 11:09 PM
What kind of sound quality am I going to get from the Cerwin's? They look appealing with great power handling, 125RMS, but do they sound terrible?

PR Audio
12-11-07, 11:35 PM
What kind of sound quality am I going to get from the Cerwin's? They look appealing with great power handling, 125RMS, but do they sound terrible?

Found great pricing for them, and customer reviews, all rated them 5 out of 5 (perfect score)

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Cerwin-Vega-CLS-6-6.5-inch-2-way-Bookshelf-Speaker/2119896/product.html#custreviews

From my DJ days I remember that CV's was a popular speaker brand among bands, DJ's, orchestras, as they sounded good, were tough, and reliable. They have always had great power handling.

sypher
12-11-07, 11:38 PM
These look really nice for what i want to do with them. Now...any suggestions for amps?

PR Audio
12-12-07, 12:02 AM
These look really nice for what i want to do with them. Now...any suggestions for amps?

What is your amp budget, do you also need a pre-amp?

Check this one out: http://www.emotiva.com/bpa1.html No need for pre-amp, just your CD player. Emotive has been highly praised by reviewers and users.

2 X 75W for $130.00

For the same price you might prefer a 2 x 100W Stereo Receiver

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTX8522

sypher
12-12-07, 12:14 AM
a 2 channel is fine. Maybe around 150W per channel. It needs to have a preamp out for the powered sub though.

PR Audio
12-12-07, 12:25 AM
What's your budget for the receiver?

sypher
12-12-07, 12:28 AM
$200-$300

Russdawg
12-12-07, 12:38 AM
These look really nice for what i want to do with them. Now...any suggestions for amps?

Had to delete, I see OP needs amp with sub output...

PR Audio
12-12-07, 12:58 AM
Difficult to find a 150W per channel receiver or amp with sub output for that price.

Check this:

EBay Auction #120193874087

Auction #230202584484

Auction #320194222687

On Ebay just search using keyworks Integrated Amplifier

For this one you will have to research...

PR Audio
12-12-07, 01:00 AM
Had to delete, I see OP needs amp with sub output...

With that budget he might have to get a 100W receiver, which has all that. Or, get an amp, run the speaker cables to the sub, and from the sub to the speakers.

set2374
12-12-07, 01:12 AM
haha, yeah, I have been here a while. I actually had another account that I used. I do want bookshelf because I will mount them along the ceiling. I'm looking at 2 or 4 speakers. I know that I have the Klipsch Quintet III at home, and its a nice set, but I dont know if they can handle the volume im looking at playing. There will be other rooms blasting music too, so its important to be able to drown them out as well. Wiring isnt a problem, I can get 100ft or monster for $10. I would like to spend less than $400 on the amp and speakers, but i dont know if thats possible. We are spending alot on the sub, since we all know in a dance party, big bass is important.

Man, I harkin' back to the good ol' days. This is a party room we are talking about. You don't need refined speakers for dance music. You want b@lls out loud with lots of bass--and since everything is going to get f--ked up, you want to keep it cheap!!!. How big is the room??? You may want to take a look at some used Peavey loudspeakers--DJ's sometimes sell of their old stuff on ebay. If the room is big... but not club big---you might want to check out some Sony SS-F7000 (4-ways with two 8 inch woofers). They are floorstanding, but, believe me, you can still hang them on wall. If you shop around you can find them for around $170 a pair online. They play loud and are not terrible sounding either (we aren't looking for audiophile grade in this application--yes fellow audiophiles, i am not recommending them for your home theater). I would also suggest you grab a Dayton Sub-120 (possibly 2 of them) for a $140 a piece delivered, or to Sub-100's for $105 each. These can pound!! They aren't going to give you refined sound, but they play loud. I would also pick up a Pioneer vsx-517 or Onkyo 505. It should have more than enough juice to power your sony's (which have are pretty efficient speakers) and the daytons have rca outs so you can hook them up in tandem and they are powered by their own 150 watt amps. I think you'll get a LOT of BANG for the buck. You can pick up a refurb Onkyo 505 for $142 online. Refurb Onkyo 505 ($142), Sony SS-F700 ($170 for a pair), Dayton Sub-120 ($140) = $452. I am slightly above your $400 budget, but it will definitely be a great party room. Hope this helps. Good luck.

PR Audio
12-12-07, 02:11 PM
Set, you and I both understood exactly what he is looking for...Read Post #5 on this thread. Different equipment choices, but not bad any of the two.

1. His room is 15' x 20'.

2. He wants an stereo integrated amp or receiver in the 150W range that can also manage a subwoofer. But he doesn't want to spend more than $200.00 to $300.00 for it.

3. He prefers bookshelves. That is why I recommended Cerwin Vega. Even though when I was in college I used to hang my Peavy's from the ceiling with hooks and chains.

swartzy.baby
12-12-07, 02:21 PM
for your amp budget, you could get a Harman Kardon HK3485 stereo receiver in the ~$200 neighborhood, either from eBay or "Harman Audio" (www.harmanaudio.com) in refurb form.

120watts/channel (HK power ratings are supposedly very conservative), subwoofer output, damn sexy.

gspin2k1
12-12-07, 02:24 PM
Hey everyone,
Its the time of my college life that I have joined a fraternity. Our house has a pretty nice setup in our rec rooms with JBL's and Crown amps, but I am in need of some help. I have my own "party room" which is somewhat small, but needs to absolutly thump. Currently myself and my roommate are thinking of getting a Klipsch Sub-12 for the sub, but past that we are at a loss.

Can someone make a suggestion for speakers and an amp to power the whole setup. The speakers must be somewhat small, bookshelf size, and a good price, remember I am in college. Also the amp doesnt need to be anything special, it wont be hooked up to a TV or anything, just to power the speakers and send a signal to the sub. The key is they must be powerful enough to rock out a small room, say 15x20, and be robust enough to do this on a weekly basis, all while keeping the cost to a minimal. Let me know what you think, thanks in advance everyone!

-Nick

Just get some basic speakers, hell even Sonys, and a Sub....save yourself the money..and spend it on the booze/party favors for the many, many girls who will be coming to your frat house for the booze...not the SQ of your music. College...been there, done that...Just being honest man...or take the saved money and spend it on a stripper pole...you'll thank me later ;).

~G

PR Audio
12-12-07, 02:35 PM
...or take the saved money and spend it on a stripper pole...you'll thank me later ;).

~G

Why didn't I gave you that advise before??? This is the most reasonable advise I have heard. 3" 304 SS Polished OD Ornamental Tubing is perfect for this purpose.

Now, all you need is a good and loud stereo/speaker for the full effect.

malovich
12-12-07, 09:37 PM
2-4 of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=179405#CustomerRatings)
and this (http://www.thrillaudio.com/Dj_Equipment_Pro_Audio/Rack_Mount_Amplifers/PYRAMID-PA600X-RB_SAPA600X.html)
mount them in the 4 corners of the room with chains hung from the ceiling....

nostatic13
12-12-07, 09:56 PM
just buy some old used crap. Some idiot is going to get drunk and put his head through the woofer anyway. Or take a razor blade and cut "speed holes" in the tweeter.

craigslist is your friend.

PR Audio
12-12-07, 11:35 PM
2-4 of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=179405#CustomerRatings)
and this (http://www.thrillaudio.com/Dj_Equipment_Pro_Audio/Rack_Mount_Amplifers/PYRAMID-PA600X-RB_SAPA600X.html)
mount them in the 4 corners of the room with chains hung from the ceiling....

As a person who used to do this with Peavy's when in HS and college, I highly recommend this proposed rugged party system.

kansashick
12-13-07, 12:08 AM
haha, yeah, I have been here a while. I actually had another account that I used. I do want bookshelf because I will mount them along the ceiling. I'm looking at 2 or 4 speakers. I know that I have the Klipsch Quintet III at home, and its a nice set, but I dont know if they can handle the volume im looking at playing. There will be other rooms blasting music too, so its important to be able to drown them out as well. Wiring isnt a problem, I can get 100ft or monster for $10. I would like to spend less than $400 on the amp and speakers, but i dont know if thats possible. We are spending alot on the sub, since we all know in a dance party, big bass is important.

Actually, it probably does not matter since it sounds like you may not remain in college for very long given the living environment that you describe. :)

Jeremy112
12-13-07, 10:08 AM
Well I can see some are starting to get a little crazy around here. You want LOUD? VERY VERY LOUD? Get a Pioneer SX-1280 or a Pioneer SX-1980 SX-1280 Rated at 185 Watts Per Channel with literally ZERO distortion level. Has preamp out/in's for your sub

She's 30 years old as the SX-1980 is, but if you want to kick some ass blasting music these babies are the way to go. You can usually pick them up for around $500 in fair cond (nothing fancy needed for your situation) the SX-1980 is 270WPC but comes with a $800 to $1200 price tag.

If those are WAY out of your spending limit, Get a Kenwood KR-9600 They are 160WPC and again, almost no distortion level. They can be had for a mere $250 to $300. which is just what you are looking for. you can also pop your sub on the pre amp outs too.

Be forwarned, these receivers are NOT CHILDS TOYS! they will get you arrested and fined!

Have fun!

jontyrees
01-11-08, 05:36 PM
Obviously Cerwin-Vega! Get some big, old ones off ebay - they're the ultimate party speakers. Guaranteed to offend and attract police attention.

tkdee
01-11-08, 05:56 PM
Doesn't the moto go: Cerwin-Vega The "Loud" Speaker company?

When I was in my college fraternity (3.5 years ago) I bought a used Harmon Kardon stereo (I'm actually not sure if it has a sub out or not), a pair of Wharfedale bookshelf speakers, and cables off of my friend for 175 bucks (I think). The HK put out around 100W/channel and even with the bookshelves it got the job done. For college you move rooms a lot and probably want to keep things on the smaller side. I'd go used for whatever you can find. You can also find decent subs in the 200-400 range from the internet direct companies (BIC, X-sub, eD)

Mozvz
01-11-08, 06:00 PM
The heck with the speakers. Hire some pro party girls. I am sure you'd have a much better time!! ;)

Mikeb53
01-11-08, 06:03 PM
I haven't read the whole thread, BUT, I'm sure at a frat house there will be some abuse to the equipment so don't go to expensive. You could even check out Radio Shack

bulls
01-11-08, 06:06 PM
Wooo Woooh! Party Girls !!!