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Audio Noob: Best Music Speakers for $200-250?

post #1 of 20
9/7/12 at 6:38pm
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone! I'm new to these forums, and to audio systems in general, and am looking for some advice.

I'm looking for some sweet speakers mainly for music at around the $200-250 price range. I will be hooking these up to my computer (if that means anything, I can probably just buy an adapter right?).

I've read that the Energy RC-10's are a good set http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542469405/
Would those speakers be a good buy? Is there anything else I should consider? Will I need a subwoofer or anything, or would those two speakers cover all my bases?

OH, and I care a LOT about VOLUME. Don't worry about my ears...they are already pretty destroyed from my high school band days aha. Really though, as high volume while still retaining quality is important to me.

Thanks in advance for any help!
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post #2 of 20
9/7/12 at 6:55pm
Do you have an amp/receiver? If this is coming straight off your computer you'll need powered speakers
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post #3 of 20
9/7/12 at 6:58pm
Thread Starter 
I have a guitar amp if that works, is it even the same thing? Lol that probably sounded really stupid. No, I do not have an amp/receiver. Are they expensive?
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post #4 of 20
9/7/12 at 7:10pm
Just getting a pair of speakers like this is the best solution when you have such a small budget

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004H7SO46/ref=mp_s_a_59?pi=SL75&qid=1347070102&sr=8-59
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post #5 of 20
9/7/12 at 7:30pm
you want good , loud, and cheap?
pick 2. eek.gif
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post #6 of 20
9/7/12 at 7:34pm
Thread Starter 
Well, good/loud to me is probably set to a lower standard than good/loud to you guys. I've never had anything nicer than Bose Companion 2's...
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post #7 of 20
9/7/12 at 8:00pm
well, then you'll have plenty of options. Just about anything'll sound better than those. smile.gif
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post #8 of 20
9/7/12 at 8:18pm
Thread Starter 
So will I need anything specific to make the RC-10's work with my computer, or will they at all?
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post #9 of 20
9/7/12 at 8:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nsouter853 View Post

So will I need anything specific to make the RC-10's work with my computer, or will they at all?

You need an integrated amp or receiver. Receiver will probably be cheaper.
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post #10 of 20
9/7/12 at 9:23pm
Your computer provides the data for the audio through its output port, the same one you would use to plug in headphones. The signal is carried at a very low power which is enough to make sound come out of the headphones, when you are dealing with full size speakers like the ones you mentioned you need a device to amplify that signal with more power. Hence the name amplifier. If your ally want loud cheap and good look into some nice headphones Like audio technica Ath m50 and a simple headphone amp from fiio, you'll be deaf in no time. biggrin.gif
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post #11 of 20
9/7/12 at 10:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nsouter853 View Post

So will I need anything specific to make the RC-10's work with my computer, or will they at all?

Yes, you will need an amp like this at the minimum to power the speakers cleanly

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-383
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post #12 of 20
9/7/12 at 10:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

Yes, you will need an amp like this at the minimum to power the speakers cleanly
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-383

I use the even cheaper Lepai 2020 amp - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-300- between my laptop and TLAHs (line arrays more or less), with software based EQ, and it works quite well (granted they are probably a bit more sensitive speakers, and I don't listen all that loud - home office
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post #13 of 20
9/8/12 at 12:24am
Guys he doesn't need an amp just powered speakers. Either the M-Audio Studiophile AV40's or Audioengine A2's will sound great. Now these wont play terribly loud but should be louder than the Bose you had and without all the mid-bass. If you want more bass just EQ it in.

For more theres also the KRK rokit powered 5's but around holidays there are limited edition (different color) 6's for the same price as the 5's ($150 a piece). I have KRK rokit powered 8's and they pound but there $250 a piece.

If you want something really loud um idk for $250 you might just want to get a Boombox with RCA inputs or something like that.
Edited by ScaryFatKidGT - 9/8/12 at 1:27am
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post #14 of 20
9/8/12 at 8:56am
The RC-10s will get plenty loud with a good power source (I have a pair). Great sound for the money. Best bet is to pick up a used receiver on your local Craigslist. Does your computer have optical or HDMI audio output capability? If so, look for those kind of inputs on the receiver.

And while the the RC-10s do have good bass for bookshelf speakers, if you are into bass heavy music such as EDM or Hip Hop, down the road, at a sub.
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post #15 of 20
9/9/12 at 10:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

Yes, you will need an amp like this at the minimum to power the speakers cleanly
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-383
This and the RC-10s will sound much better than just about any other options, like the M Audio or Audioengine. Just check the measurements and make sure you can fit the RC10s where you want.
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post #16 of 20
9/9/12 at 2:45pm
Yep. Even the Lepai t-amp that Brad mentioned (here it is on Amazon) will work well with the RC-10s. In fact, I gave that exact setup to my brother last year for Xmas to use in his office.
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post #17 of 20
9/9/12 at 4:42pm
Note the OP's comment about volume. The Lepai won't get there. It's just enough for moderate nearfield listening.
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post #18 of 20
9/9/12 at 6:06pm
Actually, for nearfield listening with the RC-10s sitting at a computer, it will get very loud. But I agree that a 2 channel or HT receiver would be a better choice for more volume to fill a room.
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post #19 of 20
9/10/12 at 9:13pm
Is there a better amp option for under $100?
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post #20 of 20
9/10/12 at 9:31pm
Where do you live? I bet you can find a good used 2 channel receiver pretty easily under $100.

Earlier this year I picked up a Marantz SR4001 7.1 receiver for $50 on craigslist.
http://us.marantz.com/DocumentMaster/US/SR4001.pdf
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