trying to reuse some satillite speakers - update: bought a new system :D

ask me anything about video hardware/codecs/inputs/output and I'm all over it. but i dont know much of anything about sound - so i need some advice:

my klipsch promedia 4.1 system kicked the bucket after 10 years. I was really happy with it and never considered buying or upgrading to anything else. Just a couple days ago the sub blew out - it only makes rattling scratchy noises now. I opened up the sub and disconnected it, so i'm essentially using the satellite speakers now. Anyway, I'd like to get some bass back.

I'm thinking i'll toss the sub/amp and reuse the satellite speakers. I use the speakers for music and movies (usually always connected to my laptop, or ipod).

I'm thinking of getting this sub: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KVQBA

Now, what exactly do I need to get up and running? I don't want to get a huge receiver. I don't need any functions except on/off and volume control (sound will come from computer). Is there a small amp I can use?

also a plus if it was vintage, or vintage looking. I don't want to spend more than $150 on the amp, or integrated amp, whatever it might be. Would love some suggestions on what would work best for the sub and satellite speakers i'm using.

thanks!

This is a photo of the back of that sub. do the satillite speakers connect to the amp or the sub? how does this all work. thx

thanks for the help, i understand how it all connects up now.

So i'm ready to buy, I found some cool integrated amps, I just want to know if they are powerful enough for my existing speakers (looks like I'll only be using 2 satellite speakers) and 1 sub (linked from amazon).

so with my speakers and sub, which one of these would work best (these will work, right?)
http://www.amazon.com/Qinpu-A3-Integrated-Amplifier/dp/B0057ODYX4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
http://www.amazon.com/Qinpu-Q-2-Hybrid-Integrated-Amplifier/dp/B001TGDB9Q
http://www.amazon.com/NuForce-Icon-Amp-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B002YDYIW2/

I def want to stay under $200 or less on the amp. most important i want the amp to be compact - i dont want a huge receiver.
thx

can anyone confirm if one of those options will work? thx

ok ive been doing more reading.

I'm thinking of getting the Audioengine A2 + a subwoofer. how will this compare to the Klipsch system i was used to?

alright, ive placed my order!

I've been doing a lot of reading in the last week or two learning a little bit about audio. @mitchellin - you really got me thinking about re-using the klipsch satillites. I decided, i've had those for 10 years, it's about time to put some $$ down for a proper upgrade. Here is what I went with:


Audioengine P4 Premium Passive Bookshelf Speaker Pair - $249
http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Premium-Passive-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002FJVTGI/


Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Monitor Series Powered Subwoofer - $79
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KVQBA/


FiiO A1 Mini 2x14W Class-D Digital Audio Amplifier - $59
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FSXON8

(also ordered 16g speaker wire to hook it all up).

Total cost of equipment: $387

I think it'll be worth the cost, and this system will sound a lot better than my old klipsch system did. looking forward to setting it up!!
Edited by northeast12 - 11/19/12 at 10:53am

mitchellin - you have me confused now lol. I just looked up what a dac is - so it coverts the digital signal coming from my laptop (apple)/ipod to an analog signal for the amp. Is this necessary? How much of a difference would it make, and how much would this cost. I was hoping i wouldnt break $400.

this one is only $25 bucks. but now I would need some type of adapter to get my headphone out (from laptop/ipod) to a coaxial plug? bah, i think i'll just pass on this unless you can convince me otherwise.

http://www.amazon.com/D3-Digital-Converter-Optical-Toslink/dp/B005K2TXMO

update:
read up on the DAC, decided I don't need one. Output from my macbook headphone port should be fine.

also I had to cancel the shipping on the Polk subwoofer because I was away for thanksgiving and it was going to be delivered while i was gone. On a whim, when re-ordering, I decided to get the PSW111 instead:
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-PSW111-Subwoofer-Single/dp/B000P0528U

Should have everything set up by the end of the week and I'll post some pics.

I'm thinking this new setup should be better than my klipsch promedia speaker/sub, is that a fair expectation?

one more question:
What should i set the subwoofers lowpass to for these speakers? I've been reading about lowpass filters for about an hour, and I understand what it is, but I still don't understand how to calculate the setting. My guess is the 58Hz is the low setting on the speakers, so it would be good to set my bass to Around 60?
here are the specs for the speakers:

P4 Technical Specifications
Type
2-way passive, front ported design
Sensitivity
88dB (2.83v@1m)
Frequency response
58Hz-22kHz
Nominal Impedance
4-8 Ohms
Crossover Frequency
2.8 kHz
Edited by northeast12 - 11/26/12 at 7:45pm