Need Suggestions For a Dorm Setup...Packaged Setup or Pieced Together?

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Not really a fan of any "computer" type speakers or in-the-box things...

When I was in the dorms, I had a vintage NAD integrated amp, two 3-way JBL bookshelves, and an Adire Rava...the powered sub would kill your budget but I bet you could find a decent used integrated and a pair of speakers for $300 if you hunted Craigslist for a little bit. Marantz, Kenwood or Pioneer integrated amps usually show up for under $100, and you could use the $200 to find a pair of Klipsch Heresy's or smaller JBL monitors...

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

5.1-Channel Receiver/Speaker Package

With the HTSR700, you get a full 5.1-channel home theater package in one box. The TXSR304 5.1-channel receiver drives the package with 65 watts-per-channel power into 8 Ohms. You also get a powered subwoofer, front, center, and surround speakers, all built with the strength of Onkyo technology.

Clearance Price:

$239.82

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/502399334/onkyo-ht-sr700-black

 

[Crodski 10+ year member]

Not really a fan of any "computer" type speakers or in-the-box things...
When I was in the dorms, I had a vintage NAD integrated amp, two 3-way JBL bookshelves, and an Adire Rava...the powered sub would kill your budget but I bet you could find a decent used integrated and a pair of speakers for $300 if you hunted Craigslist for a little bit. Marantz, Kenwood or Pioneer integrated amps usually show up for under $100, and you could use the $200 to find a pair of Klipsch Heresy's or smaller JBL monitors...

i like that NAD equipment but it looks like it would be kind of pricey :\

as for the speakers, i came across these jbl speakers, they pretty good?

http://www.jbl.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=PT800BLK&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA&cat=BFS&ser=PER

5.1-Channel Receiver/Speaker Package

With the HTSR700, you get a full 5.1-channel home theater package in one box. The TXSR304 5.1-channel receiver drives the package with 65 watts-per-channel power into 8 Ohms. You also get a powered subwoofer, front, center, and surround speakers, all built with the strength of Onkyo technology.

Clearance Price:

$239.82

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/502399334/onkyo-ht-sr700-black

hmm i will look into this. pretty decent price.

 

[thxsubwoofers 10+ year member]

Logitech Z-5500

 

[Crodski 10+ year member]

Logitech Z-5500

i have that one in 5.1 version for my computer back home. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

i love it except i do not really care for the sub.

 

[snfsh79077 10+ year member]

I like those jbl's...they look sexy and promising, as well as excellent reviews...cant seem to find a price yet though

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

i like that NAD equipment but it looks like it would be kind of pricey :\

I bought a NAD 3020 integrated amp for $200 off of Ebay. The new stuff is a lot more, you're right.

Those JBLs aren't going to be the last word in accuracy (I know the S38s I had definitely weren't), but they should be a good dorm speaker //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[snfsh79077 10+ year member]

I bought a NAD 3020 integrated amp for $200 off of Ebay. The new stuff is a lot more, you're right.
Those JBLs aren't going to be the last word in accuracy (I know the S38s I had definitely weren't), but they should be a good dorm speaker //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

reviews say they are very accurate....however about 3 years ago the speakers were going for over a grand

 

[Crodski 10+ year member]

reviews say they are very accurate....however about 3 years ago the speakers were going for over a grand

yea i didnt search price when i posted and when i did they were out of my range haha..

but i've been ebaying for a bit and took an interest into some nice klipsch speakers that are affordable and should perform fairly decent i hope.

 

[snfsh79077 10+ year member]

yea i didnt search price when i posted and when i did they were out of my range haha..
but i've been ebaying for a bit and took an interest into some nice klipsch speakers that are affordable and should perform fairly decent i hope.

cant really go wrong with klipsch I dont think

 

[bamaboy 5,000+ posts]

depends on what kind of low notes you want, i have the klipsch 2.1, they sound great but for alot of rap music and low notes in movies subs gets distorted

but other than lower notes it sounds pretty dang good being its just a boxed up computer system

might could do a nice diy sub and a small plate amp or something

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

None of what Klipsch has made in the last ten years has really impressed me, other than the re-issues of the Heritage lines...

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

None of what Klipsch has made in the last ten years has really impressed me, other than the re-issues of the Heritage lines...

promedia 2.1

"The included Klipsch amplifier and speaker set (subwoofer included) delivers superb sound for music and video. This system stands head and shoulders above even the best speakers on lesser computers."

- James Coates, San Antonio Express-News [11/10/2002]

"The top-of-the-line for three-piece systems is the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1. They sell for around $200 [$179] and are worth every penny, if you desire a high-quality sound that can put most home stereo systems to shame."

- Portsmouth Herald [7/10/2001]

"Anyone looking for a amplified speaker system for any reason, whether for that new PlayStation 2, MP3 players, computers, or for any other electronic device, would be hard pressed to find a comparable system at even twice the price."

- Yanman.com [9/18/2006]

"Overall, the ProMedia 2.1 system rocked our world as much as the V.2-400 system did a year ago…the outlandish output of this compact system must be heard to be believed."

- MaximumPC [9/18/2006]

"But what did it sound like? In a word, incredible."

- formen.ign.com [9/18/2006]

"The new de facto 2.1 standard by which other competing products will be judged."

- Gamers Depot [9/18/2006]

"Compared to the other multimedia speakers on the market, Klipsch remains at the head of the pack."

- Firing Squad [9/18/2006]

"Like it's Big Brother, these speakers will peel the paint off the walls."

- PC Gamer [9/18/2006]

"…if you close your eyes, you could almost swear you were listening to high-end stereo speakers for your living room."

- Dave Salvatore, Computer Gaming World [9/18/2006]

"All in all, a very impressive package."

- BarrysWorld.com [9/18/2006]

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

#1, I don't buy speakers based on what PC mags say. I'll let them stick to what they know best...computers and gaming.

#2, I can list easily that many reviews raving about how $10,000 AC power cords work, so numbers alone don't really tell the whole story //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[IDSkoT 5,000+ posts]

5.1-Channel Receiver/Speaker Package

With the HTSR700, you get a full 5.1-channel home theater package in one box. The TXSR304 5.1-channel receiver drives the package with 65 watts-per-channel power into 8 Ohms. You also get a powered subwoofer, front, center, and surround speakers, all built with the strength of Onkyo technology.

Clearance Price:

$239.82

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/502399334/onkyo-ht-sr700-black

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/drool.gif.b5e863e893038027711d4402f340dad0.gif

That's such a good price, man. For a processor, drivers, and a powered sub.

I'd snatch it if I had the dough.