Topic: I need a 2-channel speaker setup

[hi and lo]

SSIA - I have not used anything but headphones for many, many years now and am fairly illiterate on what a good setup would be. I would like something, probably bookshelf size, that strikes a good balance between cost and performance. My previous setup was a pair of a Paradigm Titans which were a bit of a diamond in the rough. I actually wouldn't mind another pair, but can probably afford better.

I have an m902 and would like to use this for my DAC. Not sure what (or if) it can actually drive in terms of speakers.

Does anyone also use a dedicated sub-woofer when listening to 2-channel stuff? Seems more like a home theatre thing.

[OOK]

SSIA - I have not used anything but headphones for many, many years now and am fairly illiterate on what a good setup would be. I would like something, probably bookshelf size, that strikes a good balance between cost and performance. My previous setup was a pair of a Paradigm Titans which were a bit of a diamond in the rough. I actually wouldn't mind another pair, but can probably afford better.

I have an m902 and would like to use this for my DAC. Not sure what (or if) it can actually drive in terms of speakers.

Does anyone also use a dedicated sub-woofer when listening to 2-channel stuff? Seems more like a home theatre thing.

Keep the 902 and use it as a pre....send the outs of the 902 to pair of KRK RP6's or RP8's..... add ipod or cd player and enjoy....   
I too had a pair of titan or were they phantom... traded up to a pair od se3mk2....still have em and love them.    Hardly listen to them any more since I am runing the KRK on the computer....                  Peace OOK

[noahbickart]

In my opinion you are better served with a 2 channel power amp and a pair of passive speakers. That way in you want to upgrade in pieces, or if god forbid either of the pieces break or need repair you can plug the missing piece.

Used 2 channel amps from Adcom, NAD, etc. can be had for ~$100 used on Audiogon.com.

There are literally hundreds of good stand mounted speakers out there. Check out B&W, Dynaudio, Epos, Wharfdale, and NHT to start.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Not sure where you live, but there is always a ton of good stuff on our local Craigs List...  I picked up my mirage sub and paradigms on there for cheap... 

Terry

[aaronji]

An important question (and a frequently asked one around here): what sort of budget are you thinking about?  The sky is really the limit with speakers (I just saw some that were 125,000 each, and that's in euros)...

There are literally hundreds of good stand mounted speakers out there. Check out B&W, Dynaudio, Epos, Wharfdale, and NHT to start.

I am loving the Dynaudios...I own two pairs, one of which replaced the (much larger) Advents that I have had for years and thought I would never get rid of...

[spyder9]

Is the 902 hooked up to your PC/Mac?  Is a remote control critical in your setup?  Please advise.

[hi and lo]

Is the 902 hooked up to your PC/Mac?  Is a remote control critical in your setup?  Please advise.

Yes, I've got it hooked up to the PC where I listen with cans. A remote control is not critical (although I could buy the m902 IR remote if necessary).

[spyder9]

Is the 902 hooked up to your PC/Mac?  Is a remote control critical in your setup?  Please advise.

Yes, I've got it hooked up to the PC where I listen with cans. A remote control is not critical (although I could buy the m902 IR remote if necessary).

Then keep the 902 as the preamp and get a pair of small powered near field monitors.  I run Benchmark DAC1 > KRK VXT4 monitors.  Best sounding 2 channel rig I've ever had.  Forget buying a rig at Best Buy, HH Gregg, or Crutchfield. All major league crap. I know, for I still own a Denon 7.1 channel HT system, and it sucks when compared to my Benchmark setup.   

With the 902, you are 90% on your way to the perfect 2 channel rig.  Do your research on some nice powered monitors and enjoy. 

FYI: I don't use a sub in my Benchmark setup.  Over kill, IMO.

[anodyne33]

An important question (and a frequently asked one around here): what sort of budget are you thinking about?  The sky is really the limit with speakers (I just saw some that were 125,000 each, and that's in euros)...

There are literally hundreds of good stand mounted speakers out there. Check out B&W, Dynaudio, Epos, Wharfdale, and NHT to start.

I am loving the Dynaudios...I own two pairs, one of which replaced the (much larger) Advents that I have had for years and thought I would never get rid of...

We had a pair as mid fields at one of the studios I worked at back in the day and they (sorry, forget the model) were simply sublime to listen too. You could listen for hours on end with little to no fatigue.

[Gutbucket]

I own older larger B&Ws, but for bookshelf stuff, both powered & not I've heard very nice sounding Dynaudios, never heard KRKs, NHT or modern Warfdales, but suggest you also consider the JBL LSR stuff.

[Nick's Picks]

w/your front end, ...and given the flexibility of budget...
http://www.martinlogan.com/products/purity


look for a used pair.  www.audiogon.com

[Gutbucket]

Timely yardsale candidates-
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=151585.msg0;topicseen#new

I haven't heard these, but have considered them for surround monitoring due to their very good specs (JBL is one of a few that publish proper measurements), room mode EQ and coordinated networked control via front pannel, IR remote or PC.  My only beef is the inability to route audio to them over the same CAT5 network connection, which would allow me to eliminate the necessary multichannel DAC or digital output computer interface.  That's not an issue for you with stereo and your M902.

[jlykos]

I just did this exact same thing today.  I'm going off to Afghanistan for my next post and wanted to build a HQ desktop setup.  It was the Herman Cain speaker plan.  Maximum 9" x 9" x 9" speaker dimensions.  My qualification for an amp was that it had to accept any voltages.  Ended up on Audiogon and was able to do the following today:

Audioengine N22 desktop amplifier: $120 (used)
Silverline Audio Minuet speakers: $339 (used)
Morrow Audio SP1 bi-wired speaker cables: $125 (new with coupon)

Adding what I already have to the mix:

Pure i-20 iPod dock: $100 (new)
Morrow Audio MA1 interconnect: $50 (new)

Everything can fit in a part of a suitcase and I'll be set.  Everything received stellar reviews, and I definitely did my research.  Other speakers that I seriously considered were the psb Image B4 and the NHT Absolute Zero.  The Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 have been receiving rave reviews, but they were a bit large (around 12" high) for me.  I also looked at the Focal cms 40 monitors, but the separate volume controls would have driven me crazy after a certain point.  For a 2.1 channel setup, the Paradigm milleniaone looks good but the sub is too heavy and the satellites have no bass by themselves.

You may also want to look at the Peachtree Audio Decca2 system.  It's on sale at Amazon.com for around $800, which is an absolute steal for what you get (40 watt integrated amp, A/D converter, and two speakers).  Too heavy to take with me, but is probably incredible.

[Gutbucket]

It was the Herman Cain speaker plan.  Maximum 9" x 9" x 9" speaker dimensions.

Seem like decent compact, highy portable small speakers which fit your needs well.. and likely to be more sucessful in the 'primary system' than Cain. 

[Əkoostikal]

I have a pair of B&W 805's and I absolutely LOVE them. I like mine with a sub but I tend to like a little more bass than most. I am not sure if those are above your price range or not put I have heard the equivalent of the 805's all the way down the line as far as B&W goes and the CM5 as well as the 685 are all solid performers. The 685's do have a better bass output and are half the cost of the CM5 but the CM5 is so damn smooth I feel the upgrade is worth it.