HIFI on a budget? - Overclock.net

NameUnknown · 08-11-09

What are some budget friendly hifi setups i can use for my PC?

Tator Tot · 08-11-09

What's your budget?

For cheap, you can get a good sound card + cans and be well off. It's not that fancy, but it would do really well.

For my suggestion, I would say grab a
Asus Xonar DX (PCIe) or D1 (PCI) (same card doesn't matter, just different connector types)
And some JVC RX900 cans it's a cheap setup with awesome performance.

Though, if you want a bit more for a sound card, the HT | OMEGA STRIKER is another solid buy.

Luda · 08-11-09

craigslist.org

just picked up some mint conditions Klipsch floorstanders locally for dirt cheap, and saw some nice receivers, but ended up getting a new pioneer since i wanted to have HDMI inputs.

**soloz2** · 08-11-09

I'm pleased with the budget setup I just put together for my PC.

Source: Auzen X-Fi Prelude with opa627 op-amps and custom shield
Amp: Musical Paradise MP-301 5wpc tube amp with both headphone output and speaker output. Stock tubes have been swapped for NOS RCA's
Speakers: Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver.
Accessories: cables by SA, Auralex Mopads

I call this a budget build, but your budget my vary. I already had everything but the speakers and amp (moved the previous speakers to a different rig) and wanted to keep both speakers and amp under $500, which after shipping is about what the total was. Even starting from scratch you're looking at a great setup at well under $1k

citat3962 · 08-11-09

A tube amp for a PC>?

Listen to a lot of music?

I'm looking to pick up a CraigsList/pawnshop special receiver with SPDIF audio in and 5.1 out.

50$-100$

Then I'll probably build a self amplified 8"-10" sub with MDF and some roll on house paint.

35$ - MDF
100$ - 10" Sub
100$ - Sub Plate amp

Then I'll locate some decent bookshelves and a matching center.

I have Polk R50 floor standers and R150 book shelves for my TV's 7.1 system.

They were 50$ a pair for the 150's so I'll probably get something comparable.

100$ for 4 R150s
50-75$ for a matching CSR Center speaker

------

510$ total

You can spend more or less on the receiver, Center and the book shelves depending on your budget.

I wouldn't bother with a separate sound card at first unless you require some kind of Audio processing that isn't offered by the source media (need to convert Stereo to 5.1 and the Receiver doesn't support that) Most motherboards come with an SPDIF out which is a digital bitstream and isn't subject to the usual noise concerns with the Analog ports of the onboard sound card.

Your Receiver would do all the audio decoding into analog and send it out through the speakers or to analog outs for a headphone/speaker preamp.

Last winter I built a 4 Cubic foot vented 12" 350w subwoofer for movies. It has a 120hz crossover and it literally makes the drywall vibrate if you watch War of the Worlds or another bass heavy movie. I built the whole thing for less than 300$ and it out performs subs you would pay 500$ for.

I don't think i'd like to try building a main speaker since there is so much more involved. But you can save some money and get some outstanding performance out of a Good sub driver and some building materials if you have the tools and the knowhow.

NameUnknown · 08-11-09

Im looking at spending sub 200 and preferably sub 125. All the setups look good but some of them may be slightly more than I want to spend :|
Music wise, mostly hard rock or metal. also would the integrated ALC885 be good enough for HiFi or does it need a better sound card?

**soloz2** · 08-12-09

at that budget you're looking solidly in the lower consumer market.

for $125 you can probably find a used amp, or a used pair of speakers but not both.

Since you don't have a high budget I would suggest you go with a pair of powered monitors like audioengine a2 or studiophile av40. swans has a couple pairs in your price range as well.
You'll have to use the analog out from your onboard for now, but you can get or build a nice USB DAC for under $75 in the form of an Alien or Bantam DAC.

**H3||scr3am** · 08-12-09

my suggestion, if you're good at DIY and soldering...

an inline Bantam DAC (~$50)

part links: 1. Boutique parts here 2. PCB here
a TCA Gizmo ~$120 (maybe find one used for ~$100)

some decent used speakers from your local classifieds (Kijiji, craigslist, papers)

or if you want to splurge and get a good setup on a decent budget now look at AV123 ELT525Ms ~$175 (B-Stock $160)

some cost cutting measures...

You could cut the DAC, and simply get a mini to RCA cable... and add the DAC later...
the Gizmo has a dedicated sub out, so you can add a sub later as well

the B-stocks are in matching rosewood to the Gizmo's rosewood cap

LukeG · 08-12-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by NameUnknown

Im looking at spending sub 200 and preferably sub 125. All the setups look good but some of them may be slightly more than I want to spend :|
Music wise, mostly hard rock or metal. also would the integrated ALC885 be good enough for HiFi or does it need a better sound card?

In my experiance, you cannot have hifi for under 1500$ in diy. In commercial, double or triple that. (Per pair speakers, or towers.)

If you want to go the headphone route go ahead, might cost you around 600$ for a good setup.

Tweeters start to sound good at 100$, and crossovers make a difference when they are quality built at 400$ and up.

For that money, go for head phones, and get advice from people that known what they are talking about. Soloz uses headphones so ask him.

You wont get this so called HIFI for that price. More like entry...

aaronb33 · 08-13-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by LukeG

In my experiance, you cannot have hifi for under 1500$ in diy. In commercial, double or triple that. (Per pair speakers, or towers.)

If you want to go the headphone route go ahead, might cost you around 600$ for a good setup.

Tweeters start to sound good at 100$, and crossovers make a difference when they are quality built at 400$ and up.

For that money, go for head phones, and get advice from people that known what they are talking about. Soloz uses headphones so ask him.

You wont get this so called HIFI for that price. More like entry...

I don't agree with this. One man's entry level crap is another man's audio nirvana. It's a very subjective subject. I listened to a friend's system that cost him near enough £3000 (UK money), and I'll admit I was very impressed. But when I demo'd a system in a shop that cost about £500, it still sounded amazing to my ears. If the OP is moving on from cheap PC speakers, he'll be happy with pretty much anything he gets.

To the OP, I suggest ebay or your local second hand shops. I've found some real bargains on ebay (Like Gale bookshlefs and a sub for £40). Remeber that this setup is for you so don't be put off by people telling you you're not spending enough. Try and listen to things before you buy though so you know you're getting the best for your money.

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HIFI on a budget?

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