Not sure what audio system to purchase.

[Wyl]

I've seen two that caught up my attention :

Corsair sp2500 high-power 2.1 bass
http://www.corsair.com/en/pc-computer-audio/pc-computer-speakers/gaming-audio-series-sp2500-high-power-2-1-pc-speaker-system.html

and

Pioneer SP-PK22BS
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Home+Theater+Speakers/SP-PK22BS

Here are some things I expect from an audio system :

• 
  ■Subwoofer must be really good, I don't want a boom-boom cheap apparel.
  ■Sound must be crisp in all levels (low, mid, high)
  ■Will mainly be used for music, but I'll also use it for gaming, movies, and watching streams.
  ■I probably will only use it for my room, which is medium-sized.
  ■From 150-500$

So if you have a suggestion or just a take on the two systems mentioned above, go ahead and share it !


Thanks !

 

[batuchka]

If u are willing to spend up to $500 and a 2.1 system is doable i would really look at the sub $200 active subs since u mentioned subwoofer perfomance is key? In that cat, one could look at stuff like Polk PSW505, BIC F12, etc? You can then air that with a T-amp and bookshelf speakers and have a nice starter set ^^ Or an AVR if u want the option to expand to 5.1 later

 

[americanaudiophile]

The Pioneer system you link to is unpowered so you would need to add a 5.1 channel receiver bringing the price higher than your limit. The Corsair system is a gaming system basically and would not be a great choice for music. The Paradigm Shift A2 powered monitors are excellent ($279 each) and you could add a sub when you have the extra money. Paradigm also makes the Milennia CT 2.1 system that is great but out of your price range at $699

 

[Wyl]

The Pioneer system you link to is unpowered so you would need to add a 5.1 channel receiver bringing the price higher than your limit. The Corsair system is a gaming system basically and would not be a great choice for music. The Paradigm Shift A2 powered monitors are excellent ($279 each) and you could add a sub when you have the extra money. Paradigm also makes the Milennia CT 2.1 system that is great but out of your price range at $699

Glad you brought up that point about the Pioneer system haha.

However, let's assume I have the money for the 5.1 receiver as well, would it be better than the two Paradigm Shift A2 + a good sub like, I don't know, Polk's PSw505 ?

I've had a Creative sound system for about 5 years now, and while it's still working, issues are popping up now. So that means that 1 ) I like the Brand alot for quality+durability / price ratio and 2 ) I don't know much about which audio system is good and which is bad just by looking at it.

 

[thee_prisoner]

Some other speakers to consider but still would need an amp to power them would be these:
http://www.amazon.com/Henry-Kloss-B...F8&qid=1376483073&sr=8-5&keywords=henry+kloss You may not need a sub with them but it wouldn't hurt. At 199.00 a pair is a great deal.

These Martin Logan's at 199.00 each, another wonderful deal.

A subwoofer selection, better quality than the Polks: http://www.amazon.com/Pinnacle-Spea...TF8&qid=1376484167&sr=1-13&keywords=subwoofer It needs a direct LFE connection.

The Pioneer system would not be good as the Paradigm or the Martin Logans speakers, they both make very good speakers.

I find by experience that you want to start out with best front main speakers you can afford(you can always use them somewhere else if you upgrade or trade them in) then add other elements as needed and/or cash becomes available. Best case is that you can hear them first and hopefully buy used to get the best value. If you have a local stereo shop in town that sells new and used, I would go that route.

Happy listening, the Prisoner...