Reddit reviews M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Active Studio Monitor Speakers (Pair) (OLD MODEL)
We found 78 Reddit comments about M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Active Studio Monitor Speakers (Pair) (OLD MODEL). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
4-inch polypropylene-coated woofers—tight, accurate bass1-inch ferrofluid-cooled silk dome tweeters—clear, smooth highsOptImage III tweeter wave guides—precision imaging for a balanced stereo field20-watt-per-channel amplifier with Class A/B architecture—professional design and fidelityMagnetic shielding—reduces interference with other equipment, perfect for multimedia and video work
All these recommendations of Logitech and Corsair (and Altec, etc.) speakers on what claims to be a knowledgeable forum really hurts, guys. You wouldn't recommend a $100 Logitech keyboard over a CM Storm, so don't do the same here.
Now to answer your question, OP:
A Xonar DG and M Audio AV40s will be a killer combo for a nice clear sound that extends into low frequencies very well for the price (great bass). I highly recommend it. Now a sound card isn't necessary, per se - you will have audio without it; but the improvement from onboard to a cheap sound card is immense. Go for it! I've recommended this setup to tens of people, and I used it myself until I upgraded my sound card, and it's really amazing bang for the buck and sound.
Hope this gets to you :)
These are the Bose speakers I have
Here's a set of speakers that are better for half the cost
These blow away the Bose speakers and cost a bit less
By the way - check out /r/audiophile - I'm not an audiophile, but that's what a few guys from over there recommended. The Audioengines would probably be your best bet, though if your budget is $150 get the second one. I haven't used either one so I'm not speaking from personal experience, just what's been recommended to me.
The M-Audio AV40 is highly recommended on the Head-Fi forums: http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341940916&sr=8-1&keywords=m+audio+av40
They are the type of speakers people who enjoy music use, but are budget oriented. I'm sure they would be decent for gaming as well.
These http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64
I'm actually in the market for computer speakers although my budget is a bit lower than yours. But the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 is one of the options that I'm considering, it is my second choice right now.
Here are some reviews for the ProMedia 2.1 from youtube.
Review 1
Review 2 update from #1
Review 3
Review 4 update from #3
Some issues i have with these speakers are that there is not a power switch on the speakers but instead it is located on the subwoofer. That from the reviews on amazon said for some people the knobs that control the volume and bass have not worked after a while. Also, that the subwoofer can get really hot if it is played for a long time.
My first choice right now is the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40s. One thing off the bat, is that is not a 2.1 system but looking at reviews it looks to be a solid product.
Here are some reviews from youtube.
Review 1
Review 2
Review 3
Review 4 M-Audio AV40 Vs Micca MB42
Final thoughts I'm leaning towards the AV 40s but I'm still doing some research, I hope this helps out.
I have a few recommendations for you to get you started:
/r/edmproduction/
/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers/
/r/abletonlive/
I hope at least some of that is helpful...Good luck with everything!
I'd go with the M-Audio AV40's, cheap and the sound really good.
(http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64)
Strictly speaking, you are in the wrong subreddit - gear for a musician is better asked in /r/audio.
However:
> HT | OMEGA Claro Halo 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card w/ a built-in HI-FI Headphone Amplifier
If your friend is making music, it's reasonably likely that he's at some stage going to record external instruments (or voice). Internal, consumer-oriented sound cards are very nearly useless for this: They won't have a sufficient number of inputs, and their inputs are unbalanced. He is going to want a proper prosumer external audio interface.
There are many to choose from, but here are a few that has been reasonably well reviewed:
Both of the above have headphone amps, and you can connect instruments directly, and microphones requiring phantom power.
Disclosure: I use neither of the above - I needed a budget option for recording in situation where I may not always have a computer, so I use the Zoom R16, which is also neat because it can act as a very compact control surface.
> Logitech Z506 75 watts RMS 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers
No. For making music, he's going to want studio monitors, or something resembling them. The absolutely cheapest option in that department I can recommend is the M-Audio Studio AV40 at $130. I have owned these, and wrote a review here.
However, I'm going to go out on a limb, and guess that you're coming from the PC gaming side of things. In which case, you've probably picked the heftiest graphics card you could find. Scale that graphics card back by about $100 - a fast GPU isn't needed for music. Lots and lots of RAM and a fast CPU is.
Either way, my point about scaling back on the GPU is that while I like the AV40's, monitors at around $300 are much better tools for musicians than $130 monitors. I was so happy with the way the AV40's performed, that I upgraded to their big brother, the M-Audio BX5 D2 - but there are many alternatives to it.
TL;DR Your friend needs an audio interface, not a sound card, and he need studio monitors, not gamer's toys from logitech.
You won't find high quality until the 120-150$ range. m-audio av40's for 150$ have been the best i've seen for a reasonable price. These are 2.0 speakers, which are generally what you want over a poor quality 2.1 set.
However, your needs are important to your choice. Are you looking for gaming, general music, flac music? You say electronic music, but that is a HUGE range of things. No matter what, this is a question better suited for a pc hardware type site/subreddit.
All <$100 speakers are all poor quality and not BIFL.
M-Audio av40 link
Are your price point you can start looking into entry level powered monitors.
A good first stop would be the M-Audio AV40
Slide your SSD and HDD onto the bottom rack and take the top rack out for much better airflow like this. Easy as pie and it'll keep your parts, especially your GPU cooler. When the time comes, here are some potential upgrades:
M-Audio AV 40 Speakers
G502. There's going to be a sweet deal for this. Bull full price at $79.99 and get a $50 steam card.
CM Storm Quickfire Mechanical Keyboard w/ MX Blues
Others will fill in the details, but the basic answer is, you'll need three more pieces of gear:
An inexpensive (though perhaps temporary) option is to buy a pair of powered speakers (like these perhaps: http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/), which will combine the amp and speakers. But you'll still need that preamp (these are inexpensive and start at about $40).
Edit: Just saw your post elsewhere about hating Beach Boys' Smile. I love it but am curious about your dislike (and about who's forcing you to listen to it). As a Beatles fan you should know that they were fans—and rivals—of the BB's; the two groups inspired one another circa '65-'67.
Came here to recommend that. Surprisingly good bass out of such a tiny speaker but still great accurate sound. Not overpowering.
If those are out of budget, the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 are good.
What I would get in that range:
Reaper - $60.
Focusrite 2i2, Mic, Cable and headphones bundle - $240
then either a
Blue Spark - $170
or a pair of KRK Rokit monitors - $265
or an SM 57 - $92
and a cheaper set of monitors. - $135
So,
Reaper + Bundle + Spark = $470
Reaper + Bundle + KRK Rokit = $565
Reaper + Bundle + SM57 + Other monitors = $527.
Note that you don't need to buy reaper immediately, and can buy it later if you like it or switch to a more expensive DAW if you don't like it.
My monitor recommendations are very uninformed, but they're to give an idea of price range.
Use studio monitors
Edit: You can also try A->B mixing, which is listening to a professionally mixed/mastered track of the same genre and comparing the frequency levels to your own
These Swan M10's are meant to be quite good, you could use the spare cash to buy a cheap DAC.
An even better option that is very upgradeable is this selection of components for just over your budget at ~$170.
Another option is M-Audio Studiophile AV40.
Just a word of warning, try to stay away from any speakers that are marketed as for "gamers". An example of this are Logitech (although the more expensive 5.1 setups are know to be fairly good).
Good luck!
As it's for a computer you need active speakers. That just means they have a built in amplifier so you just need to plug them into your source (in this case the computer) and there's no need for any additional equipment to power them.
These are a pretty good buy in that price range. I've used them for 5 years or so and they have surprisingly good sound quality. Probably the best at this price point:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1398030452&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=m+audio+av40
My setup is literally two pieces of equipment. It seems expensive, but if you sell some textbooks to amazon, you can easily knock about a hundred fifty bucks off the total cost. This isn't audiophile equipment, but it's solid, it's a good place to get started, it's relatively cheap, and it'll sound a million times better than whatever you'd get at best buy or urban outfitters for the same price.
Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0051WAM64/
Turntable: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002S1CJ2Q/
Of course, if you can, go vintage.
These Creative T40 II's are what I use. I really like them, although I hear the M-Audio Av40's are better.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Multimedia-Audiophile-Configuration-Technology/dp/B001IZZ2PO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1413989729&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=creative+t40
http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-Studiophile-Av40-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1413989768&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=maudio+av40
Samson makes some desktop monitors that feature bluetooth input. I haven't really seen any reviews for them yet. The MediaOne
Take a look at reviews for those and get at least the 4" ones. I can't expect the 3" ones would have much bass response.
Everything else listed lacks bluetooth, but you could add a standalone bluetooth reciever to any of them.
The M-Audio AV-40s get good reviews, and the Wirecutter calls them the best computer speakers.
Those are active monitors. They will be good for near field, and the amp inside them is designed with the speakers.
If you go passive plus amp you can upgrade components down the road. Maybe get the Micca MB42X and a Topping TP20, or find a good reciever (70s Kenwood, Pioneer, Marantz, Teac, Technics, etc. are great) for super cheap (0-$20) at a yard sale or thrift store or craigslist and get the Panasonic SP-BS22
Basically, there's two components to think about. An amplifier takes power and audio input (as stereo RCA plugs or a 1/8th inch jack) and outputs amplified audio (almost always as binding posts or clamps for speaker wire). Speakers take amplified audio as input (again, as binding posts/clamps for speaker wire) and make noise.
Active or powered speakers just means that you're buying the amp and the speakers integrated as one unit. M-Audio AV40s are a good example of this. Scroll down and you can see a picture of the back of one speaker. Power cord, RCA inputs, and speaker wire output to the other speaker.
Passive/unpowered speakers mean you're just buying the speakers, and you need to buy an amp separately. A good example of this is the Micca MB42x and Lepai LP-2020. Again, look at the back of each one to get an idea of how they're connected.
If you want simplicity, go for a pair of powered studio monitors. However, what you trade off with that is upgradeability - because monitors are integrated all-in-one, you can't easily add to them later on.
If you want to go the component route, I'd recommend a 2.1 amp (meaning it has outputs for 2 speakers plus a subwoofer) such as the Lepai 168HA. Add in some unpowered bookshelf speakers like those Micca MB42x, and you've got a great system for less than half your budget. Depending on how much room you have on the floor near your desk, you can also add a subwoofer, either now or at some point down the road. The Dayton Audio SUB-800 for example is small enough to fit under a desk pretty easily, and would still be within your budget.
The AV40s just dropped in price on Amazon
Another option would be Dayton B652s with an amplifier.
http://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Elevate-Speakers-Elliptical-Waveguide/dp/B00F3F7OIS
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64
http://www.amazon.com/Fostex-PMO-3B-Powered-Digital-Speaker/dp/B00CIVVKQC
Do not buy a wave music system. You can get similar quality sound for much less money. BOSE is really great at telling you they make great sounding stuff, they're not as great at actually making great sounding products. Many of their products rely on sound reflection, a property that qualified sound engineers try to avoid at all costs (this is why multimillion dollar concert/opera halls don't have straight walls).
Anyway, if my budget was $400... here's what I would do:
amplified speakers: http://amzn.com/B0051WAM64
tube phono preamp: http://amzn.com/B001BYM3JU
...and that would still leave with you a few bucks for taxes and cables.
If you want it done right you go with a receiver and passive speakers. The budget for Good powered monitors of which you would need 3 pair(LR,REAR,CENTER) would be immense in comparison. Also the limitations of powered monitors in a SS scenario go on and on. Sending line signal instead of power which is more susceptible to interference. Having to bring power to the speakers. Relying on your PC to decode the audio stream to individual channels. It is a much simpler proposition to just feed a receiver a single HDMI or SPDIF and have it do all the work.
Logitech is a PC peripherals manufacturer and not a speaker manufacturer. If you want real sound you get amplifiers and tuned wooden boxes.
I got these, I think they sound great
I saw these for sale on Amazon earlier today. link
Not sure what youre looking for or your budget, but i got there a few weeks ago and am really liking them. You may want to try to find the proper audio subreddit for it to get better results.
I recommend M-Audio AV-40's, Audioengine A2's, or Swan M200MkII's.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1347067631&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=m-audio+av-40
http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Premium-Powered-Desktop-Speaker/dp/B000VKEFMS/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1347067724&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=audioengine+a2
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?products_id=184&amp;gclid=CMWF6YTrpLICFYk7OgodN0IAAw
I have a pair of M-Audio AV40s and a Polk Audio PSW10 for my setup and they sound great as long as the room isn't enormous and you aren't planning on using them to fill an entire room with sound (speakers seem to be more directional). I managed to snag both sets of speakers for less than $100 each. Neither of them require an amplifier, so it makes them more convenient for a computer setup.
Prior to my more budget friendly ventures, I was eyeing the M-audio AV40. What are your opinions on those speakers? Are they better than the AV30?
That amp is meant for outputting to powered speakers. The speakers you have posted here are passive and can not be powered without an amp. You could use these speakers with your headphone amp
Personally, I agree with /u/tysonification but if you are truly intent on buying some monitors at that range then I'd recommend M-Audio AV 40s. I've heard some pretty tight tracks that have been produced using them (though that says more of the producer than the speakers themselves).
I'm pretty sure these are the same ones I have mounted as my surround side speakers. The cones are all paper, the high end is weak and they're inaccurate all around.
I've recommended M-Audio's AV40s to plenty of people and have never heard a single bad thing about them, besides maybe bass response which you should not expect from any 4" speaker anyway. Pair these with a decent sub, and you've got audiophile-quality sound for under $500.
[edit] This is the subwoofer I've had for over 3 years. The reviews do not lie, it is way more than you would think a single 10" could ever be capable of.
I'm far from the most senior audiophile here, but I hope I can help a little. There was a similar question a week ago or so that summarized some good options in this price range. Here it is, these are all powered speakers or speakers with an amp.
Among the ones mentioned, I have the M-Audio AV40s and I love them. For what you listen to, I can genuinely say you probably will too. On top of sounding wonderful, they are really easy to drive, which makes them very versatile. Honestly, they out perform some $350 speakers I have in terms of accuracy and sound staging. The only downside is the serious lack below 80 Hz, but I think for the music you listen to, it shouldn't be noticeable.
The other options on that list I can't talk as much, but I've heard nothing but good things about Swans (besides the fact that they're gorgeous too). The Klipsch I have heard, and to be honest I didn't like them as much as I thought I would. Maybe it was the way they were setup, but they seemed to be lacking in the lower mids. And the Dayton's are often thrown out there (and always by ZeosPantera) which I looked into, but after reading so many "they're great for being only $25" posts, I seriously started wondering if they were worth the $50 they are now.
So yeah, look into Swans and M-Audio. You can find the later at GuitarCenter or any music store (they are monitors after all) where you can request a listen. Swans I'm not so sure about where to find them, but aesthetically, they may go with your turntable nicely.
So I'm looking to get into the vinyl game and am looking at buying my first turntable. I've found some good deals on Craigslist for the Audio-Technica AT-LP120, so I'll go with one of those. Now, I own M-Audio AV40 speakers (link here) that are currently hooked up to my computer.
My question is how can I have both my computer and the turntable using these speakers?
Also, will I need anything besides the turntable to the speakers? I know they're active, so that should be enough correct?
Thanks for the help!
I have these, and while they're not perfect, they sound good.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1341875188&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=av40
$119 from Amazon, it seems.
Here are some options that I would look into.
None of these include Bluetooth so you'll need a cable to connect to each. If this is an issue I would look at a different option.
Had these for 2+ years now. The sound sometimes disappears from one of the speakers until you turn it off and on again but otherwise no complaints.
>HD201 are pretty bad headphones, they have a good price/performance ratio, but they're still bad.
I figured, but I can't afford nicer ones at the moment, and I have a decent set of speakers.
(At least I think so? M-Audio Studiophile AV 40)
I think this would have been a much better choice for the money.
Thanks for the link. Those M-Audio AV40's seem nice.
Here are your best budget options of gear you must have:
Headphones -
[Audio Technica M50] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVLUR86/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00HVLUR86&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=silastu-20&amp;linkId=KJN5X2ZF3TL466SZ)
Sony MDR7
Monitors -
KRK RP5G3
M-Audio AV40
MIDI Keyboard -
Akai MPK Mini
Korg nanokey
Novation Launchkey
Moar Buttons & Knobs -
Korg nanocontrol
Korg nanopad
Microphones -
Shure SM58
Shure SM57
Recording Interface -
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
PreSonus Audiobox
I would probably go for a quality 2.1 set, and I wouldn't buy anything from Logitech. I don't know your budget, but powered monitor speakers like these are a good start.
Wow you are awesome thanks again. And to Just clarify I could get three of the LCR's and just use two as R/L and then the third as the center. I noticed almost everyone referred to the ones in your link as "centers." Or should I look into these http://www.amazon.com/America-FH-65B-Bookshelf-Speakers-6-5IN/dp/B002ISTP8K/ref=pd_sim_e_1 as the R/L and then the LCR as the center. I read your posts on zeos and I saw you recommended these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051WAM64/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0051WAM64&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=wwwpuresimula-20 for bookshelves...is that only for gaming. I honestly am thinking that a 2.1 or 3.1 (with center) is a better setup then a 5.1 for right now.
M-Audio AV-40 They are very flat and give a great range for mixing and listening to pretty much every typer of music.
Unfortunately £100 is just around the lower limit of the very-entry level, not really mid-range if we're going to be honest.
The easy solution is M-audio AV-40s. They are 'powered monitors' so the amplifier is inside, all you have to do is feed them signal.
Alternatively, you could go for "passive" bookshelf loudspeakers and an amplifier. The advantage to this route is that you can upgrade the speakers or amp separately (edit: also each individual component is probably at least a bit better than the av40s, and if anything ever fails it can be replaced separately; it's just more flexible overall). There's some extra work involved but it's not difficult..
These Wharfedale 9.0 should be good for the price (the Diamond 9.1 were reviewed by Stereophile and they measure well for the price).
You'll need an amp, speaker wire, and some banana plugs are helpful. Oh, and probably a 3.5mm stereo to 2RCA cable to connect your 3.5mm source(s) to the amp.
How much better are either of these compared to tiny computer speakers like Logitech or Creative etc.? Much better.
I have a question about studio monitors. I'm looking to get a pair and my buddy has the Rokit 5s which sound amazing but are out of my price range. What are some good, self-powered monitors with clear sound and good bass? Are M-Audios any good?
Thanks
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=zg_bs_172471_45
If you don't already have a good pair of speakers.
haha a lot of the time i'm in the same boat. I have a pair of these.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1452322532&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=m+audio+studiophile
they haven't let me down so far and as far as I can tell sound pretty diesel. that being said, once i'm beat i disconnect and attempt to mix with the laptop speakers. hah
Just bought them on Amazon $85 off NEW. $135 with shippingLink
As someone who will also be moving into a dorm this fall, I understand your problem. However, I think I'll have just enough space in my dorm to make my setup work. Right now, I have an Audio-Technica AT-LP120 (not compact at all), sitting on top of an Ikea Lack table, which will be connected to a pair of M-Audio AV40 speakers (which will arrive at my house on Tuesday).
Now, normal turntable buying wisdom would dictate that you buy something vintage with adjustable tracking force, anti-skate, and a replaceable cartridge. If you are truly hard pressed for space, you may want to consider getting something like this. Yes, it appears a bit cheap and plastic-y, but it's only $80, and it still has those three qualities I mentioned earlier. To be honest, its footprint isn't that much smaller than my Audio-Technica, but it is about half the height.
Really, anything more compact than that (especially things that look like this) will neither sound great, nor be good for your records.
Get these speakersand these headphones. Those Panasonics are actually pretty fuckin awesome and punch way above their price class.
M-Audio AV40 Studiophile powered monitors. They have a front/rear aux input, very portable, great clean hard hitting sound. One of the best dollar for dollar purchases I've ever made less than $200 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64
Do you already have an amp? What's your budget?
These are a cheap go-to example:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-Studiophile-Speakers-Composing-Recording/dp/B0051WAM64/
Just bought an Audio-technica AT-LP120, would these M-Audio av40's be a good accompniament? or should I be looking elsewhere for a good listening experience with my turntable?
Hey, sorry this is so late and random, but my gf decided to get me the PS4+ GTAV bundle and I am supper stoked about it. Anyways, since we both have the same monitor and you tested how the PS4 runs on it, did you happen to mess around with the audio? I planned on hooking up the PS4 to my monitor via HDMI cord but when I did that with my old xbox 360, the audio would only come out of the monitor's speakers, which sounded terrible.
I've got some nice speakers (these here http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64) and I was wondering if I just had to connect the audio cord from the PS4 (it comes with one right?) to the speaker and then the PS4 will play from my speakers instead of the monitor right? Sorry if that sounded confusing, I am just trying to avoid having to unplug my speakers and plug them into the PS4 every time I want to play it.
I have the M-Audio AV40 studio monitors. Haven't had them long but they are doing the job for me.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-Studiophile-Av40-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1417301175&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=m-audio
I'm looking to get some speakers for music and films in my bedroom and also for small parties in a small kitchen. At the moment I'm using some beyer dt770 with a fiio e11 as a speaker which isn't bad for myself, but when there's a few people in one room I'm always wanting more.
In my room they'll be playing music off a PC with an integrated soundcard but in the kitchen it'll have to be laptops and phones l, unless I can use the e11 also.
I've seen the recommended cheap setups but I just wanted to know if these m audio mv40 would be recommended ?
M-Audio Studiophile Av40 - Home Studio Monitor Speakers https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_0y-Dub0JYVT87
I just want to listen to music. I could buy the JBL's listed here and be done with it, but I am wondering if they are MUCH better than something cheaper like these M-Audio speakers that have good reviews. Anyone have these or can explain why I should go with one over the other? Thanks.
Depends a lot on your budget, I'm going to assume you are looking at the cheaper end. A popular set is the audio-engine A2 speakers for about $200. The m-audio av-40's are also supposed to be quite good ($150).
I personally use the micca speakers and a small T-class amp for my computer speakers and am very happy with them, you can get those for somewhat cheaper than the two above, if you don't mind the extra cords.
Hello. I found this cheap usb dac with optical input at aliexpress. I think it has a heaphone amplifier too.
I have a nice motehrboard with Realtek ALC 892 audio chip and it's connected to M-Audio AV-40 speakers.
I always thought that I should buy the Audioengine D1. I always felt like my motherboard's audio isn't strong enough for my Sennheiser HD215 headphones and I think it would make the sound coming from my speakers nicer. The thing is I can't afford to buy it.
What do you think about this $10 dac from aliexpress? What should I expect from it? Also I am ashamed to admit that I didn't understand what the red port on the board is for. What do you think it is?
edit: I'm thinking of giving it usb power from my motherboard and digital audio with an optical cable.
Hmmm it would appear so, I was wondering why they were cheaper than I remembered. Sorry for suggesting something outside of your price range =/ If you can't spare the extra cash then I'd definitely recommend the M-Audio AV40's. I've had them for almost 4 years now, always on, and they're still running strong and sound fantastic for the price.
Here's the link for them:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1457752818&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=m-audio+av40
This. It won't shave a ton off your build, but it's a start. Even if you want to look into some higher-end audio equipment later down the line, you'll be much better off with a cheap external dac/amp.
Also, I might suggest against going for those speakers. You'll get a more neutral, higher quality sound out of some studio monitors. By comparison, those Logitech speakers are more "commercial" speakers -- they sacrifice accuracy and soundstage for an inflated bass and muddy highs/mids. They're about as hi-fi as a pair of Beats by Dre.
If you want to shave off some money: Alesis A1
If you want to spend a bit more: M-Audio Studiophile AV 40
I prefer headphones, but It's a purely personal call. If you want to go that route, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or ATH-M50 would probably be a good place to start.
generally try not to buy audio equipment by PC peripheral companies, it's always pretty bad. there's some good guides on /r/zeos for cheap speakers, I think some listed over there are below $100
the AV40s are $120 at the moment, which would be fantastic assuming you have space on your desk for some pretty big speakers
The AV40's have an input an A/V cable. (That cable that has the red, white, and yellow connectors) So you just plug them in. They're powered so you don't need an amp and they'll sound a lot better than a sound bar. Also since they're used primarily in music production and home audio, the sound won't leak out of the room they're in so you won't have angry neighbors/roommates.
is this better or weaker?
Ok....I don't think DIY is an option in audiophile, so let's forget that unless you're an absolute genius and have been inventing for B&W or Wilson or something like that but I would assume that you are not.
If you are buying under $300, the recommendations (JBL LSR305) are pretty good monitors to start out with. You can also try http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=undefined&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=m-+av+studio if you're on even a bigger budget...
But for $300, the JBLs are probably the best you can get. May be try to spend an extra ~200 or so for a DAC, that would help a ton if you're using a computer as a source. :D
http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-Studiophile-Av40-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64
I'd also throw the M-Audio AV40 in there. They sound very clean and don't take up a ton of space (they are bigger than you think they would be).
M-Audio AV40
I have the KRK Rokit 8s and they sound freaking amazing. The downside is that they don't save space at all. They are 27 lbs each and take up as much room as a small end table.
These will blow the Klipsch away.
This. Depending on your budget you can get a pretty decent set, and chances are they will be better than computer speakers. I have a set of logitech computer speakers hooked up to my desktop that are decent, but they won't really fill a room with lots of sound before I start to worry about damaging them. I've heard these are supposed to be pretty good, but I don't actually know from experience unfortunately. These also seemed decent from a little bit of listening on a recent trip to Best Buy. But yah, I would agree. Look for monitors.
well you're going to need a phono pre amp, an amp, and a set of speakers.
entry level receivers like this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AMSPQI/
will have a phono pre amp built in, as well as a remote which would be good for use on your tv, but as you can see it will eat most of your budget.
i might recommend some powered monitors such as these:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051WAM64/
and a phono pre amp:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A36LQ4/
For around $100 I'll get an M-audio AV40.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
You can plug it into your computer too if you want.
Hey guys,
The DAC and amp guide here seems a bit old and I'm a bit of a newbie so I figured I'd ask here.
Here is my current equipment at my work desk:
These are currently connected using a simple 1/8th to 1/8th audio cable, but the end result sounds awful and looks ugly as well since the 1/8th cable has to be plugged in to the front.
I would like to hook up the laptop to send audio to the speakers, I don't usually use headphones. The speakers use RCA and 1/8th as input, but I'd like to use RCA because those inputs are behind the speaker and won't clutter my desk. In an effort to accomplish this AND improve the sound quality a bit, should I get a DAC? And should I consider switching speakers or do you guys think these are ok?
Ideally, I'm looking for the DAC to run off of AC/USB power since I intend to leave it plugged in 95% of the time. A rotary volume dial would be ideal but isn't strictly necessary. Do I need something like these? And if yes, which one would you recommend?
PS - Could something like this Fiio D3 work maybe? Not sure what kind of adapter would be needed, but it seems unlikely.
>its sound quality, not 'it is' sound quality.
Enjoy your new speakers: http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1397664060&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=m-audio+speakers
http://smile.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=dp_ob_title_ce