Amp for 2.1 speakers

*Daedalus

New member
Hi all,

New here, looking for some help from those who might know.

Currently I'm using Logitech's Z906 set, but I've decided I'd like to move to a 2.1 set of decent bookshelf speakers with a sub. I've not decided on the speakers or sub yet though I have a few in mind. It'll come down to listening tests which I'm still figuring out (trying to find shops with demo units is proving difficult).

What I'm looking for is help with the amp. As I understand it, I need an amp to drive the speakers (being passive) which I can have separate, or in the sub. I'm not exactly clear on how this works however, and could use some clarification.

Assuming I do go for a dedicated amp, I'm looking for something that can drive a 2.1 set (assuming the sub needs to be driven) and is reasonably compact. It's in a bedroom, so I don't have room for a big receiver, or anything like that.

Thanks in advance!
 
If you're buying anything worth attaching to a decent amp, you shouldn't need a subwoofer. They should have ample range to cover the necessary output.

2.1 is more for movie speakers where you have lower range satellites and stuff, for music it's better to get larger, higher-range speakers that may have more than one driver and often a tweeter or something in there.
 
How much are you looking to spend for it ?

I used a sony dth100 to run 2 roth oli 3's, then a wharfedale active sub using the rca as a pass through.

The amp was £100, the speakers another £100, the sub i already had but budget another £100.

We also need to know what you will be listening to with it, games music etc etc ?

First consideration is to the sound card, you can have the best amp and speakers but if the signal they are getting is of poor quality, not much they can do to improve it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Topping-TP60-Tripath-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B00898T31W

Them t amps will run the bookshelf speakers no problem, get an active sub with rca in and out, it will be a great setup. ;)
 
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Klipsch makes a great set of 2.1 speakers with thx certification that sound great even when set in a window and playing out into the yard, it's hard to find speakers that will do that from a computer.
 
Thanks guys. I'll be using the speakers mostly for music, though I might end up using them for everything (games, TV, movies as well). It depends basically on if they sound good enough to forego the surround sound of my current set. Haven't decided if I'll be keeping that as of yet.

As for budget, it's pretty open-ended, to be honest. I'm more interested in bang/buck. I'd rather not go too much higher than around £600/€800 though.

Oh, and I'm currently using an Auzentech X-Fi Forte sound card.
 
Thanks guys. I'll be using the speakers mostly for music, though I might end up using them for everything (games, TV, movies as well). It depends basically on if they sound good enough to forego the surround sound of my current set. Haven't decided if I'll be keeping that as of yet.

As for budget, it's pretty open-ended, to be honest. I'm more interested in bang/buck. I'd rather not go too much higher than around £600/€800 though.

Oh, and I'm currently using an Auzentech X-Fi Forte sound card.


That needs changing for starters.

If you want quality audio think about a proper set of speakers and a reasonable amp - or get some active monitors like I have (KRK Rokits) these have the amp built in and keeps things tidier
 
That needs changing for starters.

If you want quality audio think about a proper set of speakers and a reasonable amp - or get some active monitors like I have (KRK Rokits) these have the amp built in and keeps things tidier

Aint nothin' wrong with Auzentech X-Fi based cards boss. They were/are on par with Asus's latest offerings for a LOOONG time before they became the defacto bandwagon stuff.

The forte and the prelude are Stonkin' cards :)
 
Aint nothin' wrong with Auzentech X-Fi based cards boss. They were/are on par with Asus's latest offerings for a LOOONG time before they became the defacto bandwagon stuff.

The forte and the prelude are Stonkin' cards :)

Im probably thinking creative
 
I'd go for the passive speaker and separate amp combo myself. Active monitors are all well and good, but not exactly upgradable nor do they have sufficient inputs or outputs to keep me happy. If the amp breaks you have to replace the lot too. (unless you are skilled at repairs) I treat active monitors as professional parts designed for studio monitoring via a sound desk as the desk allows you to control all the inputs and gives you plenty of outputs. (but then i don't consider anything beyond the realms of a few professional brands to even be worth the time)

I'd look at the yamaha AS300/AS500, marantz PM50056005 and nad 316/326 amps. Speakers are far more personal. I prefer vintage British, so would probably like the current Tannoy, Kef and wharfedale offerings. I'd probably the Tannoy revolution DC6 as it the same principal design to my current super red monitors. (This is what can be squeezed into an average bedroom with some effort)
 
That needs changing for starters.

If you want quality audio think about a proper set of speakers and a reasonable amp - or get some active monitors like I have (KRK Rokits) these have the amp built in and keeps things tidier

As SuB mentioned, Auzentech's cards - particularly the Forte and Prelude - are on a different level when compared to most of Creative's stuff. I have thought about changing my sound card as well, but I want to see what a new set of speakers will do first. Don't want to be changing too many variables at once.

I'd go for the passive speaker and separate amp combo myself. Active monitors are all well and good, but not exactly upgradable nor do they have sufficient inputs or outputs to keep me happy.

That's sort of what I'm thinking as well. Was originally looking at a pair of Audioengine A5+'s.

I'd look at the yamaha AS300/AS500, marantz PM50056005 and nad 316/326 amps. Speakers are far more personal. I prefer vintage British, so would probably like the current Tannoy, Kef and wharfedale offerings. I'd probably the Tannoy revolution DC6 as it the same principal design to my current super red monitors. (This is what can be squeezed into an average bedroom with some effort)

Will give all of those a look, thanks very much. Nice setup. :)
 
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