Computer 2-channel Setup ?

[DannyV]

I'm getting ready for a new Computer sound setup. I didnt wanna go the 5.1 channel route for numerous reasons I dont wanna get into. I picked out Rti28 for the desktop (beside the monitor) and a PS202 8" sub for (under the desk) all being powered by a $299 H/K 2x75w amp.

I just wanted to know if the setup would sound good. I'll be using it primarily for gaming/mp3'/cd-audio. I've also seen that the amp has a left/right sub out...is that any good? I'm used to the single cable.

[organ]

That setup should sound great, much better than PC speaker systems. But usually the soundcard will determine the overall sonic quality. How are you hooking up those speakers and subs? If you're running the 28's full range, use both the L&R sub output on the receiver and set the crossover until it blends in with the mains.

Since you're a gamer, did you pick up Halo yet? It just came out for PC. I've had mine for a year on Xbox and still play it occasionally. It's one of the best games out there 10/10.

Maurice

[Zero]

DannyV,

As Organ suggests, your soundcard will greatly influence just how well your rig will sound. If you own Sound Blaster Live, or anything greater, you should be good to go.

Compared to almost all current lines of speakers built souly for the computer, the rig you have is awesome. I have a jvc reciever hooked up to JBL N28's, with a Polk 10' sub.

The left/right outputs on your reciever will allow you to hook up your sub directly to the reciever, meaning you dont have to wire it all up. Very convieneint.

You may not achieve audiophile quality stuff with this rig, but you will have a kickin system for the PC.

[Shizelbs]

DannyV, I have a SoundBlaster Audigy 2 that I would like to get rid of at some point if you are interested. I think your system will sound outstanding. Yeah, probably the best setup I will have heard of for a computer. I don't think 5.1 is all that great for games anyways.

[organ]

Sorry but I must disagree with you there shizelbs. I play a lot of video games and love the 5.1 sound. Games like Halo, Max Payne, FIFA just to name a few, all have incredible DD in-game sound. Playing FIFA actually makes me feel like I'm in a real stadium with the crowd screaming from all around me. Playing HALO makes me feel like a bad ass soldier because I can pinpoint the location of any enemies(both on and off screen) because of the great multi-channel sound. The sound effects are amazing and makes you feel like you're in a real war zone.

Since I upraded to 2ch seperates I haven't had surround sound. Until I get a receiver with 6ch pre's I wll have to live with stereo. And right now I realy miss 5.1 when playing my games.

Which game were you not impressed with? I know some of them are not very good, but the popular games have great sound.

Maurice

[DannyV]

thanks for the input guys,

I will definitely set this system up. I spend a lot of the time behind the desk doing computer things and love to listen to my favorite tuns, I think this will turn out great..

I dont really wanna spend to much on a sub though. Maybe something small for a bedroom or office. I seen a new 10" down firing JBL sub on amazon.com for $150. What are your inputs on JBL?

[Zero]

DannyV,

I will attempt to respond a second time. The server went down right as I clicked the submit button. :(

The Polk28's will perform splendidly. I originally intended to have my computer rig hooked up with a pair of Polk28's. Unfortunately, CC sold me a damaged pair and they had no replacements. Fun.

As for your sub issue, keep an eye out on the Polk boards for anyone selling a psw202 (which has a 10' driver by the way). It should blend nicely with your bookshelves.

You can also find them brand new on ebay for pretty cheap. They go for about 150-160 at Circuit City.

Since you asked an opinion about JBL subs, I will oblidge and provide you with my own. JBL subs can posses a lot of volume, but they arent exactly the type you would want if quality was the order of the day. However, for your budget, they can perform adequently and give you that thump you need. Not a bad route to go.

Don't dismiss the KLH10 sub. You can pick it up from Bestbuy for around 120-130 bucks. Dont let the company name fool you, fill this sub up with some stuffing, and let it rip. As you would expect, it wont be the most accurate thing, but for the price, I have heard none better.

Best of luck. A lot of possibilities out there - you just gotta get out there and see which one will work for you.

Regards,

Sean

[Ceruleance]

Shizelbs, Email me about your audigy 2, I might take it off your hands if we can agree on a price.

[gidrah]

I know nOrh is coming out with a PC pre-amp. I've heard the prototype and it was pretty sweet. It'll probably sell for around $99. Very convenient if you also download MP3s. He said the main problem with soundcards is the lack of gain. They usually put out about 1.5v whereas a CD player is around 2v. Whether this is true or not I don't know.

[Ceruleance]

i dont think a CD player is 2V, you have to hook it up to a preamp in order to get it provide adequate power to an amp. I also dont think a soundcard can do 1.5 v, but maybe, depending on the type

so nOrh is just coming out with a preamp, you have to have your own soundcard?

[joe logston]

there selling the polk psw-202 at cosco for $150 or was it $125 call cosco and see.

[gidrah]

Yeah, come to think of it CD players are in the mV range. I checked nOrh's site to see if they had any info on it and couldn't find much. Just that they're coming out with one. They're also getting into computers now.