Bookshelf speakers for PC questions.

[CobbZ]

Hi all, I'm looking to change up my audio set up. I currently have a Corsair Vengeance 1500 headset for mainly gaming, and my standard desktop speakers are Logitech X230 - http://content.hwigroup.net/images/products/xl/071558/logitech_x230.jpg

They're ok, but I want something bigger - a bit weightier on my desk, much nicer to look at, a bit more volume headroom and to "fill the room" a bit better. I understand I'm better off with a 2.0 system of bookshelfs, than a 2.1 system of PC speakers. I'd actually be quite happy to not have this sub on the floor, a lot of bass travels downstairs and pisses my dad off.

So how do I go about it?

I have a Gigabyte Z68-Ud3p motherboard and I use the onboard sound system. I understand I need an amp between PC and passive speakers. I'm just not sure which amp I should buy, and what speakers to look for. They will be used mainly for music - metal, indie, classic rock, acoustic (think Andy McKee) e.t.c., and also when I've got the house to myself, some intense, loud gaming sessions - BF4, Titanfall, Skyrim e.t.c.

I would like the speakers to be natural wood colour - something like these would be perfect - http://www.richersounds.com/product/standmount-speakers/monitor-audio/bronze-bx1/moni-audio-bx1-wal - not looking for anything "modern" or futuristic looking like all gloss black or shiny white.

So;
1.) Amp recommendations?
2.) Speaker recommendations?

Many thanks, sorry for the long post, will be very grateful for any help.
Dan

EDIT - I will also be using for movies, all genres from action to comedy.

 

[Ubrales]

Before you get into amplifiers and bookshelf speakers keep in mind that the bass (low frequencies) will reverberate throughout the house and even into the neighbors' house. This is the nature of low frequency; will travel great distances.

I have a set of Bose Companion II speakers ($75) on one desktop, and a set of Bose Desktop ($300) on another desktop. These speakers when turned to higher volumes will blast throughout our two story house. Both speakers output very good quality sound. Try the Bose Companion II set.

If you are set on an amp and bookshelf speakers, get an amp of about 100 watts output per channel, and bookshelf speakers. They will sound like a concert hall.

 

[americanaudiophile]

Since you are moving up to a real audio system you should visit a local audio store and do some listening. Burn a CD of you favs and listen. Try some high end places too, They may have something in your range or maybe even some used speakers. Once you find the speakers you like that will decide the amount of power you need. More power doesn't sound better and if you don't need more to play loud enough why pay for it. Most bookshelf speakers in that price range are not designed to need a lot of power.

 

[makkem]

Hi
I have a pair of mission mx1 speakers mounted on wall mounts either side of the monitor,this helps stop the bass entering the house structure and travelling long distances.
Although I have a sub woofer it is not really necessary as there is a lot of bass on these speakers.
Decent bookshelf speakers are a massive leap up from computer ones even for ones that don't cost much more.

 

[ien2222]

Since you are in the UK, have a look at Wharfedale and Cambridge Audio. Not sure what price range you were looking at for speakers but for a 2.0 desktop setup, I'd give the Wharfedale Diamond series a good look over, probably the 10.0 as they are the smallest. You probably still can find the 9 series here and there also for a reduced price and both series come in various wood veneers.

 

[CobbZ]

Thanks everyone for the help and advice, i'm pretty set on the bookshelf speakers, and found a set I like - http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-2442-wharfedale-diamond-91-speakers-pair.aspx - these ones, in Walnut. I would prefer the looks of these - http://www.richersounds.com/product/standmount-speakers/monitor-audio/mr2/moni-audio-mr2-wal - but no reviews, and a much higher price tag. Just have to find and choose an amp now!

Thanks ien2222 for the Wharfedale suggestion.

Thanks again.

 

[ien2222]

For an amp, you have several options you can go with. First, you can get an AVR. Though it seems alittle overkill, it's really not a bad option to go with; you get more useable power; have the option of going with more speakers (since you mention gaming, even adding just a center makes a difference); allows for better bass management should you want to get a sub at some point; and other features that you can get might be nice too.

As for what to get, unfortunately I'm not that versed in UK pricing...or even what's available. A quick look around shows that the Denon X500 is on clearance for ~£79.00 at Richer Sounds which is a very good price (especially considering the amps I'm going to recommend), with the £9.99 5-year extended guarantee even the open box ones would be worth getting. Aside from that, Denon, Pioneer, this years model of Sony, Onkyo, and Yamaha are worth looking at.

For just an amp, I'd suggest Cambridge Audio Topaz AM1, or for a smaller footprint, the Topping TP22. For just listening at your desk, the Topping is plenty, even for listening at moderate levels in a smaller room. But if you plan on really turning it up, I'd go with the CA as it will give you more power.

The CA will run about £79 and the Topping will be about £69. As you can see, at these prices the Denon is a much better deal if you have the space for an AVR.

And you always have the option of going used. As long as it works good, any stereo/receiver/amp/AVR from the past 6 years should be fine (just don't spend much on it).