Reddit mentions of AmazonBasics 16-Gauge Audio Stereo Speaker Wire Cable - 50 Feet

Great gift! Does it have to be Best Buy? You can often do better elsewhere or even better used.

Stereo Receiver or for music and movies/TV, an AV receiver with HDMI connections.

Then add Speaker Wire or Basic and 4 Ways to Strip Wire - wikiHow.

Home Audio Guides: Intro to home stereo systems • Zeos Tutorials, Diagrams and Videos • r/audiophile Guide to Home Audio • Speaker Placement for Stereo Music Listening

Home Theater Guides: r/HTBuyingGuides FAQ • How to Set Up a Basic Home Theater System - Lifewire • How to Set Up Your Home Theater Receiver • Speaker Placement for Home Theater • TV vertically centered at eye level while seated • r/hometheater

Five feet of speaker wire is not as much as it sounds and 8ga is serious overkill for that setup. You can get terminated speaker wire or an entire spool for not much more. You will hear no difference with 16ga wire and you get so much more.

People already linked the other two $150 stereo receivers from Best Buy but there's also this one that you should be able to price match to Amazon for $130 (or just buy it from Amazon).

If you don't want a gigantic amplifier I also recommend the Topping MX3 for $94 at Amazon.

You're also going to need some speaker wire which is probably overpriced at Best Buy and some type of cable to get sound from your computer to an AV receiver if you don't want to use bluetooth.

I'll make a list of stuff you need. For the best "bang for your buck" in the $200ish price range.

-----------------------------------------

Speaker wire. Amazon Basics makes great stuff. If you want, you can get 100 feet of it for an extra $2 I think. You can get those monoprice banana plugs if you want. They just help if you're going to be switching speakers around a lot.

Simple wire stripper. Should work just fine.

Cable to plug it in. That'll just plug the amp into a computer. And that cable is amazing quality. For real. I don't know what it is about it, but the moment I touched that cable I knew it was special. This isn't a joke either. You'll understand when you get one. Trust me.

50 watt per channel amp. This thing will be more than enough. I just like it because it is open box, so cheap. The same one new on amazon is $65. If you want to order from amazon, you can just get the smsl sa-36a. Same amp, just 20 watts per channel. Which, again, is plenty.

[Here's that cheaper smsl amp] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017W13OR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_U2NSBbTRHGFS5). I've got a few of them. They're great. This is what I'd go for if the other one is sold out.

Cheap but good little amp. I don't have one of these because I'm not a fan of the looks, but they get great reviews and a lot of people really like them.

---------------

Speakers:

Miccas. These things are nice for that price. In this price range, you really won't be getting anything better unless you go DIY.

Fluance SX6. These guys are big, but they throw a good amount of sound and some pretty deep bass for a pair of bookshelf speakers. Careful, they're pretty big.

Pioneer. These things are decent, but I think the Fluances would be better for this price. The SX6s throw more bass, which is good if you're not getting a sub. However, these are smaller.

Fluance signature series. I know, you said your budget is only $200, but you said if you need to spend more, then you will. These will sound better than all of the other speakers linked, however, that's not why they're here. I put them here for two reasons. The first is that they're front ported. Most people that are new to speakers might put them up against a wall or close to it, not understanding that the port needs some room to breathe. These have front ports so that's not a problem. The second reason, just look at them. If you really care about looks, these ones are the ones. They're beautiful. (My opinion obviously).

Oof almost forgot. Pleaae don't place the speakers directly on your desk.

--------------------------------

That's a lot. I'll sum it up with my opinion and why.

Amp: smsl sa36a. For close range, you don't need anything with more power. This thing will do whatever you need for bookshelf speakers.

Speakers: micca mb42x. Why? Here's why: for this price range, you won't notice a huge difference in any speakers, unless you get some bad ones. So, get the cheapest ones you can. Later on, if you can afford to upgrade them, you'll probably want to do that. Then you'll have a pair of $80 speakers that you don't need rather than a pair of 130 speakers that you don't need. Another reason I would pick the miccas is because they punch above their price range. Most people say they sound more like a pair of $125 speakers rather than a pair of $80 speakers. So, for real, they're good. Also, they're the smallest of the bunch.

Or, build a pair of C Notes and get something way better than any of these.

Hope this helps!

Couldn't really find what I was looking for specifically, so I scoured a few subs and saw numerous suggestions. Ended up purchasing the following items:

Dayton Speakers

Lepy Amp

RCA to AUX

Polk Subwoofer

Speaker Wire

Super happy with these purchases. All in all it costed just about 200 bucks. For me, it's all I will ever need. Crisp sounds and heavy bass when I want it. Would consider shelling out for a better amp, but the amp provided should be sufficient if you aren't blasting your music.

Additionally, if you do plan on doing an audio set up of this nature, use this image to guide you. Also note that the DAC in the image would be your RCA to AUX if you were to use the set up I posted. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Give me about an hour and I'll edit this comment with store links to what I got.

Edit: Here is the list

1. Receiver/Amp This is very basic and will only support the bookshelf speakers themselves. If you want to add a sub or center, your going to need a full on stereo receiver. WARNING - when plugging in the banana plugs into this receiver, i had to force them in a bit to make them stay in. I thought I broke it, but my friend who recommended me this receiver said thats how his is too. so if the banana plugs go in weird, its ok :).
   
   
2. Audio to RCA adapter. This is the wire to hook up to your PC. This could vary per setup. My setup goes from speakers to receiver, then receiver to PC with this cable. You could use RCA to optical cable as well. You have to make sure that if your PC is hooked up to your TV or monitor via HDMI to change the Audio input from hdmi to speakers.
   
   
3. Speaker wire This is how you connect the speakers to the receiver. and the best way to do that is with banana plugs
   
   
4. Bananna Plugs - Any kind will do and each banana plug hooks up to the wire differently. Some come with instructions, others you might have to google. I had to look at amazon reviews to see how mine worked.
   
   Total - about 40 - 50 depending on where you get your stuff.

Get an Audio Technica AT-LP60 + an amplifier + speakers + speaker wire. That's what I have and it cost me less than $180. Here's the Amazon links for everything I have:

Record player

Speakers

Pre-amp

Speaker wire

STAY AWAY FROM CROSLEYS OR ANYTHING WITH BUILT IN SPEAKERS. DO NOT BUY A RECORD PLAYER UNDER $80. IT'S WORTH IT TO SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY AND GET A SETUP THAT WILL SOUND NICE AND WON'T DESTROY YOUR RECORDS. Can't stress that enough.

If you want to use the center channel you’ll need more than a basic 2-channel amp - you’ll need a home theater receiver. Any old 5.1 system will do. You should be able to get them used for well under $100. Their main downside is their size.

You’ll also need speaker cables - 16 gauge is fine unless you want to run them over 15-20 feet or so, then 14 ga may be an improvement.

Then run an aux cord from the PC sound out to auxiliary input on the receiver. You may need an adapter like this to go from 3.5mm to RCA inputs (or something that does a similar job).

No special audio interface needed if you’re not doing surround sound. Stereo input for the left/right/center channel is fine.

To build a system using the minimum recommendations from this sub, let's start with this diagram: http://i.imgur.com/Z8FMJ.png
DAC is optional, so is a subwoofer but I recommend one.

DAC: Behringer UCA202 $29.99 Link: http://amzn.com/B000KW2YEI

Amplifier: SMSL SA-50 $68.99 Link: http://amzn.com/B00F0H8TOC

Subwoofer: Dayton Audio SUB-800 $99.00 Link: http://amzn.com/B0063NU30K

Bookshelf Speakers: Micca MB42X $89.00 Link: http://amzn.com/B00E7H8GG2

Wire: 16-gauge Speaker Wire $8.00 Link: http://amzn.com/B006LW0WDQ

With DAC, this cable: Stereo Male to 2 RCA Male $5 Link: http://amzn.com/B00I0HPK6O

Without DAC, this cable: Monoprice 105597 3-Feet Premium Stereo Male to 2RCA Male $5 Link: http://amzn.com/B0094A1F3S

This is a great starter system, I would have loved to had something like this starting out.
All of these pieces can be upgraded, do your research. Look for sales etc. Good luck and have fun.

I advocate using component bookshelves speakers with a mini amp unless space is at a big premium. They are better engineered, have better bang for your buck, and have a much cleaner sound.

You have the added bonus that the speakers are more flexible for other uses and, if you wanted to go from 2.0 to something else, it's a pretty easy upgrade, ala: you don't have to pitch the old system and get something new. I think you'd find a good 2.0 system to be much more impressive than a lot of the gamer sound systems out there.

Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers

Dayton Audio DTA-1 Digital Amplifier

Amazon Basics Speaker Cable

Another note: A system like this will sound way fuller without a boominess that you'd get from most gaming 2.1 sound systems. All of my friends that I have recommended go this route have loved it!

Buy a U-Turn Basic, Micca MB42 speakers, Lepai amp, Pyle pre amp and some cheap speaker wire

It's over your budget but this is about as cheap as you can get while still getting new high quality gear.

Four connecting your record player, you'll need an RCA cable with a ground cable; something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CRA-202DJ-Right-Angle-Ground-Interconnect/dp/B000PO1H80/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1473063914&sr=1-1&keywords=rca+cable+ground

The speakers you can connect with speaker wire like this one: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1473064034&sr=1-4&keywords=speaker+wire
Just make sure you don't switch + and -

Honestly, if you want a meaningfully better 2.1 setup than the Z-2300 then you should go for a pair of bookshelf speakers, a subwoofer, and an amp.

Personally, I would even go for a AV Receiver rather than an amp.

One example of a "budget" setup I would recommend costs $406 and the parts are linked below:

• $80 Bookshelf speakers
  
  
• $150 AV Receiver
  
  
• $168 Subwoofer
  
  
• $8 Speaker Wire
  
  You can definitely save some money by buying parts used. Your local Craiglists will probably have deals on old subwoofers or AV Receivers.
  
  $400 definitely sounds pricey, but it's no more expensive than "premium" 2.1 computer speaker sets. For example Razor charges $500 for their top of the line 2.1 speakers. Those speakers are no better than the Pro Media 2.1. They just come with pretty lights on them.

No worries, buddy. Happy to help. You don't need to worry about a preamp just yet, as your turntable has one built in. Just make sure you have the selector switch on the back of the unit set to "line" rather than "phono" and you're all set. As for connecting the speakers to the receiver, I managed to find a pic of the rear connections on the U310. It looks like they use spring clips to connect, so you're going to have to use bare wire.

First thing you'll need is a spool of speaker wire. I've had good luck with the Amazon Basics stuff, and it's about as cheap as decent wire gets. You'll need to strip a bit of the jacket off of each wire on each end. I do it by hand, but you might want to try a wire stripper if you're not comfortable free-handing things. Once you've exposed the bare wire, simply give each side a quick twist to secure them into separate threads and insert each thread into the back of the speaker, depressing the spring clip to allow the wire to fit into the hole and releasing it to bite down on the wire. As for the back of the amp, the procedure's the same if it has spring clips. If it has binding posts like the SMSL I linked earlier, you'll want to unscrew them a bit, wrap the bare wire around the exposed post, and tighten the post heads back down to create a nice, tight seal.

One word of warning on the off chance you've never done anything like this before. Remember to connect your positive (red) terminals on your speakers to your positive terminals on your amp, and your negative (black) to negative. The speaker wire makes that pretty easy, as one channel is marked with a little white line so you'll always know what's going where. Additionally, make sure your amp's left output is wired to your left speaker and the right to the right. Simple stuff, but it's easy to miss if this is your first time.

Amp:
http://www.parts-express.com/lepai-lp-2020a-tripath-class-t-hi-fi-audio-mini-amplifier-with-power-supply--310-300?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla

Speakers:
https://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B009IUIV4A/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&srs=3097377011&ie=UTF8&qid=1472956289&sr=8-1-catcorr&keywords=bookshelf+speakers

Wire:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&srs=3097377011&ie=UTF8&qid=1472956231&sr=8-2-catcorr&keywords=speaker+wire

Roughly $88 for the combo, excluding wire

edit* You'll also want one of these to connect to your computer:
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=5597&gclid=CPrq4dXW9M4CFdQ2gQodeugApg

Don't use the guitar amp for this project. If you're being cheap get the Lepai and some speaker wire. Add this adapter in too and you're out the door for like $35.

LPT: Never, ever buy those shitty Logitech/Sony/Creative/whatever 2.1 speaker systems on Amazon for your PC

Instead, buy a cheap amp, some speaker wire and head to your local Goodwill to find some bookshelf speakers.

Boom. You now have high quality sound for under $50 that will blow anything you can find at that price point on Amazon out of the water.

Every Goodwill I've been in has had bookshelf speakers for sale, and if you're real lucky you can find some excellent equipment for dirt cheap. I found a pair of these bad boys for freaking $13 last weekend

Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00081NX5U/
Amp(protect this from elements): http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00W9H9W42/
Wire (electrical tape ends after setup): http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LW0WDQ/
Power Supply: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XDNDPT4/
Power Cable (opt): http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005J5ZL0A/

$102

College kid here, I'll try to help out.

It's generally recommended that you don't ever go for a HTIAB (home theater in a box) as they come with super shitty components and most often don't leave room to upgrade.

You'll get more flexibility and bang for your buck with bookshelves and a sub, but as you mentioned you only want a 2.0 for right now. If bass is really that important to you, I would actually recommend you get a pair of bookshelves now and invest in a sub later on. Towers are great but for a 2.0 setup you're going to want something smaller with better sound quality.

 

---

Bookshelves: used Polk Signature S15's

>Top listing is $165 for like new speakers; S15's run for $229/pair new.

This listing in particular says "Speakers only, nothing else is included" which is odd for them to mention because I don't think these speakers normally come with any accessories. Maybe he's talking about the manual which can easily be found online. But who needs manuals anyway?

 

Amp: SMSL SA-50

>Price fluctuates between $63 and $69. This listing is $63.

Puts out 50 wpc, will power pretty much any speaker you throw at it. I owned this myself and recommend it for a first setup. Just keep in mind you will have to upgrade to a surround receiver if you ever want to move past 2.1 in the future.

---

 


This puts you at $228 shipped. A bit above your absolute max of $200, but this is probably your best bet. You're also going to need to buy some speaker wire. It's only like $8.

So in total, this comes to $236 shipped. A bit above your budget, but it leaves you with some kickass bookshelves as well as the ability to add a sub in the future.

Correct.

This is all you need for speaker wire for those speakers if you are not running them more than 25 ft from the amp. https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Audio-Stereo-Speaker/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=sr_1_4

RCA cables do not have to be expensive. These cables will work fine https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-2-Male-Adapter-Stereo/dp/B01D5H8JW0/

If you have the room for it, the best deal on amplification is often to look for a used audio video receiver on your local Craigslist. People tend to upgrade AVRs that are ~ 10 years old in order to buy the latest models that support Dolby Atmos ceiling speakers. If your video card has an extra HDMI out, you can also run audio to an AVR using that instead of RCA cables.

Or did you have a separate budget for the amplifier?

You'll need an amplifier, copper speaker wire, and a cable to attach to your computer (typically 3.5 mm to RCA). Typically, you need to buy things separately.

You will need an amplifier like this.

That cable is fine, but there are cheaper alternatives on amazon (amazon basics wire I recommend for starters).

You need to hook up your PC to the amplifier through RCA or 3.5mm jack. Then hook up the speaker wire to your speakers.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktxsr343/onkyo-tx-sr343-5.1-ch-x-65-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

+

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Andrew-Jones-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeaker-Pair-/262374745318?

+

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1474621439&sr=1-2


You can add a sub later on if you feel the lack. Or just go over budget: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

Remember that speaker placement is important. Don't shove them close together below the TV or something. Get stands if you need to. They should at least be to either side of the TV.

Hi!

A friend of mine recently bought the Dayton B652-AIR, which sound phenomenal for the price. They're on sale right now for $50 from Parts Express. I haven't heard the basic B652, but the reviews seem to indicate that the AIR models are worth the extra money. They have a better crossover (internal circuitry) and an upgraded tweeter that's supposed to provide smoother treble and more clarity.

Second, you're going to need an amplifier to drive those speakers. Your previous system had a built-in amp. I recommend this little guy which is a barebones amplifier that produces nice clean sound and has a very small footprint and a reasonable price.

It won't amplify your headphones, though.

Something like this receiver would cover all your bases-- provide power to your speakers and your headphones as well.

If I were you, I'd just use an analog cable to attach my source (computer?) to the receiver.

Oh, and you'll need some speaker cable to connect the speakers to the receiver.

I like the versatility of the MB's better (IE you don't need 110v power near them and you can get any amp you want or move them to a surround sound, etc)

The PB's have a locked in amp. You can upgrade the power supply if you want to a 24v for more power.

The SA60 is not overkill for any speaker. It is top of the tiny amp line in tech and build quality. Besides it will likely last a few years and your next set of speakers may want that extra power.

You just want to concern yourself with 16ga wire at least and if you want, Oxygen Free copper stuff so it doesn't turn green when you leave it exposed for a while. This is the good stuff and this is the cheap aluminum stuff.

I used these in my cab worked like a charm:

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DBUVUZ4/
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2P61FO/
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006LW0WDQ/
  
  The amp can plug into an outlet and is pretty small so it works in a bartop or full upright arcade.

Those are some great speakers for that price without a doubt. Just about any speaker amp will be compatible but these are two often recommended starter amps.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071FJF4FF/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501417697&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=lepai+2020a&dpPl=1&dpID=41odxvspp1L&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A2QLGEQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1501417760&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=smsl+sa50&dpPl=1&dpID=41vb56ZQUZL&ref=plSrch


For a desk setup you won't need too heavy of wire so this should be perfectly fine:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LW0WDQ/ref=psdcmw_3236443011_t2_B01D5H8XOY

so any old cd/dvd player will work? all i need to do is plug in the RCA cables into the amp?


The Amp

The Speakers

wire

Here is the setup I started with. It was great. You can also add a subwoofer once you can afford one.

Passive (not powered) speakers: Micca MB42X. Great sounding. Well reviewed around here too.

Lepai amp


Speaker wire

RCA cable

It will end up around $115 if you don't have cables or wire. But most electronics include extra red/white cables so you might have that laying around.

It is extremely to set up. You also need some kind of wire stripper. You can also keep the mb42x for rear speakers if you want to upgrade down the line and get a 5.1 setup. Bookshelf speakers also seem to hold their value really well if you end up selling them and upgrading.

BUT, if you don't want to deal with set up and just need something basic, Micca also just released a powered version of the MB42x. So you would just need the 3.5 to red/white RCA cable.

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC

The Urturn you linked is a fine table, however it will not work with the speakers you linked to out of the box. The Uturn has the option of coming with a built-in phono preamp, this is not the same as an amplifier for speakers.

Basically, the audio chain for a turntable is:
Turntable --> Phono preamp --> amplifier --> speakers
These don't have to be four separate components- powered speakers have the amplifier built in to them, and some amplifiers and turntables have the phono preamp built in.

How you want to achieve this is up to you: separate components take up more space and add in complexity while also allowing you to upgrade pieces. If you want a simple setup that will sound decent, the best option might be the uturn with the built in preamp, and a set of powered speakers like these or these. The speakers you linked are passive and if you want to use them you will need an amplifier like this which also has a phono preamp built-in.

The Urturn comes with a cartridge- most entry to midlevel turntables do (only really high-end tables come without them) so you don't need to worry. As for cables, everything in the audio path I listed above is connected with RCA cables except amplifer to speakers, which use speaker wire like this

You can get decent bookshelf speakers, a desktop amp, and speaker wire for about $150 and it will sound far better than a soundbar

Speakers $80

Amp $47

Speaker wire $10

No, generic is fine and I doubt they come with wire.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=pd_sim_23_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51IOxbn5fgL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR150%2C160_&refRID=1K56846XM9J6X17Y4N42

Banana Plugs are just an easier way to plug the speaker wire into the amp and speakers - making everything nice.

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-109436-Copper-Speaker-Banana/dp/B0097JLQVC/ref=pd_sim_23_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41QxY56AvVL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1K56846XM9J6X17Y4N42

You would definitely need speaker wire (and wire stripper tool) to connect the Miccas to the amp, and then either an aux cable or an aux-to-rca Y-cable to connect the amp to your source (laptop, phone, etc.)

• Wire Stripper
  
• Speaker Wire
  
• Aux Cable
  
  Hope this helps
  

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Audio-Stereo-Speaker/dp/B006LW0WDQ

50’ so 25’ worth is $4.65............

Hello fellow LP120 owner!

Your new turntable comes with a built in preamp, but you still need an amp to amplify the line level audio. Records necessitate a preamp, as the audio level is quite low compared to other sources, (i.e. CD player, iPod). In addition to boosting the audio signal to something your amp can work with, the preamp also applies RIAA equalization which more or less adds back in the low end.

Some of the older amps out there have a specific PHONO input, which is designed to do the same thing a preamp does. Almost all of the new amps on the market have gotten rid of these inputs, as "no one listens to vinyl anymore". You don't need one with a PHONO input though, you just need a good 2-channel amp to power your speakers.

If you don't want to spend much, the Lepai LP 2020 is probably the best bang for your buck. I'm using it right now with these Pioneer bookshelf speakers (very similar to yours) and they sound great. I don't have a recommendation for anything more powerful, but you won't really need anything more powerful unless you go with bigger speakers down the road. Don't forget to grab some speaker wire to wire it all up.

Have fun!

https://www.amazon.com/Lepy-LP-2024A-Amplifier-Stereo-Supply/dp/B00ULRFQ1A/

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/

For speakers, go for the Dayton B652 Airs, or check craigslist for some decent bookshelf speakers.

Exactly. A proper stereo is the solution here. Use a decent amp and speakers for the audio and pair it with an Echo Dot to control it, using the line out jack on the Dot to connect it to the amp.

If /u/Treas0n is looking for a good budget option, I'd highly recommend the Lepai amp + Dayton speaker setup. This setup is the go-to budget kit on /r/audiophile and would be plenty loud with really good sound quality. It's about $90 for the whole kit (+$30-$50 for an Echo Dot):

Lepai LP-2020TI Texas Instruments TPA3118 Hi-Fi Stereo Audio Mini Amplifier with Power Supply https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FJF4FF/ (don't go for this one anymore, grab a tripath version)

Kinter K2020A+ Limited Edition ORIGINAL Tripath TA2020-020 Class-T Hi-Fi Audio Mini Amplifier with 12V 5A Power Supply Black https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077Z7DBRT

Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker with AMT Tweeter Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NOA58RS/

AmazonBasics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire - 50 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0WDQ/

Monoprice 105597 3-Feet Premium Stereo Male to 2RCA Male 22AWG Cable - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094A1F3S/

If the OP wants even bigger sound then add a powered sub for $100 more (you may want to double up on your 16ga speaker wire for connecting the subwoofer between the stereo speakers and the amp)

Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IEFWBbD0GFQVW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E7H8GG2

Those speakers, with these foam pads to angle them at your ears.

https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Addicted-Isolation-Monitors-Acoustic/dp/B0757LTZJJ

Powered by this amp:

https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-50Wx2-TDA7492-Amplifier-Adapter/dp/B00F0H8TOC

You will also need some speaker wire, and a 3.5mm to RCA adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ

https://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-3-5mm-Male-2-Male-Adapter/dp/B004YEBK66

This setup will surpass any product sold by Logitech, Razer, or any normal set of PC speakers. You can easily add a subwoofer or upgrade the speakers themselves in the future.

If you get him bookshelf speakers like the Q Acoustics suggestion, you'll probably need something to put them on, i.e. speaker stands, unless you've got an unusual amount of room on the stand next to that enormous TV. These can range from pretty affordable to unjustifiably expensive. Just find something that seems stable that you like the looks of. Speaker stands are something you can save a ton of money buying second hand without really having to worry about them being broken or abused, but you might not like gifting something used.

Oh, and if your house is entirely new to this speakers-and-amps thing, make sure you've got some speaker wire. Don't let anyone tell you you need to spend a lot on it. Stuff like this is just fine.

One other question you had was about wall mounting and sound quality--generally speaking nice bookshelves on stands will sound better than something you'd wall mount. In part because you'll have more control over how you place them in the room, and they'll be at ear-level like they should be. And in the case of the Q Acoustics (and many other speakers), there's a port on the back of the speaker that you definitely don't want pressed up against a wall. Basically they need a little room to "breathe".

Now, if he wanted actual IN-wall speakers (where you only see the grill), that's kind a specific and very different thing than what we tend to do around here.

What a great gift idea!

As others have said it makes a huge difference. I love feeling the subtle details as well like engine RPM and gear shifts in my back. It really pulls you in.

Get a butt kicker setup if you don’t like to DIY. Otherwise a cheap setup can be pieced together easily:

Shaker:
Dayton Audio BST-1 High Power Pro Tactile Bass Shaker 50 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CDDPJTI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Irj5BbKDNWGTP

Amp:
ONEU Mini amplifier Super Bass Hi-Fi Stereo Audio Amp Booster for Car Moto Home with DC 12V 3A Power Supply, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019MBUX40/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Dsj5Bb3JGVQ77

Wire:
AmazonBasics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire - 50 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Gtj5Bb7QK1K9K

Free Software:
https://www.racedepartment.com/downloads/simhub-diy-sim-racing-dash.10252/

In simple terms this is what you will need.

Speakers -> Use Speaker Wire -> Amp

You will need an amp because the speakers are passive and need power (which your tv can't provide). I listed the usual bang for your buck recommendations. In addition it's up to you whether you want to get banana plugs or not, personally it's just easier to stick the wire straight into the speaker. The MB42 has 5-way binding posts that can accept banana plugs, spades, bare straight wire, and bare looped wire.

Now the easy part. You just have to connect your Amp to your tv. You said you only have optical or aux (no rca?). The amp I linked has the option to use either RCA or Aux input. My personal reccomendation is to use the RCA wire over the Aux, if you can.

And for price vs performance, you can't get too much better than the Micca MB42s. It's always highly recommended as one of the best bang for your buck speakers at that price level.

Those are what are called "passive" speakers; they need an amplifier.

You'll also need some speaker wire and a 3.5 mm TRS to stereo RCA cable.

Use the TRS-to-RCA cable to connect the computer's "audio out" to the amplifier's "line in", and use the speaker wire to connect the speakers to the amplifier.

Here is the setup I went for in a small room. This is for a desk setup in a 11x14 room. Couldn't be happier for about 250$.

Speakers: 90$
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E7H8GG2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Amp:70$
https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-50Wx2-TDA7492-Amplifier-Adapter/dp/B00F0H8TOC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1454215590&sr=8-1&keywords=smsl+amplifier&linkCode=sl1&tag=zeos-20&linkId=97458c4923f86af9ecf53e1a566a6fca

Sub:81$ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KGA6A8A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wire:8.50$
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1454214218&sr=8-4&keywords=speaker+wire&linkCode=sl1&tag=zeos-20&linkId=50aa0e85d9168eed8d40f824e4203a64
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-109436-Copper-Speaker-Banana/dp/B0097JLQVC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1454214342&sr=8-17&keywords=speaker+cable&linkCode=sl1&tag=zeos-20&linkId=2fe231768f52ad0ca86e94f394a83fca

Plugs 10$
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-109436-Copper-Speaker-Banana/dp/B0097JLQVC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1454214342&sr=8-17&keywords=speaker+cable&linkCode=sl1&tag=zeos-20&linkId=2fe231768f52ad0ca86e94f394a83fca

Does your PC have HDMI out? If yes, then [this is what you want to do] (https://www.tweaking4all.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/avreceiver_setup_with_arc-800x385.jpg). Get an entry level [AV receiver under $200] (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html) and connect it to your PC through HDMI. If your PC does not have HDMI, then it can also be connected to the receiver through digital out such as SPDIF or Coaxial. The AV receiver will have multiple inputs and outputs to connect any gaming consoles if you have any.

For budget speakers read this. You can get the Elac B6 for $280 or KEFQ100 for $300 right now. Get 16 gauge speaker wires [here] (https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ) and you are all set. This set up gives you flexibility to connect additional speakers (for surround sound for movies) and/or if you want a subwoofer later.

Get a good cheap pair of bookshelf speakers (or smth more expensive) connect them to an amp and either use a splitter cable to plug it directly into mobo's integrated sound or use a usb dac (with rca cables). You will also have to spend some money on speaker wire to connect speakers to amp.

EDIT: another option is to skip amp part and get a pair of powered studio monitors.

What more, specificly are you looking for?

Fluance Ai40 are $199.


Or you can get a SMSL SA100 amplifier and a pair of Yamaha NS-6490 for just a bit over $200.


https://www.amazon.com/Amplifier-TPA3116D2-Bluetooth-Adjustment-Amplifiers/dp/B07Q2XC7K3/


https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-6490-Bookshelf-Speakers-Finish/dp/B00018Q4GA/


https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/r

https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX8020-TX-8020-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B00EE18O7W/

+

https://www.amazon.com/Wharfedale-Diamond-220-Black/dp/B00OHIZQ50

+

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/

+

https://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-3-5mm-Male-2-Male-Adapter/dp/B004YDUZ22/

You'll also need stands so that the speakers' tweeters are at your ear's level. If the accessories going over your budget make the whole thing too expensive, you can get some slightly cheaper speakers such as these: https://www.amazon.com/Debut-Bookshelf-Speakers-Andrew-Jones/dp/B014GSEQ06/

Correct! However, maybe consider not supporting the evil empire that is Walmart!

Edit: Amazon is actually a little cheaper

I'm doing the exact same thing. This is my plan. (As a disclaimer, I am fairly new and a student of /r/Zeos.)

This Receiver

Front Speakers

Center Speaker

Subwoofer

If that sub is too large for the mobility you want, you could go with this, which is quite a bit smaller.

All that (with the F12) will be around $525.

If you're doing surround, which may limit mobility, I'd throw in a pair of these.

Don't forget some good quality speaker wire and banana plugs make life easier if you want to move it easily.

No need for anything more than 18. Can do 16 if it makes you feel better.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ

100' is like $3 more too

Depending on what your source's line-out looks like, you'll need to run either this cable(typical for computers) or this cable (for CD players, tape decks and so on) to the amp's input, and some speaker wire from the amp and the speakers. You can then decide if you like the way it sounds, or if you'll need a better sound card or some crap.

With 150 you can ditch the entire system and build your own little one
buy these speakers, [amp] (http://www.amazon.com/Topping-TP20-MK2-TA2020-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B00828UTE4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1405116091&sr=1-1&keywords=topping+amplifier), speaker wires and [this cable] (http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Audio-Cable-Splitter-1-Mini/dp/B00004Z5CP/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1405116222&sr=1-2&keywords=3.5mm+to+rca). It's a little more than $150 but will worth it.

edit: if you get more space in the future you just add a subwoofer.

I bought those Miccas for my dad for Christmas, and they surprised the hell out of me. Those little speakers have punch. They sound fantastic, and they are not lacking for bass. There are better options, of course, but those Miccas and an inexpensive amp like the SMSL SA-50 would be a damn good setup for not a lot of money. Down the road you could add a subwoofer like the Martin Logan Dynamo 300 and I think you'd be very happy.

On Amazon, those speakers and the SMSL SA-36 amp would cost $140. Add in the cables you need, and the total is $152.08.

Micca MB42X

SMSL SA-36

Speaker Wire

RCA to 3.5mm Cable

Here's what I'm looking to buy to upgrade my computer speakers. I'm a complete noob. is there anything missing? any obvious slight upgrade ~$50+?
do I need banana plugs?

RCA stereo breakout cable

Lepy LP-2020A

Speaker cable

Micca MB42X

i have this speaker wire: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006LW0WDQ/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0029HHIDY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=07HPVE7VWF38MDQEXMMW

do you just mean whichever side of the wire i put into one color hole, i put into the corresponding hole on the other device?

Does the wire matter much? For example the one you linked is just under $20, yet I found this one that's under $9.

I am using onboard sound, so I will pick up that DAC as well. Thanks so damn much man, I'm eager to start having ear sex with my new speakers.

You can use 16 gauge lamp cord from the hardware store; they sell it by the foot and you can buy exactly the lengths you need. Or you can buy a roll of speaker wire, but it's essentially the same thing:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0WDQ/

First of all: visit r/zeos for general beginner guidelines

Second: Those are passive speaker, so they need to be powered through an amplifier. What you need is

• An audio souce (propably your PC)
  
  
• An amplifier (This seems to be the cheapest one you can get)
  
  
• An RCA cable to connect audio source and amplifier
  
  
• Speaker Wire to connect amp and speaker
  
  There is no real trick in connecting. Just make sure that the same colored ends are connected with the same wire and the different wire ends don't touch. Otherwise, if it sits tight, you have propably done it right

Hey Guys, I'm trying to create a some-what cheap and MODERN set up for myself with multiple use (but limited channels in the receiver, so I found a receiver with Bluetooth option) and high convenience... Am I missing anything? Or is there anything I should add?

Cheap Bluetooth w/ Limited Channels Receiver

Turntable, and I really love this one.... Really Jacks Up Price

Speakers that come with wire, but adding a spool from amazon anyways...

Wire and Plugs

Do I need anything else? Hi-Fi amp or something? The turntable comes with a phono-preamp and the speakers look decent and are at my price range. Any tips on how to set this up as well? Including the best way to use the plugs or if I should get different plugs.

With the current prices of this post, the overall price is... $462.88 USD and W/O the turntable, it is $213.88 XD

Replacement Turntable that is affordable which puts the new price at $298.88

To start you need an integrated amplifier. Here's the one recommended in the purchase help thread. This unit will provide power to the speakers so they can play back audio.

Next you need a cable that runs from your phone's headphone jack (assuming it has one) to the amp. Here you go.

Now you need to connect the amp to the speakers. Since you have a sub, you will run speaker cable from the amp to the sub, and then from the sub to each of the speakers. Here's 50 ft of speaker cable which should be more than enough to get the job done. You'll also need a wire stripper tool to remove the casing at each of the cabling, here you go. Would also recommend some banana plugs to make things easier but they aren't required.

This gets you live audio to your speakers. Had you done some research ahead of time you probably would have landed on buying active speakers instead, which would have saved you the need for all of this equipment except the $7 audio cable.

Receiver

L/R

Center

Subwoofer, I would suggest looking for a used one, I got mine for $100 and you’d need like 4 of these to compete.

Speaker Wire

Subwoofer cable

Banana plugs/pins are optional, but they make things so much easier in wiring (more on the receiver side). The receiver takes plugs for the L/R but pin for the center, and the 3 speakers take plugs. So you can get this and two of these.

3.5mm (from PC) to RCA (SMSL), Speaker wire from SMSL to Teacs

It's a pair of speakers, you'll want to place them at least a few feet apart. You'll need speaker cable to run from the amp to the speakers, the hardest part there is just stripping the wires. Then depending on what you want to hook up, you'll need RCA to 3.5 mm (to hook up your phone for instance), or straight RCAs which might be used to hook up your TV, you'd have to check. Some Samsung models don't have analog audio output.

Regarding bass, the ELAC bookshelf speakers should have enough to start with, and will definitely have a hell of a lot more than that Marshall speaker. If you feel it's lacking you can always add a dedicated subwoofer later.

Your post was originally caught in the spam filter and had to be mod approved because all your links are Zeos affiliate links.

Technically for a setup that would be all you need there, along with a 3.5mm to RCA cable to connect your PC to the amp. You can save money on the wires if you just cut some to length from a cheap roll. There are amps with headphone outputs as well, but from what I'm tallying you were going to spend $200 on your setup right? Is that your budget?

If so, I'd say buy a used pair of JBL LSR305 speakers and be done with it. Those are far and away better than the Miccas, and I've had the Miccas. Do you have some impressive headphones? You can spec something out where you use active speakers and a headphone amp that can double as a preamp for volume control.

I'm assuming, based on your other responses (and because you haven't specified) that you're hooking this up to a computer exclusively, and that you have limited desk space (meaning that standard bookshelf speakers won't fit). Also, I'm going to assume that you don't have SPDIF or optical connections, since you haven't said that you do.

My suggestion, then, would be:

• Micca MB42X, $80 on Amazon
  
• Nobsound Mini Bluetooth Power Amplifier, $31 on Amazon
  
• AmazonBasics Speaker Wire, $9 on Amazon
  
  At their price and size, the Miccas are great speakers.
  
  The Nobsound was reviewed by Zeos a while back, and he was pleasantly surprised. Note that you can attach the amp to your computer using USB, the 3.5mm jack, or bluetooth.
  
  The speaker wire is there just to remind you to factor that into your cost. You may already have some laying around, or you can probably find some cheaper than that, or in shorter lengths.
  
  Optional:
  
  
• The Nobsound comes with a 12v 5a (12×5=60W) power supply. So you're limited to ~25-30 watts per channel. This is more than enough for desk setups and small rooms, especially given the relatively efficient Micca speakers. But if you find yourself wanting more power, you can upgrade the power supply for around $15-$20.
  
• Banana plugs make hooking up speakers a whole lot easier. Monoprice banana plugs are $10 on Amazon. The only thing to pay attention to here is that most banana plugs will only accept 12 gauge to 16 gauge speaker wire.
  
• Subwoofer. Neither your Logitech speakers nor the Miccas really do low end (under 60 Hz). This enters an entirely separate discussion about price, performance, and what you want out of your setup, though. I will say, though, that with the Nobsound amplifier, you'll need a sub with high-level (speaker wire) passthroughs.

I dunno, I kinda feel like you're in the wrong place if $10 is expensive to you when getting your speakers setup.

Really not being snooty here, but if you don't care about the setup and you just want them "working" then just get the cheapest speaker cable you can possible find. I'm sure with some minor creativity you should be able to pick up some free cable from a scrappy that would technically do to the job.

Or again, either of the sets you linked to would work or something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Audio-Stereo-Speaker/dp/B006LW0WDQ

I bought this record player and I love it! Here's what you'll need along with it. http://www.amazon.com/Lepai-LP-2020A-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=pd_sim_e_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=085YFTEAQ3KM2HQFK9RP

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B009IUIV4A/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_img_y

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_y

What are the best speaker wires to use with the Wharfedale Diamond 220 bookshelf speakers? I currently have a Luxman R-115 radio receiver. I purchased wires on Amazon as suggested by the site, but now I'm wondering if I should return them if there are better alternatives.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ

Also, should I bi-wire?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0WDQ

Have you not used standard speaker wire before? Each wire contains two strands, positive and negative. You'll strip about a half inch of the plastic, then match them positive to positive, negative to negative for both of your speakers and your amp.

You cut the wire to length yourself. I change my setup a lot so I've used up over 100ft of wire, but 50ft might last you forever if you never move anything.

Amazon or Monoprice is my goto for cheap wire. You'll want a wire stripper as well.

Here's a great graphic I cooked up in MS Paint to go along with the steps below.

• 1. Cut length of wire from amp to speaker. Cut a bit longer than you need, you can always shorten it.
     
• 2. Pry apart the two individual wires on both ends, 1 - 2 inches should be fine.
     
• 3. Strip a bit off the ends to expose the bare copper wire
     
• 4. Insert positive wire into positive terminal of speaker and amp, and same with the ground or negative wire.
     
• 5. Repeat with other speaker.
     
     Not all wires are marked black / red, but they'll all have some way to identify the difference. Just double check you aren't wiring stuff backwards. I also separated the two wires in the 4th step to make it more clear, don't do that IRL.

200$ with a sub is really optimistic. Lets see if I can get you close....

[Dayton Sub-800] (https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-800-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B0063NU30K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500663772&sr=8-1&keywords=dayton+sub800) $110

[Micca MB42] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009IUIV4A/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all) (non X) Used, very good condition $44

[SMSL SA-36] (https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-SA-36A-TPA3118D2-Amplifier-Black/dp/B017W13OR0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500664130&sr=1-1&keywords=sa36) $52


[3.5mm to RCA cable] (https://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-Male-Dual/dp/B00IE7Z628/ref=sr_1_3?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1500664285&sr=1-3&keywords=3.5mm+to+rca&refinements=p_36%3A-500%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_four_browse-bin%3A7800969011) $2

[Cheap speaker wire] (https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500664360&sr=1-3&keywords=speaker+wire&refinements=p_36%3A-1000) $8.50

I'm no audiophile but your average speaker wire will do to connect the Amp to the speakers. The record player>preamp>Amp can be done with RCA audio cables. The same kind youd use for the back of your tv before Hdmi.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D5H8P0G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_HdQ6Bb96MT9KX

RCA cables

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_WeQ6Bb02GKQC6

Speaker wire

You can pick them up at any store that sells electronics really. Walmart, target, ect ect

You need this and this. (you only need a few feet of this speaker wire, but it's only sold in spools.).. The speaker with the controls will be the left speaker -- run the RCA cables from your interface into the corresponding inputs on the back of this speaker.. Then cut off the needed amount of wire from the spool, bare the ends and connect the left speaker to the right by inserted the exposed wire into the slots for "speaker out" on the left speaker and into the unmarked slots on the right speaker. I don't want to be a downer -- but if I were you, I would return the speakers and buy a pair where each speaker has dedicated controls and 1/4" inputs and pair them with an audio interface with 1/4" L/R outputs.

You're gonna need a receiver. Even if your TV does have speaker outputs the receiver is just gonna make everything easier, it'll sound better too! I live in the US so I need to convert...

Your budget is $1145

If you're completely new to this stuff, I can help lay down the basics.

A receiver is a device that 'receives' signals from audio sources, amplifies them, and sends the signal out to speakers. There are two channel receivers, which push audio to two speakers. Five channel receivers are for surround sound, and push sound to five speakers. Seven channel receivers allow for two extra surround speakers to a five channel setup. Right now, you're just looking for a stereo setup, so a two channel receiver will do the job.

This is how you set up a receiver.

On the back of a receiver, there should be a series of terminals or 'plugs', either HDMI, white and red rca jacks, or optical plugs. Next to them should be a term, something like 'DVD', 'CD', 'TV', or 'AUX'. This is to help distinguish the audio sources you are putting into the receiver. Plug your source into any one of the plugs, then turn the receiver on. On the front, there should be a dial or a button labeled "Source". This is used to select the audio source you plugged into the back. For example, if you plugged your source into 'CD', you would then find CD on the receiver display using the source button or dial. This is the jist of it. There are settings to adjust the bass, treble, balance, and other stuff on basically any receiver, so you can tune it to your liking.

Next up is setting up the speakers.

This next step requires some wire cutting, but it isn't difficult at all. I've done it with scissors. If you have ever seen stereo speakers before, you'll notice they don't have wires attached. They will have some red and black clips or screws on the back (Call them terminals). The receiver has these same things as well. Inside the terminals is bear metal, and this is where the signal is transferred. You will need to get some speaker wire and cut the tips off of each end, then attach one end to the receiver's terminals, and the other to the speaker's terminals. Speaker wire consists of two wires sealed together. One wire should have a mark along it or be colored differently, so you can make sure you match up the terminals correctly. (Black to black- Red to red) Do this for both the left and right speakers.

Most receivers can drive two pairs of speakers. (An A system and a B system.) So you will see two sets of black and red terminals. It doesn't matter which one you use, just make sure the speakers are connected to the same system, then select the system you want on the receiver.

If you're only wiring two speakers, it shouldn't be that much work at all. Ten minutes tops to get everything wired.

Now the fun part!

Choosing the system! I'm jealous as I didn't have this big a budget for my setup, you'll be in for quite the treat.

The Receiver

If I were you, I would buy a vintage receiver from the 70s. If you're into ease of access and all that I can understand, but vintage sound is really something else. It has a warm sound to it, and you usually have to pay maybe four times as much for a new receiver to get something similar. (They also look awesome.) Almost all of them have turntable amps too, so if you want to get into vinyl in the future you're basically set.

You can find them on Ebay. If you can, buy one locally off of Craigslist. Look for something by Sansui, Kenwood, Marantz, or Pioneer. Expect to pay $200-$500 for a good one.

You could also get a new one if you want bluetooth and a remote. Bear in mind it probably won't sound as good as the older stuff. Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer, and Sony are generally the cheaper of the bunch. Denon and Marantz tend to be higher quality.

I would strongly recommend buying vintage if you're not doing a home theater. You'll get diminishing returns paying the same amount for a modern receiver. You'll probably just get more channels and surround decoders which you aren't going to use anyways.

The Speakers

In this price range, I would look at these companies for speakers: PSB, KEF, Bowers and Wilkins, and Martin Logan to name a few. They make excellent products and I think their field fits snugly into your budget.

My recommendations:

PSB Imagine Bs. $880 pr (Ebay)

KEF q350 $650 pr

Martin Logan Motion 15 ~$350 ea

What I think you should do is let the speakers drive your budget. Choose a pair then use whatever you have left on the receiver.

​

If I were to suggest a full setup for you, I would get the PSB Imagine Bs and a Kenwood KR-6030 with some Amazon Basics wire. (I literally just slapped this together.)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-PSB-Imagine-B-Dark-Cherry/112709601866?hash=item1a3e040a4a:g:b-UAAOSwEVpboe5G:rk:2:pf:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/JUST-SERVICED-VINTAGE-KENWOOD-KR-6030-AM-FM-STEREO-RECEIVER-EXCELLENT-SHAPE/163318231169?hash=item2606867081:g:iNMAAOSwkwdbqqiF:rk:1:pf:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=sr_1_3_acs_sk_pb_1_sl_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1539928099&sr=8-3-acs&keywords=speaker+wire

​

Happy hunting!

They usually don't include the wire for connecting them, you just need some speaker wire. You can also get banana plugs to make plugging the wire in easier but that's optional

Here's a fairly easy-to-read guide on speaker placement for home theater.

And here's an exhaustive resource on acoustic treatment from Ethan Winer. He is (I believe) one of the more serious experts in the audio community.

I love the look of the room and setup, but I agree with other people on swapping the lava lamp (as cool as it is), and the TV to help center the display between your speakers. Something about the low vaulted ceiling and basic but neat appearance of your system is pretty bitchin'. Nice stuff.

Also, about your cables... I say sell them for whatever somebody will pay and do yourself a favor.

Happy listening!

From Zeos' guide, I'd go with this:
Cable
Amp
Wiring
Speakers
It may look overwhelming, but this is very easy to hook up, just be careful and check your work before plugging in the power.

Ok m8, so after researching more, looks like MB42X is one of the best one out there and the bad review is from people who don't have subwoofer and they expect lower frequency from this speaker since I'm already going to get a Dayton 1000 sub, I believe MB42X is going to perfect for me. especially reviews say it performs really good on mid-range which is important for me since I watch a lot of movies. so here is my final list, can you tell me if I'm missing something like if the banana plug is correct (and how many of them I need?), and do I need the cable (no cable comes with the speaker?) and check for the AMP if it's good enough.

• Dayton 1000
  
  
• MB42X
  
  
• AMP 100w Fosi Audio TB10A https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076P2VS9H
  
  
• Banana Plugs https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-109436-Plated-Speaker-Banana/dp/B0097JLQVC/
  
  
• cable https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Audio-Stereo-Speaker/dp/B006LW0WDQ/

Assuming everything works, all you need is speaker wire and an RCA cable going from your TV's audio out (which it hopefully has- if it doesn't but has a headphone jack, that will also work) to one of the inputs on the receiver. What model TV do you have?

http://www.amazon.com/Tripath-TPA3123-Stereo-Amplifier-Supply/dp/B008YBC172/

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B008NCD2LG/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_cp_?ie=UTF8&refRID=00ZEHJB28QVA5HH77V45

http://www.amazon.com/Rolls-MX28-Mini-Mix-VI/dp/B0002CZQJ6/ref=pd_cp_MI_3

http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-CPR202-Dual-Inch/dp/B000068O17/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_z Times 3

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=pd_sim_e_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1A2VT6HEN2RHR2SAHW4V

Let's see, that's $9.47, plus $24.18, plus $66.99, plus $73.45, plus $126.99 = $293.02 presuming you have your old PS3 cables.

Spend the extra $50.01 - you won't regret it. If you can't possibly do it, then substitute the Pioneers with Micca MB42X's at $79.95 dropping the total to $245.98

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2

That would leave you with $5 for beer.

EDIT: Sorry I have to take that beer away. I forgot you need to get your PS3 audio to the mixer. Add one more 1/4" to RCA cable for $8.06 more.

It's just generic speaker wire. You can buy that anywhere.

Here's 50ft for 7$

Yep, you'll need two sets of 3.5mm to rca one for the speaker output of the audio card to the amp and the other from the subwoofer output of the card to the subwoofer. After that you'll need speaker cable to connect from the amp to the speakers...should be good to go after that.

Hardware in my shopping cart and about to pull the trigger (using your referral links) just want to confirm I have everything I need. I'm planning on the SD793-II, SA50, MB42x, and Martin Logan 300.

I see from the pictures and your video review, the SD793 doesn't use USB, so I need to use the SPDIF out on my motherboard. The cable you link to in the description of the video appears to have a square with one beveled side connection rather than the round plug on both my motherboard and the DAC, so I want this cable, right?

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-29115-Meters-Velocity-Digital/dp/B0002J2B8I/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1409014620&sr=1-2&keywords=spdif+cable

Then I just need generic male/male RCA cable, speaker wire, and a 1/4" to 3.5mm adapter?

http://www.amazon.com/Male-High-Quality-Audio-Cable/dp/B000I1IG8Y/ref=pd_tcs_subst_e_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1683ZH8R85EQNR32BSRZ

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ/ref=lp_597566_1_9?s=audio-video-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1409014042&sr=1-9

Do you have specific brands/cables you suggest? It seems every review of 1/4" to 3.5mm adapters I look at says they are flimsy crap that fails right away. Surely there is a cheap option for such a simple part that won't crap out right away?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for the help!

Hey,

So you now have gain controls both on the speakers and the software/hardware. In your case I think the main gain on the mixtrack pro is a software control (are you using traktor, vdj, serato?). Generally speaking, the channel gains should be all the way up, the master gain should be anywhere between half and full, and then your speakers/amp should be however loud you are comfortable with. I assume you just have a RCA cable between the RCA output on the controller and the RCA input on the speaker. It should be just as loud as any other source like pc/phone/ipod. No reason why you need new speakers.

About the gear you linked: you don't need a phono preamp since you don't have a turntable. If you want to "upgrade" you should be getting new speakers, which I didn't see you post. The speaker wires you posted are not speaker wires, they are for line level - the type of cables you should be using to connect between the controller and speakers/amps/whatever. The speaker wire you would use is this type of stuff:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire-Feet/dp/B006LW0WDQ

I'd try to figure out what's wrong with your current setup if your speakers work with a computer/phone/ipod. Post what software you're using and exactly how you have the mixtrack and speakers connected.

Also, if you're using (or using a plugin for) amazon affiliate URLs, reddit will automatically tag your post as spam and we have to fish it out of the spam filter. Just a FYI.

Any speaker wire such as this will do.

Thanks for the reply. Ideally less than $150.
So I am quite unfamiliar with amps and again, how these connect. Under the questions, some people are saying this does not support a subwoofer because it does not have a subwoofer output. I am assuming this is talking about the output commonly found in 2.1 systems?

So for connecting all of these together. Will it be pc -> amp via 3.5mm to rca cable -> Subwoofer using something like this to the line in on the sub? -> then connect the line out on the subwoofers to the individual speakers using these wires?