New speaker choices...

[Moofaa]

So currently I am using the Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1 setup, but that nasty, nasty amp failure has finally struck me. I bought these when they first came out, and thus didn't know about the imminent dangers with this model.

I looked around and discovered they no longer sell that model, and the closest comparable "computer speakers" are the Logitech Z5500's. However while the Logitechs don't seem to have any durability issues the reviews comparing them to the Klipsch often mention the Klipsch sound noticeably better.

What other options, including building a component system, I should consider before breaking down and getting the Logitechs? I am also wanting to get away from the onboard sound I currently use and possibly get a sound card from creative or M-Audio. (I havent payed any attention to the sound card market since Creative was "top dog" so I am clueless here)

Any advice? Please consider any options should:
Preferebly sound as good or better than the Klipsch.
Work with a reccommended sound card
Priced no more than 800$ including sound card. (and thats stretching it with my budget, so less is always preferred )

*I have a EVGA 680i motherboard (I think, its 3am and I am rusty) if you want to know what onboard sound I am using, cant provide more info than that atm as I am away from the PC in question

[Luke122]

Do you want 5.1 again, or would an awesome 2 channel setup work for you?

[Luke122]

Devilsound Dac $279
T-Amp $69
Unity Audio Clearwater Bookshelfs $299
-----------------------------------------------
Total: $650ish
This setup will give you amazing quality hifi, with imaging and clarity beyond belief.

If you want 5.1, I'm working on a solution for that too.

[Moofaa]

Oh yeah, 5.1 definately, I game and sometimes watch movies with this rig.

[d_stilgar]

For $800 I will build you a companion cube subwoofer and speakers.

[Luke122]

There you go!

[Moofaa]

Browsing around and looking at the choices for a HTIB, I noticed a few seemingly good deals. For example this Onkyo
http://www.jr.com/onkyo/pe/ONK_HTS3200/

Wattage is in the range that I want, seems to have better frequency, THD, and whatnot than my Klipsch, and has the advantage of being component so I can upgrade/replace pieces easily.

Its also well under half my budget, leaving plenty of room for a good sound card with optical out. Its not a audiophile system, but after some consideration of finances I think it would be better to skimp some on my computer setup and put the extra towards college loans...or a 50" TV.

Unless there's a better suggestion I might go with this one. Has anyone dealt with this website dealer before? I still also need to shop around for a sound card.

[Luke122]

I've never dealt with them, nor heard of them, so I cant answer.

[Moofaa]

Considering this sound card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829271002

Call me a noob, but SPDIF optical connections are all the same right? The Onkyo says it has 2 optical inputs but doesn't say "SPDIF".

[nevermind1534]

Considering this sound card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829271002

Call me a noob, but SPDIF optical connections are all the same right? The Onkyo says it has 2 optical inputs but doesn't say "SPDIF".

Optical uses fiber, SPDIF uses regular wire. You can buy adapters.