Dorm room speaker advice for around $100

[riotact]

Hello all,

This is my first post here. I tried to get a music/home theater system set up in my room so I picked up a kenwood vr-306 receiver that I am happy with so far. For speakers I looked on craigslist and someone was selling a 5.1 divinci set up for $40. I bought them, hooked them up and now I want to cry because they are so awful.

So I know that I was stupid and fell for the white van speaker deal, and I feel a little embarrassed. However what can I do now? I was thinking about replacing the front speakers with something better and keeping the sub and rear speakers for now.

I know the sub is crap but I am trying to do this on the cheap and so far it is working for my room.

My questions are this then: What are some decent front speakers for under $100? Can I keep using the sub I have or will it cause my amp to short?

Thanks!
Nick

[riotact]

Also where should I get speakers?

If I buy them online then I pay a lot for shipping...

Should I get them used on craigslist? The problem with that is I dont know what is worth buying or not.

Someone here recommend these:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/SDAT-E70-Hi-Fi-Floorstanding-Speaker-System/1467192/product.html?ak=1

Would I be able to find something like that at an electronics store?

[riotact]

Or what about these?

http://audio-etcetera.com/product_info.php?products_id=104460

[02audionoob]

I would suggest completely getting rid of the white van speakers. You're lucky you paid only $40. The scam is meant to bring higher prices than that. Craigslist with a budget of $100 is fine if you will just stick with reputable brands. Give us a city and I'll look at that city's Craigslist and see what's worth looking at.

Why are you looking at such large speakers for a dorm room? And are you sure you want a 5.1 setup that costs under $100? I'd rather have two speakers that cost $100 than six.

How about these...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia&%23174%3B+-+6-1/2%22+Bass-Reflex+Bookshelf+Speakers+(Pair)/7705307.p?skuId=7705307&id=1138085354138

[poppachubby]

Essentially you want a pair of quality used bookshelf speakers. Paradigm and Polk are a couple of decent names, their bookshelves are usually kicking around used for $50-$75 a pair. Combined with a sub you'll have more than enough sound for your dorm room.

Don't sweat the $40 bucks. There's a thread on here, the guy said he paid upwards of $1000 for those Davinci. So really, you spent $40 to learn that in audio, it's not always what it seems. One thing is for sure, you'll never buy without research now.

Find some decent looking ads and bring them here so we can look...

[markw]

Not knowing where you are, specific answers are hard to provide. For dorm use, I would a pair of large and used speakers and don'y be too critical of what it sounds like. Getting ctitical s difficult in that price range, particularly when dealing in used stuff. Check your local craigslist, garage sales or rummage sales..

[riotact]

I live in Indianapolis.

for my dorm I dont really need high quality and would rather them be loud but still good enough for me to listen to quietly...

whats the story with these?
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1467999381.html

carmel is a super rich area, are these good speakers some rich person is trying to get rid of quickly?

[poppachubby]

I live in Indianapolis.

for my dorm I dont really need high quality and would rather them be loud but still good enough for me to listen to quietly...

whats the story with these?
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1467999381.html

carmel is a super rich area, are these good speakers some rich person is trying to get rid of quickly?


You seem to have an attraction to White Van speakers. I didn't even look long enough to see a name or price. Keep looking...

[riotact]

haha ok im a noob :/

here are those sdat e-70's
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1464896420.html

are these worth it?

[riotact]

or how would those compare to these polk audio ones?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1469064570.html

[poppachubby]

or how would those compare to these polk audio ones?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1469064570.html


Ahhh, now you're talkin...I would try and make contact with him. Good chance this pair will be it for you! Nice find indeed.

If you go to see them try to get him to have them hooked up when you arrive. Listen to each speaker on it's own first, then listen to them both together. Another trick, you can quickly gauge the tweeter by placing your hand over it during playback, then move your hand away. This will allow you to hear the contribution its making to the sound, and to know what kind of condition its in.

Personally, I doubt you'll do much better for your price point. Wait until this evening if you like, more of the guys will come on here and you can get an extra opinion.

Good luck!!

[riotact]

Yeah those look really nice, but do you think its worth the extra $80 to go from the e-70's to the polk's?

and thank you so much for helping me out with this ...

[markw]

I've never heard or experienced SDAT speakers but Polk has been aroud for many, many years. IIWM, I'd go for the Polks.

[02audionoob]

How about this...

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1473244019.html

or...

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1473213036.html

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1454363844.html

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1441291959.html

and not these...

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1468452181.html


haha ok im a noob :/

here are those sdat e-70's
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1464896420.html

are these worth it?

When they say "digital speakers" on them you can keep moving.

[markw]

How about this...

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1473213036.htmlA friend has some Advent towers from the mid 90's and by any standards they sound quite nice.

[poppachubby]

Nice finds noob!! I still think the Polks are a nice set...

[blackraven]

I would consider these speakers

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542089564/polk-r150

http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecommerce/productdetail.aspx?product=C-50

http://www.dealsvista.com/deal/boston-acoustics-classic-cs26-speaker-2-way-cable/41979 these cost a little more but are worth it.

http://www.epinions.com/prices/Boston_Acoustics_CS26B_Speaker/skp_~1/search_string_~cs26b

The Bostons have a warmer sound and
are probably the best out of the bunch.

[02audionoob]

Nice finds noob!! I still think the Polks are a nice set...

I like the Polk set, too...but I'm wondering how big this dorm room is. My dorm room was 9 feet by 16 feet with two beds, two desks and two closets. I guess dorms have changed.

[riotact]

Alright now I have so many suggestions I feel lost again...

My dorm is about 15'x15' but as I am a freshman in college I would prefer loud decent sounding speakers to really good sounding not as loud speakers.

I'm still liking the polk's the best so far...

how would these three compare?
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542089564/polk-r150
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GCN3PU/ref=asc_df_B001GCN3PU966320?smid=A2H3DYB5PUVNNI&tag=dealtmp3716-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B001GCN3PU
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1469064570.html

[blackraven]

Go for the Polk floor standers or the BA's and a sub.

This energy sub is a great deal http://www.amazon.com/Energy-ESW-8-Subwoofer-Single-Black/dp/tech-data/B0011ZY40A/ref=de_a_smtd

[02audionoob]

The Craigslist Polk pair by a mile, since you have room for them. Those appear to be the R50, which originally listed for over $600. They'll be cheaper than the Bostons and you won't need a sub.

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/r50/

[riotact]

Ok well the Polk guy sold them already.

how about these?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1466350616.html

[02audionoob]

Ok well the Polk guy sold them already.

how about these?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1466350616.html

Cerwin-Vega speakers would be great for what you're describing you want. They will play loud and decent. They shouldn't require a sub. In fact, they're known for being bassy.

[markw]

If you wait for our response to your requests, someone else will most likely grab 'em.

Sometimes, ya gotta be bold and take a chance. You should have some good ideas by now from the info you received here.

[Auricauricle]

I'll go with noob, here. Cerwin Vega speaks will do the trick: they're reasonably priced and pump up the juice loud! When (not if) you spill beer on it, you won't lose any sleep. Even better, you can tell the girls your bed has the special "Magic Fingers" option...

[rob_a]

Humm, I remember DCM having a cheap speaker that had a ton of bass and was load. I would give them a look.

[Poultrygeist]

I believe you can still get the "near cult status" Insignia NS-B2111 from BB for around $80 a pair or maybe even less. They probably sound better than anything new you'll find at that price. They can easily be driven by a cheap T-amp. Wish I could have had speakers that good in college.

[02audionoob]

I believe you can still get the "near cult status" Insignia NS-B2111 from BB for around $80 a pair or maybe even less. They probably sound better than anything new you'll find at that price. They can easily be driven by a cheap T-amp. Wish I could have had speakers that good in college.

I tried those in post #4 and they went over like, well...so anyway, it appears the OP has established a preference for big and loud, as confirmed in post #19.

[poppachubby]

I tried those in post #4 and they went over like, well...so anyway, it appears the OP has established a preference for big and loud, as confirmed in post #19.

Funny, my view goes from post 3 to post 5. Oh, I must have my significance filter on...lol. Ya for some reason we didn't go anywhere with a new option. He hasn't been back in a few days so who knows...

[markw]

Humm, I remember DCM having a cheap speaker that had a ton of bass and was load. I would give them a look.That would be te "KX" series. Excellent in this application. Big,bad, bright, and bassy. Efficient as all get-out and yet can handle gobs of clean power.

Not the ultimate in accuracy, though, but for dorm speakers, who cares?

[theebadone]

Why not use those white van speaker cabinets, and fill em with some decent components and save some money? Parts express has everything you need to replace the crap thats in them. This way you (know) what you have, and gain a little knowledge in the process.

[markw]

Why not use those white van speaker cabinets, and fill em with some decent components and save some money? Parts express has everything you need to replace the crap thats in them. This way you (know) what you have, and gain a little knowledge in the process.Since good speakers depend on a precarious three-way balance between the bass driver, the crossover, and the enclosure (and possibly the port), odds are that he won't really get much for that $100.

Experience, yes, but better sound, not likely.

[theebadone]

Since good speakers depend on a precarious three-way balance between the bass driver, the crossover, and the enclosure (and possibly the port), odds are that he won't really get much for that $100.

Experience, yes, but better sound, not likely.
Check out waveguide speakers. He might even be able to use the woofers he already has, if they check out reasonbly sensitive. (89-92 DB @ 1 watt 1 meter) using those cabinets and building new xos along with a couple of sillenium drivers could yield impressive results. Even for a noob :rolleyes5:

[markw]

Do you have any idea of what a "divinchi" speaker is?

I still say it's throwing good money after bad but, hey, to each his own..

BTW, what is a "sillenium" driver? In my 40 years in this hobby, that's a new one.

[theebadone]

Do you have any idea of what a "divinchi" speaker is?

I still say it's throwing good money after bad but, hey, to each his own..

BTW, what is a "sillenium" driver? In my 40 years in this hobby, that's a new one.
Look at parts express, it is a titanium H.F. radial horn, very much like the very efficient and sought after mantaray horn offered by Altec in their model 14s. And yes i know what a white van speaker is (way too many people do), from what i have seen, the cabinets are actually decent, just need a little upgrading. Are these not the black piano finish towers that come in the divinchi surround package? :crazy:

[markw]

Divinchi speakers are garbage, pure and simple. To try to get decent sound from them would cost more than a $100 set of speakers mentioned here, and any of the used name-brand speakers mentioned in this thread would blow it away..

Unless, of course, he just wants to throw money away.

Again, what's a "sillenium" driver?

[theebadone]

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[dakatabg]

Get some pioneer like CS-G303 or CS-G403 they are very nice and a lot of power!

[markw]

,,,and that's only because you copied and pasted and, even then I'm not too sure you even noticed it. That doesn't bode well for your credibility and experience in these matters.

Frankly, the fact that it took two posts for you to (hopefully) see that, I really do question that you should be advising another newbie on how to waste his money.

Rhetoric and dogma runs rampant in this field.

[theebadone]

no im not a good speller. mr know it all. how many diy projects have you yourself partaken in sir? and whats wrong with upgrading and learning. anyone can go buy a set of speakers on the local cl. like you yourself is apparently well versed in.dont learn anything (just go buy more junk) at least i suggested an alternative. Other than a simple minded way of viewing a great hobby.

[markw]

no im not a good speller. mr know it all. how many diy projects have you yourself partaken in sir? and whats wrong with upgrading and learning. anyone can go buy a set of speakers on the local cl. like you yourself is apparently well versed in.dont learn anything (just go buy more junk) at least i suggested an alternative. Other than a simple minded way of viewing a great hobby.
Well, I built my first amp with 6L6 tubes from scratch in '63. Before that I repaired radios. Want me to continue?

Spelling or not, One would hope that if you had actual experience with the products you suggested this other newie buy, you would have ordered them, no? And, If nothing else, I would expect that, since you're so familiar with them, you would have learned to at least spell it correctly.

DIY is great, but unless one has an idea what they are doing it can be a tremendous waste of money.I love how you totally ignored the math he would have needed to do it right. Oh, yeah, that's right. You're from the
"just get something that bolts in" school of thought.

Point blank, If he listened to you he would have thrown his money away. Simply sticking new drivers and crossovers into a pretty but flimsy box is a waste of money.

My opinion stands. You're in over your head.

Be careful when you offer advice. Make sure you at least have an idea of what you're talking about and you're not simply trying to baffle 'em with BS to look kewl. There are more people here that know heckuva lot more than you (and me).

Now, let's put this to bed and just move on, shall we?

[riotact]

Hey you guys, whats with hijacking my post? >_< I'm not going to replace the speakers in my divincis..

Anyways I went to good will and picked up a Sony SS CT-301 center channel for $10, and two Sanyo SX-d10 for $5 total. I also bummed a cheaper 8inch sony sub from my neighboor.
So for $15 my system sounds so much better!

I'm talking to the Cerwin Vega guy about these: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1466350616.html
Im going to go and pick them up tomorrow. I figure I can use the sanyos for the rears, then ill have those Vegas in the front with the sony center and I should be set.

What do you guys think?

[poppachubby]

I think get rid of the other junk and use the Vegas. However you want an H/T set up also. You will have an oddly proportioned speaker arrangement. Can the amp bypass 5.1 for 2 channel?

Seems like the wheels are set in motion. At this point, set up everything and tell us what YOU think.

[markw]

Hey you guys, whats with hijacking my post? >_< I'm not going to replace the speakers in my divincis..

Anyways I went to good will and picked up a Sony SS CT-301 center channel for $10, and two Sanyo SX-d10 for $5 total. I also bummed a cheaper 8inch sony sub from my neighboor.
So for $15 my system sounds so much better!

I'm talking to the Cerwin Vega guy about these: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1466350616.html
Im going to go and pick them up tomorrow. I figure I can use the sanyos for the rears, then ill have those Vegas in the front with the sony center and I should be set.

What do you guys think?As for the "hijacking", well, only one person may write to dear abby to ask a question, many, many people will see a similar situation in their lives and may try to apply her advice.

It's best that advice be accurate.

We don't have publishers so we sorta take it upon ourselves to try to prevent bogus or incomplete information from being passed out and taken as gospel.

As to your own situation, well, you got a lot of good advice here and you seem to have a handle on what you want to do. If it sounds good to you, go for it.

[02audionoob]

Hey you guys, whats with hijacking my post?

After about a page of posts, threads often take on a life of their own...regardless of the topic. Surely the original question has been answered by then.

[riotact]

Ok so the Vegas are awesome! Pretty much exactly what I wanted. For movies the center and rear channel work alright so long as I dont turn it up too much. For music Im just using the vegas though.

I dont even think i need a sub anymore, im still using that sony sub i have though...

One thing i wonder about is how long do speakers last for? He said these are 7 years old.
What kind of maintenance do speakers need?

[poppachubby]

Ok so the Vegas are awesome! Pretty much exactly what I wanted. For movies the center and rear channel work alright so long as I dont turn it up too much. For music Im just using the vegas though.

I dont even think i need a sub anymore, im still using that sony sub i have though...

One thing i wonder about is how long do speakers last for? He said these are 7 years old.
What kind of maintenance do speakers need?

Don't worry, the speakers will let you know. Just make sure you're not underpowering them or grossly overpowering them. The woofers will need to be re-foamed eventually. this is a process which can be done by you for a nominal cost or sent to a technician for maybe $75 for the pair.

Again, just sit back and enjoy. Sounds like you did good. If everything sounds good then that's all that matters. Not what I think, what anyone here thinks, what some reviewer thinks or anyone else in the world....

just you and your two ears buddy. Hope you stick around and learn some more.

[riotact]

There is such thing as under powering speakers? How do I avoid that?

And speaking of building speakers, I saw this link for a box of 4inch speakers on CL:
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1471396608.html

That looks like it could turn into and interesting project to learn something about speakers. If i wanted to build myself some new rears and a center would it be possible with those? Would I use particle board for the cabinets?

[blackraven]

There is such thing as under powering speakers? How do I avoid that?

And speaking of building speakers, I saw this link for a box of 4inch speakers on CL:
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/ele/1471396608.html

That looks like it could turn into and interesting project to learn something about speakers. If i wanted to build myself some new rears and a center would it be possible with those? Would I use particle board for the cabinets?


Just look at the speakers minimal power rating stay at or above it. don't concern yourself with the max rating.

[blackraven]

here's some speakers to seriously consider for that $100 budget-

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATLS50

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-C-50-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B0012027V2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1259110464&sr=8-2

These Pioneer don't sound too bad http://www.amazon.com/Energy-C-50-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B0012027V2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1259110464&sr=8-2

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107R150/Polk-Audio-R150.html?search=polk+bookshelf+speakers&ssi=0 I would get these.

Here's some others to consider http://www.thespeakercompany.com/Bookshelf-C6.aspx

[poppachubby]

Yes, underpowering is actually more detrimental. However, I will be clear when I say overpowering. Having a strong, high powered amp is a good thing and is recommended. When I say overpowering, I am talking about turning that amp up to "ludacris" levels. You can essentially blow the speakers or slowly over time, do serious damage.

I wouldn't worry about building speakers just yet. Take a year or two to buy and sell several sets. Try and develop some tastes before you start worrying about building anything.

[ren9328]

I am a graduate student with a kick butt system. Consider Cerwin Vega, Infinity Studios, or JBL speakers. All of them will work very well with a moderate amp. As an example both B&w and Dynaudio speakers with their fairly low sensitivity will require much more power (and money) to atttain the same volume (not sound quality though).

For what you are looking for I would be searching for Polk, JBL, Cerwin Vega, or Infinity speakers.

[riotact]

Hello all again,

I just hooked up a dvd player in 5.1, and I'm loving watching movies on it... almost obsessively now.

Im feeling that my thrift store speakers are a little hoopty. They dont sound awful, but I think I would like to upgrade.

What do you think about these:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/SDAT-Hi-Fi-3-piece-Surround-Speaker-Set/2534066/product.html

They are on sale with free shipping now

[Audioman00]

polk monitor 50 or 60 would be great around that price range, check newegg

[riotact]

I already have my front speakers, a pair of cerwin-vega dx-7's
now im just looking for an upgrade for my center and surrounds

[Nathan Bush]

JL Audio has great speakers in the market. You can check eBay or Walmart, I usually check, there's always some good deals available. I am using Klipsch R-52C center channel speaker which offers a peak power of 400watts. I got them a month ago from Amazon when I was reading several online reviews. These are working great for me.

Furthermore, click here (https://speakershunter.com/best-center-channel-speakers/) to check out the review and I am sure that you can find good recommendations for speakers within your budget.

I also have used hi-fi brands like KEF and so I had a great experience in this field. Let me know your budget, maybe I can help you for picking something better.