Confusion

[stanno]

Now I'm not rich so my system has to be under like $400, very cheap I know. For this price, I have looked at the the polk audio psw505 and it looks like a great subwoofer! Looking at it closely I am keen on it. But speakers I have no idea about; as well as amps and ipod connectivity and any of that. What I am asking is what speakers can you suggest that are good yet affordable, whether I need amps and which ones are affordable and good bang for buck, and most importantly.. How you connect it all as 1 big smooth system with the source of music from an iphone? Connecting it all looks insanely complex. I am not hosting a party with my computer connected to it as people will want to put their phones on it and play their music and I will not know how etc... Thanks guys :)

ps: please dont recommend anything too expensive and keep your explanations as simple as you could! Cheers

[blackraven]

You are asking a lot for $400. My advice to you is to skip the sub for now and concentrate on a receiver and speakers.

Here is a receiver with Iphone connectivity-
Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-NR509 5.1 Channel Network A/V Receiver: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-NR509-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B004O0TRCO/ref=pd_sim_e_9)

Here are a few speakers to consider-

Amazon.com: Cerwin-Vega XLS-6 2-Way Home Audio Bookshelf Speaker (Each, Black): Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Cerwin-Vega-XLS-6-2-Way-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002JH4L1G/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363362269&sr=1-6&keywords=cerwin+vega+speakers)

Amazon.com: BIC America DV62si Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black): Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-DV62si-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00006JPDI/ref=pd_sim_e_3)

Amazon.com: Bic America FH-65B Bookshelf Speakers 350 Watt 6.5IN 2 Way (each): Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/America-FH-65B-Bookshelf-Speakers-6-5IN/dp/B002ISTP8K/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363362351&sr=1-4&keywords=bic+speakers)

Boston Acoustics CS 26 II (http://www.newaudiounited.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=393)

I like the Boston Acoustics sound, very detailed for an inxpensive speaker. These use to sell for about $300pr. They have a nice warmer sound and decent bass.

I hope this helps some,

Larry

[stanno]

You are asking a lot for $400. My advice to you is to skip the sub for now and concentrate on a receiver and speakers.

Here is a receiver with Iphone connectivity-
Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-NR509 5.1 Channel Network A/V Receiver: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-NR509-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B004O0TRCO/ref=pd_sim_e_9)

Here are a few speakers to consider-

Amazon.com: Cerwin-Vega XLS-6 2-Way Home Audio Bookshelf Speaker (Each, Black): Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Cerwin-Vega-XLS-6-2-Way-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002JH4L1G/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363362269&sr=1-6&keywords=cerwin+vega+speakers)

Amazon.com: BIC America DV62si Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black): Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-DV62si-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00006JPDI/ref=pd_sim_e_3)

Amazon.com: Bic America FH-65B Bookshelf Speakers 350 Watt 6.5IN 2 Way (each): Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/America-FH-65B-Bookshelf-Speakers-6-5IN/dp/B002ISTP8K/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363362351&sr=1-4&keywords=bic+speakers)

Boston Acoustics CS 26 II (http://www.newaudiounited.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=393)

I like the Boston Acoustics sound, very detailed for an inxpensive speaker. These use to sell for about $300pr. They have a nice warmer sound and decent bass.

I hope this helps some,

Larry

Okay so the receiver and the speakers will just be able to connect with a few simple wires and inputs? What is all this talk about amps and if you don't have one you won't be able to get maximum sound/volume etc? But thanks heaps man helped a lot

[blackraven]

On your budget don't even consider getting a dedicated power amp that needs a separate preamp. A receiver is a unit that has an amp, preamp and tuner all in one. For your purpose a receiver will work just fine and will have plenty of power. That Onkyo I posted has 80wpc, no worries man!

The Onkyo 2ch receiver below might even be better than the 509 which is a multichannel receiver for Home Theater use.

Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo Receiver (Black): Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8050-Network-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B004UR486G/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363408327&sr=1-1&keywords=onkyo+8050)

[markw]

Are you looking for two speakers plus a subwoofer or you expecting 5 speakers plus a subwoofer?

Obviously, you will get better sound with the former and can grow into the latter if you play it right.

[recoveryone]

At your price point you need to be shopping in the use market first off. That will include all of the components, Amp, Speakers etc....

So hit up ebay, craiglist and whatever other site and check out your local pawnshops and goodwill to find a few gems. Spend wisely