Dorm Room Setup (First Build?!)

[Rustomac]

Hey guys,

Before you think I'm just some noob that just recently joined DIYAudio to pester you guys, I've actually been reading countless numbers of forums during the past year. I'm into head-fi and really would love to extend my reach to DIY projects. Despite the fact that I've read many forums, I feel as though I have not learned nearly as much sitting at my desk as I could be... actually making speakers!

My Situation:
I'm in college and will be doing a lot of moving around the states as I have recently gotten an co-op. I will be moving from apartment to apartment most likely every semester, I'm currently in the dorms but am looking forward to moving out and living with my friends in an apartment.

What I'm looking for:
I'm looking for an overall great sounding system that I can please myself with and my friends. I care about all ranges equally, but am leaning a little more bass heavy. The apartment rooms are most likely going to be quite small, so anything that will fill a room while listening to music, movies... I will most likely try to set the speakers on my computer desk as I will mostly be using these while at my computer. I'm really looking for quality...

My Budget:
my budget is about $350, but if need and if anyone is convincing enough I'm willing to dig deeper.

My Dilemma:
DIY or Not? The A5's seem like a great and viable option for me and for $300 there are quite a few good reviews out there. They are simple to setup, powered, and relativity small. I might even consider the dreaded Logitech Z-5500, ewww I know right?
But I really want to make something, I'm an engineer and would love to learn new things... unfortunately I won't have many tools for me available. So I was thinking... kits?

My Thoughts:
Keep in mind... I have no idea at this point. I'm thinking about something like this: Computer > Soundcard > Amp > 2.1

I read some other threads and am convinced that in a dorm room type situation it's nice to have satellites and then a sub, just for flexibility of placement.

So I'm looking for bright satellites and a hard tight subwoofer. And an amp/amps that would power the system properly.

I read some suggestions:
Zaph|Audio - 4" Bargain Mini
Dayton Audio - Dayton Loudspeaker - Speaker & Subwoofer Kits - BR-1 Speaker Kits

Dayton Audio - Dayton Loudspeaker - Speaker & Subwoofer Kits - Subwoofer Kits

I don't want anything more than a 3 speaker system. I'm gonna start building this summer, and this is my first build but I have good resources when it comes to building enclosures, soldering. But it would be nice if I could start off easy and I'm definitely gonna continue my DIY audio career beyond this setup later on.

So what do you guys think?

Thanks so much!!! I appreciate any ideas!

[edjosh23]

Rustomac,

Definitely go the DIY route over some Logitechs.
When I was in the dorm I rocked Frugel Horns with a diy 7watt tube amp.

Are you looking for desktop speakers or can you position your speakers elsewhere to use floorstanders? How much room do you have for desktop or floorstanding speakers? Are you going to be listening near field or will you often be doing other things in the room?

If you are looking at using 2 small satellites and a sub, how much space do you have for a sub?

I have to say, I don't know much about kits...

There are definitely some easier stuff to build that can be found at partsexpress and madisound if you don't have anything more than a router and a soldering iron. One thing I did at school was sign up at the crafts center where I paid $50/semester and I got to use all of the woodworking tools I could ever want.

I recommend that route and would look into buying EL70/CH70. These can go surprisingly low, have plenty of options for your future DIY obsession, and sound great. There are many small, easy, desktop designs along with bigger and better floorstanding designs.

I too did a coop and moved up to NJ and down to Miami for work and always bringing my speakers. I bought a Nuforce Icon and love the little guy. It has a USB dac that i use for desktop purposes and when I lived in Miami I put my speakers in the den and just connected my ipod to it so my computer wasn't out in the open. This pushing your budget, but something to think about, I bought mine when I was cooping in NJ.

Josh

[edjosh23]

Also, a new competitor to the Icon the Topping TP30.