Hi all, audio newbie here looking for advice. I've found this forum to be genuinely helpful.
I want very good speakers for my gaming PC. I will also use my PC to stream netflix/music. I was planning on getting some sort of DAC device. Some helpful people here previously recommended active speakers (i.e., JBL LSR305). I'm open to those.
Another audio friend of mine recommended the Rotel A11 Tribute (link here). It's an integrated amplifier that goes for $800. Not cheap. I can afford it, but don't want to invest money in something I won't notice a major difference in. I'm not an audiophile, but want good sound for years to come.
I watched this youtube video by the cheapaudioman which listed numerous high quality speakers. Among them were the Sony SSCS5 (link here). The consensus seems to be that they are surprisingly great for their price point. My understanding is that these are passive speakers.
My audio friend said that having this amplifier will enhance the quality of the sound. My question is: by how much?
To summarize: Will I notice a major difference between a Rotel A11 Tribute with good passive speakers (i.e., Sony SSCS5) versus a good pair of powered speakers like the JBL LSR305? I would use some sort of USB DAC device with my PC for either of tehse.
I'm not an audiophile that can outline the pros and cons of what the amplifier adds. In other words, here am I considering spending $800 on a device that I don't know much about, and it's magnitudes higher in price than the speakers I'm interested in. This is why I wanted to hear from you guys regarding the value added by an amplifier.
I want very good speakers for my gaming PC. I will also use my PC to stream netflix/music. I was planning on getting some sort of DAC device. Some helpful people here previously recommended active speakers (i.e., JBL LSR305). I'm open to those.
Another audio friend of mine recommended the Rotel A11 Tribute (link here). It's an integrated amplifier that goes for $800. Not cheap. I can afford it, but don't want to invest money in something I won't notice a major difference in. I'm not an audiophile, but want good sound for years to come.
I watched this youtube video by the cheapaudioman which listed numerous high quality speakers. Among them were the Sony SSCS5 (link here). The consensus seems to be that they are surprisingly great for their price point. My understanding is that these are passive speakers.
My audio friend said that having this amplifier will enhance the quality of the sound. My question is: by how much?
To summarize: Will I notice a major difference between a Rotel A11 Tribute with good passive speakers (i.e., Sony SSCS5) versus a good pair of powered speakers like the JBL LSR305? I would use some sort of USB DAC device with my PC for either of tehse.
I'm not an audiophile that can outline the pros and cons of what the amplifier adds. In other words, here am I considering spending $800 on a device that I don't know much about, and it's magnitudes higher in price than the speakers I'm interested in. This is why I wanted to hear from you guys regarding the value added by an amplifier.
There should be no difference between a properly designed passive or active speaker... especially as realised by a DIYer. When commercial interests are involved, budget takes an effect on priorities.
First off all components contribute to the overall sound.
Second I would not go with active monitors. I say this as someone who just spent a significant amount of money on a 2.1 desktop setup using pro gear and came away pretty underwhelmed.
As far as passive monitors and amplifier. I don't know why you would want a full sized amp for a desktop setup. There are plenty of small compact class D amps that are going to be plenty good in terms of quality and power is not a big concern in nearfield. There are tons of good options from Topping, SMSL, Sabaj that for most part are working with OEM chipsets from TI, IcePower making them all pretty consistent so just check reviews.
As for speakers look for something compact with a 5.25" woofer thats relatively close to the tweeter, and a front mounted port ideally. Or go with a KEF which uses a coaxial driver which would be ideal for nearfiled.
Second I would not go with active monitors. I say this as someone who just spent a significant amount of money on a 2.1 desktop setup using pro gear and came away pretty underwhelmed.
As far as passive monitors and amplifier. I don't know why you would want a full sized amp for a desktop setup. There are plenty of small compact class D amps that are going to be plenty good in terms of quality and power is not a big concern in nearfield. There are tons of good options from Topping, SMSL, Sabaj that for most part are working with OEM chipsets from TI, IcePower making them all pretty consistent so just check reviews.
As for speakers look for something compact with a 5.25" woofer thats relatively close to the tweeter, and a front mounted port ideally. Or go with a KEF which uses a coaxial driver which would be ideal for nearfiled.
So the question is will there be a significant difference in sound between the LSR305 pair (for $300ish) and the Rotel+Sony combo for $1100.
Honestly, not much.
There is more system flexibility in the separates, of course, but for an application like yours, where the goal is “awesome sound”, the JBL monitors are really amazing.
If you want to make a genuine and noticeable betterment in the sound, get the JBL subwoofer (LSR310s) along with the monitors. They can be found for $300 these days.
I’ve had 305s + sub for many years now, they never cease to amaze. If something like those were available many years ago I doubt I’d have ever fallen down the audio rabbit hole looking for better and different, as they really are that good.
I also have a few Rotel amps and processor, so I’m somewhat familiar with that as well. Haven’t heard the Sony speakers, but with all the buzz they are probably quite nice.
Honestly, not much.
There is more system flexibility in the separates, of course, but for an application like yours, where the goal is “awesome sound”, the JBL monitors are really amazing.
If you want to make a genuine and noticeable betterment in the sound, get the JBL subwoofer (LSR310s) along with the monitors. They can be found for $300 these days.
I’ve had 305s + sub for many years now, they never cease to amaze. If something like those were available many years ago I doubt I’d have ever fallen down the audio rabbit hole looking for better and different, as they really are that good.
I also have a few Rotel amps and processor, so I’m somewhat familiar with that as well. Haven’t heard the Sony speakers, but with all the buzz they are probably quite nice.