A good low cost computer sound system

[johnda]

Recently I decided to reawaken my Dell Inspiron 400 computer, also known as the Zino. It's a sweet little package with a 250 GB hard drive, DVD drive and 2 gigs of RAM. To simplify the operation I replaced the Windows software with a free Linux system called Linux Mint 18.

After getting the system up and running properly, I decided to add a sound system. Although the Dell has a mini jack for audio output, I decided to make a better system and my configuration consisted of gear I had laying in storage in my basement.

The first item was the Behringer 222 USB audio card.

The amplifier was a Radio Shack Optimus SA-155 integrated amplifier.

Finally, my speakers were my old but still alive Radio Shack Pro X77 speakers.

The SA-155 is a little gem of an amplifier, only putting out 1.8 watts per channel, but very clean sounding. The amp has three inputs: Tuner, Tape/cd, phono and one output for a recorder. I checked around and EBay has lots of these units available for around $25.

The Behringer 222 sound card is selling for around $29.

Parts Express is selling the Dayton loudspeakers for around $40 a pair.

The sound from this combo will rival a lot of computer sound systems, the only caveat is that the SA-155 speaker outputs are RCA jacks and you will need to use RCA to speaker wire adaptors.

Have fun!

 

[OMGCat!]

I like low cost components that work well together especially when using RS components (I have a huge soft spot for the Shack).

 

[lini]

John: Imo, if one just needs playback capabilities, onboard-sound hardware quality has become decent enough for an entry-level system in most cases since the switch from AC'97 to HDA. So in my view the onboard-sound is worth a try, unless one happens to have something as decent or better lying around like in your case.

In my cellar I still have a JBL Control Media, if I need to set up a quick, decent-sounding computer sound system solution. It used to be my office system - and it also was pretty cheap, 'cause I got it for free from the German Infinity/JBL PR guy (Thanks, Mr. Bayer!). That thingy basically is a powered JBL Control 1G variant with an integrated 2x 20 W amp (and one fat brick of an external power supply). I wouldn't have really recommended it, while it was officially offered, as it was about as expensive as a pair of regular, passive Control 1Gs plus a decent entry-level hifi integrated amp, but on sale-out the price dropped considerably, so that it became an interesting option for a while.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[jobrewer1983]

I like low cost components that work well together especially when using RS components (I have a huge soft spot for the Shack).

So do I, I think it's what got me into HiFi as a teen. Realistic was my gate way. I still will buy minimus 7s every time I see them.

John,

I recently started a build on a HTPC (reminds me I need to update my thread) nonetheless, check our used M-Audio sound cards.

Most drivers can be downloaded off the site, and they make some killer boards.

I forgot what board I have, I can crack into it tomorrow, but for $30-40 bucks you can run RCA out to your receiver/ preamp and get fantastic analog out.

Most have onboard DACs so solves 2 issues when playing digital files.

Your set up sounds like it's purely for audio, I'd suggest upping your ram to 4gbs for a little smoother operation..

Nonetheless great thread, can't wait to see the outcome!

Kind Regards,
John

 

[Gazdatronik]

Id pick a delta 192 if I had my choice. Its a recording card for musicians, 4 in 4 out, and yes, costlier than a behringer.

I like my behringer stuff, because of how useful they were at the bargain prices they sold at, but they were always noisy. They may have rectified this recently.

 

[KingBubba]

Onboard sound card have one severe and serious drawback, computer generated noise. This is especially true when using a browser. Clicking and the movement of the mouse will generate noise into the sound output. If your computer is going to be used exclusively for audio, you might be able to get away with an onboard. I, like you, have used a usb sound card, Turtle Beach Audio Advantage. It is not perfect, but you get much better isolation from computer generated noises. Every system in my house is fed by a Lenovo Thinkpad. The Thinkpads also have very good CD/DVD players. 2010 era Thinkpads can be gotten on eBay for around $50. They are easy to work on and good quality all around.