First Budget Build - Go For Strong Receiver or Multiple Cheap Amps?

[darkblue94]

Maybe consider something like Klipsch KG 4.2 and such, you'll still want a subwoofer or two though. P/A gear would be worth looking at also.

 

[Potniy]

Maybe consider something like Klipsch KG 4.2 and such, you'll still want a subwoofer or two though. P/A gear would be worth looking at also.

Hows the Klipsch RF 62 II? Reviews mention hard-hitting bass, but it has dual 6.5'' drivers compared to the Athena, which has dual 8'' (but you say is probably not bass forward enough for someone with my tastes). Is it safe to assume that if I want bassy mains, I need drivers bigger than 8'', regardless of how the rest of the speaker is contructed?

 

[Drum]

One option for the dance club feel and some spacious effect would be to go with Bose 901's. Get a nice powerful amp and they will give that club feel - they don't go super deep but they have a lot of oomph in "club" frequency ranges. They can also take a ton of power and will envelop you with sound.

 

[Mister Pig]

After yet further reading, I think I am going to go with Athena F2 as my first main setup. Each sports 2x 8 inch woofers and I already planned on getting a separate sub anyway. I think this will be a more rounded setup, and depending how I feel about it I may go for CV. I am just a bit wary of buying used CV as all the ones in my price range (RE 30 and VS 120 / VS 150) seem to be 20-25 years old or more (versus 12-15 for the Athena), and given their reputation for being abused during ownership, and my lack of knowledge in this area, I am not sure how to check them for worn capacitors or crossovers. Ive bookmarked a couple that seem to be in good condition with no tears in the surrounds, but there I assume there is more to buying used speakers than that.

On the power end, I have settled on the Onkyo TX-SR805, which was enthusiast tested at 130 WPC on an 8 ohm load. Apparently the 8xx series of Onkyo has a reputation of no more than 10-15% power loss when powering surrounds in addition to mains, but I cant find concrete citations for this claim. Either way, the stock Onkyo should be enough to drive the Athena's well, and I have bookmarked a Crown XLS 202 for $50 in the event I want even more power (at that price, perhaps I should grab it anyway, so that it can handle mains duty and my receiver will be free to power surrounds when they eventually come into the equation).

On the sub end, I dont seem to be finding many CV in my price range, but a decent amount of Klipsch and Velodyne. I am trying to go for a sub with 300 RMS minimum but there dont seem to be many (or any?). Given a 12 inch driver at 200W or a 15 inch at 150W, would I be better off with the 12 inch? I know from my headphones that bigger drivers are better for reaching lower frequencies, but need extra power and usually have less "punch" than a smaller driver that has more mid-bass. Parts Express has the BIC Venturi V1220 which is the only 200W sub under $300 (its got a 12 inch driver). Outside of that, it seems my option is a used Klipsch of some sort.

For electronic and dance music, I would happen to disagree with folks here. You need a speaker that gets the mids and highs right too, for that ambient and detailed sound. Lots of that type of music has great top end information. Getting a high quality sub that has power will take the stress off the Onkyo receiver that runs the main speakers, and you are going to get a nice detailed sound. Cross the main speakers in at 50 to 80 hertz and you will get a nice blend to the sub. I can understand doing surround kind of set up for audio for this kind of music, as you are not looking for a traditional soundstage, but rather an immersive experience.

For a sub, buy the best one you can afford as it takes very solid cabinets and strong amps to reproduce quality bass. The Velodyne would be a good choice, but some of them do seem to have had reliability issues. The Parts Express Titan subs give you a lot of displacement for the money and a new build. Of course CL will have tons of subs to choose from, and you can get good value for the dollar if you buy wisely. Just don't buy the cheapest ones, but get a good quality one from the used market and you will do well. Heck sometimes you can find a used Bag End for reasonable money. But the big Paradigms, or NHT, or big Klipsch can work out very well.

Of course this is just the opinion of a simple pig. We like good food, warm sun, and soft hay. If you want a different opinion go talk to the cows for they are wise. Don't talk to the chickens, because fowl are known liars and they cheat at cards.

Regards
Mister Pig

 

[JoeESP9]

With a relatively decent subwoofer you'll be good to go with those Athena's.

 

[Potniy]

For electronic and dance music, I would happen to disagree with folks here. You need a speaker that gets the mids and highs right too, for that ambient and detailed sound. Lots of that type of music has great top end information. Getting a high quality sub that has power will take the stress off the Onkyo receiver that runs the main speakers, and you are going to get a nice detailed sound. Cross the main speakers in at 50 to 80 hertz and you will get a nice blend to the sub. I can understand doing surround kind of set up for audio for this kind of music, as you are not looking for a traditional soundstage, but rather an immersive experience.

For a sub, buy the best one you can afford as it takes very solid cabinets and strong amps to reproduce quality bass. The Velodyne would be a good choice, but some of them do seem to have had reliability issues. The Parts Express Titan subs give you a lot of displacement for the money and a new build. Of course CL will have tons of subs to choose from, and you can get good value for the dollar if you buy wisely. Just don't buy the cheapest ones, but get a good quality one from the used market and you will do well. Heck sometimes you can find a used Bag End for reasonable money. But the big Paradigms, or NHT, or big Klipsch can work out very well.

Of course this is just the opinion of a simple pig. We like good food, warm sun, and soft hay. If you want a different opinion go talk to the cows for they are wise. Don't talk to the chickens, because fowl are known liars and they cheat at cards.

Regards
Mister Pig

With a relatively decent subwoofer you'll be good to go with those Athena's.

Thanks for the input! I have much to consider. Is there a rule of thumb to go by for sub size and power? 200 W RMS (roughly 450-500 peak) and 12 inch drivers seem to be the best I am finding in my price range, do you think one of those would be enough?