# Speaker Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 10, 2004, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401 "2004-05-10T03:12:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mithgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mithgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mithgard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/1 "2004-05-10T03:12:31Z")
I am in the process of replacing my stereo which I used as my speakers for my computer. My question is as following. What is better for me to get, a simple 5.1 set of speakers with sub, or a receiver w/ 4 speakers. Just some background, i’m a student who listens to music 24/7, and now that its summer time I’d like to have a bit more ‘Umph’ with my speakers. To be taken into consideration: 1. Cost 2.Quality 2. Sound/Loudness 3. Practicality If anyone has any ideas, and or suggestions of actualy systems/speakers that could be bought at Futureshop or Best buy type of stores. Thanks a bunch -Mith ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/2 "2004-05-10T03:25:56Z")
If it’s mainly music listening you might be better off putting your money into the best pair of stereo speakers and a quality sub you can get for your budget vs 5.1 or 4 speaker surround system. ---
**Author:** ![cmason32](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@cmason32](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmason32)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/3 "2004-05-10T03:33:05Z")
I know this isn’t the answer you are looking for, but I thought I would suggest it anyway. Perhaps you might consider getting some high quality headphones to listen to your music instead of speakers. I was in the same position as you and decided on some $150 headphones to listen to my music. > [@](#): > > 1. Cost > 2.Quality > 2. Sound/Loudness > 3. Practicality 1. Costs as much as a decent speaker system 2. $150 headphones sound a lot better than $150 speakers 3. The sound is very good (these headphones have excellent highs and lows) and I can listen to music as loud as I want whenever I want. 4. I have a laptop so if I want to bring my computer elsewhere and listen to music it is much easier than lugging speakers around. I bought the bose headphones and like them very much. I know some people don’t like bose speakers, but their headphones are quite good. You can also look into the Shure e2 model (which retails around $100 and is usually highly recommended). ---
**Author:** ![HanoNymus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ee59a6/32.png) [@HanoNymus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HanoNymus)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/4 "2004-05-10T03:34:52Z")
Try some Athena speakers (@ BestBuy) with a good Yamaha receiver. ---
**Author:** ![Mithgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mithgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mithgard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/5 "2004-05-10T04:09:11Z")
Maybe I should clarify a bit more 😛 I definitely want speakers as opposed to headphones…I wanna be able to hear it loud. and even outsidein my backyard. BUT…seing as im a student…i wont be able to spend more than $300 or so. So basically…whats the best combo for $300?? ---
**Author:** ![cmason32](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@cmason32](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmason32)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/6 "2004-05-10T04:59:15Z")
> [@Mithgard](#): > > Maybe I should clarify a bit more 😛 > I definitely want speakers as opposed to headphones…I wanna be able to hear it loud. and even outsidein my backyard. BUT…seing as im a student…i wont be able to spend more than $300 or so. > So basically…whats the best combo for $300?? If you happen to be in Chicago, or can make it here, I highly recommend going to [Saturday Audio Exchange](http://saturdayaudio.com). It’s located on Clark St near Wrigleyville. They offer B stock and refurbished models - and used models, too. The B stock comes with a full warranty. Some of the used stuff can be a little bit old, but they usually have some amazing deals. Back in undergrad I got a pair of $800 JBL speakers for $300 - and they were brand new in the box. ---
**Author:** ![Mithgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mithgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mithgard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/7 "2004-05-10T13:38:59Z")
> [@cmason32](#): > > If you happen to be in Chicago, or can make it here, I highly recommend going to [Saturday Audio Exchange](http://saturdayaudio.com). It’s located on Clark St near Wrigleyville. They offer B stock and refurbished models - and used models, too. The B stock comes with a full warranty. Some of the used stuff can be a little bit old, but they usually have some amazing deals. Back in undergrad I got a pair of $800 JBL speakers for $300 - and they were brand new in the box. unfortunately I am nowhere near Chicago ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Opengrave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/919ad9/32.png) [@Opengrave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Opengrave)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/8 "2004-05-10T14:40:49Z")
Q: Why are you stuck on 5.1 or 4 speakers. Why not 2 speakers or are there some futire plans for this setup. Is this a pure ‘stereo’ or the basis for some future home entertainment / theater setup. I keep reading how 5.1 audio (for cds) is becoming all the rage but I’m sure not seeing it anywhere. What is the 5 year outlook for this system? ---
**Author:** ![Mithgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mithgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mithgard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-question/244401/9 "2004-05-10T21:14:01Z")
> [@Opengrave](#): > > Q: Why are you stuck on 5.1 or 4 speakers. Why not 2 speakers or are there some futire plans for this setup. Is this a pure ‘stereo’ or the basis for some future home entertainment / theater setup. I keep reading how 5.1 audio (for cds) is becoming all the rage but I’m sure not seeing it anywhere. What is the 5 year outlook for this system? That is a great question. I just threw out the 5.1 speakers cause they’re sweet and I’m assuming that it would sound pretty amazing (the surround sound). As for future plans, I would like this setup to last me for the next 3-6 years or so. So basically I was looking at the 5.1 so that I wouldnt have to replace them by Christmas for something that’s better quality. I basically want the best bang for my LIMITED buck. does that help?