Reddit reviews Pioneer SP-BS21-LR 80-Watts RMS 2-Way Speakers (Pair)

Thanks everyone. I'm glad to join the team and I think I've got a few ideas you will really enjoy. Currently mobile but I will update this post a bit later when I get home.

Time for a celebratory dram.

As requested, my build is below:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i7-2600K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor | $269.99 @ Newegg
CPU Cooler | Corsair Hydro Series H50 Liquid CPU Cooler | $49.99 @ Newegg
Motherboard | ASRock P67 Extreme 4 (B3) ATX LGA1155 Motherboard | $180.81 @ NCIX US
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $56.99 @ Newegg
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $56.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $88.86 @ Outlet PC
Storage | Crucial M4 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk | $62.99 @ Microcenter
Storage | Crucial M4 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk | $62.99 @ Microcenter
Storage | Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $149.98 @ NCIX US
Video Card | XFX Radeon HD 6950 2GB Video Card (CrossFire) |-
Video Card | Powercolor Radeon HD 6950 2GB Video Card (CrossFire) |-
Sound Card | Asus Xonar DG 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card | $19.99 @ Microcenter
Case | Antec Nine Hundred Two V3 ATX Mid Tower Case | $123.84 @ Mac Connection
Power Supply | Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply | $114.99 @ Newegg
Optical Drive | Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer | $19.98 @ Outlet PC
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (64-bit) | $130.20 @ Amazon
Mouse | Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse | $54.99 @ SuperBiiz
Keyboard | Ducky Shine Blue LED Cherry MX Blacks |-
Monitor| Viewsonic VX2439wm|-
Monitor| Yamakasi Catleap Q270 SE|-
External DAC| Behringer UCA202|-
Bling| LOGISYS Computer CLK12BL 12" Cold Cathode kit|-
Subwoofer| Dayton Sub-1000|-
Amp| AudioSource Amp-100|-
Speakers| Pioneer SP-BS21-LR 80 Watt RMS 2-Way Speakers|-
Headphones| ATH-M50S|-
| | Total
| Prices include shipping and discounts when available. | $1443.58
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-09 20:16 EDT-0400 |

Ducky on the old "desk"

more pics incoming... stay tuned while i find a real camera

Desk top and complete picture

$300 for 2.1?

Bookshelf speakers: Pioneer BS21

Amplifier: AudioSource AMP100 runs 50w at 8ohm. It will be plenty clear and loud.

Subwoofer: Dayton SUB-100 - 100w powered subwoofer

spend the rest on speaker wire and shipping. You're going to want to plug your source into the amplifier via a 3.5mm to RCA cable. Then wire the amplifier into the subwoofer. Wire out of the subwoofer to the speakers and that's it.

I have the same speakers & subwoofer, but a different amp (similar power rating). It sounds really good if everything is positioned well. Enjoy.

My obligatory post for a cheap home theater. I like the BIC sub. I usually recommend Denon over Yamaha for features and ease of setup. The Sony floorstanders are hit or miss depending on who you talk too. On a budget I would likely go with these aff-linked Pioneer SPFS51's and some of the matching BS21's for the rear and they have a matching center should you want everything to match. You can save some cash and use whatever you have for the rears since they rarely have to match.

Hey all,

Considering buying desktop speakers to replace my harmon kardon sound sticks for my PC.

So far i've narrowed it down to 2 sets. I already have a desktop amp and all so i'm good there...i hope...


My options are,

Pioneer SP-BS21-LR 80-Watts RMS 2-Way Speakers http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MEWZE4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=18V7A25BWVMGD5B34BG6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

or...

Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers with 4-Inch Carbon Fiber Woofer and Silk Dome Tweeter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009IUIV4A/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i6?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=18V7A25BWVMGD5B34BG6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846


I mostly listen to Electronic music with the occasional hip hop. I also play games quite a bit and watch movies. This set up would be for my computer in my bedroom.

Additional equipment i have currently is the Aune T1 with the Bravo V2...maybe V3...

Thanks in advance!

Any other suggestions welcome but i'm hoping to stay around $50 for the speakers.

Well, I'm really with Blizzrad - $75 isn't much a usable budget for anything (Neither is $150, really), but if you are dead set on making any change now, I'd ditch the speakers. Those Sanyo speakers are not going to be very good (that's a polite way of saying "garbage"). Alternatives in the rough price range is the Pioneer SP-BS21, $80.

I would change the speakers to one of the pioneer/jones variations.
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-80-Watts-2-Way-Speakers/dp/B004MEWZE4/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1382326142&sr=8-9&keywords=pioneer+speakers

These are down to $59 now. (pair) Go with two pair. Add matching center

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-C21-Watt-2-Way-Speaker/dp/B004MF4S0M/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_y

That's a heck of a 5.0 package for about $200.

no need to match the brand of the sub to speakers. The key considerations here are...

1)The upper frequency range of the sub overlaps the deep frequency capabilities of the speakers to some degree.

2)The subwoofer is not grossly mismatched in terms of output capabilities. In other words, don't match a Triax subwoofer to tiny cube speakers..:)

If you are in the market for a projection setup for your home theater, you should not be skimping on audio as much as you are. Don't bother with either of those systems you linked. They are bottom of the barrel systems with no way to upgrade in the future.

Your budget should really be more than $200-$300 for audio when you are putting together a projection home theater (or any home theater for that matter). You may want a decent receiver for about $200. And some of the cheapest speakers we would recommend would run you about $80 a pair. Maybe these or these for speakers. Add the matching center channel for either and you would be set. I would factor in another $100-$200 for a subwoofer if you want something decent.

If you can't increase you budget enough for all of that, we normally suggest to start off with a 2.0 system (2 speakers and the receiver) then expand as you get more funds.

Your friend sounds like he is just describing surround sound, there is no such thing as "3D" sound, just video.

Hopefully this helps!

Alright, well, a refurb Denon 1612 will run you $170 (very good quality and good vendor), then paired with the Pioneer BS21 at $80/pair. If you can wait, Newegg typically runs sales on them for $50/pair.

Anywho, if you buy right now, you'll spend $250 for a system that will thwomp any soundbar. It'll also be very expandable, allowing you to add a sub (see Dayton subs for budget offerings) and surround sound when you want.

Hope this helps!

Hello fellow LP120 owner!

Your new turntable comes with a built in preamp, but you still need an amp to amplify the line level audio. Records necessitate a preamp, as the audio level is quite low compared to other sources, (i.e. CD player, iPod). In addition to boosting the audio signal to something your amp can work with, the preamp also applies RIAA equalization which more or less adds back in the low end.

Some of the older amps out there have a specific PHONO input, which is designed to do the same thing a preamp does. Almost all of the new amps on the market have gotten rid of these inputs, as "no one listens to vinyl anymore". You don't need one with a PHONO input though, you just need a good 2-channel amp to power your speakers.

If you don't want to spend much, the Lepai LP 2020 is probably the best bang for your buck. I'm using it right now with these Pioneer bookshelf speakers (very similar to yours) and they sound great. I don't have a recommendation for anything more powerful, but you won't really need anything more powerful unless you go with bigger speakers down the road. Don't forget to grab some speaker wire to wire it all up.

Have fun!

something like this would be a much better buy. Those sonys don't have a great reputation. If money is tight these are better.

Wireless speakers are not going to be cost effective and you'd still need a power source. Below is a setup for around $200 that would sound great. All you'd need to add is some speaker wire and either some wall mounts or shelves. (You might be able to find better deals with some shopping around.) Good Luck.

I've seen these as low as $49 a pair.
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-80-Watts-2-Way-Speakers/dp/B004MEWZE4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1413466468&sr=8-6&keywords=pioneer+andrew+jones+speakers

OR
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090603&p_id=10800&seq=1&format=2

Receiver
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH130-Channel-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B006U1VH2S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1413466553&sr=8-4&keywords=2ch+receiver

Not sure why you would want the l/r and the center, other than it's a good deal. Are you hoping to fill it out to 5.1 eventually?

I've never heard Fluance, but the go-to recommendations around here are one of these two Pioneer speakers, or the Miccas. Search this sub to look for reviews (and double check the model numbers if you're interested. I'm doing this from memory). If you get the Pioneers you should be able to afford the subwoofer that goes with it. Also, you can usually find a Polk sub like this one on sale.

There are better options, I'm sure, but these get a lot of recommendations for budget systems. I have a brother in law with the Pioneers and no sub and he's pretty happy.

As for hooking it up, you just need a 3.5mm to RCA jack cable like this one. Also, if your receiver has an s/pdif input you could go from the sound card to the receiver that way. If you use the first cable, the sound card will be decoding the digital into analog. If you use the s/pdif cable, your receiver will do the decoding. Depending on the DACs in the card and receiver, one might be better than the other.

What's your budget?

This receiver is decent and indeed has a phono preamp integrated, so the only thing left to buy would be a pair of speakers. I recommend these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045US6DE

If your budget is tighter, then these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MEWZE4

Edit: You didn't mention anything about the cartridge. This is an important piece of your setup.

I would think that any bookshelfs would be an upgrade. The issue is the sub uses RCA jacks for the interconnect so you'll probably have to make some cables or sacrifice an RCA cable as most nice speakers use banana plugs or simply exposed wire. Also the amp in that system is only rated at 40 watts RMS (into probably 6 ohms) so even less into a standard 8 ohm speaker which is not very much.

What is your budget because there are a lot of options?

If you want a simple recomendation I would say get these if you want a cheap upgrade:
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-Black/dp/B004MEWZE4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325217347&sr=8-2

They are reviewed very highly and compete with speakers more than twice their price.



To be honest if you are serious about making music you are much better off with powered monitors than you are with shitty logitech speakers.

My Lepai came with a 12v 2amp power supply. But, it's rated at 25watts/channel, so I found a 6 amp power supply and it pushes these speakers just fine without clipping (which it used to do with the stock power supply). I've bought 3 Lepais now and they all come with the 2amp power supplies, which is retarded, but what do you want for $20?

Its either spend $120 now for crappy sound which you will probably replacr or slowly build a system that youll love for years.

Why not start off with a 2.0 system and purchase the others when you can enjoy it and have the $

You could try these instead. The woofers are smaller, but since you'd have a powered sub, it shouldn't be an issue.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MEWZE4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A1DDN16L5L3LOG

And if you forego the speaker stands (for now), that'll get you a VERY nice setup for under $500.

If you're looking to upgrade on the cheap, I'd recommend either of the Pioneer bookshelf speakers designed by Andrew Jones (the 80 watt version; the 130 watt version) or the floorstanding version of that line. I have the floorstanding version, and I must say that the sound is fantastic for around $200.

Thanks for this guide /u/ZeosPantera !

I do have a question however since I am having a hard time finding the answer. I am looking for a receiver that can handle 4k HDR passthrough as well as ARC with 5.1 channels. Is there anything you would reccomend from Sony? I am open to other brands, but am not trying to spend more than 300$ I have a xbr800d and a ps4 pro.

For speakers I have these pioneer bookshelf speakers and a polkaudio psw10 powered by this yamaha s201 receiver.

For the center channel, I was looking at this klipsch KC-25 . Currently my set up is in my bedroom which isnt too big, maybe a 10x15 foot room. I'll probably end up picking the surround speakers sometime later.

If I were to stretch my budget a bit, would these be a better option?

And for making stands, are there any specific materials I should use/not use? Any good guides out there?

It's probably what you have driving them. Anyway, I have Pioneer SP-BS21-LR 80-Watts RMS 2-Way Speakers (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MEWZE4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_BDdLub1VH859Z powered by a Topping TP20-MK2 MKII TA2020 Class T-AMP Digital Stereo Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00828UTE4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_CLdLub12T0DB0. I love it.

Awesome! That would be perfect. Thank you again for your help. It seems like I might not be able to get the Polk S20 speakers because the buyer isn't responding yet. So just in case, I think I found another really nice deal. All for just $200 he's selling...

Pioneer VSX-521-K
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-VSX-521-K-Receiver-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B004M8RPAY

Pair of Pioneer FS51 Floorstanding Speakers
https://www.amazon.com/pioneer-sp-fs51-lr-floorstanding-loudspeakers-discontinued/dp/b004h1m4no

Pair of Pioneer BS21 Bookshelf Speakers
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-80-Watts-2-Way-Speakers/dp/B004MEWZE4

Pioneer SP-C21 Center-Channel Speaker
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-C21-Speaker-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B004MF4S0M/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

That also leaves me enough money to buy a subwoofer like the Dayton SUB-1200. But the receiver is a different model then the one you suggested. I'm not sure if it's still good. Would that be enough to drive all those speakers adequately?

In your opinion, do you think that would be a nice sounding setup for movies and music?

For a small, but nice setup I'd look for a nice pair of vintage bookshelf speakers or invest in a new pair of bookshelf speakers. Something like these Polks. Polks generally excel at mid range and high range definition. They would be very portable and not so bassy or large as to draw a lot of attention. Then, when you get space for a bigger system you could add a sub, some bigger fronts, and use these for rear surrounds. If that's too much money, Pioneer is my second goto for small, clear, cheap bookshelf speakers. They haven't changed what they do in decades, but they haven't needed to either! Good luck!

You might also look into the Pioneer BS-21LR. They are the predecessor to well reviewed BS-22LR. The BS-21LR were well liked in their own right. ~$50 because they have been discontinued.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-80-Watts-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B004MEWZE4

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405g

This is just over your budget:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Natural-Stereo-Receiver-R-S201BL/dp/B00F0H88SY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1410892531&sr=1-1&keywords=yamaha+stereo+receiver

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-80-Watts-2-Way-Speakers/dp/B004MEWZE4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1410892551&sr=8-8&keywords=pioneer+andrew+jones+speakers

About $219.

Ok thanks. I'm gonna go with the Pioneer speakers. However I found this version here:

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS21-LR-80-Watts-2-Way-Speakers/dp/B004MEWZE4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

They're 40 dollars and look exactly like what you suggested me. How are they different?