Low Cost Sound System

[Lilwolf]

I finally got a touch screen (really both 15 and 17"... havent decided which I will use, and which I will sell)...  So I'm all gung ho on building a small, counter top juke box.

So for the question...

What speaker system should I look for?  I have ALWAYS bought the cheapest crap speakers you can find... but I was going to jump the quality up a bit... but not super high (not much money here).

Should I get some arcade shielded speakers + hack a cheap set?  Should I just get a decent system?  Should I hook them up to a real stereo system that could sit in the same room?

Thanks for any / all info!

[AlanS17]

I'd say the 2 best options are to get a set of good, real PC speakers or to output the signal to a stereo. I think anything else would sacrifice quality. Logitech makes a great 2.1 speaker system. I'm not sure 5.1 would be helpful as most tracks (like 99.9%) don't support that many channels, anyways.

I'd recommend looking for a stereo PC speaker set with high wattage ratings so you don't blow them. Either that or output to a conventional stereo via cables or RF (where you just tune the stereo to a particular FM channel to pick up the signal).

[GadgetGeek]

My thoughts are that you would want to somehow be able to play both on an internal set of speakers or through your main stereo.  Depends on how it will be used of course.  Touchscreen so it should be not too hard to rig up something that mutes the internal speakers if you are playing through the stereo.  As for what to use for internal speakers, I would rely on others for that.

[AlanS17]

Well a simple $5 stereo splitter could feed a set of PC speakers and a line-out. Since virtually all PC speakers have their own volume control, the 2 outputs would have their own independent volume controls. Muting one to play the other is not difficult.

[GadgetGeek]

That works, but I was thinking line-out for the stereo feed and speaker out for the cheap PC speakers.  I guess I need to test to see if mute kills the line out as well or just the speaker out.

[Lilwolf]

I'm currently considering not have any speakers on my monitor... or computer.

Build a box / lazy jane around the monitor / touch screen.... Then a cable going to the computer that LOOKS like part of the stereo system.  (you know those low frame cases)...

This would take care of two shots in one... Also make a nice small table top.  

But other then that... If I do go with a stand alone system...

What brand speakers should I go for?  Last set I bought really sucked.  And since I am mail ordering them... I can only get quality by spend cash...

But I would guess that there are really good 3 piece speaker setups for 25 bucks or so... but some crap at the same time for the same price.