I don't know anything about speakers and im thinking about getting a new speaker system and i don't know anything about speakers and speaker systems all i know is i want something that is loud and i can hook up an iphone or ipod to it so can somebody leave me any info that is good to know about speakers
For $500 here are a few options you may really enjoy. These are all active speakers that could be connected directly to your iPod, Computer, or TV etc. No external Amp necessary. For your iPhone/iPod I would pair one of these speakers with an Airport Express to be able to stream your music to your speakers wirelessly. You can usually get an AirportExpress for about $50 refurbished. AudioEngine A5+ Speakers ($399-$469 per pair). NHT SuperPower Speakers ($199 per speaker) NHT SuperZero 2.0 ($99 per speaker) The other option is passive speakers with a simple 2-channel amp, or a receiver that could eventually be used for home theater. 2 Channel Amps. Dayton Audio APA $150. AudioSource Amp100 $100 AudioEngine N22 $199 Receivers, pretty much anything from a name brand (Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo etc). A simple 5.1 should run $150-$250. Here are a few passive speaks, and or brands that have good reviews. Pioneer SP-FS52 Cambridge Audio S30 and S70 AudioEngine P4 NHT PSB Lastly if you like bass you may also want a subwoofer. Which is a whole different conversation. I personally would put most of your money into really good speakers, then add the subwoofer later. The best thing to do is to find a local audio shop that caries good brands in your area and go take a listen to some of the offerings in your price range. If there aren't any good shops in your area, you will need to rely on speaker reviews on the net.
There is many things that determine the quality of speakers, to much to get into on these forums. One thing for sure specifications will tell you virtually nothing about sound quality, they are only helpful when matching equipment to them. On your budget the best thing to get would be a pair of self powered monitors, as most are designed for higher sound pressure levels. There again are vast differences in the sound quality of monitors so you will want to choose carefully based on ether how they sound to you, or if you don't have the chance to audition them go by reviews. The best speakers i can recommend in your budget are the Tannoy 501a, which are $350 for the pair. They are well balanced, detailed, musical all the things that are important to monitor back music with when mixing or recording, or simply listening to music. They are sold as singles so you will need a pair of them. They play pretty darn loud if you need them to, and since they have built in amplifiers, are unlikely to damage them. Kevin 40 years high end audio video specialist
