newbie, opinions wanted:

[Saggas]

hi, im a newbie in the 'building speakers' world. Ive owned a couple systems (none really high end) Im after some opinions on what I should do.
Im in the market to sell my current 'hifi' system. And move onto a component based system. But im unsure whether to go buy components, or build. Im unsure whether to go 2 chan, or 5.1.
All i know is I have a basic htpc used as a music server. And I want to get the best out of it I can.

[dyazdani]

Many options, thus many questions...

• How much do you want to spend?
• Prefer listening to music or watching movies?
• What other equipment do you already have? (TV, DVDp, HTPC, etc)

If the budget allows, I would start with at least 5.1. If not, you could start 2ch and work your way up as funds allow.

As far as building speakers, you need to check out the DIY section. There are several projects that people have made for HT or 2ch use.

[Saggas]

thanx for the response, with the budget, im one of those guys that starts off small but by the end of a project have considerably blown budget. I was estimating at about $1200 australian, already got a dvdplayer, small tv, basic htpc (just needs an actual htpc case) on the tv side of things, i rarely watch it, I usually just use one of my computers (hey im a geek!) I LOVE my music, and would prefer sitting down with a beer at the end of the day with a new cd than a movie.

[dyazdani]

So that's about $850 USD or so...

For that amount and your listening habits I would suggest starting off with 2 speakers only. You could easily build a DIY model, say the Modula MTs for that and have a bit left over for something else - amplification maybe?

I don't know parts pricing or availability in Australia though...

[Saggas]

well how would I go about building DIY's, can I buy plans somewhere?

[dyazdani]

well how would I go about building DIY's, can I buy plans somewhere?

Check out a couple of the "Sticky" threads in the DIY section, they basically ARE the plans! :T