I need an amp I think??? What do I need? Power?

Question

So I have been looking to buy a sound system for my school apartment, probably something 2.1 to start out with. I thought that I needed, in general terms, an amp, 2 speakers and maybe a sub. When I asked if this music store sold amps to power speakers he told me that could be a lot of things. He said something about a power mixer, but I'm not really sure what that is. I am more lost than when I started. I appreciate any input or personal experience. thanks, Dylan

Answer 1

You will need an amp.  The powered mixer will contain an amp, but if its for listening (not sound reinforcement, microphones, etc.).  

You can get a good 2.1 reciever that will have an amp in it from consumer electronics stores such as best buy, circuit city, etc. that won't cost much.  

Yamaha, Pioneer, and harmon/kardon make good recievers.  Klipsh, JBL, Polk Audio and Boston make good speakers.  Klipsh is definitly my favorite for subwoofers, but they all the ones I listed are in the same quality range

Answer 2

if you are playing an ipod or music device, you dont need an amp.

Answer 3

I would just get a receiver because even if its a cheaper one you can do so much more with it. For example, if you want to add a DVD player later you can just hook it up to the receiver and the receiver will send the signal to your speakers and sub. It will also supply the power for your speakers. Make sure to check how much power each speaker can handle and how much power the receiver can output on each channel because if the receiver can't put out enough power the speakers won't be performing at their full potential.