Can Anyone Recommend Some Computer Speakers for Me?

[Baconator]

Subwoofer is the most important aspect to me. I want to at least feel some decent bass and when I crank them I don't want to hear the distortion as much as I currently do.

Budget: $150 shipped from anywhere that accepts Paypal.

Have made $150 from the Diablo 3 auction house and figured I would reward myself with some speakers.

Thanks for any help!!

[jaytgod]

Logitech Z-2300, amazing sound and very strong bass, I am currently using it.

[audit13]

Logitech Z-2300, amazing sound and very strong bass, I am currently using it.

+1. I'm still on my original set of z-2200s and they are excellent.

[steve-0101]

If you can find them on sale, Klipsch Promedia 2.1. I've seen them down to $139.

I have Both the z-2300s and the Promedias, the Promedias are a better, clearer speaker IMO.. The z-2300s are very bass heavy.

[Akraz]

http://www.canadacomputers.com/produ...item_id=033615

[Baconator]

Thanks for the input guys.

Going to pick up some refurbed z 2300's for $90. Seems like a good deal to me.

EDIT: looking for alternatives, someone put the z 2300's on hold right before I called...

[Baconator]

Logitech z623's are on sale at NCIX for $139.99 right now. Apparently these are the "new" z 2300s.

Is this a good price for this set?

Could also grab the z523's for<$100.

[Techgeek32]

Yes its a very good price. Logitech z623 have great sound.

[rahzel]

IMO, Logitech speakers over-emphasize bass and lack clarity in the upper frequencies because most (if not all) Logitech speakers don't have a tweeter. The value and build quality are good, but I'm not a huge fan of their speakers, specifically their satellites. I have the Z-2200s and the balance between the satellites and sub is terrible... I have the satellites sitting in a closet with the amp on the sub powering some PSB towers. It's a better match, but I still have the bass knob turned below half. Sure the power output of this set is impressive, but it's overkill for a personal computer IMO. I have my Z-2200/PSB towers setup in my livingroom and it's still more than enough volume.

If it were me, I would get the Edifier S330D instead of the Z-2300; less than half the power but should be enough for a personal computer and it will have much better sound quality IMO. You can get them at hookbag for just over $100, or you can PM NCIX.

[audit13]

If you have an Amerifriend, the Emotiva are also quite good.

http://emotivapro.com/products/power.../airmotiv4.php

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57...sktop-speaker/

[MkmBandit]

Nearly every PC includes some sort of default speakers, but they're invariably not very good. If you're looking to upgrade, there are plenty of alternatives available. We've shifted away from impractical 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 surround setups to more straightforward 2.0 (stereo) or 2.1 (stereo with subwoofer) models. Our top choices below include plenty of options at $150 and below. Note that we also have a bias towards larger speakers, because they tend to deliver better, more full-bodied sound. Also, remember that all "PC speakers"--except for USB-powered models--can also be used to amplify the sound from anything with a headphone jack, including iPods and music phones. Conversely, any iPod speaker system with an auxiliary input can also double as a PC speaker.

Couple of holes in your post...

No one is moving away from 5.1/7.1, the only thing that's maybe changed is that people are now starting to realize that in order to get the highest quality sound from your music, 5.1/7.1 is actually detrimental to your goal. Music is not mastered to be used with surround setups. Neither are most games for that matter..

Second highlight; pretty vague with your wording. Passive PC speakers, which many people use, do not actually amplify the sound. Infact I'm not even sure USB speakers amplify the sound, rather they simply convert analog to digital and use USB power to boost the levels. They're not very good at projecting their sound which is why typically USB speakers are quite limited when it comes to output levels. Unless your speakers are battery powered or AC powered they will not amplify the sound any more then a pair of headphones.

And I completely agree with steve-0101 and Rahzel about the z-2300's. I've owned several sets of them, and while I'm quite fond of them they do have their shortcomings. The z-2300's are quite good in very specific applications, mostly near-field and in space cramped rooms. For a broader stage the Promedia's are likely the better purchase.

[john widow]

Way back when stores had the klipsch promedia 5.1 on sale for $300 I believe. I bought that set. I was in the debate between those and the z-5500. The klipsch was realistically unpractical for a 5.1 setup other than for PC as it only had analog 5.1. So I used it as a 2.1 setup 99% of the time.

Can you show us a pic of what your room looks like? Or tell us, is it very small?

I wouldn't buy any computer speakers any longer. I just buy home theatre speakers, either bookshelfs or tower speakers. When listening to music I don't want to be able to hear the bass coming from the sub.

[Symcor]

No love for Swan M10 here?

[M1K3Z0R]

I wouldn't buy any computer speakers any longer. I just buy home theatre speakers, either bookshelfs or tower speakers. When listening to music I don't want to be able to hear the bass coming from the sub.

Agreed. Logitechs are decent for ease and out of box setup, but you can't beat "real" speakers with standard wiring hooked up to a receiver. Much more versatility to add/remove/upgrade stuff as your budget or ears dictate.

[audit13]

Couple of holes in your post...

No one is moving away from 5.1/7.1, the only thing that's maybe changed is that people are now starting to realize that in order to get the highest quality sound from your music, 5.1/7.1 is actually detrimental to your goal. Music is not mastered to be used with surround setups. Neither are most games for that matter..

Second highlight; pretty vague with your wording. Passive PC speakers, which many people use, do not actually amplify the sound. Infact I'm not even sure USB speakers amplify the sound, rather they simply convert analog to digital and use USB power to boost the levels. They're not very good at projecting their sound which is why typically USB speakers are quite limited when it comes to output levels. Unless your speakers are battery powered or AC powered they will not amplify the sound any more then a pair of headphones.

And I completely agree with steve-0101 and Rahzel about the z-2300's. I've owned several sets of them, and while I'm quite fond of them they do have their shortcomings. The z-2300's are quite good in very specific applications, mostly near-field and in space cramped rooms. For a broader stage the Promedia's are likely the better purchase.

I'd have to disagree with your statement that 5.1/7.1 arrangements are detrimental to music. Live concert Blu-rays with DTS-HD MA and TrueHD can sound incredible. There are several 2-channel albums that have been remastered into 5.1 that also sound fantastic. Some SACD examples that come to mind are Roxy Music Avalon, Steely Dan Gaucho, and Dire Straits Brothers In Arms.