I have $250 to spend on 2.0 computer speakers. Help me spend it.

[markl]

Well, I just got a pair of M-Audio AV20 computer speakers, and they're... just OK. They do great on small acoustic stuff but get kind of befuddled on louder stuff, and they have an annoying "boxy" coloration.

OK, what did I epect for $100? Let's say I increase my budget to $250. Does that buy me something significantly better? What do you recommend?

Space is kind of limited which is why I chose the M-Audios in the first place. So, smaller is better; if they are more than 8 inches deep, that starts to become an issue.


P.S. I do not want a 2.1 system with separate sub.

P.P.S. It needs to have built-in amp, I can't be talked into buying a separate amp.

Thanks!

[blessingx]

Don't know the model you currently have so it's impossible to rank, but maybe the Audioengine 2.0?

[cconnaker]

To me this is a no brainer. The Audioengine 2 speakers. I reviewed them in issue 14 of Tone Audio Magazine. For the money ($200) they are unbeatable.

[markl]

Hi guys, I looked at those, but they put the stupid volume control on the back of the damn speaker. What were they thinking?

[Operandi]

$250 is kinda a tricky spot right between entry level high-end monitors. If you can spend $100 - 150 more I think it would go a long way.

People are always upgrading so going used you can find some sweet deals if you look around and are patient.

[blessingx]

Well I think you're going to find the same volume issue in my next suggestion - the Mackies.

[1UP]

Did you get to try the AV-40s? They would seem to have a better chance of beating the 20s for their extra size and better drivers and presumably electronics?

I'm quite happy with my DX4s, but if going again, I'd be tempted by the Audioengines. Control volume from PC, anyways, no?

[Hookem]

I would have to agree...For 200 bones you cant beat the Audioengine 2's with a bat.

I had a pair of Klispch Promedia 2.1's...The horn tweeters just killed me...About 20 minutes and listener fatigue set in big time...Night and day difference between the two.

If you want audiophile sound from a very compact package they really are something you should check out.

Just read this review...To say the guy was impressed would be and understatement.

Stereophile: Audioengine 2 powered loudspeaker

[Hookem]

Originally Posted by Operandi

$250 is kinda a tricky spot right between entry level high-end monitors. If you can spend $100 - 150 more I think it would go a long way.

As much as I like the Audioengine 2's I did return them to buy the Audioengine 5's...Guy's were super cool...Did not give me one second of grief...I mailed them back USPS Priority on Tuesday and they processed the return Friday...Credit card was credited back Monday...Email's every step of the way...Believe me the best customer service I have ever experienced...Period...Second place is way...And I mean way back there.

I will be ordering the Audioengine 5's first thing in the morning...That being said I would certainly have to agree with Operandi...I was going to get 2 pair's of 2's (2 pair of 2's for fifty bucks more than the 5's).

But after reading the reviews I just have to have the 5's.

Audioengine A5 Powered Speaker System Review — Audioholics Home Theater Reviews and News

But for 200 bones...Fifty bucks under your budget...They are like the guy seezzz in the stereophile review..."bordering on criminal"

My jaw dropped when I did side by side comparison with my other speakers.

[vulc4n]

My advice would be to look into a nearfield monitor. I'm been really really happy with my KRK ST6's.