Well, I went with Ian and Neruda's suggestion to get the Altec Lansing ATP3 multimedia speakers. Perhaps I've been spoiled by my headphone setup, but I wasn't incredibly impressed with the ATP3s.

First off, they look a lot cooler in pictures than they do in real life. They're also quite small. I'd say the front panel is about the size of a TV remote. The satellites and sub are pretty light too, giving them that "cheap feel", if you know what I mean.

Versatility was another problem with the ATP3. The speakers hook up to the sub/amp unit with short, undetachable cords. Replacable speaker wires would've been much less restricting.

I found the sound quality decent at best. Maybe I was expecting too much out of a pair of multimedia speakers. Compared to my Cambrige Soundworks digital, the midrange on the ATP3 is definitely sweeter and smoother. It also seemed a tad warmer. The highs were okay, I suppose. They did get a little harsh at times though. Overall, the system is somewhat on the bright side. That was kind of a surprise to me, considering most mass market speakers cater to bass addicts.

Speaking of bass, this was one facet of the ATP3s that I found lacking. The midbass was good, well controlled an tight. But for some odd reason there was no low bass. When I tried to turning up the bass, it just got more muddy, boomy, and just plain ugly. I guess the sub is just underpowered.

I'm not a dum-bass - at least I hope not, but I was looking for speakers that were a tad more exciting than these. Something forward and in-my-face kinda thing. Perhaps it's not even possible for computer speakers.

The ATP3s aren't bad. On par, if not a bit better than the Cambridge Soundworks digital. I'll keep them. But I'll also be on the lookout for something better too.

We never said that they were awesome incredible great sounding speakers. We said that they sounded quite good for being $99 multimedia speakers. At that price and in that category, I challenge you to find something better. Obviously, they don't even touch my headphone setup...but they are great to have around for the times when you need speakers.

Yeah, I never use my computer speakers for serious listening anymore, and I have the Videologic Sirocco Crossfire! But for casual listening or watching mpegs or games or whatever, they're more than good enough. I hate to tell people to lower their expectations, but that's what you're gonna have to do in this case. There are no computer speakers that will come close to a good headphone setup.

I wasn't very impressed either when I got them, and I definitely agree about the cables. But after a while they really seemed to improve quite a bit. Obviously I don't like them as much as I do my Grados, but I do use them quite often with music and games and am not disappointed.