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2.1 for Computer

post #1 of 9
6/14/10 at 9:32pm
Thread Starter 

Sorry for another 2.1 speaker, but I didn't see a recent thread in my similar price range. I currently have a Harman Kardon HK395, which came with a Dell I purchased probably 7 years ago. They really have been good speakers I suppose. Not audiophile by any means of course, but never had a problem with them.

 

I've read in many of the other threads that two bookshelf speakers with a sub is much better than a system in a box. I'll trust those statements and ask for that. I've heard the Logitech 5500 and thought it was alright, but 5.1 isn't really important to me and I feel like I could get a better sub than that.

 

Here's what I'm looking for: Speakers that don't distort at loud volumes and bass that doesn't take over the music like many low quality systems do. However, I do want a lot of bass. I want a full sound. This will be played in audiophile sessions for myself, but also for parties. Thus I could really use an all around system, big, low extending bass, but not bass that overtakes what it isn't suppose to. I'll be playing every genre, pretty much. Speakers that are clear at low and high volume. Also, I'm not sure of the size of speakers typically for this, but I would love for them to fit on my desk. I'll figure out another way to set them up if the sound quality degrades too much because of the size though.

 

I appreciate the help. Budget is max $450 shipping included, if I can get it for $350 or so I wouldn't complain though. Not really sure of speaker sound quality differences in terms of $$$.

 

Ah, almost forgot (sorry this is so long). I currently don't have an amp. Not sure how that affects things. Just a Creative Soundblaster X-fi soundcard. I'll have to factor that into the above budget if it is really required.

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post #2 of 9
6/15/10 at 1:12am

it's really really hard to get a ton of nice bass at that price point.  even at $500, buying bookshelfs, a sub, and an amp is pretty much out of the question.  you could try going the powered monitor route, and look at the über-hyped audioengine A5's (which i have found to be pretty poopy) for, $350.  or the swan mkiii or mkii's for $400 and $250 respectively (@theaudioinsider.com). i have not heard these, but have read quite a bit about them, and believe they are substantially better than the audioengine's.  or you could start looking at studio-monitors from mackie, m-audio or krk, which have a sweetspot around $350-$500.  but none of these options deliver any really solid bass performance, especially if bass is something you like a lot of. 

 

if you dont mind doubling your budget you could go for some high-end studio monitors: genelec, dynaudio, adam... or look at getting a used system together off of audiogon; a pair of paradigm atom's, a sub, and maybe something from cambridge or NAD for amplification.

 

here is my suggestion to you: buy a pair of klipsch promedia 2.1's for like $100 dollars used.  they are very very excellent for the price, get very loud, and have a fairly decent sup (provided it is placed well).  they will keep you happy until you have saved enough money to buy something serious (like $1k-$2k or so).  because, honestly, after trying many different passives and amps, i really don't think there is a big difference between those klipsch's (my first speakers) and any component rigs, until you get into the $1000+ range.

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post #3 of 9
6/15/10 at 1:38am

Focal XS(2.1), Klipsch IFI(2.1), NHT M-00(2.0), Adam audio A5(2.0),  Swan M200(2.0), just to name a few. There are many options below $500. Dynaudo BM5A(Balanced MC15) can be had for $600-650 for a used pair.

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post #4 of 9
6/15/10 at 8:24am

I'd actually just get a good set of bookshelves for the moment, then add in a sub later on. Face it, $450 isn't enough for all three tings. If you manage to get everything for that price, I can guarantee that you'd want to upgrade again in the future.

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post #5 of 9
6/15/10 at 12:58pm
Thread Starter 

I realize that there are much better speakers out there. I'm not going for the best system in the world here. I was just looking for a system that for a similar price could beat out the Logitech 5500. Kind of ridiculous to say that I shouldn't bother since almost $500 isn't enough. I'm sure that there is a $500 system that can beat out my barely $100 system. I've got headphones for intense audiophile moments. Just looking for a deal that's a "bang for my buck." Thanks for those recommendations. I'll check them out. If anyone else has any to add I'd appreciate it.

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post #6 of 9
6/15/10 at 5:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DDVX View Post

I realize that there are much better speakers out there. I'm not going for the best system in the world here. I was just looking for a system that for a similar price could beat out the Logitech 5500. Kind of ridiculous to say that I shouldn't bother since almost $500 isn't enough. I'm sure that there is a $500 system that can beat out my barely $100 system. I've got headphones for intense audiophile moments. Just looking for a deal that's a "bang for my buck." Thanks for those recommendations. I'll check them out. If anyone else has any to add I'd appreciate it.


I think Klipsch IFI is exactly what you're looking for. Go for it!

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post #7 of 9
6/15/10 at 9:32pm
Thread Starter 

Well two times is more than enough to persuade me. I'll start researching them more.


Edited by DDVX - 6/15/10 at 10:29pm
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post #8 of 9
6/15/10 at 10:29pm
Thread Starter 

Well here I am again. So would it still be better than getting the Swan M200MkII and a separate sub? Maybe a bit more expensive but I've heard a lot of good things about the Swan speaker. Also the build quality of the IFI concerns me as many Amazon reviews talk about short life-span. Anyone have experience with that?

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post #9 of 9
6/16/10 at 1:19pm

I think the ifi is a better choice in overall. I don't know about short life span. Mine had no problem running for 2 years until I got rid of it. I never turned it off in 2 years.

Looking at the amazon price makes me lol. They are asking $600. I bought mine refurbished directly from Klipsch on ebay for like $150 and it came in brand new condition. I have no doubt these are the best value 2.1 under $500 range. They even outperform the $600 focal as I told you earlier.

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