Looking for the best 2.0 speakers (around 500-600$ max) - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psyside 
@ Adamlau, you made some good points there...thanks and btw how to tell new vs old version of Promedia 2.1?

@Purpleangle, thanks as well...i totally forgot they are 2.1 soundcards....

@manveru Thanks for the input.

BTW one Promedia 2.1 version is listed as 1% THD and the other 5% THD, is this really important factor? those are the 2 versions you talking about Adamlau?

I'm guess one of those (1% vs. 5%) is an incorrect listing.

The older model ProMedia 2.1 is considered better then the new revision.

I'm guessing that all current listings are for the ProMedia 2.1 is the newer revision.

I would look at studio monitors that have active crossovers (most do) Id forget about the audioengines theyre ok but not as good as studio monitors.

Also another thing to consider if you live in an area with an active craigslist (or similar) is to pick up a integrated amp and a set of small bookshelf speakers.  I did that for my dorm and I am very happy with the sound quality for the price and it is much easier to upgrade in the future.  I see Rotel and other nice sounding amps listed in the 100-150 USD range pretty frequently.

Of all you posted, I would choose the A3X in general and especially with the type of music you listed as your preference. As they are the most important component end of any audio system, spend as much as you can afford on speakers. With an STX, so long as the speakers support unbalanced RCA inputs (most of your choices do), you are good to go with a plug-and-play setup. The nice thing about the A3X is that you can always add a Sub 7 later on down the road (sats and subs from the same manufacturer and model series are usually a good sonic match right out of the box). Or you could bump up to the ARTist 3 as I did. The more I hear the X-ART in action, the more I like it. Very subtle in its clarity...  

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psyside 

Thanks for the response man.

 

Now, where i live i found few models available, so i would like to here some input about this next models if its possible.

 

M-Audio Studiophile AV30 >> price is around 115 euros.

 

Behringer MS40- around 125 euros.

 

M-Audio Studiophile AV40>> price is around 125 euros

 

M-Audio Studiophile BX5A>> price is 250 euros.

 

M-Audio Studiophile CX5>> price is around 300 euros.

 

KRK RP5 G2>> around 160 euros.

 

Adam A3X>> around 220 euros.

 

Hang on, that's the lowest price I've ever seen for the Adam A3X. Are you sure that is the price for 1 speaker, or 2? Studio monitors are often sold as SINGLE speakers, so be careful.

Has to be single, even b-stock units would not sold that low per pair...Unless the OP found a pair of hard driven demos being sold for quick sale...

If using Xonar STX and/or X-Fi Titanium HD, your only choice is RCA. A5X will have slightly more midrange body (owing to its larger woofer), useful for more mid-field listening. For a small room on a budget and with the available choices you offer, A3X + Sub 7 (later on down the road). Else, A5X. High, mid and low.

Onkyo HTX-22HDX 2.1 system

Comes with digital inputs, both optical and coaxial.

Good choice if answering the original topic. However, the OP has indicating a willingness to roll with a pair of A5X in the $800 US range. OP might want to consider updating the topic title :) .

Confusing thread, perhaps because the OP puts 2.0 speakers in the title, and talks about the advantages of a 2.0 system, and abruptly switches to 2.1-5.1 systems.

You get the 2.1 systems for the BASS, the desktops 2.1 systems will never sound precise and clear as a good pair of 2.0 near field speakers.

In your original description, you almost used the definition of the sound coming from a full range speaker pair.  If you truly want the clear, precise sound, (not thumping bass) then you should consider at least some monitor style speakers.  I would suggest a look at Tekton Design speakers, I have a 4.5 inch pair on my desk.  The box is big, the sound is sweet, clear, and there is plenty of bass in the nearfield usage they are designed for.  They won't thump like a 2.1 system will, but I specifically did not want that.

If you want a surround music system to listen to movies and games with on your computer, then you started off the thread wrong.

If you want to try and create a system which will image stereo decently and still play 5.1 when its time, then you will need a LOT more money.

I am not making fun of you, but you need to take stock of what you want, and your budget, then ask the questions here.  There are tons of folk, all with different experiences, budgets, and talents.  If you can figure out what you want, someone here can help.

For $500 you can get a nice 2.1 set-up 2 bookshelfs an amp and a sub, it's the in the box 5.1/2.1 that don't have very good sound quality, make your own 2.1 system and it can have excellent sound quality.

If your buying the adams without hearing them first they are very directional speakers, you have to place them well toe'd in towards your ears to get the best sound from them, if want to listen off axis or fill a room with sound then forget about the adams.