Recommendation for desktop speakers

Hey, I would recommend pair of genelecs 6010 or 8020 :) Of course it goes way out of budjet, but they are worth it. Maybe search used 6010a

For 160 you won't be getting really good speakers. If possible, consider headphones.

T-Amp and bookshelf speakers? That range you'd do well if u could nab Infinity Primus P162s 

 

He needs them for hip-hop; a Primus on most amps probably won't deliver the bass he needs even from that distance. Larger active monitors, or smaller ones with separate subwoofers, are also far beyond the stated budget; I can't find the Samson MediaOne series with the subwoofer anymore but they used to have a 5" sub to go with the 4" monitors. Must have been discontinued.

 

 

The MS40 there looks like it has its own soundcard, which means you can probably use USB to feed it a signal. In any case, if you want hiphop bass - even if not to the levels of blowing the windshield off with an Audiobahn - 2.0 monitors might not be enough, and subwoofers are expensive. The only way I know how to do that within $160 is with computer speakers like this: http://www.alteclansing.com/ae/us/computer-speakers/expressionist+0153-ultra-mx6021/invt/mx6021/

 

However if by hip-hop you mean you want to hear all the voices in a BnTh recording and really enjoy listening, I suggest Grado headphones or KRK monitors 5" (or bigger).

Have you considered the M-Audio AV 40 (~$120 street) or the Audioengine A2 (~$177 street)?

 

Of these two, the M-Audio AV 40 may fit your bass needs better for hip-hop.

 

Not sure why you are advising a PC/Multimedia 2.1 just for the cheap, muddy sound and bass but $160ish u can hit 

 

TA2020 $25

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=310-300

 

Dayton B-652 $30

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-652

 

Dayton SUB-1000 10" Sub $110

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-628

 

However i suggest getting a quality 2.0 and adding a quality sub later as a cheap sub for music would likely ruin it once u have trained ears - hit AVS 2 channel/speakers sub forums for great pointers by the pros 

Edited by trog - 5/13/12 at 2:48am

Nice - I didn't go through Parts Express, plus with the whole T-Amp thing it seemed like I'd only end up back in those conversations with some people that usually land me on the receiving end of something like, "that's expensive, Audiobahn/Beats/(insert hiphop brand here) does better than that." :P

Although I've been meaning to actually complete my PC's surround system, so I just might start with that sub now while I'm still deciding on the monitors and amplification - can't beat that for a little over $100 unless a nearby Fry's decides to empty their Polk Audio inventory (unfortunately when they do, the ones in my area don't have the nice, cheap, older gear). Thanks for the link!

I'd recommend Audioengine A2's or A5's if you can get them used. Both are very nice. A2's are open box for around $168 + 10%(or $10 I forget) coupon if you sign up for onecall. A2's are nice and small, it'll fit your desktop nicely. I have the A5's and they are awesome. My friend has the A2's and he says they're just as great. Honestly, I've never seen a bad review for these badboys.

I'm going to borrow this thread and ask some questions for myself instead of starting a new thread.

 

I'm also in the market for some desktop speakers. This will be my first purchase for desktop speakers, so I don't know very much apart from what I've gleaned the past few hours from reading the forum.

 

My requirements are similar to the OP. My budget is $150 and I'd like to get the most out of my money in terms of quality sound, performance and build. I'd like these speakers to last me 3 years. After reading many posts, it seems like the best choice for 2.0 speakers is the get passive speakers with a T-amp rather than active speakers.

 

The most common suggestions I've seen were any of the Polk Audio monitors, the Pioneer SP-BS21's, Infinity Primus, or Dayton Audio speakers.

 

As for T-amps, the most popular ones suggested were all by Dayton Audio.

 

I'm trying to find a good combination for myself. I'll mostly be listening to music and watching movies from in front of my computer. Occasionally, I may want to listen to music from my bed. My bed will be about 5-10 feet away from the computer.

 

I also think that the sound card will play an important role in how the music sounds from the speakers, right? If that's the case, would I need to factor the cost of a sound card into my budget? I haven't gotten my computer yet, but I plan on getting an Apple computer, likely a Mac Pro. Is there anything else I'd need for the setup besides speaker wires?

 

I appreciate the help!

At tight budgets between getting a sound card and as solid a pair of speakers your money could land ya, i would opt for the latter as even a decent sound card could not take some lousy speakers to the next level tbh 

I would highly suggest buying used, speakers don't exactly loose sound quality over the years and since they're placed in stationary positions the wear and tear is usually minimal... the only thing that lowers is the price..

 

There's no better bang for buck then going for a Vintage stereo set up, the sound quality you can achieve can rival that of modern set ups that would cost 5x more.  You can also get some newer stuff for pretty cheap, full 5.1 systems can be had for under 150$ which makes em great for watching movies.  Plus once your on this path you can always sell and upgrade as you go, just keep an eye out for what's in your area.

 

Vintage

http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/3051456592.html , great looking pair of JVC floor speakers for 95$

http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/3023817285.html, Boston Acoustics A60 speakers for 100$

http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/3002990407.html, would definitely need some more info, but he might have a receiver/amp that can power everything

 

Some newer stuff

http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/3022796606.html, Sony 5.1 system for 130$

http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/3054805034.html, B&W book shelfs for 90$

http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/3051851159.html, JBL floor speakers, 150$

 

 

 

 

 

That's good to know! What speaker choices would you suggest for my budget of $150?

 

 

Thanks for your suggestions! I'm currently only considering desktop/bookshelf speakers as the space is limited in my room. I wouldn't mind buying used, but it'd be easier if I had a list of potentials I can keep an eye out for. Also, my ears are still untrained for high quality sounds, so I'm afraid I wouldn't know what to listen for if I were to test the speakers out.

Hmmmm, I'm thinking it might be easier to go with more modern equipment, if your computer has an optical out or if the computer your soon to buy will have an optical out then I don't think you'll need a sound card because you'll be using a digital connection. For 150$ budget I don't think you'll get stuff classified has 'high-quality' but that doesn't really matter as long as you enjoy it.

 

I bought a used 500watt Kenwood 5.1 HT system for 80$ off craigslist for my old room, ya it struggled a bit with the highs and was a little muddy, but once I mounted the speakers at every corner of my room with a few screws and put on Cloverfield.... suddenly it was the greatest 80$ I ever spent. Transformed my room into a theater, hearing rockets fly past your head and feeling the walls shake takes movies to a new level hahaha.

 

Sooo ya, you can probably check around your area see if anything catches your eye and do a little research or post on the forums to see if it's decent quality stuff.  Can probably pick up a used reciever and sub, and buy a few pairs of those new dayton book shelfs another posted.  Or pick up a used 5.1 system, and if you have any money left over upgrade the left and right speakers for better stereo.. main point is when it comes to audio you can always upgrade pieces of your system very easily as you go and create something YOU will enjoy.

Thanks for your help, sn0o. I think I just want to stick with a pair of bookshelf speakers for now and maybe get a sub later. What brands/models would you recommend for new speakers? Part of me doesn't want to deal with the hassle of Craigslist.