Affordable 2.x speaker setup

Excuse me for my ignorance but I need your help with getting some speakers for my computer. I can't say I have a definite budget but only that between £50 and £100 is probably the best estimation. I was thinking of a 2.0 or 2.1 setup. They'll mainly be used when playing movies and some music(largely rock/punk, EDM from time to time and occasionally classical). Should the occasion arise I would hope they could produce reasonable volume so they can be used for a house party. I don't have high requirements, only that it's not underwhelming and worth the money. I try to spend a reasonable figure on all technology I buy but I've put this off long enough in lieu of other things and it needs to be done, if only as a temporary measure until I can afford a more reasonable system. If I don't need to spend up to £100 or more I would ask that that is taken into consideration because I'm a student and could spend that money in other ways. I've been suggested getting bookshelf speakers but I don't know the reliability of that information

I've briefly tried Logitech X-530 and have to say I was surprised by the price and expected them to cost more. Conversely I tried Logitech S220 and found them pretty pathetic in terms of sound and build quality, which I guess, from the price, is completely expected. If it makes a difference I own a pair of Yamaha EPH-100 earphones(though they were a present).

I'm sorry if this is a little vague but if you have any questions which would aid a response then I'll try my best to answer them.

Many thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cssarrow 

X-530 and X540 is crap.

 

All 5.1 and 7.1 are better left alone for surround sound movie setups.

unless you are making a home theater PC setup and willing to put the 5.1 or 7.1's in the right positions (back left and right actually being behind you) then it will be worth the money. However, when it comes to music, most of the times i noticed not all channels (side and backer channels to be exact) does not have sound, low sound, or static sound.

 

Corsair has some good cheap 2.1 setups since you like rock/punk music.

 

- I've owned many desktop speakers/subwoofers when i was a pro gamer a few years back and was sponsored for Counter Strike Source and Starcraft 2.

 

Tim

As much as I would like to get a corsair setup it seems unlikely to be within my price range. Unless you're talking about legacy products I could only seem to find the SP2500 which went for approx £180. 

Well, yeah, I figured 7.1 would be absolutely pointless(since if I were to go for that I would want a much larger budget and more serious intent) and even the 5.1 would be out of the question, for the foreseeable future, because it needs to be semi portable(transported twice a year) and is also for a bedroom rather than a living room or similar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trog 

Hmm seeing u prolly in the UK, why not give used audio hardware a go? Lurk at places like Gumtree UK and 100 quid could definitely get u a set up far superior than Logicrap

Am I likely to get value for money? I'm always wary about buying anything other than new as I think it's a little risky I won't get what I want. What about seller or manufacturer refurbished? I know a couple of brands but they seem to be out of my price range therefore useless to me. Can anyone suggest any?

Stupid question perhaps but what about acoustic energy aego m satellites? I was looking at the 2.1 setup a few years ago but it's since increased in price.  It seems I could get a pair for £85~ without the sub. On that note, if you think it's a better idea I would be happy to get 2 speakers now and add to the setup later in anyway possible. Such as adding a sub, sound card, amp or whatever. So that I can get a semi decent setup now and improve it when I have more to spend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cssarrow 

Well since corsair wasn't available for you then buy some powered bookshelf speakers.

 

The corsair i was talking about are all around $40-$80.

 

Tim

Really? http://www.corsair.com/us/pc-computer-audio/pc-computer-speakers.html According to their own site this is the only set of corsair speakers available.

I'll look into them. Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cssarrow 

There's the corsair SP2200 which can be had for $60-80.

 

There's also 2-3 different 2.1 brands that i've forgotten that were very good, will get back to you.

 

Klipsch 2.1 Speakers are good too, but they're a little old style.

Logitech Z623 are pretty good too.

Antec Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1 are good for Movies and Games. I've never used them for music, so i can't say.

 

Tim

 

I see what you mean now. I would assume the SP2200 model is discontinued? Can't seem to find them anywhere.

 

I'll have to get back to you in a bit. Not sure if I'm finding the right items in a couple of cases but will look again later. Thanks for the help though.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by trog 

Definitely - used audio have been giving peeps monster value for money results for years and hidden gems are always floating around? However i always request for a short audition if not a functional test when buying used speakers and so far i have nothing but awesome results Also you could nab Wharfedale Diamonds 9.1s for far less than 85 quid used and those are great budget options ^^

Thanks for the heads up. Spotted a set for £60 on gumtree. Amazing price but unfortunately I've got to be patient and wait until I can find out if I can buy them or not. They're nowhere near me but I can get my Dad to take a look as he lives nearby. Unfortunately due to the Christmas season he can't do anything for the next few days. The internet has ruined me. If I can get them I'll be stoked, I have a feeling it'll be a great addition. At least the next few days should go quickly. That will help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX 

I would go with the bookshelf speakers, if you are on a budget look into the used market.

You will also require an affordable desktop amplifier, I would look to the Class D variants, as they offers excellent sound quality

for their price point.

I feel retarded for asking but any suggestions? I know I should fully research it myself but I'm not sure where to begin and it would be doing me a big favour if someone could just recommend some cheap amp options instead.