Computer Speakers $200-$250.

Would a mini amp work? Lepai 2020 is only 4.7 x 5.8 x 1.6. inches and runs around $20. Then these Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 350s, MSRP $499, are $179 on Newegg.

If you can find it online, the Swan D1080MkII used to go for about $160+shipping. I got it locally in my country for that price, plus about $10 gas driving to the store. I'm blasting this song through these right now and I can't fault anything about the speakers' sound for 80s style heavy metal, or for any kind of metal for that matter. Even the build quality is surprisingly good, especially against the Edifiers that are also locally available (which don't even look as solid as the $50 Dayton standmounts sold by PartsExpress).

 

There's a new MkIV version (which is still not available), and one with smaller drivers, from The Audio Insider.

Never buy computer speakers. Get an external amplifier and bookshelf speakers, a subwoofer if you need the low end.

Best deal on a sub right now around your budget range is the Pioneer SW-8 for $69. Here's a review where some people compared the SW-8 to some Polk and Klipsch subs that are more expensive, and found it to be of better SQ.

 

It only goes down to 38hz? pfffffffpffpffpffffpf. I mean sure if he's working with bookshelves that have a floor of 50-60hz then I can understand but there are pretty affordable (I mean realistic affordable not HURR DURR audiophile affordable) speakers that go down to 40. When your sub only brings the range down a couple hz then don't waste your money. Now if there are any USED audio shops around I suggest going there FIRST. If you do then pick up a receiver with a ~80wpc amp. Then pick up decent bookshelves, they should be pretty cheap. Large Goodwills near urban surroundings will have an adequate electronics section too. If you want to go with new:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290269

 

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-383

 

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040115&p_id=2801&seq=1&format=2 quantity x4

 

Pick up some speaker wire from lowes or home depot,

Why not be even more obnoxious when you don't what you are talking about

Closed mic response has been tested to -3db of 31hz with that sub. One CANNOT get a sub for $100 or less that's going to do much better than that, and this one has a reputation for very good bass. It definitely will help most bookshelves.

Meanwhile, those Polk Monitors you recommended are yet the newest version of the Polk Monitor 40 and Polk Monitor LSi9 design, which are similarly rated by Polk to go down pretty deep. Only they don't. The LSi9s were measured to have a -3db of 59hz

Finally, the OP doesn't NEED banana plugs. Those are only for convenience. You forget to mention that. No need for them unless he plans on plugging and unplugging the speakers repeatedly.
Edited by cel4145 - 1/24/13 at 2:02pm

Oh, and Blackendplague, you might want to look at this. Polk specs the Monitor 45Bs as -3db at 57hz. So yes. The Pioneer sub would help them too. Probably set the crossover on the sub at around 60hz to 70hz, depending on the room interaction.

And you expect the cheap subwoofer to reproduce 38hz and not just make unidentifiable noise?

I expect it to have SQ equivalent to many popular subs in the < $250 range, just not the output. I forgot to link to this testimonial above in my original recommendation: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1278774/pioneers-speaker-genius-hits-low-price-point/3600#post_22743074. I have seen other descriptions that support this.

Now I think it would be hard (if not impossible) to find a ported subwoofer in the <$300 range produce that doesn't produce a lot of distortion below its tuning point, but so do many bookshelf speakers. Good chance those Polks you recommended are distorting below 60hz.

Since the volume knob is an acceptable place, if you wanna get active speakers then by all means go for it.

The Lepai 2020 is not a headphone amp. It's for passive bookshelf speakers. Not going to help with your HD 203s.