Hello folks, I'm looking for a very low budget set of computer speakers. I'd be willing to spend ~$50 but I'd prefer to keep it under $25ish unless there is a consensus pick for a little bit more. I know that at such a low budget I won't be getting anything great but I'd like to improve upon my laptop speakers which are essentially useless. I'm not too worried about the sound signature because I won't be paying close attention but I'd like them to be relatively neutral.
 
Some that I'm looking at include logitech z130 and z200
 
Thanks!

Yeah, unfortunately, any $50 (or $25) set of speakers is flawed in sonic quality. It's more of a matter of what faults you can live with. I know Target often has some set up on display to listen to. Not sure about Best Buy. Best to go listen and see what sounds best to you.

If your budget were a little higher, I'd recommend this Sharkk bluetooth speaker. Best I could find in a bluetooth speaker for ~ $100 or less (a lot have zero midbass and sound tinny). And you can run it either as bluetooth (wireless) or plugged up direct via the headphone jack on your computer (whichever sounds better). Might be nice to have a bluetooth speaker since you could use it with your phone, too

Thanks for suggestion!
Quote:

cel4145 said:

Yeah, unfortunately, any $50 (or $25) set of speakers is flawed in sonic quality. It's more of a matter of what faults you can live with.

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I think this is the key. I can live with most faults. Can't live with boomy superboosted bass or shrill highs. Hence I'd like a relatively neutral set that is as clear as possible. Thanks again for responsing

For $25, you should just be happy they work...

Haha fair enough. I figure if I've got a $10 pair from 5 years ago then I should be able to improve on that at the least. I need the koss ksc75 of computer speakers...

I would probably just go to NewEgg and buy the ones with the largest drivers. 4" is better than 3" and 3" is better than 2".

For <$25, I might give the AmazonBasics speakers a try:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Powered-Computer-Speakers-A100/dp/B00GHY5F3K/
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Powered-Computer-Speakers-A150/dp/B00GHY5JAO/

The AmazonBasics stuff I have tried has been pretty good. Although I have not heard their speakers.

I once tried buying a pair of computer speakers for less than 50 but ended up returning them promptly. If you can save up and spring for some around 100, I can recommend the logitech z623. Prices range but keep looking and you should eventually find a deal around 100-120. If you go the amazon route you could get away with no tax. 
 
They are not necessarily "audiophile" quality, but I use them for both my computer and home stereo system and I love them. It over-kills in the midrange if you want to get "audiophile" about it, but its a good price and my first instinct is to say you are looking for something great on a budget. They have a big thick chord, and I don't see it breaking anytime soon. The bass is adjustable and my neighbors would complain it if got too loud at night. Can only keep it at 50% volume and 25% bass cause it gets intense. Overall though I think they are awesome for my purposes. They have RCA inputs in the back and are also hooked into my flatscreen TV with the headphone chord. If I need to move them, it is not a huge deal because no receiver.
 
Once again, they are not audiophile quality which looks for balanced sound. These are bass heavy (in my opinion in a good way) and somewhat blaring on the mids but are awesome for PC speakers in the price range. Best of luck!

Maybe this?
 
http://www.malabs.com/product/SP-B70BK
 
Although I've read there are problems with the energy saving option...

Here's a wild idea, but it may require a budget up to $35-50
Find some old 2nd-hand small bookshelf speakers on ebay or a local thrift store and pair it with a 12v mini-amp.
 
Amp example: http://www.amazon.com/Lepai-LP-2020A-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1426069448&sr=8-5&keywords=12v+amp
 
Often you can pick up pretty decent 10-20 year old bookshelf studio monitor style speakers for very little coin, and are far better acoustically than the plastic-fantastic modern junk.
Just might require a little bit of patience finding something that looks good and is the 'right price'.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I know I'm kind of asking for the impossible here. 
 
I may look into the bookshelf option as I already have a receiver and some speaker wire laying around...

If you already have a receiver, then definitely see about picking up some used speakers. Where do you live in TX, somewhere where there's lots of audio equipment on Craigslist?

I'll be checking out craigslist as I often travel between college station, austin and dallas. Seems like I may be able to find something in one of those places

sattelight said:

 
I may look into the bookshelf option as I already have a receiver and some speaker wire laying around...

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Oh great, then that's a no-brainer! Good luck with the search!