Xombie11
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2010
- Posts
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[size=13.0pt]I am on a quest to find the *best* set of 2.0 desktop speakers, and only 2.0 speakers. They must be active and self-powered, as subs are big, bulky and often overpowering.[/size]
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[size=13.0pt]I've been through dozens, and still haven't found the perfect pair.[/size]
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[size=13.0pt]Readers, I do hope this thread saves you some valuable time and money. [/size]
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[size=13.0pt]Without further adieu, here is the compilation of all the speakers I’ve heard thus far (in order of sound quality and personal preference):[/size]
[size=13.0pt]*Please keep in mind that sound quality is often subjective.
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1. M-Audio BX5a Deluxe
Best sounding of the bunch; truly studio-grade "reference monitors." Crisp and forward, with great clarity, thanks in part to its silk tweeters and kevlar woofers. Bass is very tight, and these are capable of getting really, really loud. MSRP of $400 but can be had for just over $200 online. Very large and grills are unavailable.
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2. Swans D1080MKII08
I had a bunch of issues with these; namely a persistent, yet nearly inaudible hiss and a weak internal amp--I believe to be a design flaw. Despite these issues, they sound very good, but muddy in comparison to the BX5as. Due to the weak internal amp, they cannot get very loud without the use of a soundcard or USB DAC; as such, their potential is wasted if you are planning to use them alongside a notebook or your desktop's onboard sound. They are just slightly larger than the BX5as (in depth). Very, very stylish with excellent build quality. Great value regardless. $200 after S&H.
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3. Audioengine A5
I've only heard these in-store (at J&R in NY) and, quite frankly, I was unimpressed. Perhaps it may have been because I was running them off of my iPhone, but I found them muddy with mediocre highs, and so did my friend. No doubt worse than the Swans. Personally I find Audioengine to be a bit like Bose... MSRP of $400. Can be found for $325 online. Worth $250 tops.
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4. M-Audio AV40
These are a very popular desktop solution for users looking to step up beyond mainstream Logitech/Creative products. In my experience with the AV40s, they sound very good--but nowhere near as good as the BX5as (or even the Swans). The difference is well worth $100. Still, these are the best 2.0 speakers at the <$150 mark. And while they're much smaller than their big brothers, they still take up a huge amount of space. Headphone jack and volume knob on the front is a plus.
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5. Audioengine A2
I had a similar experience with these as I did with the A5s. Sound quality was not as good as I expected, and I found them incredibly overpriced at just under $200. Mids and highs were ok. Bass wasn't particularly good, but that was to be expected considering the size. If you're running low on space and really need bookshelf speakers as small as these, I guess they are fine. But there are better options.
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6. Creative T40 Series II
The T40s surprised me. I didn't expect a whole lot from Creative, but they certainly delivered. The Series II is Creative's second revision, one in which they removed an annoying blue LED and tweaked its settings. Bass is acceptable. Very full, lively sound (the kevlar drivers are quite nice). Distorts at high volumes. Around $140. Good for those looking for something a bit smaller than the AV40s, with much of the sound quality. Includes a headphone jack in front as well.
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7. Logitech Z10
I used these for 4 years without a hitch; just recently they've been having some issues (sound artifacts, etc.). For USB speakers, these sound surprisingly good in comparison to the competition. Their screen is quite neat; being able to quickly tell which song is playing is a huge plus, and the clock is always helpful. After years of using its display, I've found it difficult to part ways with this excellent speaker system. Sadly, these were discontinued. Originally had for just under $100, now they're incredibly hard to find and ridiculously overpriced.
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8. Creative T20
The T40's little brother. These are an AMAZING value. Sound quality is superb for the price (listed at $100, can be found as low as $50). Bass lacks punch. Distorts at high volumes. A great set for budget minded individuals who do not need big sound, but are looking for something better than the crappy 2.0s that come free with every new PC. Includes a headphone jack in front.
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9. Logitech Z520
First and foremost, DO NOT BUY THESE. Yes, they look nice, but that's only without the grills. They are fingerprint magnets and, more importantly, sound HORRIBLE. At around $130, these are ridiculously overpriced. I bought them expecting them sound not much unlike my Z10s, as they are now Logitech's flagship 2.0s just as the Z10s were four years ago. They have a large soundstage, mainly due to a feature called 360 degree sound, but--trust me--this not sound you want to hear. Distortion is a mess. Avoid these like the plague.
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Well, those are all the speakers I've gone through so far. And I still have not yet found the perfect pair.
Any suggestions?
To help me update my list, please let me know which additional speakers you've heard and where you think they'd fit.
Other speakers I'd like to check out (or perhaps hear of others' experiences with):
1. B&W MM-1
2. Genelec 6010a
3. Mackie MR5
4. KRK Rockit 5 G2
5. Swans M200MKII/III
6. Scandyna Drops/Smallpod
More to come...
Thanks for reading!
