[Citan]

Hi, I know these forums are flooded with this question all the time, I have read many of them but I would like some advice more specific to my situation.  Hopefully someone with experience can give me some advice.  I am an audio noob.
 
My sound card is an Auzentech Forte 7.1.  I'm looking to spend no more than 300$ for two satellites and a sub, it must be a 2.1 system.  Speakers will be primarily used for games and music.
 
My Ideas:
 
1.  The Swan M50W, this looks like a good set and its all one package.
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?p=swan-m50w&products_id=167
 
2. Getting two satellites and a sub separately.  Now this option has me a bit concerned because I don't know how/ if the speakers will be able to be easily hooked up to my sound card if I went this route.
 
I was thinking of the Swan D1080MkII08 http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?p=swan-d1080mkii08&products_id=161
 
with Polk Audio Monitor Series PSW10 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor-10-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B00030CHQ2/ref=sr_1_20?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297432104&sr=1-20
 
although the sub seems a little weak-sauce at 50 watts.
 
 
3. No Idea how good this set up is but I like thats it all in one package and has pretty good reviews(though I don't know how reliable the are). Corsair SP2500 2.1 speaker set.
http://www.corsair.com/audio/speakers/corsair-gaming-audio-series-sp2500-high-power-2-1-pc-speaker-system.html
 
 
Anyhow, suggestions would be great.  Thanks in advance!

 

[06S2k07Si]

Well, by now perhaps you've seen me advise toward Swan products. I will continue to do so because I really feel that they are VERY good for the money. I've been doing the audiophile thing for a long time and you rarely see quality like these for the dollar. Are there better speakers out there?...sure, but again, what blows me away is the well balanced sound quality for the $$$!
 
I would have no problem recommending the M50W's in your price range. I would have perhaps gone with those myself if they were available back in November when I bought my set up. I have the D1080MKII 08's ($200 shipped) and the Polk PWS111 ($175 shipped) with the Nuforce uDAC-2...again , a very nice set up for the $$$.
 
Here is a link to someone's M20W review (the smaller version of the M50W): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19530618#post19530618
 
As others have advised, you could look for used equipment if you'd like. A bit of time spent doing this could get you some really great stuff too, but it will be time involved.
 
I would steer clear of any lower priced M-Audio products at this time as my research has showed many recent (last year or two) failures. Some info can be found on this here: http://forums.m-audio.com/forumdisplay.php?17-Speakers-Headphones-amp-Earphones
 
My Swan D1080MKII 08 review:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19882376#post19882376
 
I bought from The Audio Insider and Jon was VERY good to deal with! http://www.theaudioinsider.com/index.php?loudspeakers=swan-active-desktop-sound&cPath=21_24
 
Happy hunting and good luck!
 
Brian

 

[Citan]

Thanks for the reply.  Should I go with the m50w package or the D1080's and the polk sub that I linked?  Is that sub better than the one that comes with the m50w?

 

[06S2k07Si]

As I don't have any first hand experience with the M50W's, I would say this...with the M50W's being overall smaller and less power it would really depend on how loudly you want to play your music. I certainly don't use all of the power in my set up on a regular basis, but it is there if I want to. I only listen a few feet away with mine, but there is enough left if I really want to jam. Now don't misunderstand me, I'm sure that the M50W's can get up there too, I just like to have more than I will ever use. If you look at other things like driver sizes too the D1080MKII 08's will probably have a bit more midbass snap or punch as well due to the larger driver sizes. For most I think the M50W's would be sufficient, but again, it really depends on how loud you want it. I would only look at the D1080MKII 08's and the Polk sub or equivalent, if you have an intent to upgrade later
 
Brian

 

[Citan]

Does anyone have any experience with the
 

[size=1.7em] Alesis M1 Active 520's?[/size]

 
Or perhaps give an educated guess as to whether these would be better than the options listed in the op?