Best 2.1 Computer Speakers

[JeffL]

The Klipsch's are your typical overpriced electronics, similar to Alienware is for gaming PCs (which also suck IMO). Granted, Klipsch has some good stuff, but there is better for less. Klipsch knows they have a name, and what the masses are looking for (hence not exactly "natural" sound). On the other hand, having a good boost on either end of the sound spectrium says that the system has adequate amounts of power to run the drivers. Anywho...

I recommend the Planar Monsoon 14s. Do a search for Monsoon. There are several auctions on eBay that are ending soon at extremely reasonable prices.

I personally use SonicXS 2.1s by Telex. These are very good for music, but not exactly natural. http://www.telex.com/computeraudio/p...s/EVSonicXS2.1
They have a definite hump in the lower midrange because of the 4" midrange cones. The horn loaded tweeters are good, but very directional, and very crisp. Also, I can swear to you that there is an unadvertised 50hz high pass on the woofer. Anywho, these speakers sound perfect if EQed. And jeez, I just can't get over that club speaker look!

 

[insomniac]

I've been mulling a simliar decision for months now. I've been seeking 2.1 PC speakers primarily for music listening.

My short list now includes:

-Creative Megaworks 250D
-Altec Lansing MX5021
-Logitech Z-2200

All three can be found for under $150 which is a huge factor for me. If it comes down to purely price, it'll be the Logitechs, which can be found close to $100. I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth it to spend a bit more for either of the other 2.

I've eliminated several popular choices due to the given reasons:
-Swan M200 - too expensive/ bass concerns
-Cambridge Soundworks Megaworks 210D - same as 250D but more expensive (you get better warranty though)
-Cambridge Soundworks Megaworks 211/213/215 - too expensive
-Klipsch Promedia 2.1 - too bright
-Telex SonicXS 2.1 - too bulky
-Monsoon MM-1000 - too dependent on placement
-VideoLogic Sirocco Pro/Spirit - too expensive/too difficult to find
-Altec Lansing ATP3 - severely underpowered
-Altec Lansing 621 - seems lackluster/mediocre/uninspired overall
-Cambridge Soundworks Microworks/Soundworks - looking for a bit more oomph
-Logitech Z-3 - looking for a bit more oomph
-Vintage receiver plus bookshelf speakers - too expensive/space constraint considerations

EDIT: a couple corrections

 

[NeilPeart]

JeffL, are you serious? The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 kills the Telex SonicXS 2.1 in nearly every category. The sound of the Telex is harsh and so unnatural that even the exaggerated bass and treble of the ProMedia seem like natural Thiels in comparison! Anyways, the Cambridge 210D is probably more musical than the ProMedia 2.1, but it lacks some of that slam (even though the sub's driver is larger). Personally, unless you need a lot of punch for gaming, I recommend the Swans M200. It is by far the most musical system outside the $800 Sirocco Pro (which is discontinued). I have not heard a better set of computer speakers recently. Since I still play games and watch movies on my rig, I did this:

1. Connect Swans M200 to front output of Turtle Beach Santa Cruz (or Audigy 2 - whatever your gaming soundcard is).
2. Connect the Klipsch subwoofer only (the pod of the 2.1, simply disconnect it from the speakers) to the rear output. This way you can leave it off for a musical sound, or turn it up for that bass slam that games and movies require.
3. Connect your headphones to a dedicated sound card like the RME or Revo.

I know this sounds expensive, but it obviously can be done in steps. Still, stay away from the Telex - buy Klipsch, Swans, Sirocco, Megaworks, Logitech, Altec Lansing - anything but those awful Telex SonicXS (shudder).

 

[JeffL]

I would call the Telex anything but harsh. I will say that aren't exactly natural, but not harsh, by any means. They sound crisp especially in the treble.

Besides that, you failed to mention just *what* is so harsh, do you mean the treble?

Anywho, I think you also fail to realize that sound is based on ones own opinion, and to that I reinforce "to each his own." Please keep that in mind, okay!

 

[NeilPeart]

The Telex's midrange was quite harsh in my system, and the entire system just sounded grainy and un-musical; it was far less musical than the Klipsch. I never stated that my recommendation was the word of God and yours was utterly useless; I simply stated my experience with various speakers. Also, I wouldn't have posted if it wasn't for this maligned comment:

Quote:

The Klipsch's are your typical overpriced electronics, similar to Alienware is for gaming PCs (which also suck IMO).

I totally disagree with the above statement you made, and it prompted me to respond to you foolish appraisal. Anyways, you enjoy your Telex and I'll enjoy my Swans - after all it's the music we love and that is our common thread.