Best Computer Speaker Set for Music?

[insomniac]

Hey everyone,
I picked up the Logitech Z-680 for my computer and realized it was overkill since I don't play games and rarely watch movies on my computer. I basically listen to music. What is the best speaker set to listen to music on a computer? Preferably $300 or under. All the 5.1, 6.1 and even 4.1 stuff is wasted for just music, right? But I'm interested in powerful speakers with high sound quality.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[soupy]

You're right on how those multi-channel setups are wasted for just music. Even with sound cards that can simulate the music on all the channels it still doesn't sound as good as plain ol' stereo. To get awesome stereo sound from a computer it can be pricey, because you'll have to start looking into components (amps, cables, etc.); those multimedia sets you find at like compusa just don't really cut it. But with a $300 budget it might be a bit tough to get into bookshelves (most ppl seem to recommend the PSB Alphas, then I guess you can hunt for a used integrated amp or find a cheap vintage reciever). For multimedia ones with built in amp the only one that seems to excel superbly with stereo are the Diva Swan M200's (tho I've never heard or seen them, neither has most other ppl, so my recommendation of them are based on only the review found here. Some also like the Monsoon rigs but I've personally never been a fan of them.

 

[dd3mon]

Altec Lansing 621 2.1 system is about as good as the 'real' computer speakers get that I've heard. Some here like the Monsoons - but after I got a chance to listen to them I can say that I'm definitely not a fan.

I have listened to a 2-channel setup of computer speakers that may exceed the 621's for music - but I can tell you already that many will shoot this suggestion down without ever hearing it. The Bose MediaMate speakers sounded pretty good to me in the store - quite a bit better than anything else they had (klipsch, creative, etc) - I haven't compared directly to the 621's but they may overtake them. This is all without a sub (which is probably better for a computer system, as the subs all have high crossovers anyways). Give them a listen - you may be surprised. I'm not a Bose fan by any means, but they could be on to something with these (at least in the realm of computer speakers).

Your best bet for sure would be to go with some smaller bookshelves and a real amp - but sometimes space/money constraints can limit your options here.

-dd3mon

 

[fewtch]

Altec Lansing does seem to make some half decent PC speakers. I've got the ACS45.1 (picked them up in 1999, I think) and they aren't half bad... the subwoofer is much better than average for PC speakers and adds a lot to overall sound and impact. At the moment though, they're just being used for beeps and bloops from my older soundcard -- my Audiophile 24/96 card is connected directly to a Creek OBH-11 amp.

 

[Ymer]

Try the Klipsch Promedia 2.1, they're ok as far as desktop speakers are concerned. Much better than any other of the popular desktop speaker sets (more expensive as well, around $180).

 

[insomniac]

OR am I going the wrong route here?

Would I be better off hooking up a receiver and 2 bookshelf speakers? the sets like the promedia seem convenient.

 

[tortie]

Or you could go the headphone route

 

[insomniac]

Quote:

Originally posted by tortie Or you could go the headphone route

haha, i'm happy with my senn hd 580s but sometimes you just need a good pair of speakers

 

[lan]

I'm going to vote for vintage receiver and used stereo bookshelfs. At least this way, you can upgrade easily (add sub, better wires, etc.). I'm not sure on the exact products though since I don't know much about vintage amps.

 

[insomniac]

Quote:

Originally posted by lan I'm going to vote for vintage receiver and used stereo bookshelfs. At least this way, you can upgrade easily (add sub, better wires, etc.). I'm not sure on the exact products though since I don't know much about vintage amps.

what's a vintage amp?

 

[dd3mon]

Quote:

Originally posted by Ymer Try the Klipsch Promedia 2.1, they're ok as far as desktop speakers are concerned. Much better than any other of the popular desktop speaker sets (more expensive as well, around $180).

Sure better than Labtecs and Creative/Cambridge speakers - but not better than the Altec 621 (or the Bose MediaMates IMO). The Klipsch have harsh highs and super-boomy sub.

-dd3mon

 

[lan]

Quote:

Originally posted by insomniac what's a vintage amp?

Old ones that were and are still are considered great. I havn't been into audio long nor am I that old but some of the other people here can probably recommend some of them.

 

[aeberbach]

You don't have to have .1 anything on your computer. A Pair of Paradigm mini monitors, perhaps even Atoms, will produce all the bass you need. Good speakers but you will need some kind of amplifier to drive them as your sound card won't make much noise if connected directly. See what an older solid state amp will cost. What works really well is a 5.1 receiver then you have your stereo setup now for music, and later you can add center, rear and sub channels if you want to. You get input switching, allowing you to use multiple sources withut plugging & unplugging - maybe you want to use a CD or record player through the speakers sometimes. You get radio for basically nothing, although many receivers have fairly average tuner sections. Usually you can connect your PC to the receiver with just one coax or optical line rather than some larger number of mini plugs.

"Computer" speakers are a big compromise. They have to bundle six (or eight) drivers, cabinets, decoder and amplifier for a price that isn't going to scare the average consumer. Obviously the quality is somewhat reduced, even when you're looking at the latest well-reviewed Klipsch THX certified packages.

 

[Daemoth]

I also think that in your budget the Swan M-200s are the best deal. http://swanspeaker.com/mul/htm/m200.htm and to buy http://www.theaudioinsider.com/cgi-b...er/SWM200.html

 

[BlindTiger]

if you have a long enough interconnect, patch some mini speakers to your av amp/reciever.
There are plenty of nice mini speakers around, find a NHT super one or a JBL that should suffice. Those speakers are way much better than a computer specific system.