Best speakers around $100

[Nuge]

Hey guys, I was wondering what you think are the best speakers for around $100 that I can connect to my apple PowerBook G4 laptop that sound similar to the audio technica ES7 headphones(somewhat frontal mids, nice bottom end and slightly sparkly highs)?

 

[Kawai_man]

you will also need an amp, unless you get powered monitors which have built-in amps.
 
If you go the amp/speakers way I would recommend some  paradigm atoms, or if you can find them for under 100 some Klipsch speakers would be really good, IMO
 
I'm personally going get some active studio monitors soon, and I'm going to be selling some of my passive speakers.

 

[Drag0n]

Polk, Paradigm. or head to a Pro Music Store and look at powered monitors,
Klipcsh is really in your face because of the horns, so its up to what you like, but on a PC youll be right in front of it, so remember that.
Infinity Primus series were good, if theyre still being made or if you find them used.
Good for cheap.
Maybe some used Swans?
Really for near-field listening id want soft-dome tweeters,myself.
RadioShack has some Yamaha Speakers on sale.
Also see if BestBuy still sells those bookshelves for $69 a pair. Theyre not bad for cheap.
Theyre kinda wedge-shaped to fit in corners, and have concentric-tweeters within the woofers.
Its their own brand, i forget what they named their brand now. 
 
 
Ok i found a link.  Theyre Insignia speakers made by BestBuy for $79.78 per pair.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia%26%23174;+-+6-1/2"+Bass-Reflex+Bookshelf+Speakers+(Pair)/7705307.p?id=1138085354138&skuId=7705307

 

[spacemanspliff]

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-652
 
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380
 
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=240-097
 
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=109-062
 
Parts Express is your least expensive, solid option. Nothing crazy but a whole setup for under $100.

 

[howc]

Quote:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-652
 
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380
 
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=240-097
 
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=109-062
 
Parts Express is your least expensive, solid option. Nothing crazy but a whole setup for under $100.

This package looks really tempting but how would it fare against logitech z-2300 2.1 speaker (THX certified)? If i get this package shipped to australia then the price is almost the same as getting the logitech speaker so im stumped in deciding which. 
 
Or is there any recommended below $150 set up for a small room that can be easily plugged into a laptop. 

 

[spacemanspliff]

Well it would kill the logi crap in all situations except noise level.
 
Aussie? Ok then. Take your pick from Swan audios multimedia lineup. Whichever one you can afford will be an excellent, simple solution.
 
http://www.swanspeakers.com.au/products_multimedia.html

 

[howc]

The M10 looks like a good choice but D1080 and M200 is a reference monitor which is really tempting. Guess the price should be way over my budget.  

 

[spacemanspliff]

They all sound quite decent. Any one you can afford will do very nicely.

 

[Jack C]

I don't think you are giving the Z-2300 a fair assessment. The Z-2300 has been around since forever and the price has consistently been hovering around $150 with occasional sales at $99. When Logitech tried to discontinue it several years back, there was such an inrush of orders that they decided to keep it in their line up.  After a few small hardware iterations, the basic design has not changed. It uses high quality Tang Band full range drivers with an aluminum phase plug, and an exceptionally nice Tang Band 8" subwoofer. The parts-express price for these raw drivers alone would have been over $100.
 
Now, I wouldn't call it audiophile quality, but it is not your normal computer speakers. I have a set on my desk right now.
 
My two channel stereo setup consist of a pair of Onix Reference 1 speakers powered by an Onix SP3 tube amp, essentially this combo: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/onix/onix.html
 
My home theater consist of Ascend Acoustics 340SE fronts and center, and 170SE surrounds. Subwoofer duty is handled by a SVS 20-39 PC+.  I mention the above only to indicate my frame of reference.  Within the above context, I approve of the Z-2300 speakers for computer duty.
 
Jack

 

[RonaldDumsfeld]

M-Audio AV40 http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileAV40.html @ ~$120 sound pretty much what you are looking for.
 
They 'crump' a bit when you turn them off and you will probably not be leaving them to your grandchildren as an inheritance but for the price they do a very god job.
Exactly the sound you are looking for as well.

 

[howc]

Looks good! but i've just found a 2nd hand M200 MKII speakers, used for a year and still got 1 year warranty on it. They cost AU$500 brand new but i managed to dropped it down to $200 and i'm gonna listen to it on Sunday. 
So which one would be a better choice? the AV40 or M200? 

 

[RonaldDumsfeld]

Obviously, on paper and if they are in good nick, you'd have to favour the M200s. 35W more power and a claimed bass down to a frankly astounding 55Hz vs the 80hz on the AV40s.
 
otoh desktop sized speakers will never have real, low, flat bass and how much power do you need 3 ft from your ears? It all depends on your ears and your needs.

 

[howc]

Got the M200 MKII for 2 days now and its really really good! plugged it to sflo2 LO and it sounds better than my laptop! haha! 
 
The speaker looks nice as well! real solid feel to the build! 

 

[kinghook]

Polk, Paradigm.