[nsx_23]

Right, I think I've had enough of the Bose Companion 2 speakers I got before my audiophile days as they sound positively horrible after being so used to my Ultrasones and IE8.

So, whats a good set of speakers that I can pick up on the cheap (like, $200USD shipped cheap) which will reward me with much better sound? At the moment, I have an external USB to optical converter connected to a Zero DAC, and I'm using the Zero's RCA out to connect to the Bose.

I guess I'm looking for a speaker version of my Ultrasones 900s. The main constrain is that whatever I get needs to be about the size of the Companion 2s since I have very limited computer deskspace. I'm willing to buy 2nd hand as well, so that should open me up to more options.

 

[iriverdude]

I'd strongly recommend a stereo integrated amp and a pair of passive speakers. Don't waste your time with the usual PC speakers.

Speakers the size of the Bose won't sound great due to the laws of physics. If you don't have enough desk space, I'd consider another desk with better space managment. I doubt you have as much stuff on my desk, and I'll still got space for two full width amps.

 

[planx]

if you have enough room on your desk for a 5.1 i strongly recommend the altec lansing fx5051 or the fx4021 if you do not have much space. amazing products

 

[ROBSCIX]

I would also suggest avoiding the PC speakers.

 

[evu325]

For $200 shipped you could get M-Audio AV40s or Audioengine 2's or if you can find some there's usually some M-Audio BX5s. Swan M200 MkIIs will put you slightly over $200 by maybe 10 bucks. You said you like the sound of the Ultrasones which I'm unfamiliar with so I'm not going to recommend one or the other of these four speaker choices although I personally don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

The M-Audio AV40's sound way better than they should considering their size and price. I never fail to be (pleasantly) surprised by those speakers.

 

[bergman2]

ditto the m-audios...i cobbled together a used 2.1 m-audio setup (bx8's and sbx i think) and it shakes the windows...


Quote:

Originally Posted by evu325 /img/forum/go_quote.gif For $200 shipped you could get M-Audio AV40s or Audioengine 2's or if you can find some there's usually some M-Audio BX5s. Swan M200 MkIIs will put you slightly over $200 by maybe 10 bucks. You said you like the sound of the Ultrasones which I'm unfamiliar with so I'm not going to recommend one or the other of these four speaker choices although I personally don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

 

[nsx_23]

What amplifier would I need to run the m-Audios?

 

[iriverdude]

Probably active, so none.

 

[mark2410]

i suggest these aego m series : acoustic energy

 

[lilbukka]

I suggest the audioengine A2 they sound really good and there very versatile.

 

[iriverdude]

Quote:

and there very versatile.

problem is if you have lots of sources you'll need a switch box.

 

[nsx_23]

I'm only going to run off my PC, but what input does the M-audio take?

 

[bergman2]

the m-audios are active so thats one less box off your desktop...depending on which model you get they have a variety of inputs trs/xlr...

 

[bergman2]

...and rca...


M-AUDIO - Reference Monitors


Quote:

Originally Posted by bergman2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif the m-audios are active so thats one less box off your desktop...depending on which model you get they have a variety of inputs trs/xlr...