[peter braun]

Hey everybody, it has been a while. A friend asked the other day about a cost effective replacement for his current computer speakers. Though I initially thought, "hey why don't you look for a used pair of Paradigm Atoms or something...", I was then troubled by how you would hook them up. Computers do not have the means to power a normal pair of book shelf speakers do they? If not, could anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive powered/computer speaker that might fit the bill. Thanks everyone. PB

 

[dd3mon]

Quote:

Originally posted by peter braun Hey everybody, it has been a while. A friend asked the other day about a cost effective replacement for his current computer speakers. Though I initially thought, "hey why don't you look for a used pair of Paradigm Atoms or something...", I was then troubled by how you would hook them up. Computers do not have the means to power a normal pair of book shelf speakers do they? If not, could anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive powered/computer speaker that might fit the bill. Thanks everyone. PB

No, a computer can not directly power normal bookshelves such as Atoms. You would need an amp of some sort.

Only two computer speaker setups have impressed me (I've heard most of them) - the Altec Lansing 621 (2.1 setup) is decent and surprisingly the Bose MediaMates are very nice for a straight, compact, 2-channel system.

-dd3mon

 

[hempcamp]

The Acoustic Energy Aego2 can be powered by a computer. Very highly reccomended speakers (Stereophile, Absolute Sound). I'm a big fan of Acoustic Energy myself -- outstanding build quality and sound for what you pay.

--Chris

 

[peter braun]

thanks guys.

 

[Daemoth]

Check out the Swans M-200, for the price they are considered one of the best computer speakers.

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/cgi-b...er/SWM200.html

 

[darkclouds]

I've been admiring this particular set up from Tyler acoustic.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...oni&1069513558

 

[SunByrne]

What's your budget? While I bet the Acoustic Energys and the Tyler Acoustics sound good, they retail for like $500 and $1000, which seems like a lot for computer speakers...

 

[peter braun]

My friends budget is pretty low, I don't think that he would spend more than $200 on the replacement. That obviously rules out the Acoustic Energys. Are those Swans powered?

 

[Daemoth]

Quote:

Originally posted by peter braun My friends budget is pretty low, I don't think that he would spend more than $200 on the replacement. That obviously rules out the Acoustic Energys. Are those Swans powered?

Yep, they are powered, I believe the amp is in the right speaker.

Here is a link from the manufacture HiVi: http://swanspeaker.com/mul/htm/m200.htm

And a review of them:
http://www.3dsoundsurge.com/reviews/SwanM200/

 

[MD1032]

I'd reccommend no other than Klipsch for MM compute systems.

http://www.klipsch.com

Check out their multimedia section. I have the Promedia 4.1's and have greatly enjoyed them. They're one heck of an MM system for the price. The new 5.1 Ultra's are supposed to have even better bass than the THX 5.1's because of the new slot port used. LEt your friend shop around for the system that's right for him (he might only have room for a 2.1 system or might need a 5.1 system for gaming).