Good 2.0/2.1 powered computer speakers (Audioengine, Razer, etc.)

[shuttleboi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alai /img/forum/go_quote.gif Let me guess... Newegg, Amazon, and some tech websites?

Reading computer speaker reviews... on tech websites?? What the hell is the world coming to? Next thing you know, people wills start reading Caranddriver.com for car reviews.

 

[Alai]

But why use computer speakers when you can use SPEAKER speakers. And what the hell do tech websites know about speakers?

 

[asmd]

wrt to klipsch's multimedia speakers, they are good. i own a pair of gmx 2.1, but they arent that good. i also own the IFI, and thats about as good a smallish 2.1 will ever get.. and it aint that small. the sub is pretty darned accurate (the gmx sub has port flair issues when turned up) and the rsx-3 sattelites are very good. i also have audioengine a5s, and they are much more accurate than the klipsch, but do not have low end grunt of the IFI unless paired with a sub.

if i had to have a choice between the two, id take the a5s.
cant comment on the other speakers mentinoed so far, but in my simple minded way of looking at it, theres hardly a 2.1 multimedia kind of set up thats going to be better than the IFI. so, id just step away from that genre alltogether and look down the self powered monitor aisle for something better if the budget covers.

sometimes you simply cant believe some of these websites reviews.. they are utter rubbish. for eg, try searching which of the following is the best!

1) boston acoustics receptor hd. (the older version, currently discontinued)
2) cambridge radio 730
3) tivoli radio 2 with sub.

i'll summarise.. most sites will swear on the tivoli, other upstart sites will say the receptor sounds better than the tivoli and cost less too. and the 730 will be here and there...
the fact of the matter is the 730 trounces both the tivoli and the receptor. i own all three. they are all good, of course, but the 730 is best. its all relative.

 

[shuttleboi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alai /img/forum/go_quote.gif But why use computer speakers when you can use SPEAKER speakers. And what the hell do tech websites know about speakers?

If you're referring to studio monitors, then yes, I have started finding out about them. Apparently the Adam A7 get fantastic reviews from musicians, but they are about $1100/pair, which is out of my price range. I also started finding out about KRK. I mentioned the Edirol and Behringer monitors in my original post since I can afford those.

 

[spacemanspliff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuttleboi /img/forum/go_quote.gif I see. You are bashing on these speakers even though you have never heard them because: (1) you think anything from the Razer brand is bad; and (2) the speakers look like other speakers that you think are bad. Your post is absolute garbage. Don't waste my time, and don't waste anyone else's time with this tripe. Either grow up or spend some time to finish that GED.

35, Masters, bought more than you can imagine. Nice attitude. Why don't YOU check YOURSELF before you wreck your ears!!!

Done with it. Good luck, you're gonna need lot's of it.

Oh and next time? Think before you speak. It will get you fired less.

 

[Alai]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuttleboi /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you're referring to studio monitors, then yes, I have started finding out about them. Apparently the Adam A7 get fantastic reviews from musicians, but they are about $1100/pair, which is out of my price range. I also started finding out about KRK. I mentioned the Edirol and Behringer monitors in my original post since I can afford those.

KRK are pretty decent, according to one of my friends who does studio work. The VXT series are particularly nice (he says). Rokits aren't bad for the price either.

But no, I was more referring to multimedia speakers, unless you want more neutral setups, which would be more on the studio monitors side.

 

[Bmac]

I’m in the same boat as the OP. I’m trying to find a decent pair of active desktops without breaking the bank. After seeing a good deal on some Quad 11L Actives I decided to give them an audition locally. I enjoyed them buy they were too deep for my desktop. I listened to the Dynaudio BM5A Compact and enjoyed them even more, but the $1100 CAD price tag is going to keep me searching unless I can’t find something else satisfactory for under $500.

Tonight I had a good listen to the A5's and A2's and came away disappointed. For all the praise they’ve gotten I thought they were going to blow me out of the water but it just didn't happen.

The A5's were the bamboo finished version, and while the finish looked nice, there were crevices and bumps where the panels from each side met. There were also a few small but very noticeable gaps between the front baffle and the woofer on one speaker. I'm not sure if it was just the bamboo finish that didn't extend completely to the edge of the woofer or if there was actually a gap because the speaker hole was just a little too big, but either way -2 for fit and finish.

As for the sound, the tweeter on both did not appeal to me. The sound was laid back and smooth. Reallly laid back. Highs sounded rolled off and just didn't excite me. I turned the volume up but the result was the same. The Denon D-M37’s speakers in my kitchen system are similar in size to the A5's (a little narrower and deeper) and probably account for 1/2 of that systems $450 price. The Denon's highs are not harsh or bright but much more present and involving than on the A5's. The A5's were more detailed but just too rolled off for my taste.

I also thought the bass was a little bit muddy on the A5's, and that was in the middle of the room. I imagine that effect would only be amplified when backed against the wall in my office. I'm planning to use whatever speakers I buy with an MJ Acoustics PRO 50 mkII sub, so a natural and smooth bass response is what I'm looking for and it felt a little too exaggerated on the A5's. I have the Denon's placed 6" from the back wall and the bass is emphasized on those as well but to a lesser degree.

I was surprised at how little the A5’s appealed to me so I listened to my Denon’s with my demo disc in a nearfield listening position as soon as I got home for comparison and that just confirmed my original thoughts. Not as detailed, but more forward, more natural and more involving.

I preferred the A2's thinner sound to the A5 and if the bass roll-off was more natural I would have considered taking a pair home. At $210 CAD they are a good value but the mid-bass hump just didn't sound natural, and I think they might be difficult to pair well with a sub because of it. There were no issues with the fit or finish on the A2.

So my search continues. Next on the list to audition are KRK’s and Yamaha’s. I’m hoping to find something too appealing to pass up. Otherwise, after a little saving and wife convincing I will go for the Dynaudio’s.

 

[supersong115]

I own the M-Audio AV40s and I'm sure i'm not the only one here to own them because i saw them in other ppl's sigs. They are a great set of speakers for the price. I went for a pair of Klipsch Promedia 2.1s to these and the difference in clarity and SQ is very noticeable. No need for sub-woofer.

However if you just set them on your desk, you're not going to hear their full potential. Studio monitors deliver their best when they are at ear level when you sit down. I made a trip to Home Depot, spent $24 on lumber and built my own speaker stands. They are 36" tall, solid wood, very sturdy and stable. I also got Auralex isolating foam pads that the AV40s are sitting on.

The speakers are angled towards me and wow the soundstage is incredible. When I close my eyes I feel like the vocals are right in front of me, with everything else surrounding me.

I think if you want great music reproduction, you should go for a 2.0 setup. 2.1 setups are more for movies and games, and the same goes for 5.1 and higher. I was happy with the Klispchs, but these AV40s made me happier.

 

[shuttleboi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alai /img/forum/go_quote.gif KRK are pretty decent, according to one of my friends who does studio work. The VXT series are particularly nice (he says). Rokits aren't bad for the price either. But no, I was more referring to multimedia speakers, unless you want more neutral setups, which would be more on the studio monitors side.

What "multimedia speakers" are you referring to, and how are they different from computer speakers?

 

[djlemon]

Hi there,

I used to own the AudioEngine A2 and found that for my gaming needs, its ideal. I just found that for music, the bass is rather bloated and i prefer mids and highs to bass. But yea, that's just my preference.

I'm currently using the Acoustic Energy Aego M with the satellites changed to a pair of 2" Travagans speakers. With the change in satellites, the highs and details were really brought out as compared to the stock ones.

However, the stock ones are great as they are if you like your music warm.

I don't know if you can get the Aego M at your location but here's a link if you just want to read up on it more - aego m series : acoustic energy

 

[Bmac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by djlemon /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi there, I don't know if you can get the Aego M at your location but here's a link if you just want to read up on it more - aego m series : acoustic energy

They had those at the store where I was listening to the Audioengine's. I didn't really pay much attention to them though because of the diminutive size of the speakers and the fact that I already have a sub for this system so really only need speakers.

Could be a good option for the OP though.

 

[ROBSCIX]

If your just interested in stereo, what about a quality receiver or amplifier and stereo speakers? You can find great deals on such gear these days.

Stereo monitors are also a great choice.....

 

[Alai]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuttleboi /img/forum/go_quote.gif What "multimedia speakers" are you referring to, and how are they different from computer speakers?

They aren't tiny plasticky speakers. They are generally active bookshelves like the Swan speakers or the Acculaine speakers (discontinued thus far). They are basically a person child of computer speakers and studio monitors. Lol.

 

[spacemanspliff]

done with this for all time lol. people listen and get it right the first time or just muddle through inefficiently until they figure it out.

 

[Bmac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX /img/forum/go_quote.gif If your just interested in stereo, what about a quality receiver or amplifier and stereo speakers? You can find great deals on such gear these days. Stereo monitors are also a great choice.....

I haven't ruled that out and I have been looking in the obvious places but there are a few reasons why I'd prefer to find actives. The biggest being budget and space.

For a decent used integrated amp I would be looking at $200-$400 and probably the same for good bookshelves. My desktop real estate is limited so having an integrated amp on top is not preferable. The actives also have a slight advantage in minimizing cable clutter in an already cluttered area.

Like I said though I haven't ruled it out. I tried to listen to some Epos ELS-3 after seeing them on a local stores websitebut when I went they didn't have any. If I do come across a great deal on some speakers I will probably go for it and worry about amplification afterwards. At the same time though there are some active's at my local guitar centre I haven't heard yet so I might as well check those out. I may get lucky and find something I really like.