Good 2.1 computer speakers that satisfies all genres <$200?

[sumone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feanor Look, wattage does not equal loudness. My atoms can go pretty loud if I want them to, but they are being fed through a preamp + sonic impact and I rather use the big (200W ) floorstanders for partying. You asked for a computer speaker recommendation, and I posted what I happily use for that purpose. I somehow doubt the 19.99$ purchase would be a major cut.

What was $20? I searched for paradigm atom & I got too many results for different types of products. Do you have a model number?

I guess really my computer is my source for everything. I don't have some high-end equipment as a separate source when I wanna get "serious" about my music.

Look, I can't tell the difference between a 192kbs mp3 and the same song @ 1400kbs from the CD. That disqualifies me from being able to have high-end equipment...cause it'd be a waste if I think it sounds the same as something 1/10 the price!

 

[450]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumone Look, I can't tell the difference between a 192kbs mp3 and the same song @ 1400kbs from the CD. That disqualifies me from being able to have high-end equipment...cause it'd be a waste if I think it sounds the same as something 1/10 the price!

Actually, it might be that you can't tell 192 from 1411 because you DON'T have hi-q equipment. If you did, all the flaws of the 192 would be revealed...


Here's what I think you should do (it was mentioned before I think...) :

Chaintech AV-710 = 25USD
Polk R15 = 50
T-Amp = 25
Dayton Sub = 150

AV-710>mini splitter>mini-to-stereo rca>T-AMP>speaker wire>Polk R15
AV-710>mini splitter>mini to stereo rca>Sub

I should be somewhere around 250.

 

[sumone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450 Actually, it might be that you can't tell 192 from 1411 because you DON'T have hi-q equipment. If you did, all the flaws of the 192 would be revealed...

Maybe. I once tried it with the headphone thing. Grabbed me a pocket amp 2 for my rio karma & bought some Senn HD-280s. No distinguishable difference in quality. Only louder. Waste of money. Was only $60 + $90 for the amp & headphones, respectively, but after that, I said high-end is not for me if I can't tell the difference. And I don't wanna buy high-end equipment just to tell other people I've got high-end equipment. I'd buy it if I feel it is an obvious advantage over other mid to low-end equipment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450 Chaintech AV-710 = 25USD Polk R15 = 50 T-Amp = 25 Dayton Sub = 150 AV-710>mini splitter>mini-to-stereo rca>T-AMP>speaker wire>Polk R15 AV-710>mini splitter>mini to stereo rca>Sub I should be somewhere around 250.

Why would I need that Chaintech? I've already got a SoundBlaster something. 5.1, though I never use all channels. I used to look for 5.1 setups but since none of my music I listen has 5 channels, a simple stereo soundcard & speaker setup is fine.

Polk r15...amazon = $120! and where do you guys keep seeing this t-amp for less than 50 bucks???

 

[geforcewong]

I had the Logitech Z5300 5.1 speakers for $200 before but returned them a week later because it was too loud. I also tried the demo of the Klipsch 2.1 at Best Buy and it's pretty powerful consdiering how large the store is. It seems like you are looking for a product for sheer loudness and ability to shake up the house than quality, in that case just go for the Klipsch with sub because the Swan M200's don't have a dedicated subwoofer. Also if you read around the forum about sound cards, the Chaintech is good value, and for music it will most likely outperform your sound blaster live and my own Audigy.

 

[Feanor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumone What was $20? I searched for paradigm atom & I got too many results for different types of products. Do you have a model number? I guess really my computer is my source for everything. I don't have some high-end equipment as a separate source when I wanna get "serious" about my music. Look, I can't tell the difference between a 192kbs mp3 and the same song @ 1400kbs from the CD. That disqualifies me from being able to have high-end equipment...cause it'd be a waste if I think it sounds the same as something 1/10 the price!

nah, the t-amp was 20$. The atoms where around 100$.

 

[450]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumone Why would I need that Chaintech? I've already got a SoundBlaster something. 5.1, though I never use all channels. I used to look for 5.1 setups but since none of my music I listen has 5 channels, a simple stereo soundcard & speaker setup is fine. Polk r15...amazon = $120! and where do you guys keep seeing this t-amp for less than 50 bucks???

Soundblasters aren't very good because they upsample 44.1 to 48 (which doesnt make it sound good). The Chaintech has much better sound when configured properly (try Mr.Radar's guide (I'll try to find it)).

The R15's can be found cheaply on eBay.

 

[sumone]

chaintech it is

Quote:

It seems like you are looking for a product for sheer loudness and ability to shake up the house than quality

May seem that way, but I say quality comes first, with the ABILITY to get loud if I wanted it to. I'd say I'd only listen to my stuff loud like 10% of the time.

You guys are something (or maybe it's me). I've decided to get the ProMedias AND put together a decent system with the T-amp, some bookshelves, & my sub & sub amp! Then just decide what I like better! I'm mainly just buying the ProMedias now cause I need something ASAP...(i.e. by Thursday) and doubt I could put something together by that time.

I should've expected this though...come to head-fi & go broke!

 

[450]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumone I should've expected this though...come to head-fi & go broke!

Hence why the standard greeting is: 'Welcome to Head-Fi, Sorry about your Wallet!'

(<--The H-Fi dream that flattens wallets)

 

[Nospam]

I am continually amazed at the high praises for the Klipsch 2.1.

Maybe the one I listened to was damaged, but I was totally underwhelmed by it, as far as sound quality. Yes, it's got a very powerful bass (boomy, but strong), but that's about all it has going for it. Just about every other speaker system on the shelf had better balanced sound (they just weren't as powerful).

 

[Xythe]

The Acoustic Energy Aego 2 should also fit your needs. It has 3 settings for bass on the sub unit itself and I have it set on minimum and still happy with the beats it churns out. The bass not as strong as the Klipsh or Logitechs but it was better than either with regards to quality overall IMO.

 

[sumone]

Well from the poll, it seems it's pretty much either the ProMedias or a separate component-based system. I've orderd the promedias, the T-amp, and the Chaintech soundcard. All I need to complete the component system is a linear power supply for my 300 watt amp and some bookshelf speakers.

I still can't believe I'm doing both??? Ramen noodles everyday for lunch this month

 

[450]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumone I still can't believe I'm doing both??? Ramen noodles everyday for lunch this month

Chicken Mushroom is my favorite!

Even better if you put in chicken and mushrooms!


Anyway... I hope you enjoy your speakers!

 

[chia-pet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumone Well from the poll, it seems it's pretty much either the ProMedias or a separate component-based system. I've orderd the promedias, the T-amp, and the Chaintech soundcard. All I need to complete the component system is a linear power supply for my 300 watt amp and some bookshelf speakers. I still can't believe I'm doing both??? Ramen noodles everyday for lunch this month

lol. i'd like to know your impressions of your speakers. i was thinking about splurging for some promedia 2.1s myself, but the reviews are just too mixed. the real lucrative part of these speakers is the ease of getting them. you dont have to know a whole lot about speakers/speaker-components to put together a system when you can just order the klipsch.

 

[jerikl]

I have a Monsoon MM-702 setup that I really like. They have been written about before here. It makes me want to get a pair of Magnepan MMG's and a good sub for my TV room. You can get them online for ~$125 or so. I think I bought mine new from a seller on eBay. You can also get them on Amazon.com as well as a dozen other places I'm sure.

Note that I haven't heard any of the other setups, so I have no idea how they compare with the other recommended options.

 

[funnytimes]

On such a tight budget I really dont think a new source is necessary, just doesnt make muhc difference to spend money on that instead of spending more money on speakers, the most important part of any rig but I guess youve already made up your mind.

outpost.com doesnt have deals on the polk r15, but I think ebay may have them for more. outpost still has r30 and r50s on sale for 100 and 140, but they are tower speakers.