My Logitech Z-2300 crapped out....what should I get?

[Illbetheone]

I had the Z-2300 for several years now and they served me well. However, they no longer work and I need speakers since I am always on my computer. I would like to spend under $250 and would like something better than my old Logitechs. The source on these will be a Windows 7 PC with an Aune T1 DAC. Feedback!? Thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I had the Z-2300 for several years now and they served me well. However, they no longer work and I need speakers since I am always on my computer. I would like to spend under $250 and would like something better than my old Logitech's. The source on these will be a Windows 7 PC with an Aune T1 DAC. Feedback!? Thanks!

 
Monoprice 5" studio monitors, $170.79
They seem to be rebranded M-Audio BX5s.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605500&seq=1&format=2

 

[cel4145]

For just over budget, JBL LSR305: http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-LSR305-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00DUKP37C

You'll find lots of good reviews for those on the web.

You could also do a passive speaker and t-amp setup if you are interested in going that route.

 

[Illbetheone]

For just over budget, JBL LSR305: http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-LSR305-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00DUKP37C

You'll find lots of good reviews for those on the web.

You could also do a passive speaker and t-amp setup if you are interested in going that route.

This is going to sound stupid, but what cable would I need to get those to work with my Aune T1?

 

[cel4145]

I think it's this one, but not positive: http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-TRS-202-Meter-Insert-Cable/dp/B000068O1K/

Find an LSR305 thread somewhere and ask

 

[PurpleAngel]

I think it's this one, but not positive: http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-TRS-202-Meter-Insert-Cable/dp/B000068O1K/

Find an LSR305 thread somewhere and ask

 
I believe the more correct cable is the Hosa Cable CPR202 Dual 1/4 Inch To RCA Cable.
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-CPR202-Dual-Inch/dp/B000068O17/ref=pd_sim_MI_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=05R18R3JC33S96CZ05PD

 

[PurpleAngel]

  This is going to sound stupid, but what cable would I need to get those to work with my Aune T1?

 
I believe this is the correct cable.
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-CPR202-Dual-Inch/dp/B000068O17/ref=pd_sim_MI_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=05R18R3JC33S96CZ05PD
 
As this is an "unbalanced" connection, leave the Input Sensitivity at the -10dBV setting.

 

[Illbetheone]

Ended up with the JBL LSR 350 and I am rather disappointed. To me, they do not sound at all how I imagined and how hyped up they were on the net. Especially considering how big these things are, I thought they would have sounded a lot better than my previous setup. Maybe my DAC isn't up to the task? Call me crazy, but I think my Z-2300 sounded a lot better than these, too bad Amazon won't take them back. Guess I'm stuck with them.

 

[cel4145]

You might try fine tuning the placement. Do you have them several inches out from the wall with them toed in with the tweeters turned toward you?

You might experiment with the trim controls to tweak the sound.

The LSR 305 are definitely technically superior to the Z5000s. You might give them a chance to burn in, and yourself a chance to psychologically adjust.

I guess it's always possible the line out on your DAC does not work well them. You might find the Aune T1 owners' thread here on head-fi and see what others say.

Amazon normally takes returns as long as the product and packaging are like new. Did you talk to an Amazon support person?

 

[Illbetheone]

You might try fine tuning the placement. Do you have them several inches out from the wall with them toed in with the tweeters turned toward you?

You might experiment with the trim controls to tweak the sound.

The LSR 305 are definitely technically superior to the Z5000s. You might give them a chance to burn in, and yourself a chance to psychologically adjust.

I guess it's always possible the line out on your DAC does not work well them. You might find the Aune T1 owners' thread here on head-fi and see what others say.

Amazon normally takes returns as long as the product and packaging are like new. Did you talk to an Amazon support person?

 
Yeah, I played with the LF/HF switches, bought isolations pads, and adjusted them to be toed in towards me. I still think they are lacking something. Amazon is a no go since it was a 3rd party seller.  So now just hoping maybe a better DAC will make these shine. Would the Peach Tree DAC•iTx be a good choice?

 

[cel4145]

Yeah, I played with the LF/HF switches, bought isolations pads, and adjusted them to be toed in towards me. I still think they are lacking something. Amazon is a no go since it was a 3rd party seller.  So now just hoping maybe a better DAC will make these shine. Would the Peach Tree DAC•iTx be a good choice?

In that instance, you have to contact the 3rd party seller and see what they say.

I'd say give it a few days of break-in for you and the speakers. From a technical standpoint, the only advantage that the Z-2300 might have over the JBLs would be bass extension or bass emphasis. If it's the bass you are wanting, then a sub would make sense.

I wouldn't buy Peach Tree. I think they are over priced. Look into the Audio GD NFB-11 and NFB-15. Excellent DAC/headphone amp/pre-amps.

 

[Transmaniacon]

The Z-2300 sub is probably what you are missing.  JBL makes a matching sub for the LSR series, I think it would be a worthwhile upgrade for you and give you the oomph you are missing.  I don't think a new DAC is going to make a noticeable difference if you already have the Aune.
 
http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/recording-broadcast/3-series/lsr310s

 

[Illbetheone]

  The Z-2300 sub is probably what you are missing.  JBL makes a matching sub for the LSR series, I think it would be a worthwhile upgrade for you and give you the oomph you are missing.  I don't think a new DAC is going to make a noticeable difference if you already have the Aune.
 
http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/recording-broadcast/3-series/lsr310s

 
That's perfect, thank you! It looks like I would need a male to male XLR cable, however no one seems to carry them. What would I need to hook it up to my current setup?

 

[Transmaniacon]

The output on the sub is a male XLR, and the input on the speaker is a female XLR, so no issue there?  This is all you need: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11509&cs_id=1150902&p_id=4751&seq=1&format=2
 
Run RCA to TRS/XLR from the Aune to the Sub inputs.

 

[BigTerminator]

I have studio monitors and I will tell, even with the cheap $100 yamaha sub I have, the sound is twice as good with a subwoofer. You are most likely missing the sub from the Logitech's. If you can afford it get an SVS SB1000 subwoofer. It uses RCA inputs, not XLR and can work as a crossover. With a subwoofer your monitors will sound clearer because they don't have to strain at lower frequencies.