[HariBhushan]

I have been looking to replace my Logitech Z523 pc speakers for a while with some real speakers.
 
I did some research and came up with either
 
AudioEngine A5
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/533715-REG/Audioengine_A5B_A5_Bookshelf_Speakers_Black_.html#reviews
 
or Axiom m3
http://www.axiomaudio.com/m3.html
 
both are $330
 
does any particular model need an amp to be powered? I don't need something too expensive, just someting decent that works as all-rounder and does heavy bass hitting trance/hip-hop songs without distortion.
 
any other recommendtions for $400 or less is appreciated. thanks.

 

[stang]

Well you are going to want to look at the speakers frequency response. The lower the first number is, the lower the bass goes. The higher the end number goes, the further the treble extends. 
 
I have the ESI nEar 05 and they have PLENTY of bass. I will never need a subwoofer, that's for sure. AudioEngine A5 are liked by many people. I am sure you couldn't really go wrong with them.
 
However, take a look at KRK as well. They have some great monitors. 

 

[RicHSAD]

Between the two I would go with the M3 assuming you have or can get an amp to power them. A lot of people recommend the A5's here, but I have also seen a lot of people say that they aren't all that good, which is something I can't say about the M3. Note that neither of those speakers will give you "heavy bass", you would need a subwoofer for that. Maybe consider getting the bookshelves now and buying a sub sometime in the future.

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

Go get some Vintage 8 inch driver based bookshelf speakers, those are the only ones which will give full bass. Any other current bookshelf is a compromise without a sub-woofer. But there was this article I read recently about some bookshelf which did around 36Hz and did it well, I'm just struggling to remember which one that was. Even then, you are losing out on the really deep stuff. I say get an ok sub and a very good shelf and put the crossover very strict on the sub to only do the really low stuff. You'll get decent sound overall.

 

[Shaunyboy]

It also depends on the amp, for instance with a tube amp you're usually not going to get god bass, most solid states do a good job but not all

 

[3X0]

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=487390&t=2159800
 
If you can find the RP8s at that price they will probably be worth it.
 
I hate AudioEngines. I used to recommend them until I heard much better brands for myself. M-Audio is one of them IMHO.