2.1 PC Speakers for special criteria

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jedolley

Junior Member
Mar 14, 2009
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I'm looking to get some 2.1 PC Speakers and wanted to get some opinions. I've read various threads and opinions, so I have narrowed down my decision, but since none of the threads/opinions I have read are specific to my situation, I figured I would create a thread to get opinions specific to my criteria.

Price Range: $150 - $200
Size: Speakers need to be "smallish" due to space limitations
Use: Will be connected to PS3 ONLY for use in gaming and movies/TV shows
Want, but not required: Control Pod or remote with mute option

I am currently using Creative Gigaworks T40 Series II, but they are a bit large for my current setup and would also like an upgrade on sound quality.

Based on the criteria I listed above, I have narrowed down my choices to the following. Also, I know some will want to recommend AMP + Bookshelfs setup, but I am not looking to go this route. I do understand AMP + Bookshelf is a superior solution, but most of the Bookshelf speakers I have seen are too large for my space and I would also like to deal with one warranty.

Corsair SP2500 - Currently listed right around $200. These have gotten consistently good reviews and the control pod (don't care about the LCD) has the mute option I would like. My main concern is that they aren't noticeably different from the competition to justify $50+ price difference.

Creative Gigaworks T3 - Currently priced at $150. These also have gotten good reviews, but most reviews were done while at the $250 price range, so I have not seen any comparisons of these and $100 - $150 speakers. So my question for these are... How do they stack up? Now that they are $150, are they a no brainer?

Logitech Z623 - This pick is mostly about price. At right around $100 they may be a better bang for the buck, but my concern is that I would be getting what I paid for and it would not be much if any upgrade over my current setup.

I really hope I can get the community's feedback on this. Thanks in advance.
 
J

jedolley

Junior Member
Mar 14, 2009
12
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0
Googer said:
For the most part all of those speakers are junk. Espeically the Logitech. For starters I would suggest a set of M-Audio Monitors. I have a second suggestion, but I need to jog my memory.... I will post a link to those later.

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studio.../dp/B0051WAM64
Click to expand...

I appreciate your feedback. However, the M-Audios would be too large for my setup. I tried M30s before and they are smaller than the M40s.
 
sdifox

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
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jedolley said:
That looks interesting, but is out of my price range and is not 2.1.
Click to expand...

realistically, the so called computer speakers are all shit. Slightly better than the ones in you tv. I think there is a 2.1 version of it too. but you do need an amp.


another option is to go with active monitors. but you don't have convenient volume control.
 
J

jedolley

Junior Member
Mar 14, 2009
12
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s44 said:
Audioengine A2
Click to expand...

I've heard good things about the A2, but the volume control is located on the back of the speakers which really does not work for me. Since I would have them hooked up through a PS3 and not a PC, I need the volume control on the speaker to be able to easily adjust the volume.

Googer said:
Audioengine is what I was thinking of.

http://audioengineusa.com/

I'd definitly consider a set of those.




The dimensions of the AV40 7.3 x 6 x 8.8 inches. What is considered small for you?
Click to expand...

I can measure the space I have when I get home, but I already know for sure that the AV40s are too large.

I really appreciate everyone's input on this and I realize that I am shooting down many really good suggestions, but my criteria is what it is and I realize I am limiting myself, but I hope I can still find a decent set of speakers that meets my needs.
 
fralexandr

fralexandr

Platinum Member
Apr 26, 2007
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www.flickr.com
i don't really think you'll find much better than the creative gigaworks for desktop space usage
are the swan m10 or klipsch promedia 2.1 too big?

or you might want to look at the harmon kardon sound sticks?

i would suggest the energy micro 5.0 + subwoofer and just use 2.1 for them but that's not really in your budget (they tend to go on sale for ~$150 a few times a year but are currently expensive), and you don't really want the amp + speakers thing
 
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Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
USED Bose Wave Radio. It's got a AUX input and can be found for $200. Alternatively, a Cambridge Soundworks radio costs about $200 new and can be used as speaker. Both are very compact and have acceptable sound quality for their size and cost.
 
J

jedolley

Junior Member
Mar 14, 2009
12
0
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fralexandr said:
i don't really think you'll find much better than the creative gigaworks for desktop space usage
are the swan m10 or klipsch promedia 2.1 too big?

or you might want to look at the harmon kardon sound sticks?

i would suggest the energy micro 5.0 + subwoofer and just use 2.1 for them but that's not really in your budget (they tend to go on sale for ~$150 a few times a year but are currently expensive), and you don't really want the amp + speakers thing
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure the Klipsch will fit, but I used to own those and did not really like them so I did not consider them this time around.

As for the Swans, I considered them and I am pretty sure the Speakers will fit, but the center unit might be an issue. Just to give a bit more description to my setup (attached a pic I had on my phone)... My PS3 Gaming Setup is in my office on the corner of an Ikea Galant desk. I am using a Galant Half Circle board with Capita Legs as a stand for a 24" LED TV and the speakers (currently Creative Gigaworks T40 Series II). Below that is the PS3 and currently a container than stores my games and some accessories.

photowye.jpg


I have it setup this way because I mostly work from home and spend ALOT of time in my home office. I hope the picture and description give a better idea of what I have to work with and why I have set the limitations that I have.
 
J

jedolley

Junior Member
Mar 14, 2009
12
0
0
sdifox said:
you know speakers don't have to sit beside the monitors right?
Click to expand...

I don't really have another place for them other than mounting them to the wall which I don't want to do.

The picture is only of the PS3 setup, but also on the desk is my personal computer (27" iMac, to the right) and my work laptop in a docking station with a 22" monitor, keyboard and mouse. I realize it may not be the ideal setup for most, but it works for me so I am just trying to find some speakers that work for me as well. I realize that I am no audiophile and some of the reviewers on the speakers I have listed probably aren't either, but they (especially the Corsair) still received good reviews. I already said that I was aware this is not the BEST option, but these are probably the best options for ME.
 
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sdifox

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
99,484
17,596
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Googer said:
USED Bose Wave Radio. It's got a AUX input and can be found for $200. Alternatively, a Cambridge Soundworks radio costs about $200 new and can be used as speaker. Both are very compact and have acceptable sound quality for their size and cost.
Click to expand...


D:
 
J

jedolley

Junior Member
Mar 14, 2009
12
0
0
sdifox said:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/alesis-m1-active-320-usb-studio-monitor-pair

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/fostex-pm0.4w-powered-studio-monitors-white

too big?

you can add a board to the table to make it slightly bigger.
Click to expand...

Both of those are slightly too big. Also keep in mind that I am hooking them up to a PS3 so would need an easily accessible volume control. Some of these units have them on the back of the speaker which would be inconvenient.

The stand curves so at the shortest point it's 4" and at the widest point it's 4.75" and the depth is about 6.5". I'm sure I could add a board which would mostly extend the available width, but it would have to be cut at an angle to account for the wall and i'm sure if I would like how it looks.

I really appreciate the input provided, but sound isn't as important to me as it is to you guys. I knew going in that I wasn't looking for the best solution, and i'm not sure my ears would appreciate if I heard it. I just want an upgrade to what I already have (Creative Gigaworks T40 Series II) that fits into my criteria.
 
Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
Spend $150 on m-audio speakers.
Spend $30-50 on a set of stereo speaker stands
Volume knob on the rear? No problem. Set the volume to max on the speakers, use a USB or keyboard volume control.

The end result is better sound from better speakers that are spaced farther apart for an improved stereo image.



Alternatively you could just get some floor standing speakers, like those cheap ones designed by Andrew Jones which frequently go on sale for half price, then combine those with a used Pioneer VSX-820 (w/hdmi) for under $100.
 
sdifox

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
99,484
17,596
126
jedolley said:
Both of those are slightly too big. Also keep in mind that I am hooking them up to a PS3 so would need an easily accessible volume control. Some of these units have them on the back of the speaker which would be inconvenient.

The stand curves so at the shortest point it's 4" and at the widest point it's 4.75" and the depth is about 6.5". I'm sure I could add a board which would mostly extend the available width, but it would have to be cut at an angle to account for the wall and i'm sure if I would like how it looks.

I really appreciate the input provided, but sound isn't as important to me as it is to you guys. I knew going in that I wasn't looking for the best solution, and i'm not sure my ears would appreciate if I heard it. I just want an upgrade to what I already have (Creative Gigaworks T40 Series II) that fits into my criteria.
Click to expand...

So get the Z623 or keep the creative and call it a day.
 
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Googer

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
81
jedolley said:
What's everyone's opinion on Audioholics: Online A/V Magazine?

http://www.audioholics.com
Click to expand...


The consensus on any av forum is Logicrap and creative are crummy speakers and most sub-satellite systems are lacking in sound. But if the world were coming to an end with Creative or Logicrap being my last two choices, I'd more than likely go with Creative.
 
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