Altec Lansing ADA-885THX...what's an upgrade today?

[alkemyst]

Now I realize a reciever/amp running some bookshelf/sub combo will pound this to oblivion, but that takes up more deskspace.

I am surprised these that I got from the Dell deal @ $100 (maybe less I can't remember) from 4-5 years ago still compare really well.

Anyone have suggestions?

Å

 

[Tiamat]

those were great speakers back in the day! What are you looking for? Surround sound, or is 2.1 good enough? Less speakers means you can put more money into each speaker for higher quality.

One suggestion that is kind of a hybrid between computer speakers and "real speakers" can be found here. The A5 is a reasonably sized bookshelf speaker that is self powered (no need for receiver's amp section) has a volume control knob (no need for preamp's volume control) and can take two sources (perhaps no need for preamp's source control). This is in the $350 ballpark and $120ish gets you an ok subwoofer if you choose to go that way.

These would seem to be nice for an office setup, not sure exactly what you are looking for (if you are ready to tackle the receiver/integrated amp/separates + speakers + wires, setup, subwoofers, stands, etc. at the moment).

Swans M200 from newegg is another powered speaker alternative.

Also, M-audio makes some decent powered monitors in the <500$ range that you can test out at your local guitar shop (The Guitar Center etc.)

 

[alkemyst]

2.1 set ups, Swan appears no longer available. They look interesting.

I wasn't looking to spend into the $500 range though (for the 2.1 setup).

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
2.1 set ups, Swan appears no longer available. They look interesting.

I wasn't looking to spend into the $500 range though (for the 2.1 setup).

http://www.theaudioinsider.com...1b3512a4274c19ff20fdc8
still has the full lineup of Swan

EDIT:
These are fairly small but first indications are that they're going to be quite nice... (still need an amp though)
http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=28749
9 13/16" Deep
6 1/8" Wide
11 1/4" High

How much desk space do you have?

 

[Tiamat]

what kind of music do you listen to? Do you crave lots of deep bass? Many of the mini monitors in the <500$ range have good response through 60hz. If you want to have very good bass drum impact, you may want a system that can hit hard through the 30hz range. That "system" would most likely include a half-way decent subwoofer. Do you have space constraints for the speakers and possible subwoofer?

Are you looking for a system that is minimalistic in terms of overall separate components? Perhaps you want something with a very nice exterior cabinetry?

Just for an idea, a "good entry level subwoofer" costs between 120$-200$ on a normal day. If you feel that you will have great need of the <60hz regime (important for movies, rap, rock, electronica, etc,) you may want to set aside an amount of money for subwoofer similar to this range. The subwoofer would not be really important for office-computing listening, background music, most jazz, some classical, etc.