Best PC Speakers for 2009?

[Shaitan00]

I've got an old pair of (2.1) PC speakers that I've been using since 2004 (Samsung), they worked perfectly fine (200W sub, 2x 14W speakers) and they just died on me - so obviously I'm looking for a replacement...

Most of my time is spent watching shows on my PC (TV), gaming, and some music - I am by far not a music audiofile expert but I appreciate quality sound. I'm looking to spend between $75 - $200 (USD) for a nicer pair of speakers - now the only question is ... which ones ...

I've done some reading and 2 things really suprised me:
1- I would have assumed (5.1) was the way of the future, but for my needs (and in general) most reviewers seem to recommend (2.1) instead, for the price/quality that is
2- The highest rated speakers are from 2004 !...!

Seems the general concensus is the following:
1- (2.1) Logitech Z-2300
2- (2.1) Altec Lansing's VS2321
3- (2.1) Harman Kardon Soundsticks

Seriously ... the best on the market is still an old 2004 PC speakers...?
I do not have a hard time believing that (2.1) is best for my needs (and price) but to go for a system like the Logitech Z-2300 (from 2004..?)

So, obviously I'm here looking for feedback, I love "nifty" speakers (like the SoundSticks which look like an awsome Jellyfish) but they still have to work well (15W sub is pretty pathetic no?) ....

Any comments, feedback, ideas, etc... would be much appreciated - having a hard time swallowing that in 2009 I'll be buying 2004 speakers again...
Thanks,

 

[Billb2]

Integrated amp/satellites/sub.
The crappy "computer" speakers from 2004 are still the crappy "computer" speakers of 2009

I'm using a Pioneer SA-510 and B&W LM1's

 

[Shaitan00]

And how much did that come up too (if I might ask)?
I know a full blown system would be best but ... trying to reduce the cost...

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

A couple suggestions that seem promising are Swan M200s or Audioengine A2s
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2306120&enterthread=y
(Not recommending the ones DarthRevan came up with, but rather the advice / replies from other members in the thread)

 

[Blurry]

The "best" PC speakers are from 2004 because a) people don't buy new speakers every year, unlike video cards or cpu b) the people who do buy PC speakers either don't care too much about SQ or buy it just to have some sound come out of their PC (they may have a dedicated audiophile-grade system elsewhere) c) PC speakers have reached their limit until manufacturers do a complete overhaul and replace the existing garbage paper cones and plastic shells.


A lot of people on this forum have suggested ditching to whole notion of PC Speakers and getting a bookshelf/amp combo. It's true that the SQ from this setup will be miles ahead of anything you get from PC speakers. IMO it's not entirely feasible b/c
a) too cost prohibitive and b) (I get this a lot ) when it's not cost prohibitive, a lot of ppl aren't too hot with the idea of putting ugly looking book shelf speakers with equally unimpressing amps on their desk.

Therefore if you are deadset on getting a 2.1 speaker setup, I'd recommend the following:

1) Logitech Z-Cinema (Good SQ with added bonus of virtual surround and a remote)
2) Z-2300 (All around good performer)
3) Klipsch Promedia 2.1 (Hard to find, but it's a highly rated set)

Hope it helps

 

[Billb2]

Originally posted by: Shaitan00
And how much did that come up too (if I might ask)?
I know a full blown system would be best but ... trying to reduce the cost...

Integrated amp (Pioneer SA-510, 30W/side) and matching (Pioneer TX-410) tuner $50, used. B&W LM1's, $350, new.

 

[sdifox]

for 200 bux, go for active studio monitors.


oooh, this looks interesting! 2 active monitors + 1 8" active sub for under 300

Fostex 4.0 with sub

That would eat any computer speakers for a snack, not even as breakfast.


Humm, I forgot the under 200 part

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: Blurry
The "best" PC speakers are from 2004 because a) people don't buy new speakers every year, unlike video cards or cpu b) the people who do buy PC speakers either don't care too much about SQ or buy it just to have some sound come out of their PC (they may have a dedicated audiophile-grade system elsewhere) c) PC speakers have reached their limit until manufacturers do a complete overhaul and replace the existing garbage paper cones and plastic shells.


A lot of people on this forum have suggested ditching to whole notion of PC Speakers and getting a bookshelf/amp combo. It's true that the SQ from this setup will be miles ahead of anything you get from PC speakers. IMO it's not entirely feasible b/c
a) too cost prohibitive and b) (I get this a lot ) when it's not cost prohibitive, a lot of ppl aren't too hot with the idea of putting ugly looking book shelf speakers with equally unimpressing amps on their desk.

Therefore if you are deadset on getting a 2.1 speaker setup, I'd recommend the following:

1) Logitech Z-Cinema (Good SQ with added bonus of virtual surround and a remote)
2) Z-2300 (All around good performer)
3) Klipsch Promedia 2.1 (Hard to find, but it's a highly rated set)

Hope it helps

When is the last time you sat in front of your computer playing Crysis and thinking damn my speakers are ugly...


Take a look at the one I linked...That would spank all computer speakers.

 

[cmdrdredd]

For speakers marketed for PCs. Klipsch Promedia 5.1 was the standard. They are no longer produced from what I understand.

 

[ivan2]

Originally posted by: sdifox
for 200 bux, go for active studio monitors.


oooh, this looks interesting! 2 active monitors + 1 8" active sub for under 300

Fostex 4.0 with sub

That would eat any computer speakers for a snack, not even as breakfast.


Humm, I forgot the under 200 part

hmm that sub interested me, might as well get one to go with my FE206.