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Laptop Audio Setup (2.1 Speakers and Headphone)

Y

yunaforever009

Junior Member
I have searched for days now and am trying to find a good 2.1 Speaker system for 50-150$ and a Headphone (pref. with mic) for roughly the same price range. My laptop does not have an impressive sound card at all. (Sager notebook, vista, 4 gigs DDR3 and dedicated Video Card)

I primarily listen to music and play video games and desire headphones that give a good range of sound with decent bass but good treble.

For my speakers, I am just looking for a good system that would work in a dorm room without causing the pictures on the wall to sway a little.

I am looking at the Plantronics Gamecom 377 or 777's or the Razer Carcharias... or maybe something more musical and less Gaming such as the Sennheiser PC 350... But can't decide which would deliver more accurate sound and depth.

As per the speakers, I can get a pair of the Harmon-Kardon Soundsticks II for just a little over a 100$, while the bass is reportedly not that strong, that is alright. It was that or the Logitech z-2300's.

Am I looking in the right directions? And should I get a USB Sound card for delivering better sound? I have searched for days and some say one thing and others say something different. I understand personal taste, but sound is all mathematical....

Thanks for any help!
 
Never heard them, but I always see the Audio-Technica ATH-A900 headphones recommend for mixed gaming and music use. Probably can pick up a lightly used pair at a very good price in the Head-Fi For Sales Forums.

For computer speakers, I personally like the Audio Engine A2 self-amplified speakers alot. They will probably sound good with your integrated line out, but they do like to be fed a high quality line out signal to really appreciate what they can do.

They list for $200, but I think you can often find a discount code if you google around.
 
The M-Audio wouldn't be a bad choice. Or one of these two Swans/HiVi sets. I'd take the Audioengine though, if you can do the higher price. Or -- though PE raised the price a bit on their T-amp -- I'd also consider buying that and a reasonably efficient $100 pair of unpowered bookshelves...

edit: wanted to add the famous Audioengine rave from Stereophile
 
Between the Audioengine and the M-Audio, could you recommend one for delivering a clear sound while delivering decent highs and lows? I tend to listen to classical music but enjoy a good DVD on my laptop with some good lows.... The Swans seem to be more venturing towards Mid and High ranged based on the few reviews I could find.

Thank you all for your help! =)
 
Actually.... after lots of review reading... I am tied between the M200MKII Swans and the Audioengine A2... for decent bass, good highs and a full range without needing an amp or DAC, which would be the best option between the two?
 
I used to own the original Swan M200 and never though they were anything special. They are also big and clunky on your desktop compared to the svelt and stlylish Audio Engine A2.

Audio Engine A2 are very musical little speakers (IIRC, I think they were designed by former recording engineers). They seem to do really well with compressed digital audio formats of today, but like I said previously, they really benefit from a good line out source (good analog output of good music sound card or external usb dac).

 
I have a really good price on the Audioengine A5, at just 240$ New, for 40 dollars more, would the A5 be better than the A2? (Size of the speakers aside, because I have the desk space for the A5's or the A2's)

Thank you so much for your help as well!
 
From what I've read, they should both have similar sound character, but I would assume A5 has more bass, goes lower, and plays louder.

That being said, from reviews I've read, I kind of suspect people like A2 better than A5.

You might want to call Audio Engine and let them help you decide.
 
Well, I think that I am leaning towards the A5 because of the bass but also because the A2s seem to have a small problem with producing an overpowering lower frequency range... would it be better to purchase the A2 and a DAC or USB sound card instead of just straight A5s? I will be in a mid sized room with a desk with music originating from my Sager laptop with the realtek sound card (basic 1/8 headphone/audio out jack)...
 
The A5 at that price is a steal... A friend of mine has it and loves it. Main issue is desk space, of course, which you have. 😉
 
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