Looking for a good 2.1 set up for computer.

[Aarmin]

Due to my current living conditions and crazzy job, I do not have a living room like back in the day. My custom built computer (just put it together - first build I ever did ) is my Sim City 4 gaming machine, DVD player, and cable TV viewer.

First off, please do not recommend so so 2.1 computer speakers.. like from the likes of Logitech; they simply do not sound good. I simply can not go from high end floor standing speakers to those "things"... just cant.

I am looking for some small speakers with big detailed sound; they will be positioned on my desktop next to my monitor. I will also be getting a A/V receiver. I am currently looking at ONKYO SKS-HT240 system; they are on sale everywhere I look.

My onboard audio has S/PDIF optical output; to my understanding I could get surround sound outputed to a receiver that has the same input? However, this would only work for DVDs and not PC games? I can just use a Y adapter, and switch the source on my receiver, for when I play games.

 

[Tiamat]

Can't be of much help unless you give the following information:

1. What is your budget? I can recommend speakers from $200-$20,000 from my experience.
2. How are the speakers going to be setup? If heavily compromised, no use in getting certain types of speakers. Some speakers are better able to compensate being close to a wall for example.

3. If you only need stereo, why are you considering surround sound in the OP? Which is it?

 

[Aarmin]

I would prefer not to spend more than $500; however, I already have a decent A/V receiver.

They will be set on my desktop, next to my monitor; the desk is right next to a thick wall. Maybe not the perfect set-up, but this is what I have.

A lot of the smaller speakers come in surround sets; I do not believe you can purchase them separately? Again, for the Onkyo set, the price is ideal. I am going for 2.1, but more would not hurt; I don't think surround sound would work to well in my situation.

 

[Tiamat]

Do you want a subwoofer?

I don't think surround sound would work in most any bedroom setups either.

In the op, it said you were going to get a receiver, so I was confused...
If you do not already have the receiver, I'd recommend looking into the Mackie MR8 which is an active stereo studio monitor that costs about $560. This speaker comes with its own amplification, all you need to do is plug in the source from your computer. Text


Otherwise,
There are many bookshelf speakers under 600$ per pair that can be recommended from brands like B&W, Paradigm, Infinity, AV123, Swan, SVS, etc.

Where is your general location? You should seek out authorized dealers for B&W and Paradigm. At those shops, you would also find other excellent speakers to audition. Since our hearing varies from person to person, and this field is very subjective, it is important for you to audition as many speakers as you can to find what you like. Speakers made from the above companies may have their similarities, but they do have their own signature sound.

Do you need the speakers to be tiny? Can you have normal bookshelf sized speakers? What kind of music do you typically listen to?

 

[driftwood07]

ive heard nothing but good things about these:
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity...&qid=1232819195&sr=1-2
i have the bigger brother p362 floorstanding ones and they are wonderful.
2 of these and up to ~ $300 sub should be a great setup.

 

[cheesehead]

The Mackie MR8s look very nice indeed. However, I'd recommend heading down to your local Guitar Center and seeing what they have in stock - there are a wide variety of studio monitors in your price range from M-Audio, KRK, Yamaha, and others.

 

[JerYnkFan]

When my Promedia 2.1s died, I went with an Onkyo TX-SR304 receiver, Polk T-15 bookshelf speakers and a Sony SAW2500 Subwoofer. While not on the high-end of things by any means, I am pleased with the set-up and it cost me around 350 for everything.

 

[Aarmin]

I think I may have left out a lot of details.

I do not really have the space for bookshelf speakers on my desk. I am more for table top speakers... (I didn't want to say desktop speakers for in fear of computer speaker recommendations ). This is not the most ideal setup, but hey ... when you spend months in a field you tend to be forgiven.

I am looking at Athena WS-60; however these are very hard to find. Definitive Technology Mythos Six are also a contender. Both have a small footprint, but just maybe stand a bit tall for my computer monitor.

 

[s44]

Era Design 4