Need advice on computer audio setup...pls help

[QwErTyBk]

My current setup is a set of Logitech Soundman X1's (2.1) running on onboard sound from my Epox 8k7a. That isnt such a great setup. At full blast you can hardly feel the base and it distorts quite a bit. I play a good amount of games (mostly CS) and listen to a lot of music on the computer. I use my computer as a tv, stereo, dvd player, etc. I live in a dorm room most of the year, so I think I should stick with a 2.1 setup because of space limitations.

Anyway I am looking to spend ~$100 for a nice audio upgrade. I know my onboard sound should probably go, and my speakers are pretty weak. Here is what I'm thinking about...tell me what you think:


Boston Acoustics BA7500G 2.1 ~$50
or
Logitech z340 2.1 for about the same price ~$46
or
Yamaha 80W YSTMS50W 2.1 ~$90

+
Soundcard:
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz ~$60 or SB Live 5.1 ~$30

Anyone have any input on what setup I should get or any other suggestions. The above are just ideas...feel free to suggest others. I want a powerful set of speakers with good base. I know wattage ratings aren't everything...thats why Im asking you audiophiles to help me decide. Is a great soundcard like the santa cruz going to make that much of a difference, or do I buy a cheap soundcard and splurge on something like the z560's (although those are out of my price range) I basically want to know how can I get the best sound for my hundered or so dollars...

Thanks in advance!

-Qwertybk

 

[QwErTyBk]

bump for some advice...

 

[Nobuo]

I recently picked up the Logitech Z-340's for a second PC. For $50, they arent bad. However, my other speakers (Cambridge Microworks) had much cleaner/deeper bass, and a more natural sounding midrange. If I recall, there was a post a while back about these being sold at the Creative website for $50-ish (refurbished, if that matters to you). For the money, I'd try to locate a set of Microworks. I consider myself an audiophile (my main home theater/music system is about a $5000 setup); and I assure you that you wont find a better set of speakers for $50 anywhere. I'm going to see if I can find that URL myself...

Like I said, the Z-340's are NOT bad. I just cant be satisfied with them after listening to Cambridge Microworks for 3 years

 

[QwErTyBk]

Those Microworks seem like the kind of thing I'm looking for, but at $23 ground shipping and it being refurbished it loses its appeal a bit.

Any other input would be greatly appreciated!

-Qwertybk

 

[QwErTyBk]

How about we throw these into the mix: Midiland S4-3050M 50w (2.1)

Any opinions/advice on these or the ones listed in the first post?

 

[QwErTyBk]

bump for some help...anyone out there?

 

[MasterHoss]

If you're willing to spend some more, Klipsch recently reduced the price of the PM 2.1s ... I don't think there are any other 2.1 multimedia speaker solutions out there that can touch the ProMedia 2.1 system... it's just over your $100 price ceiling.

 

[QwErTyBk]

Im well aware that the klipsch 2.1's are the best by far. Not only are they a bit out of my price range, but I will be running them off of my onboard audio (they cost too much to get a nice soundcard too).

I was under the impression that a good set of speakers needs a good sound card and vice versa. No sense in getting the best speakers and running them w/ onboard audio. Same type of thing as runnnig a GF4 with a duron 700 or something.

Anyway I am looking for a way to BEST spend my $100 (speakers + sound card). I am just unsure how much what combination will give me the best performance for my money. Does a good soundcard really make that much of a difference or is my money better spent on nicer speakers?

Thanks for the help so far...keep the suggestions coming

 

[amdskip]

Got the z340's here, plenty of bass. Nothing too substantial but the neighbors could here it depeding on where you live at.

 

[kbaxter]

I've been very happy with the SB 5.1 Live OEM ($32+shipping at newegg) and the Altec AVS300s ($40 at BB, but you can do better) on my ECS system. This combo would be well within your $100 budget. Now, I haven't pushed the volume all that high, but the sub has lots of suds and the satellites are very clear.

I actually bought the Altecs while I waited to afford the Klipsch 2.1s, but these might be good enough that I can control myself.

Of course, if I had $180 I didn't need, I'd run right out and buy the Klipsch. They are HOT!

Good luck with your audio...

 

[QwErTyBk]

Thanks everyone...looks like there is nothing but praise for the z340's

It is just that the Boston Acoustics 7500G 2.1's look like such a deal. anyone have an opinion on them?

Looks like I will buy either the

Boston Acoustics BA7500G + SB 5.1 Live OEM

or

Logitech z340 + either SB 5.1 Live OEM or TB Santa Cruz (depending on whether or not peple thing the santa cruz is overkill for those speakers)

Thanks for all the help so far...I really appreciate it!

Keep it coming!!!