Need speaker opinions

[AndyHui]

I can only choose between Creative and Altec Lansing, which limits my choice.

I have my eye on the Inspire 4400 (4.1) or the Inspire 5300 (5.1). Obviously the 5300 is more expensive, but is it worth going to 5.1 over 4.1, and is the sound quality better?

What about Altec Lansing systems?

 

[ojai00]

Hey FAQ man!! What's your budget? There were some good Altec Lansing 890speakers that were made a while back that were THX certified. The Inspires seem like a good choice for sub-$100 speakers. Really depends on what you're going to do with it. Hope this helps!

 

[handoverfist]

Well, if you decide to get something other than creative or altec, my vote goes to the Logitech Z-560's. I have them, and they absolutely scream. Good luck!

 

[AndyHui]

No go on the Logitechs. Not available here.

Budget is US$100 max.

 

[ojai00]

Then I guess the Inspire 5300 will have to do! $96 Shipped from Newegg.

 

[AndyHui]

Thanks ojai00. I currently have the Creative/Cambridge Soundworks PC....the small old white 2.1's, and I'm quite disappointed by them. I hope these Inspire 5300 are better.

 

[JustinSampson]

Inspire 5300's. I wasn't sure at first if I should get them (never really saw them mentioned anywhere) but there great! Not a problem at all. Just the other day I hooked my computer up to the TV in my living room and they had plently of volume and bass to fill the hole (large) living room while still sounding great.

I could go on and on about them, but I won't.

 

[tenoc]

If they are available in your area, you could check out Altec Lansing's
ATP5's.
They go for about U$100, sound excellent with 80 W total, and look great as well.

 

[CubicZirconia]

My friend brings his Inspire 4400 set to our lan all the time time and they sound like great speakers. Personally, I don't think that 5.1 is all that much better than 4.1. Thats just me though.

 

[John]

If you don't need rear surround speakers, the Altec Lansing ATP3's will do you great justice. I have a set on my secondary PC and they sound real nice and clean. The sub puts out ample bass which is always a plus. In addition, they are black. You should be able to find them for aound 60.00US.

 

[Salvador]

Why are you dissapointed with the Creative speakers? I have a little set of PC Works that I'm seriously thinking about taking out of retirement to replace the Z560's that I bought over Christmas. The bass is just too boomy on the Logitech's to enjoy listening to any sort of music. I guess they are ok with some games because the bass is exagerated anyway.

One of the things that I don't like about Altec speakers is the boomy bass. I haven't heard a set yet that didn't have boomy bass.

If you are dissapointed with the Creative speakers, I suspect that you'll be like me and not be happy with any sort of so-called pc speaker. I haven't heard a set that has done it for me yet.

Do you have any other possibilties? What do you intend on doing mostly with these speakers? Music? Games?

Sal

 

[AndyHui]

Mostly music, with some gaming.

The old PC Soundworks that I have are very muddy in the middle range and distort before I get anything even approacing "loud".

 

[Challenger]

This is cool the FAQ guru asking us for advice(no disrespect intended).I would go for the 5300s,the sound pretty darn good and at a nice price!

 

[AndyHui]

A lot of votes for the 5300, but I am still looking for reasons why I should go 5300 over the 4400. If the sound quality is similar for both models, I am more inclined to get the 4400s.

 

[Pariah]

The 5300 and 4400 use the exact same speakers, the only difference is the 5300 has an center channel identical to the other satellites. The 2 sets should sound exactly the same for most applications. Unless you plan on watching DVD's on the system, there isn't any reason to spend the money for a center channel. Having a center channel isn't going to make music sound any better.

 

[KentW]

Look at the Cambridge FPS2000 Digital. I've had my set for a year now and they are incredible. The Inspire 5300's are a good set, but they aren't digital. Looks like they are around $105 right now. Check www.pricewatch.com
Good luick, Kent

 

[MistaTastyCakes]

I'm gonna agree with John on this one about the ATP3's. Upgrading to them from my old off brand speaker set is the best thing I've done for my audio. They provide a nice, clean sound, with good highs and lows and sound nice for both music and games.

If you can pick up the ATP5's, they'd be a good choice as well. Same as the ATP3's but with 2 extra channels. A friend of mine owns these and they sound very nice, indeed.

I've never been too impressed with Creative's speakers, myself.

 

[AndyHui]

I'll check out the ATPs, but if the 5300 and 4400 are the exactly the same speakers, then I think I will go with the 4400s. I don't really need 5.1.

 

[JustinSampson]

<< I'll check out the ATPs, but if the 5300 and 4400 are the exactly the same speakers, then I think I will go with the 4400s. I don't really need 5.1. >>



The 5300 and 4400 's are exactly the same, minus the center channel which is just another satellite. I'm not sure if it's just my setup, but I don't hear anything out of the center speaker when playing music anyway.

 

[murphy55d]

You can get Z560s for $110 shipped, after rebate(ty bensbargains . Is that still out of price range??? maybe because of the rebate thing?

Logitech Z-540's are pretty decent too. I have em. $70 at EB.