Recommend me a pair of speakers that I can use with..

[CraKaJaX]

I am currently looking to buy a pair of 2.1 channel speakers. The thing is, I want to be able to use them with my computer (at school) and also at home in my garage as outputs for my Firepod. The Firepod is a recording device I have hooked up to a computer in my garage... the outputs are 1/4" on it -- you can see it here if you have no idea what I'm talking about. Anyway, I was wondering what my best options would be. I'm in the price range of ~$300 for the set. They don't have to be anything ridiculous, just something that will give me a decent sound.

Also, would I need to get some sort of adapter/converter from 1/4" to 1/8" if I wanted to use them with both applications? Or depending on which speakers I end up getting, do they have both inputs on them? Just wondering..

Thanks guys.

 

[sdifox]

Why don't you just get some studio monitors? They have 1/4 inch balanced and rca input. All you need is a minijack to rca cable for your omputer at school.

an example

http://www.soundonsound.com/so.../articles/krkrokit.htm

click on the back panel picture.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Originally posted by: sdifox
Why don't you just get some studio monitors? They have 1/4 inch balanced and rca input. All you need is a minijack to rca cable for your omputer at school.

an example

http://www.soundonsound.com/so.../articles/krkrokit.htm

click on the back panel picture.

That's what I basically came here for... ideas/recommendations. The second paragraph in the op was basically asking that question about the inputs. Do you recommend and brands/models I should be looking at within my price range? I'd be willing to go a bit higher if I had to.

 

[hans030390]

Are you opposed to building your own speakers? You could really get a great deal then. There are tons of guides online (look for Zaph audio and guides on Parts Express).

Actually, there's a DIY kit on parts express, the Dayton BR-1 kit ($150/pair). You'll need very basic soldering skills (it's super easy), a few hours, a screwdriver, and some hot glue to put it all together (the enclosure is pre-assembled). They sound as good as most commercial $300-400 dollar bookshelf speakers. I have them, and they sound great (there's a peak in the midrange, and you might want a subwoofer to fill out the lower frequencies).

With that, you could probably find a cheap/used stereo receiver. Just find a cable (monoprice?) that takes your computer's output and converts to RCA. If you already have one, you're good to go.

That's what I do...

Sorry if I'm completely off, here.

 

[Tiamat]

The easiest route is to buy a powered studio monitor. M-audio has some offerings in your price range. Audioengine also has some speakers that may work. You would have to go to a place like radioshack to buy the associated converters.

Your local guitar center should have some that you can look at. You can also buy from places like sweetwater.com. In the case of audioengine, you can buy them directly from the manufacturers website.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Originally posted by: hans030390
Are you opposed to building your own speakers? You could really get a great deal then. There are tons of guides online (look for Zaph audio and guides on Parts Express).

Actually, there's a DIY kit on parts express, the Dayton BR-1 kit ($150/pair). You'll need very basic soldering skills (it's super easy), a few hours, a screwdriver, and some hot glue to put it all together (the enclosure is pre-assembled). They sound as good as most commercial $300-400 dollar bookshelf speakers. I have them, and they sound great (there's a peak in the midrange, and you might want a subwoofer to fill out the lower frequencies).

With that, you could probably find a cheap/used stereo receiver. Just find a cable (monoprice?) that takes your computer's output and converts to RCA. If you already have one, you're good to go.

That's what I do...

Sorry if I'm completely off, here.

I would be all for buying a DIY kit, except I'm at school and really have no time and place to do it.

Can you recommend anything else?

 

[herm0016]

the krk rockets are good powerd monitors. also the maudios are very good. I also think these would be your best choice.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: CraKaJaX

Originally posted by: sdifox
Why don't you just get some studio monitors? They have 1/4 inch balanced and rca input. All you need is a minijack to rca cable for your omputer at school.

an example

http://www.soundonsound.com/so.../articles/krkrokit.htm

click on the back panel picture.

That's what I basically came here for... ideas/recommendations. The second paragraph in the op was basically asking that question about the inputs. Do you recommend and brands/models I should be looking at within my price range? I'd be willing to go a bit higher if I had to.

Speakers are more about taste than anything else. Go to a music instrument store and you can listen to all the near field studio monitors they carry.

 

[cheesehead]

The Behringer 2030Ps aren't bad for the money, as are the M-Audio BX5As. (Note that anything below the BX5A in M-audio's lineup is trash, as is a lot of other Behringer stuff.)

If you have the $$$$, KRK makes some stellar speakers.

 

[Blurry]

Highly Recommended