Speaker Recommendation for Sound Blaster ZxR

[capmeo]

I have a Sound Blaster ZxR card. I am looking to purchase a 2.1 speaker set-up. My budget is in the $300 range and my primary use is gaming. I appreciate any and all recommendations.

 

[taq8ojh]

$300 for speakers AND a subwoofer for that card? I'm sorry to rain on your parade, but I feels like you should have stuck to onboard sound chip... I think this was waste of money if you only want to/can spend this much on speakers.

 

[capmeo]

Thanks Octo - Not raining at all. What would you recommend? Forget about the $300

 

[taq8ojh]

I'd like to refrain from recommending anything, because I really don't know much about audio at all, but let's put it this way: I have ZxR as well (and it was probably pointless because my ears are shite ), and bought Canton Chrono 502.2 speakers, classic stereo (I think half decent subwoofer could cost just as much alone). They cost me something like $500 after some discount, and I feel like something twice as expensive wouldn't theoretically be a waste at all. They just aren't big enough to make the sound really shine. I can't really play them too loud because of the bass limitation due to their size.

 

[Hugh Jass]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...0&linkCode=as2
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...0&linkCode=as2

 

[capmeo]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...0&linkCode=as2
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...0&linkCode=as2

I was looking at the Audioengine A2 as well as the M-Audio AV40 below.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileAV40.html

 

[Hugh Jass]

I was looking at the Audioengine A2 as well as the M-Audio AV40 below.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileAV40.html

Either would be excellent options.

 

[XavierMace]

If you're that concerned about audio, why aren't you running it through a receiver? I'm running audio through my R9 290X to my Denon receiver via HDMI to Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 Ultra's with a BIC F12 sub. I'm certainly no audiophile but I'm quite happy with the sound output both listening to music and watching Blu-Rays.

Unless you are seriously picky about your sound, I personally don't think $300 for a 2.1 setup is unreasonable. The previously mentioned M-Audio's are $120, the BIC F12 is $180 (both on Amazon with Prime). I don't think you'll be unhappy with that setup. I personally couldn't imagine speaking $1k on just a pair of speakers hooked up to my computers sound card. I'm sure they are fantastic speakers, but I can get a pretty damn nice 5.1 setup for that price.

 

[yhelothar]

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605500&seq=1&format=2

These are rebadged M-Audio BX5. They have fairly large 5" drivers. They're a notch above the AV40/Audioengine A2. Spend the leftover money on a nice 10" subwoofer.

 

[inachu]

I got tired of my speakers. nothing but rat nest of wires all over and I'm sick of it.

I am just using the HDMI to the LED tv monitor with built in sound it sounds great!

 

[Throckmorton]

If you're that concerned about audio, why aren't you running it through a receiver? I'm running audio through my R9 290X to my Denon receiver via HDMI to Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 Ultra's with a BIC F12 sub. I'm certainly no audiophile but I'm quite happy with the sound output both listening to music and watching Blu-Rays.

Unless you are seriously picky about your sound, I personally don't think $300 for a 2.1 setup is unreasonable. The previously mentioned M-Audio's are $120, the BIC F12 is $180 (both on Amazon with Prime). I don't think you'll be unhappy with that setup. I personally couldn't imagine speaking $1k on just a pair of speakers hooked up to my computers sound card. I'm sure they are fantastic speakers, but I can get a pretty damn nice 5.1 setup for that price.

No need to run through a receiver if you have a good sound card or USB DAC.

I think $300 can easily get you audiophile quality sound... Remember the Swan M200 speakers? The M-Audio ones are well regarded

Wait, the Swans are still around http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836136102

 

[XavierMace]

No need to run through a receiver if you have a good sound card or USB DAC.

Need? No. But if you're spending $250 on a sound card, why not just get a receiver which does the same thing but better?

I think maybe you misunderstood me. I ran the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 Ultra's through a couple of different sound cards over the years. I was never unhappy with the sound quality and I never spent $250 on a Sound Card. But once HDMI became standard, I figured why bother with the sound card? I'm going to be using HDMI regardless and now I can use my speakers for my 360/PS3 as well rather than the TV's speakers.

However my point was, the OP is looking at $1,000 for just a pair of speakers. I'm assuming he's got higher standards in sound than I do. I can't say I've ever compared the sound quality of a $250 sound card to even a $250 receiver (say a Denon AVR-E300) but I can't imagine the Sound Card being any better (maybe that's a lack of imagination on my part). You get far more for your money with a receiver.

I snagged my receiver on a Woot special or something like that for like $300. 2 zones, 4k upconvert, like 5 HDMI inputs. Not to mention being able to use a remote to control my volume without using a 5 1/2 bay. Not saying you can't get good quality sound out of a sound card, it just seems like a waste.

 

[Hugh Jass]

Wait, the Swans are still around http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836136102

Out of stock.