Speaker Recommendations???

[vicwang]

I'm looking to get some a new set of 2.1 speakers for MP3 and gaming purposes, and I'd appreciate some good recommendations. I live in an apartment so volume and killer bass are very low priorities. I'm really looking for the best fidelity possible, without "harsh" highs and mids. I had a set of Klipsch Promedias but IMO they were both too loud and too harsh--especially after turning down the sub almost all the way, leaving the unbalanced sats to generate most of the sound. So basically they left me with two options: too much earth-shaking bass, or too much harshness from the horn tweeters.

So basically what I'm looking for is:

1) Clear, high-quality sound without "harsh" highs
2) Good, but not-too-powerful sub
3) Less than $100
4) Aesthetics are nice, but not too important
5) Headphone port in one of the sats (not on sub) would be good.

Also, if it makes any difference, I'm currently using my motherboard's (ECS K7S5A) built-in AC97 audio. I might be upgrading to an Audigy at some point but it's a very low priority.

Thanks.

 

[eplebnista]

IMO, I 'd recommend a set of Altec Lansing Speakers. I've owned a couple of their systems and was well pleased with the quality of sound they produce.

hth,
eplebnista

 

[Dundain]

Well again I'd recommend the Altec Lansing ATP3s. You can get them for less than $70 now and I like my set Though I do have my eye on the Logitech z560s...

 

[Tates]

You can pick up set of Labtec Pulse 424's for $49.95 MSRP, and as little as $39.95 . Don't be fooled by the price, the bass unit is kick ass. That same technology went into the Logitech Z560's (Logitech bought Labtec a few months back).

 

[hoihtah]

if you want some serious sounds... by that i mean precise tones...
go with cambridge soundworks' microworks.

they're listed at 150. but in many places you'll find them under 100.

i bought a refurb model from their store for 70.00.

klipsch speakers are nice... but i think they are overkills...
go check them out. and when you go to these stores to compare sounds... make sure you bring your own cd-player and your favorite cd.

that way you'll get a fair comparison.

 

[dpk777]

If you're interested I have a set of the Microsoft Digital Sound 80 Speaker System that are still in excellent condition
I've been thinking about selling them since I got new speakers recently.
These speakers are awesome...you could probably find reviews or even ask fellow anandtechers about them...

PM if interested...

-dpk

 

[MoFunk]

I have the Altec Lansing ATP3 speakers and they really kick a@@.

 

[Darkhawk28]

<< You can pick up set of Labtec Pulse 424's for $49.95 MSRP, and as little as $39.95 . Don't be fooled by the price, the bass unit is kick ass. That same technology went into the Logitech Z560's (Logitech bought Labtec a few months back). >>



I concur wholeheartedly. The Pulse 424's are the absolute best 2.1 speakers under $100 there are. Bar none.

 

[Workin']

I've used the Altec ATP3's and the Labtec Pulse 424's. The ATP3's sound FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR better. Much better highs, more accurate bass (and more of it), better looking, louder, etc.

For $50 the 424's are pretty good. You can get the ATP3's for less than $70, and at that price they are truly outstanding.

 

[NeoMadHatter]

I also have the Altec Lansing ATP3. they are extremely good speakers. however i'm upgrading to the Klipsch ProMedia 4.1 speakers as soon as they get to my house. I like surround sound. I'd highly reccommend the ATP3. they have served me well.

 

[dpk777]

I had the ATP3's but I thought they were kinda weak...but they were ok.

 

[RudeBoie]

<< If you're interested I have a set of the Microsoft Digital Sound 80 Speaker System that are still in excellent condition
I've been thinking about selling them since I got new speakers recently.
These speakers are awesome...you could probably find reviews or even ask fellow anandtechers about them...

PM if interested...

-dpk >>



I have the MS ones too, and they ROCK!
Although, I admit I haven't tried out new computer speakers since these and the Cambridge speakers were considered top of the line (2-3 yrs ago). But then again, I've had no reak reason to consider newer ones

 

[vicwang]

Thanks for all the recommendations! Coincidentally, I asked a co-worker about his speakers and he also has the ATP3's and loves them. I also notice that Dell.com has them for $51.95 with free shipping, so they're about $47 after applying one of the 10% discount codes from techbargains dot com. Sounds like a pretty good deal.

Thanks!

 

[Beatles]

For accuracy and extremely good sound check out the Monsoon series.