Speaker & Sound Card Dilemma

[imported_Imp]

I've been using Altec Lansin(sp?) AC33s for a horrifically long 5+ years. I've contemplated getting a new set a few months ago, but backed off to save money; that and I didn't really have a GOOD excuse. Although, people have told me my sound is weird, and I have noticed little bass. Lately, they've started tripping on when someone walks by, which appears to me as a valid excuse.

Anyways, I currently use onboard sound from a Realtek 97 chip. I'm wondering if I should go with a new set or get a sound card first? I used a SB Live for however long I had the AC33s, but switched systems lately. I heard something about a good set showing off the crappyness of the onboard. I'm not an audiophile, and obviously get by with mediocrity, but it feels like I'm missing out. So, my budget for speakers is $100-ish , could slide a bit higher since they will be used for years. Mostly, I use them for music, movies and games (thoughI haven't found anything all that good lately). Also, sticking with 2.1, I would love 5 speakers, but can't figure out where to put 3 of them, and don't realy have the money. I am currently looking at the Logitech Z-2300s, X-230 and Altec M5021. Any suggestions?

Looking at this store right now:
http://www.filtechcomputer.com/product/default.asp

 

[shortylickens]

In the hundred dollar range, you would do better to get a quality 2.0 or 2.1 system versus a weak-ass 5.1 system.

Most folks around here would recommend the Swans or Logitech Z-2300's. If you dig around online you could find them for a hundred bucks.

My personal favorite stereo system is the Klipsch Promedia 2.1. Also available for $100 if you really search hard. It would be easier to get the Klipsch GMX 2.1 system but I dont like it as much.

Actually, are you sure you can only spend 100?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121121

This is an AWESOME system for the money. I got it for $180 and it was a great deal back then. Its not an UBER-L33T audio setup, but its good enough that you wont want cheap onboard sound anymore.

 

[alcoholbob]

Since Swans are hard to find at $100...out of all the suggestions I've seen, I would go with the Altec M5021, especially for sound quality and musical enjoyment. Assuming you could get it at that price--eBay?

 

[alcoholbob]

You could actually probably pull off a Klipsch 5.1 Ultra for $100 on eBay.

 

[alcoholbob]

repeat post.

 

[AsianriceX]

If you have an EBGames near you, they're clearancing out the Logitech X-530's for 30 bucks. They're not bad if money is tight.

As for Klipsch, I had the Promedia 2.1's for a long time and they served me well. Very nice for a computer setup.

At one point in time I also had Logitech Z-5300's. There was too much boomy bass even with the sub levels cranked low for my taste, so I sold them off a week after I bought them.

Then I upgraded to a Klipsch iFi set.

 

[alcoholbob]

Haha...yeah.

$153 for Altec Lansing MX5021...or $200 for a Klipsch iFi...oh the torment.