speakers

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: dsj
What is the difference between the z and the x? and the why are logitechs better than the alteclansings? the alteclansing vs4121 goes down to 20 hz and the logictechs goes only to 35 hz. And I'm not sure If I like a lot of bass in the movies. I don't like EXTREMELY low or high sounds. And I live in canada.

The "x" series are the newer versions of Logitech's midrange line. The x-530s replaced the z-640s. The x-230s replaced teh z-340s.

I can garauntee you that you're not going to find any speaker set for $100 that goes down to 20hz with any reasonable output. I spend $430 on my subwoofer and it's about the cheapest sub you can get that will go down to 20hz and lower.

The vs4121's may be vibrating if you give them a 20hz signal, but it will be very very quiet compared to the higher stuff. Subwoofers tend to "roll off" below a certain frequency. For example, my sub rolls off at about 20hz. My sub is still producing sound in the low teens, but it's so much quieter that you can't include it in the frequency range it covers. In HT speakers, the range is usually reported with a +/- 3dB rating after it... meaning that if it's 3dB quieter at a 20hz in my example, that's how low they say it can go.

In computer speakers like the vs4121's, they're probably reporting the 20hz based on the fact that it has some measureable output. They might be able to call it 20hz to 20khz +/- 30dB, but it's not really going to get very low.

I think the 35hz rating on the logitechs is a lot easier to believe. Below 20hz is where it stops being something you can hear and moves into the tactile range. 35hz is plenty low for music and will give you plenty of rumbling in movies if you desire.

The bass will be adjustable on the Logitech sets, so you can turn it down if it's too much.

 

[eXx08]

On your question about the difference between Altec Lansing and Logitech is Altec is more expensive and Logitech is more bang for the buck type people wich is what you want.

 

[dsj]

Will the surround sound for the 4 speakers really work? I can't place the speakers around me because the computer desk doesn't go in a circle around my chair. If I place them side by side beside the monitor then won't it sound the same as a 2.1 set? And is a 2.1 system better for listening to music? Because I listen to music and watch movies and play games. But I don't really care for the ingame sounds, just the dvds and music. And how are the x's worse than the zs? didn't you say that the X series is newer? And the vs4121 only goes up to 15khz so that's bad right? thanks.

 

[dsj]

Originally posted by: thekillerjks
On your question about the difference between Altec Lansing and Logitech is Altec is more expensive and Logitech is more bang for the buck type people wich is what you want.

If altec lansing is better then does that mean their speakers will produce better sounds?

 

[eXx08]

It will sound the like 5.1 if you get it and just place them facing outward so the sound has to travel the other way before it reaches you. Place it like this ><you>< each of the < represents a speaker.

 

[eXx08]

Originally posted by: dsj

Originally posted by: thekillerjks
On your question about the difference between Altec Lansing and Logitech is Altec is more expensive and Logitech is more bang for the buck type people wich is what you want.

If altec lansing is better then does that mean their speakers will produce better sounds?

It is not better it is just more expensive.

 

[dsj]

Are the z5300e and z5300 the same speakers?

 

[dsj]

which one? the 2.1 speakers?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

You can wall mount speakers or put them on tables / furnature. This would be ideal placement, but if you can get the surrounds somewhere to the side or in back of you that would be good enough.

If you're going to end up putting the surrounds right next to the fronts, then I'd say don't bother with the 5.1 sets and just get a nicer 2.1 set.

My friend has the 4121's for his computer and uses Paradigm Phantoms for his Home Theater. He's pretty happy with the 4121's for his computer and he knows what something good is supposed to sound like.

I only heard them briefly, but I think they would be a pretty good choice for you.

They have a downfiring midrange (kind of a strange design) and two tweeters per satellite.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: dsj
Are the z5300e and z5300 the same speakers?

Yeah, they just look different.

 

[dsj]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
You can wall mount speakers or put them on tables / furnature. This would be ideal placement, but if you can get the surrounds somewhere to the side or in back of you that would be good enough.

If you're going to end up putting the surrounds right next to the fronts, then I'd say don't bother with the 5.1 sets and just get a nicer 2.1 set.

My friend has the 4121's for his computer and uses Paradigm Phantoms for his Home Theater. He's pretty happy with the 4121's for his computer and he knows what something good is supposed to sound like.

I only heard them briefly, but I think they would be a pretty good choice for you.

They have a downfiring midrange (kind of a strange design) and two tweeters per satellite.

So do you mean that you recommend the vs4121? What about it only goes to 15khz and the others go up to 20 khz? Or is another logitech 2.1 speaker better? And is what thekillerjks said true? That alteclansings are overpriced logitechs? So If I can't place them around me then 5.1 is useless right? I don't have the room to place rs and ls speakers in your diagram.

 

[dsj]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: dsj
Are the z5300e and z5300 the same speakers?

Yeah, they just look different.

so now shouldn't get that right? I should only get a 2.1 speaker right?

 

[eXx08]

No still get the x-530, trust me you will be happy with your purchase.

 

[dsj]

Originally posted by: thekillerjks
No still get the x-530, trust me you will be happy with your purchase.

but he said you have to put the speakers around you for surround sound.

 

[Safeway]

Klipsch 5.1 Ultras

 

[eXx08]

Originally posted by: dsj

Originally posted by: thekillerjks
No still get the x-530, trust me you will be happy with your purchase.

but he said you have to put the speakers around you for surround sound.

No he meant you can mount them to your wall or put them on furniture and stuff if not just put one speaker facing toward you and one facing to your left or right. Like so:

><YOU!!!!!><

 

[eXx08]

And by the way just to let you know I only have a straight desk that doesn't wrap around me and I can still here 5.1 fine.

 

[dsj]

Originally posted by: Safeway
Klipsch 5.1 Ultras

how much are those?

 

[Crusty]

Talk about the blind leading the blind... thankfully YoYo came in here to set people straight.

 

[dsj]

Originally posted by: thekillerjks
And by the way just to let you know I only have a straight desk that doesn't wrap around me and I can still here 5.1 fine.

I usually put the speakers infront of me pointing towards me. and I don't understand ><YOU!!!!!>< the speakers are on my side according to the diagram but the desk doesn't go onto my side.

 

[dsj]

Originally posted by: MCrusty
Talk about the blind leading the blind... thankfully YoYo came in here to set people straight.

so who is the most correct here? and who is incorrect?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: dsj

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
You can wall mount speakers or put them on tables / furnature. This would be ideal placement, but if you can get the surrounds somewhere to the side or in back of you that would be good enough.

If you're going to end up putting the surrounds right next to the fronts, then I'd say don't bother with the 5.1 sets and just get a nicer 2.1 set.

My friend has the 4121's for his computer and uses Paradigm Phantoms for his Home Theater. He's pretty happy with the 4121's for his computer and he knows what something good is supposed to sound like.

I only heard them briefly, but I think they would be a pretty good choice for you.

They have a downfiring midrange (kind of a strange design) and two tweeters per satellite.

So do you mean that you recommend the vs4121? What about it only goes to 15khz and the others go up to 20 khz? Or is another logitech 2.1 speaker better? And is what thekillerjks said true? That alteclansings are overpriced logitechs? So If I can't place them around me then 5.1 is useless right? I don't have the room to place rs and ls speakers in your diagram.

I think you'll end up with less bass than a similarly priced logitech set the 2300s for example, but the midrange/tweeter combo of the Altecs would probably be a little better sounding than the Logitech sets.

I don't think I'd call any speaker an overpriced version of another unless they were made in the same factory.

If someday you think you might be able to place them in a surround orientation like the dolby link I made, then it would be a good idea to get a 5.1 set now, but if you're pretty sure these speakers are all going to be next to each other, just get a 2.1 set.

I understand what thekillerjks is saying about putting them facing outwards so they reflect off the walls, but that's not really what you want to have happen. Especially in games you want to be able to localize where the sound is coming from.

Also, no offense, but if thekillerjks thinks that x-530s are "the best speakers ever", maybe you should take his advice with a grain of salt. I'm not saying the 530s are bad, in fact that's my standard recommendation for a 5.1 set in the $50 range, but they're not the solution for everyone.

If you want some great info on speakers, check out AVSforum and Hometheaterforum. They don't have a lot of info on computer speakers, but a ton of info on audio products in general.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: dsj

Originally posted by: Safeway
Klipsch 5.1 Ultras

how much are those?

Out of your pricerange

EDIT: Oh, and really... go out to a store and listen to some. We can argue all day about what's best, but you should go out and hear what you like the best. Stores don't offer a very favorable listening environment, but it's nice to get a basic feel for the sets too.

EDIT #2: Don't worry too much about the frequency response numbers. Unless they have a graph or something, don't take what they're saying seriously. It's amazing the number of computer speaker systems have a frequency response that ends exactly at 20kHz 😉

 

[dsj]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: dsj

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
You can wall mount speakers or put them on tables / furnature. This would be ideal placement, but if you can get the surrounds somewhere to the side or in back of you that would be good enough.

If you're going to end up putting the surrounds right next to the fronts, then I'd say don't bother with the 5.1 sets and just get a nicer 2.1 set.

My friend has the 4121's for his computer and uses Paradigm Phantoms for his Home Theater. He's pretty happy with the 4121's for his computer and he knows what something good is supposed to sound like.

I only heard them briefly, but I think they would be a pretty good choice for you.

They have a downfiring midrange (kind of a strange design) and two tweeters per satellite.

So do you mean that you recommend the vs4121? What about it only goes to 15khz and the others go up to 20 khz? Or is another logitech 2.1 speaker better? And is what thekillerjks said true? That alteclansings are overpriced logitechs? So If I can't place them around me then 5.1 is useless right? I don't have the room to place rs and ls speakers in your diagram.

I think you'll end up with less bass than a similarly priced logitech set the 2300s for example, but the midrange/tweeter combo of the Altecs would probably be a little better sounding than the Logitech sets.

I don't think I'd call any speaker an overpriced version of another unless they were made in the same factory.

If someday you think you might be able to place them in a surround orientation like the dolby link I made, then it would be a good idea to get a 5.1 set now, but if you're pretty sure these speakers are all going to be next to each other, just get a 2.1 set.

I understand what thekillerjks is saying about putting them facing outwards so they reflect off the walls, but that's not really what you want to have happen. Especially in games you want to be able to localize where the sound is coming from.

Also, no offense, but if thekillerjks thinks that x-530s are "the best speakers ever", maybe you should take his advice with a grain of salt. I'm not saying the 530s are bad, in fact that's my standard recommendation for a 5.1 set in the $50 range, but they're not the solution for everyone.

If you want some great info on speakers, check out AVSforum and Hometheaterforum. They don't have a lot of info on computer speakers, but a ton of info on audio products in general.

which one is better?
http://www.alteclansing.com/downloads/2100%20sell%20sheet.pdf
http://www.alteclansing.com/downloads/vs4121%20sell%20sheet.pdf

They are priced the same but I think the 2100 is discontinued. so is the 4121 a newer model? And do stores let people take the speakers out of the boxes and listen to them? and I'm not sure that my ears are the most sensitive.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Every Best Buy I have been to has had floor models already out and hooked up. You know how stores have a whole wall of TVs out and playing the same thing? It's like that, but there should be a bunch of computer speakers set up in an area with buttons to select which ones play.

I haven't heard the 2100s at all to compare, but it looks like the satellites on those are just a couple tweeters while the sub takes care of much of the midrange and bass. You want to keep as much of the sound in the satellites as possible (above around 80hz to 100hz). Below that point, it's very hard to tell where the sound is coming from which is why dedicated subs work so well.

Oh wow, I didn't scroll down before on the pdf files... it looks like they have a lot of the info I've been talking about already there.

Yeah, a system based off a 6.5" sub, 3" midranges, and a couple tweeters... wait... uhhh... micro fullrange drivers.... seems like a better configuraiton that just some 4"-ers and the micros.

It's more a matter of knowing what to listen for than being as sensitive for your ears (unless you have hearing loss). I know a couple of the things to listen for, but I'm pretty newb-ish at audio auditions. I've read a lot of stuff, but I don't have the real hands on experience that a ton of guys of AVSforum and several here at Anandtech have.