Speakers

[Sixguns]

I am looking for a new set of speakers. Any ideas for a reasonable price?


Moved from PC Gaming

Anandtech Moderator
KeithTalent

 

[Fanatical Meat]

I have some logitech Z523's that I'm happy with. 5.1 sound on a pc is overrated. Too many wires and junk plus it needs to be super loud to get any effects from them.

 

[bart1975]

I recently upgraded from the crappy speakers built into my tv to the M-Audio StudioPro 3 and they are amazing.

 

[Imp]

If they still make them, I think they do, the Logitech Z-2300s are very good "moderately" priced speakers. If you want to splurge and have the space, the Z-5500s are good too.

Otherwise, you can blow $700 on a hi-fi system like I did and never have to worry about upgrading again.

The Antec Rockscience or whatever line also looks interesting. I know nothing of them other than seeing ads on Anandtech's main page.

 

[Raduque]

Get an affordable home stereo reciever, add in a pair of decent bookshelf speakers, call it done. You can always add in a subwoofer, better speakers, etc as you need or want to. With most sets of computer speakers, you're generally suck with the satellites you get with them.

 

[Zap]

What's the budget?

Dayton Audio B652 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Pair $35

Lepai Tripath TA2020 Class-T Hi-Fi Audio Amplifier $23

 

[repoman0]

Sherwood RX4109 is a decent option for a basic stereo receiver, add a nice set of bookshelves and it will sound great. I got the RX4109 when it was $80 on Amazon, and a set of Pioneer $100 bookshelves and I couldn't be happier. Plenty of room to upgrade speakers down the line too when I have money.

 

[nsafreak]

One addition, I would suggest getting a receiver with a digital input. If you go with analog you're just going to be sending the PC sound and amplifying it. You're typically going to be better off letting the receiver do the work unless you already have an audio card with a high end DAC to output the analog audio.

 

[wuliheron]

I am looking for a new set of speakers. Any ideas for a reasonable price?

Reasonable depends on your budget. However, for most people a simple 2.1 system is good enough for gaming. If you like it loud or with lots of bass then at least 40 watts which is pretty good for a small room. Unless you want something really special that will generally run you at least $60.oo and last at least ten years.

 

[vrait]

Get these: http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=gRgRTqyKIcf20gGWh6CBDA&ved=0CHwQ8wIwAA

The are VERY good, and cheap.

 

[MustangSVT]

What's the budget?

Dayton Audio B652 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Pair $35

Lepai Tripath TA2020 Class-T Hi-Fi Audio Amplifier $23

I dont have experience with that exact setup, but T-amp with decent pair will give amazing sound. The sound stage, clarity and seperation can not be touched by even my favorite logitechs.

highly highly recommanded if you listen to music. but it does have weak "oomph".

 

[Rifter]

One addition, I would suggest getting a receiver with a digital input. If you go with analog you're just going to be sending the PC sound and amplifying it. You're typically going to be better off letting the receiver do the work unless you already have an audio card with a high end DAC to output the analog audio.

good point, but there are some great and cheap USB dac options available nowdays.

I agree with the seperate reciever/amp and bookshelf's thats what im running and couldnt be happier.

 

[Zap]

I dont have experience with that exact setup, but T-amp with decent pair will give amazing sound. The sound stage, clarity and seperation can not be touched by even my favorite logitechs.

highly highly recommanded if you listen to music. but it does have weak "oomph".

Weak "oomph" is probably because they are low wattage, plus if you got the older style T-amps by Sonic/Dayton, they come with underpowered AC adapters. Thus, they will not play super loud. Sound "quality" however, is usually good.

Those speakers I linked to are really basic. Nothing too special, compared to other bookshelf speakers. I own a set of these Daytons, along with some Polk, two different models of BIC and I used to have some KLH. Thus, I've used bookshelf speakers ranging from cheap to (to me) mid priced. Even the cheap bookshelf speakers will usually sound better than most multimedia speakers. They'll just lack bass because it is expected that you use a powered sub with them.

 

[Mike Gayner]

I love my Z-5500's.

 

[MustangSVT]

Weak "oomph" is probably because they are low wattage, plus if you got the older style T-amps by Sonic/Dayton, they come with underpowered AC adapters. Thus, they will not play super loud. Sound "quality" however, is usually good.

Those speakers I linked to are really basic. Nothing too special, compared to other bookshelf speakers. I own a set of these Daytons, along with some Polk, two different models of BIC and I used to have some KLH. Thus, I've used bookshelf speakers ranging from cheap to (to me) mid priced. Even the cheap bookshelf speakers will usually sound better than most multimedia speakers. They'll just lack bass because it is expected that you use a powered sub with them.

yep, those "subwoofers" are good for movies and games, but these t-amp setup is very surprising on its quality per price.

can't find exact link but this is the one im using http://www.hififorum.nu/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=77441.

If you enjoy "diy" things, I recommand trying t-amp and matching it up with a decent stereo speakers. they are amazing. :wub:

 

[Anomaly1964]

Got these from Bestbuy, REALLY good for the money...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Klipsch+...OUlLjDtR0yY7Rx

 

[HomerX]

Audioengine A5 are great speakers!

sound comparable if not better then a cheap receiver + cheap bookshelf speaker set but easier to handle without a lot of cables and they look better imho . you can add a sub too if you need more "oomph".

Aditionally you can plug any mp3 player directly via USB to the speakers and use it as a sceond source for music... or as a stand alone mp3 player "dock" without a Computer.

 

[s1njin]

I personally find these to be awesome. Nice tight sound, decent base, great build quality. The Gen I of these got great reviews, the Gen II's are even better.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042F3K9W

 

[Karstein]

If they still make them, I think they do, the Logitech Z-2300s are very good "moderately" priced speakers.

Seconded. Great speakers for the price.

 

[Imp]

Got these from Bestbuy, REALLY good for the money...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Klipsch+...OUlLjDtR0yY7Rx

Those should be top of the line for computer speakers. They were years ago, but I thought they discontinued them because of a fuse problem. Or was that just the 5.1s?

 

[bentheman939]

Get an affordable home stereo reciever, add in a pair of decent bookshelf speakers, call it done. You can always add in a subwoofer, better speakers, etc as you need or want to. With most sets of computer speakers, you're generally suck with the satellites you get with them.

I agree with this completely. After years and years of "high end" computer speakers, I now realize actual hifi speakers are the way to go. You can find some semidecent receivers for ~$100 and a pair of cheap speakers for ~$200 to start.

 

[stahlhart]

Got these from Bestbuy, REALLY good for the money...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Klipsch+...OUlLjDtR0yY7Rx

+1

 

[Anubis]

Those should be top of the line for computer speakers. They were years ago, but I thought they discontinued them because of a fuse problem. Or was that just the 5.1s?

that was the 5.1s