Speakers?

[Fishy4004]

I was planning on getting some speakers for pc as the speakers built into my monitor are very low quality (like through a tunnel). What do you guys recommend, something medium sized as my desk is not THAT big.

 

[fralexandr]

Budget and intended use/what do you listen to?
If you just want something cheapish, maybe the logitech z313
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/logite...=1&gclid=CPGho-WasdoCFVcwgQodRJMP8A&gclsrc=ds

 

[Fishy4004]

Budget and intended use/what do you listen to?

Anything <100. I mostly have friends over and we'll play video games and speakers make it better to listen for everyone. I listen to music, play around and try to make my own music, video games, and movies.

 

[fralexandr]

the swan m10 are good, but the midwoofer takes up quite a bit of desk space, so the swan d1010 would be a good option
https://www.amazon.com/Swan-Speaker...TF8&qid=1523421470&sr=1-1&keywords=swan+d1010

the Mackie cr3 are probably a good fit also
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...h-creative-reference-multimedia-monitors-pair

and there's the m-audio av32
https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-10-W...8&qid=1523421773&sr=1-1&keywords=m-audio+av32

if you keep an eye on slickdeals or some deal sites you might be able to get the m-audio av42 for ~$100, or the mackie cr3/cr4 for cheaper as they've been on sale periodically.

-----
you could also go with a T-amp + bookshelf speaker if you don't mind having a bit more clutter on the desk. This would get you better sound quality and more options, though the passive speakers tend to be bigger, since they're usually not designed to fit on desks.
https://www.amazon.com/Lepy-Amplifi...rd_wg=RBE3B&psc=1&refRID=9S1T81CXGZGKTR3X5P1C
https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B452-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00Q3MF9YQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1523422778&sr=1-6&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin:5883413011
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com...=1523423558&sr=1-5&keywords=3.5mm+audio+cable

 

[Fishy4004]

the swan m10 are good, but the midwoofer takes up quite a bit of desk space, so the swan d1010 would be a good option
https://www.amazon.com/Swan-Speaker...TF8&qid=1523421470&sr=1-1&keywords=swan+d1010

the Mackie cr3 are probably a good fit also
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...h-creative-reference-multimedia-monitors-pair

and there's the m-audio av32
https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-10-W...8&qid=1523421773&sr=1-1&keywords=m-audio+av32

if you keep an eye on slickdeals or some deal sites you might be able to get the m-audio av42 for ~$100, or the mackie cr3/cr4 for cheaper as they've been on sale periodically.

-----
you could also go with a T-amp + bookshelf speaker if you don't mind having a bit more clutter on the desk. This would get you better sound quality and more options, though the passive speakers tend to be bigger, since they're usually not designed to fit on desks.
https://www.amazon.com/Lepy-Amplifi...rd_wg=RBE3B&psc=1&refRID=9S1T81CXGZGKTR3X5P1C
https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B452-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00Q3MF9YQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1523422778&sr=1-6&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin:5883413011
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com...=1523423558&sr=1-5&keywords=3.5mm+audio+cable

I like the options, but they're a bit too big. Maybe something smaller, like these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016...340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bassgroove+basspulse

 

[daveybrat]

I like the options, but they're a bit too big. Maybe something smaller, like these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016...340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bassgroove+basspulse

Those are garbage. 22% of the reviews are 1 star. For $59 you can do a whole lot better. Stick with Logitech, Creative Labs, or even Cyber Acoustics for your price range.

Heck these are only $39.99 and actually sound pretty good:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0027VT6V...dbbc45b813c4&ie=UTF8&qid=1523448615&sr=2&th=1

 

[fralexandr]

For smaller speakers <100 some good options are
Gigaworks t20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RNOHD...t=&hvlocphy=9031107&hvtargid=pla-384404851325

Or bose companion 2.0
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C...6_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bose+companion+2

 

[Oyeve]

For smaller speakers <100 some good options are
Gigaworks t20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RNOHD...t=&hvlocphy=9031107&hvtargid=pla-384404851325

Or bose companion 2.0
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C...6_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bose+companion+2

I'll vouch for the T20s. I use them at work and they sound great

 

[LincolnBailey49]

I would get a set of studio monitors. They sound great and can be quite small. Genelec makes really good speakers and KRK makes some lower cost ones that are decent. If you ever decide to get into any kind of creative work, you'll have your monitors ready to go.

 

[stAbb]

Dear Fishy

I'd also go for the mackies for 100 dollars if I really needed small speakers.
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR-CR3-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4E/

But, if space is the issue and your goal is the best sound, I would recommend headphones.
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E

If loudspeakers could break the laws of physics, I would have a pair of 2 inch speakers to carry around with me everywhere.
Sadly, I have two dinky 5 inch monitors and a sub-woofer the size of a coffee-table instead because I've yet to find such a system.

Thus I just carry those headphones around with my everywhere. I highly recommended them.

With kind regards,
stAbb

 

[MrSquished]

I think I'm going to trade out my T40 speakers for a pair of small studio monitors, the
PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5"

 

[MrSquished]

I think I'm going to trade out my T40 speakers for a pair of small studio monitors, the
PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5"

definitely an upgrade. bass sounds more full, the overall sound is more full. Got the 3.5's for $89 at B&H with free overnight local shipping. Wanted the 4.5's but desktop space is that tight plus the extra $100 is out of the cards. I'll be selling my T40's if the girl doesn't want them.

 

[shortylickens]

I got a cheapass Lepai amp and hooked it up to some old speakers I had sitting around being useless. I recommend you do the same.

 

[Oyeve]

definitely an upgrade. bass sounds more full, the overall sound is more full. Got the 3.5's for $89 at B&H with free overnight local shipping. Wanted the 4.5's but desktop space is that tight plus the extra $100 is out of the cards. I'll be selling my T40's if the girl doesn't want them.

Do you still have the T40s? LMK if selling. I may be interested.

 

[MrSquished]

Do you still have the T40s? LMK if selling. I may be interested.

yeah I'm selling them. Just been too forgetful to list them on craigslist. But they are available. They are in fine shape.

PM me.

 

[Oyeve]

yeah I'm selling them. Just been too forgetful to list them on craigslist. But they are available. They are in fine shape.

PM me.

PM sent.

 

[sham63]

I bought some Creative T10 speakers a few years ago and have been happy with them. I think they would work well for your intended use.

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Inspire-Multimedia-BasXPort-Technology/dp/B00113PUJQ

 

[lenjack]

Ebay. Cambridge Soundworks PC Works. Not made any more. About $50. You'll swear they cost $300.

 

[jhansman]

I have to agree that you don't want to go cheap. I've used a couple of Logitech 2.1 systems over the years, and generally the more you spend, the more you get in fidelity and overall quality with them. Don't expect a 2.0 system to handle the lower frequencies the way a dedicated subwoofer can. If you want/need that bottom end, go ahead and pay for it.

 

[quartzz1]

I've mixed these

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-Clip...esktop-PC-Notebook-Mini-Speakers/112987844865

with these

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-2024.../B00SGW5I7O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539109287

Total cost...about £60, which is $100 ish.

The trusts take care of the bass nicely, and the clip on speakers handle the treble.

 

[fire400]

Agreed with the amp system.

Klipsch promedia 2.1 uses a variable amp booster in its default configuration, which sends enough power to the speakers when it needs it.
If paired with a simple mixer (for EQ hardware passthrough), and a quality USB DAC, the audiophile level at such a low cost, will be phenomenal.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Ebay. Cambridge Soundworks PC Works. Not made any more. About $50. You'll swear they cost $300.

I had a set of those, they were really awesome back in the day for the price.

I also miss Labtec, and Advent. Their "Powered Partners" speakers were great!

I'm in the same situation as OP, want some small-ish speakers that sound better than my TV's built-ins.

I got two of my friends a refurb Z313 set for $20, they're both still using them to this day.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

my M-audio speakers were the best computer speakers I've ever had... Blows my klipsch Promedia 2.1 away. Worst was a Logitech set for $100-150, I believe their THX 2.1 system.

 

[dlerious]

I picked up a Logitech Z333 on sale ($50). I have some 2.1 Edifiers here too S330D.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Mark me down as a happy Edifier 1280 owner.