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The best 3 speaker system?

A

ander

Golden Member
I was really set on the Klipsch Promedia 4.1 or the BA4800's, but I decided to go with a three speaker system due to a lack of space and such.

So, other than the Klipsch 2.1 system, what other 3 speaker setups are out there that can be recommended?

Also, I'm dying for a hot deal on the Klipsch speakers or anything else that comes highly recommended.
 
I have an Altec Lansing (ACS33) 3 piece set and they sound pretty good to me (I'm no audiophile by the way). And they only cost CAN$60.
 
Don't know about BEST, but I bought a set of Altec Lansing ACS33 speakers for $40 from my local Fry's, and these are probably the best "value" speakers I've ever bought. Decent sound, cheap, quite small. Small subwoofer, but that's the only real problem.

The best I've ever used, though--and don't laugh--are the Microsoft DSS 80 speakers. These things put out a LOT of power (16W satellites) and have a very pwoerful sub, but MS doesn't make them anymore. You'll be hard-pressed to find them, even on a certain Internet auction website, because everyone who has them wants to hang on to them. 🙂 I'm getting new speakers this fall, and when I told my roommate I was doing that, he immediately placed dibs on my DSS 80 system because he knows how much sound they kick out.
 
While the Klipsch 2.1 speakers appear impressive, I wasn't ready to drop $170. Instead, I picked up Altec Lansing's ATP3 speakers at a computer show. A 6.5" subwoofer in a MDF box, 2 satellites with 3" mid-bass drivers along with 2 small tweeters in each satellite. My price: $58.00. These speakers replaced a 3-piece set from Aiwa that I owned for the past 5+ years. The Aiwa speakers ran me $150 at the time and companies such as Labtec didn't even have 3-piece sets available at the time. These were the best speakers at the time. However, I must say that my Altec Lansing's blow the Aiwa's away. Head over to your local Staples store where they are being sold for $79.99 and give them a test drive.
 
ACS48 STILL kicks too much a$$ even though they've been around longer than Monica Lewinski. 40W sub + 20W satellites (I think). Very good.
 
If you can afford the BA-4800's get those. Even if it means putting the rear speakers on the desktop (as I did), or putting them in the closet, or sending them to me. 😉

If you don't care to spend that much, look into the Altec ATP3's or the BA-790's.
 
Right now, I'm using a Microsoft Digital Sound System 80 and I have to agree that for the price I got them for ($70) these are awesome. I have the speakers up on ebay right now though. I just want to go for a 5.1 set.
 
if you spend the time to demo a pair of ACS-48s, you'll choose no better speaker set in it's price range.

They are one of the most balanced, best sounding speaker sets for the price you'll ever find. You'll find a lot of people recommending them because they seriously kick a ton of ass.

but you don't even need to take our word for it. Go listen to them, and you'll be sold.
 
The Altec Lansing ACS48s still rock... even after 3 years! I have gone through 4 computer upgrades and spent thousands of dollars on vid cards, sounds cards, etc... but am still using the same set of ACS48s.

Enough said!
 
I'm running the Microsoft DSS80's. Great speakers. I still see them at Costco. But...the Altec Lansing ACS 48's are better. They have a lot of punch and better clarity. Still the best out there.
 
Here are my picks for a 2.1 speaker system (that I've actually used/heard):

entry level (under $75):
-Labtec Pulse 424
-Aura Aspect 30/40
-Altec Lansing ACS-45(.2)

mid (under $125):
-Altec Lansing ACS-48
-Yamaha YST-MS50
-Cambridge Soundworks Microworks
-Boston Acoustics Media Theater

expensive (over $125):
-Klipsch 2.1

They are somewhat ordered according to price (or my perception of their prices). All of them are great speaker sets. Obviously the more expensive ones will beat out the cheaper ones, but take my advice, go find as many of the above sets as possible, and take an extensive "test-listen". Stay over at a friend's house, buy a couple of sets and keep the one you want, etc..
 
monsoons have great clarity, but the mh-700 lacks bass, and is a little low on mids as well. Not as full as sound as the acs-48s. My bro has a set. Great 3d imaging, but really not as good.
 
The thing I personally do not like about the Monsoon speakers, and all other flat panel speakers, is that they are very directional. As a result, the "sweetspot" for optimal listening is very limited too.

It's a personal preference though, just my 2 cents
 
I think it's really between the BA4800, Klipsch Promedia 2.1, and ACS48 systems then. SOMEONE FIND ME A DEAL!
 
The BA4800 sound awesome. Tough to beat for the price. Check out Outpost.com. I got mine about 6 months ago for $150/incl. overnight shipping. I'd have to assume they are even cheaper now.
 


<< The BA4800 sound awesome. Tough to beat for the price. Check out Outpost.com. I got mine about 6 months ago for $150/incl. overnight shipping. I'd have to assume they are even cheaper now.
>>

Wrong. 😉 They are even more expensive. It's probably because they are now brought to you by Tweeter, whatever that is. 😉

If anyone finds a deal on the BA4800's, pass it along to me please. I'm in the same boat as ander and I've pretty much decided on the BA4800's, but not for $150 if I can help it.

Sal


 
i really like my cambridge microworks. so much that i bought one pair after my 1st died and now thinking of buying another set for a 4.2 system
 
I killed my ACS48's 🙁 I think I turned them up too loud for too long. Thinking about the promedias myself. I'm using my reciever right now(but my TV misses it). That might be a good option for ya, If I come across an older reciever for sale I may get it instead.
 
I'd still go with the BA4800.
Put the rears on the desk, or even box them.

Then you have a great 2.1 system and if you get enough room later you can expand to 4.1
 
Yeah, sounds like the BA4800 is a good idea.
I did find the ACS48 speakers for $89.99 . Not sure if it's a good deal or not though.
And also, the Monsoon speakers, saw 'em for $129. I'll look up where I saw that, if it's a good deal and if anyone is interested.
 
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