What are the best 5.1 computer speakers?

[pcmodem]

Yo,
Nearly ready to take the plunge on a set of computer speakers, but the burning question:


What are the best 5.1 computer speakers available?


Was thinking of buying the Klipsch Promedia 5.1 set for $400.

Thanks,
PCM

 

[sohcrates]

Yeah, the Klipsch are far and away the best rated 5.1's out there....assuming cost is no option.

You're not gonna be disappointed, and it's rare that you're gonna find anyone with anything bad to say about them!

(most of the rants are regarding cost!)

 

[fenrir]

The Klipsch sounded real good to me, but the cost was quite a bit for computer speakers. I don't play DVD's, or listen to music on my computer (that is what the home system is for). So, after reading about the Logitech Z560's, I went with those. They are great for playing games. Just as good as the Klipsch speakers. They can be had for $139 (search the 'Hot Deals' forum as it has come up quite a bit) which allowed me to take the money I saved and buy some other stuff. If you are just going to use them mainly for enjoying games, really conisder getting the Z560's instead of the Promedia's.

Matt

 

[Jackal&Cash]

check this review out.

 

[Piano Man]

The Klipsch are the best overall IMO, but you pay for it. But this is a thread for the best, so there you have it.

 

[luv2liv]

i think spending 400 for a klipsch is insane. might as well spend another 200 for a home theather receiver n speakers.

otherwise, the creative 5.1 5300 is very well. at 99 bucks, its benifit vs cost is pretty high.

 

[TheWart]

I have the Klipsch 4.1, and they rock, so I am assuming that Klipsch 5.1 = teh best. Also, Klipsch tech support/Customer service is really good.

 

[NeoMadHatter]

the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 speakers are awesome. i have them. and they are amazing.

 

[Tallgeese]

<< check this review out. >>

Dunno why they weren't able to include the Klipsch 5.1 in this review, but IMHO, without them in the mix, this roundup is worthless.

Kinda like a roundup of exotic supercars and neglecting to include Lamborghini, or Porsche, or Lotus

 

[Bingo13]

I think for the price that you cannot beat the Monsoon MH505 speakers.

 

[VTBigBear]

another Klipsch fan~~~~

 

[LintMan]

Do a web search on Cambridge Soundworks MegaWorks 510D
Here's one comprehensive review:
3dsoundsurge
PC Magazine online has a review also, but sorry no link for it...

They're just coming available now and I've only seen a few reviews/previews, but all the ones I've seen, including those putting it up against the Klipsch 5.1 give it top ratings. The overall jist of that soundsurge review I linked was that the Klipsch had a somewhat better high range and the 510D had a somewhat better low and mid-range, but overall both speakers were very good and your preference of them would probably be pretty subjective.

As an added bonus, the 510D's cost about $100 less at Newegg ($298 vs. $400!) and the 510D's also offer a digital input (in addition to the analog ones) that works with the Audigy or Live! 5.1 sound card. Not a bad deal at all - I'm gonna go for the 510D's myself when I can fit them in my budget.

 

[im2smrt4u]

<< another Klipsch fan~~~~ >>

 

[GoodRevrnd]

How do the Cambridge Soundworks MegaWorks 510D sound compare to the Klipsch 5.1's? Do the 510D's come with rear speaker stands? Also they are $270 at MWave. > Look in speakers under Creative, it'll say something generic like 'megaworks surround' at $270, but I called up mwave and got the manufacturer part number, and it matched the 510D's exactly. Hurray for MWave being willcall for me!

 

[Muse]

I haven't heard any of them but I read a bunch of posts yesterday on the misc soundcard newsgroup and these people really thought the Klipsch are better for games and maybe DVDs but for music they just don't make it. The nods I saw were for Logitech Z560s, much cheaper, too. Pricewatch shows them for around $140 + shipping.

 

[HendrixFan]

Muse, I would say just the opposite. For gaming it would be about a draw, maybe the Z560s would beat Klipsch even. The Z560s have more power in the sub, which may create a better gaming experience; though it is a little too much for DVDs. Both generate plenty of sound from the satellites.

The bass on the Z560s is very muddy. It may be loud but its not clear. For that reason alone, the Klipsch are much better for music. The Klipsch satellites seem to have a lower range helping to pick up the "upper" low frequencies. Thats just going by ear though, as Logitech refuses to release detailed specs on the Z560s.

The Z560s do win hands down on price, and at $130 they are probably the ideal choice for most people. Its just not true to say they are the better speakers, just a better value for most people.

 

[RyanB18]

<< I think for the price that you cannot beat the Monsoon MH505 speakers. >>


Smartest Comment I have heard yet. These have unbelievable imaging and soundstage and IMO they have better quality than any Klipsch Speaker system. The sub on this system is very tight, but it does not provide a huge amount of bass. If you dont listen to too much bass heavy music, these are definitely a great choice for music quality.

 

[Blurry]

Go with the Klipsch Promedia 5.2. You can't go wrong with those speakers. A friend of mine has a set of the 4.1's and they really do shake the house. However, if BASS and wattage isn't much a concern to you and you lean towards a cleaner, purer sound then go with the Video Logic DTS speakers. I think Anandtech has a review on it and it is very very good. It has Dolby Digital, DTS, I guess there may be ProLogic also.