What Happened to Flagship PC Speakers?

[imported_sjaxkingpin]

The Speaker War ended Suddenly. I'm wondering what happened. Klipsch and Logitech were one-upping each other at every release. Promedia 5.1, Z-680, Promedia Ultra, Z-5500. Then it stopped. No flagship models from either since. Does anyone know what happened to cause this freeze over in new flagship speaker models. By all accounts they were selling well. I realize convergence of PC's with Home Theater Systems is on the rise, but surely this wouldn't account for it.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated as I'm confused and wanting nice speaker models back to choose from. My 680's just died in an unfortunate accident involving a Mountain Dew and a cat and now I can't find a worthy replacement.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

the promedias had some problems with amps, and the z680 have been discountinued for some time. I think producing those speakers didn't make much sense for them since few people shell out that much cash for PC speakers, and the ones that are willing to do so often are also willing to pay a bit more for real speakers (Amp + bookshelves?)

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: unfalliblekrutch... few people shell out that much cash for PC speakers, and the ones that are willing to do so often are also willing to pay a bit more for real speakers (Amp + bookshelves?)

Right! It is a marketing decision. Actually, the audiophile user can do much better with a "real" sound system BELOW the cost of the Flagships - even used "real" audio equipment can be better for less.

 

[Operandi]

I can't speak for anyone else but I'd rather spend $500 on high-end set of PC speakers that will last just about forever then blow it on video card that will be obsolete within 2 years. I'm sure I'm not the only person that feels that way but sadly nobody is targeting that market.

Currently I'm thinking my next set of speakers will be a set of these M-Audio monitors along with a custom sub (I don't like the specs, look or price of M-Audio's own).

 

[HannibalX]

Originally posted by: Operandi
I can't speak for anyone else but I'd rather spend $500 on high-end set of PC speakers that will last just about forever then blow it on video card that will be obsolete within 2 years. I'm sure I'm not the only person that feels that way but sadly nobody is targeting that market.

Currently I'm thinking my next set of speakers will be a set of these M-Audio monitors along with a custom sub (I don't like the specs, look or price of M-Audio's own).

Same here.

I have a nice speaker set I purchased in 2001. I still have it, and it still produces great sound. I purchased an SB Live! 5.1 Gamer at the same time.

I may upgrade this year to an XFI and a new set of speakers. I think after seven years I have gotten my moneys worth from my original $300 investment.

 

[imported_sjaxkingpin]

Originally posted by: Operandi
I can't speak for anyone else but I'd rather spend $500 on high-end set of PC speakers that will last just about forever then blow it on video card that will be obsolete within 2 years. I'm sure I'm not the only person that feels that way but sadly nobody is targeting that market.

Currently I'm thinking my next set of speakers will be a set of these M-Audio monitors along with a custom sub (I don't like the specs, look or price of M-Audio's own).

I'm with ya. For 200 bucks, years ago, I got 5.1 sound, plenty of power and DD and DTS decoding, which I would still be using for years if they hadn't met an untimely demise. I've got a great Denon/Paradim HT in my living room and these speakers couldn't touch it, but of course that's not where my PC is located. I can't think that for around 200 you could put together a decent 5.1 sub/sat combo with a reciever. If someone would care to prove me wrong, I'd be very happy to be in error.

 

[secretanchitman]

yep. still got the speakers from 6 years ago (cambridge soundworks DTT2500 5.1) and it has a receiver that does spdif and dolby digital decoding. im totally fine with it.

for my next build, i might want to get new speakers though. im looking for one that has optical and spdif, 5.1, and is good for the price.

 

[ebeattie]

Im currently using my OOOOLLLDDD Altec Lansing ADA 885's that were the sh!t back in the day. sadly, the subwoofer has lost alot of its omph and Im pretty sure that being used basically everyday for the last 7 years and most of the time pumped up has caused them to loose their luster.

On saturday I pulled the trigger on a set of Z-5500s off of newegg. I had been patiently waiting because they were outta those things for SOOOOOO long. Saw it, got my bonus at work and pulled the trigger the next day.

I never really got into the HTPC side of things. Very much a gamer and I have always like PC speakers. Heck, Ive been around awesome speakers for along time, going back to when creative first came out with thier Soundblaster/CD drive combo waaaaayyyyyy back in the early 90's. So Ive got history with PC speakers.

I want to upgrade my sound card (Just to give you an idea, my 19" Trinitron, ADA 885 speakers and my SB Live! value card are ALL from my first "modern" computer back in 2000). So as it stands in a week or two I will be most likely be getting the X-Fi XtremeGamer. Going to be kinda nice. FINALLY upgraded my speakers and monitor after 7 years in service!