speakers PC Speakers

[Daedroth]

Hey. It's been a while since I've been in the market for PC speakers, so I'm after a little advice. I've always bought Creative speakers, as they're my preferred brand, but I'm open to suggestions. I tend to listen to music and play a fair amount of games, so that's the main use for the speakers.

My requirements are:

2.0 or 2.1 only.

~?30 (preferably less)

Good sound quality

The problem with my existing speakers (Creative T10 2.0) is that the left speaker keep dropping volume levels, especially when using the volume control on the master right speaker.

[philcruicks]

Deff get 2.1 if you can, extra bass makes all the difference.

I've got the Logitech X-240's always been very happy with them (but they don't make em any more)

newer version is the Z323 (just over your budget)

http://www.amazon.co...1&keywords=Z323

or the LS21's though not as good and at only a few quid cheaper I'd deff spend the little extra for the Z323's http://www.amazon.co...s=Logitech+LS21

I believe creative still make the T10's so could always just get another set if you like them....

If you want to stay creative, but a different model (i.e. with .1 then you've got the A220's http://www.ebuyer.co...s-51mf0400aa008

Though looks like their about to be replaced buy the A250's http://uk.store.crea...50/4-21510.aspx

[fusi0n]

For the price, you can beat Z323

[(Account no longer active)]

Make sure you get something with adjustable bass.

I've always been a fan of Creative - they probably offer the best performance in terms of their class/price, and are well built. Some generic brands are not bad also. I haven't had much experience with other brands.

2.1 will be better, unless you get a 2.0 system with good low end response (which are usually more expensive than a 2.1 system).

[Crisp]

I've been looking at the Z323's... but holding out for a new amp to hook my PC to the home cinema.

Anyone own the Z323 set? Might pick them up for my laptop.

[SMELTN]

Tell you what. I purchased the Klipsch Pro media's about 3 years ago or more and wow.. Best computer speakers I have ever owned.

http://www.klipsch.com/promedia-2-1-computer-speakers

[philcruicks]

Tell you what. I purchased the Klipsch Pro media's about 3 years ago or more and wow.. Best computer speakers I have ever owned.

http://www.klipsch.c...mputer-speakers

Yes but they're ?180...hardly in the OP's ?30 price range.

[Andre S. Veteran]

~?30 (preferably less)

Good sound quality

I'm afraid that doesn't exist. I always find it strange how people will shell out several hundreds dollars on high-quality computing hardware, i.e. enthusiast-grade, bleeding-edge CPUs, chipsets and video cards, and then pair that with the cheapest I/O devices they can find. These are what you interact with directly; they're at least as important as the computer itself.

Anyway, that was my rant. For this kind of money, in my experience, Logitech makes the best sounding equipment. The cheapest speakers I could recommend are the X-140; they can actually put out some sound in most frequency bands at decent volumes. The sound is terrible, mind you, but at least it exists, which can't be said of most speakers in that price range. Pair that with a cheapo subwoofer and you'll have something inaccuratly farting low-end frequencies to complement the rest. The X-140s are also virtually unbreakable, which is nice if you have kids in the house.

I haven't personally tried them, but the Sony SRS a3 and Creative Inspire T10 are said to sound good for their price and you should be able to find them in your price range; however, they are 2.0 sets and you probably won't be able to squeeze in a sub as well.

If you want something that sounds actually good, I have a lot more suggestions, but you'll have to increase your budget to around ?100 at least.

[Astra.Xtreme]

I'm afraid that doesn't exist. I always find it strange how people will shell out several hundreds dollars on high-quality computing hardware, i.e. enthusiast-grade, bleeding-edge CPUs, chipsets and video cards, and then pair that with the cheapest I/O devices they can find. These are what you interact with directly; they're at least as important as the computer itself.

Anyway, that was my rant. For this kind of money, in my experience, Logitech makes the best sounding equipment. The cheapest speakers I could recommend are the X-140; they can actually put out some sound in most frequency bands at decent volumes. The sound is terrible, mind you, but at least it exists, which can't be said of most speakers in that price range. Pair that with a cheapo subwoofer and you'll have something inaccuratly farting low-end frequencies to complement the rest.

If you want something that sounds actually good, I have a lot more suggestions, but you'll have to increase your budget to around ?100 at least.

This this and this.

If you want any sort of bass response, you'll have to shell out a decent amount of money for Klipsch or the higher end Logitech. Corsair makes good speakers too I believe, but I don't have any experience with them.

I have the Klipsch 5.1 Ultras and you can really rattle the walls with them. Expensive, but worth every penny. :)

[Daedroth]

I'm afraid that doesn't exist. I always find it strange how people will shell out several hundreds dollars on high-quality computing hardware, i.e. enthusiast-grade, bleeding-edge CPUs, chipsets and video cards, and then pair that with the cheapest I/O devices they can find. These are what you interact with directly; they're at least as important as the computer itself.

Anyway, that was my rant. For this kind of money, in my experience, Logitech makes the best sounding equipment. The cheapest speakers I could recommend are the X-140; they can actually put out some sound in most frequency bands at decent volumes. The sound is terrible, mind you, but at least it exists, which can't be said of most speakers in that price range. Pair that with a cheapo subwoofer and you'll have something inaccuratly farting low-end frequencies to complement the rest. The X-140s are also virtually unbreakable, which is nice if you have kids in the house.

I haven't personally tried them, but the Sony SRS a3 and Creative Inspire T10 are said to sound good for their price and you should be able to find them in your price range; however, they are 2.0 sets and you probably won't be able to squeeze in a sub as well.

If you want something that sounds actually good, I have a lot more suggestions, but you'll have to increase your budget to around ?100 at least.

I understand that, and I think I may fall into that bracket myself. I built a high-end gaming PC a couple of years ago but still used standard I/O equipment. Now later down the line I simply can't shell out the money I'd like to.

I've come across these: http://www.amazon.co...0/dp/B002NGB86E. They seem to have good reviews from people online. A little over my preferred budget, but not too much.

[cooky560 Veteran]

I maintain that the best way to get good quality sound from a computer is to get a proper separates amplifier and speakers, however if that's not an option the Apple Store has a solution with these: Focal XS Book they sound like they are far more expensive than they are,

 

While this option is higher than the budget, I've never heard a speaker for under $300 that's had anything close to good sound quality.

[Arceles]

If you want an improvement in sound you better start looking at the basics, namely... a nice sound card, get a OEM creative z, you will immediately see sound improvement over your speakers. (just remove surround and the cristalyzer tecnologies...)

[neohelp]

Sad they dont make 7.1 anymore...

[Andre S. Veteran]

While this option is higher than the budget, I've never heard a speaker for under $300 that's had anything close to good sound quality.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 and M-Audio AV40 sound decent. Not great, but solid.

[Astra.Xtreme]

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 and M-Audio AV40 sound decent. Not great, but solid.

Agreed.

 

Even if those insanely expensive Focal speakers have super clarity, the Klipsch's will absolutely destroy them in well-rounded bass.

[Lqv2015]

I can vouch for the ProMedias. Got them slightly used on Craigslist for $70. They've lasted me for 3+ years now. I can't imagine any 2.1 speakers sounding any better.