Computer speakers

[Paul_Heery]

Guys,

I could use some recommendations for new computer speakers for my desktop. The Altec Lansing system that I have had in my office for years finally gave up the ghost. The Altec Lansing has two speakers that sit on my desk and a subwoofer that sits under my desk on the floor. I'd like to get a similar configuration.

I am in my office all day, everyday. When I am not on the phone, I normally listen to streaming Internet radio or something from my digital collection. I'd like to get something decent that will last for a while. I am far from an audiophile, but it shouldn't sound like crap.

There is one thing that is a “must have”. I need a volume control or mute button within easy reach.

[herr_oberst]

It's been my observation that anyything in the hundred dollar range will pretty much sound the same as anything else, which is to say pretty good at a certain volume level.

I have altec lansing here at work and cambridge at home; they're both fine. My neighbor at the next workstation has some logitechs that sound pretty good.

[Rtrorkt]

soundsticks

[azasadny]

I search through eBay andf buy the Monsoon Planar Media speakers whenever I need a set. They're not available new any more and they are my favorites!

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by azasadny

I search through eBay andf buy the Monsoon Planar Media speakers whenever I need a set. They're not available new any more and they are my favorites!

Those were awesome speakers.

The Audio Engine 5's are supposed to be the new hot thing.

Audioengine - Join the computer audio revolution

They have them at a local Hi-End stereo shop but I have not auditioned them yet.

EDIT:
Audiophile approved, and I've heard them in person, and they are spectacular.

Magnepan Mini Maggies
Review: Magnepan Mini Maggie | Sound and Vision Magazine

[imcarthur]

How much do you want to spend?

Speakers/monitors = $3000
DAC 24/192 input with volume & mute = $649
Room treatment = $250 + a few days



Ian

[LeeH]

Sounds like my set up. I hooked small pair of Infinity bookshelf speakers up to the sub when one of the mains started to buzz. Really sounds great now. I have a pretty awesome stereo hooked up to my computer too, but find that most of the time the Infinitys + sub are all I need.

Yeah, I need the volume control, too. A found a Dell keyboard at Goodwill that has a volume control and mute button on it.

[intakexhaust]

For under $100 Klipsch Promedia 2.1 are compact and not muddy sounding.

[Christien]

Ian, when I upgrade my studio, you're coming over

[imcarthur]

Anytime, Chris.

Ian

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

How much do you want to spend?

Speakers/monitors = $3000
DAC 24/192 input with volume & mute = $649
Room treatment = $250 + a few days



Ian

Wanted to talk to you about monitors, but dang those Focals are spendy.
So I picked up a set of KRK Rokit 8's. Pretty decent for under $500.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

Wanted to talk to you about monitors, but dang those Focals are spendy.
So I picked up a set of KRK Rokit 8's. Pretty decent for under $500.

I have Focals. Best speakers Ive ever owned.

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

I have Focals. Best speakers Ive ever owned.

Got them in the 911, door speakers. Yes, they are nice. For studio monitors though...they were a little too rich for my wallet.

[Paul_Heery]

Thanks to everyone for your input.

I do appreciate the suggestions for $1,000+ speakers. But, perhaps I should have put my price range in the first post. I would like to spend less than $200.

There have been a couple of suggestions for some of the speaker systems that I had been considering. Those are:

Harman Kardon - SoundSticks III - 2.1 - Channel Multimedia Sound System

ProMedia 2.1 Computer Speakers | Klipsch

Logitech - Speaker System Z623

Any experience or suggestions on the above?

[porsche4life]

I have a JBL creature ii setup... Odd looking little speakers that hammer out a good amount of sound. I really like them.

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by WolfeMacleod

Got them in the 911, door speakers. Yes, they are nice. For studio monitors though...they were a little too rich for my wallet.

Yeah, for Pro we start just under $1K. Although there is a joint Fender/Focal project nearing release that should be much less. And for Home $399 is our start - I am getting a pair of these for my wife's puter for her birthday in 3 weeks.

Ian

[Andy911sc]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

It's been my observation that anyything in the hundred dollar range will pretty much sound the same as anything else, which is to say pretty good at a certain volume level.

I have altec lansing here at work and cambridge at home; they're both fine. My neighbor at the next workstation has some logitechs that sound pretty good.

I have always had great success with logitechs. I have the 5.1 surround and got my parents the same but newer when I built their computer. My dad spends a lot of time in his home office and listens to a lot of jazz. He has been super happy with them as I was. They also make a two speaker/sub model with a separate controller that you can sit right by your phone, so you don't have to reach for the speaker. The controllers also have the head phone jack right there for that option. My 5.1 series has the control on the speakers, but my dads is separate and he has his right beside his mouse and loves that he doesn't have to get up and reach for the speaker if he gets a phone call. These are all very reasonably priced well under $100.

I'm also going on 8 years with my logitechs and they still sound as good as day one.

[nota]

just buy an old high end home sterio USED + good bookshelf speakers
I use bose speakers and a yamaha amp

I never liked the sound or look of tiny+tinnie computer speakers

[Scott R]

Subscribed. Just bought a fancy new desktop computer and need to replace my 15 year old Yamaha speakers. I would like to get a set of surround speakers + tuner with an optical input. Anyone doing something like that?

[holtjv]

I'm totally hooked on my bluetooth Jambox.

The sound is B+ and the portability is absolutely
fantastic.

I put on the news in the morning in the kitchen (streaming)
then take the Jambox with me to the bathroom when I
get ready. Take it with me when i travel.

And it talks to me in a sexy voice: "I'm on, and ready to go.."

JH