Keith asks:
Hey, I'm tired of my aging Logitech Z-3 set of 2.1 speakers which are noticeably worse than they were new. I looked around for a bit and was deliberating between a set of Logitech Z-2300s or Z Cinemas until I realized that there might be a few more options out there if I looked hard enough. Especially after listening to my Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro earphones for a while now - I know they're not top of the line - but they are quite good, so I know that sound quality can be so much better than Logitech Z-3s...
So my budget is limited to $200 including shipping... I know, I know but I am doing the best I can. Any tips, Unplggd?
We hear ya, Keith. While we've thoroughly had our kicks with the consumer THX series from Logitech, we've always been fans of speaker makers that were focused on excellent reproduction and not booming bass.
We suggest checking out the AudioEngine A2's ($200 a pair). We've heard these little guys before and not only do they look awesome, they do pack a good punch with an excellent mid-range and respectable highs.
If you're a basshead, you might require the AudioEngine subwoofer offerings to add that extra punch, but that'll definitely take you over that budget of yours. You can always save up after you've grabbed a pair of monitors first - they have everything you need including a standard 3.5mm jack that allows you to plug directly into your standard audio output without having to purchase a separate interface like many other studio monitors require you to.
Have a good pair of PC speakers to recommend Keith? Let him know in the comments!
(Image: reemixx via Creative Commons License)
I'll second the A2s. I'm listening to them right now and think they're pretty good for the money. I sort of wish I had plunked down an extra $150 for the A5s, but figured these would do just fine and they have.
view charmac's profile
I would suggest checking out either the Bose Companion 2
for $99, http://store.apple.com/us/product/TK200VC/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MjE1MTU5OQ
Or the M-Audio Studiophile for $149, http://store.apple.com/us/product/TM097ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MjIzMTI5Nw
You should be able to listen to either if there's an Apple Store near you.
view modernguy's profile
You know, the sound quality of most speakers you can buy since the advent of the "listen to music through your computer" era has gone down tremendously. There are many excellent audiophile speakers still being made but they cost thousands of dollars. Almost any bookshelf speaker made prior to said era, even the low-budget ones, paired with a suitable amplifier will yield much better sound. Try finding a smallish used bookshelf speaker from the eighties or nineties (look for brands like KEF, Celestion, B&W, I see plenty on eBay for $100) Look for a "receiver" from the seventies or eighties (Pioneer, Onkyo, Panasonic, etc.) for a total cost of around $150 and you will be much happier.
view marcelor's profile
I second the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40. Amazon also has them (with free shipping): http://tinyurl.com/amazonmaudio
view sparkle's profile
I have two sets of speakers growing dust bunnies in the closet. I stopped using attached speakers ages ago in favor of a set of good headphones. I haven't looked back since.
view SamanthaSue's profile
A2's, no question. have them and even use them as TV speakers. you simply will not find a better sounding set of speakers at that price.
view Matt. M's profile
What about the LaCie firewire speakers? http://www.lacie.com/nl/products/product.htm?pid=10880
view flashaddict's profile
Cambridge Soundworks still sells their sub/sat computer speakers at reasonable prices. Their SoundWorks II system is currently on sale for $200:
http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=mul_spk_csw&item=53CW0230AA002
view sunspot42's profile
I have set of Edirol MA-15D speakers and I love them. They are on the lower end of "reference" speakers for audio proffessionals so the sound may surprise you at first. Once you get used to it though, you will know that it's the TRUE sound of what you listen to. Any consumer grade speakers will sound weird to you afterwards. What's nice about them is that they, in contrast to other pro equipment, have the volume controls directly on the front.
view TomA's profile
I'm fourthing the A2's.
view spoon's profile
Don't be tempted by "computer" speakers or Bose.
For $200, you can get yourself a used pair of KRK RP5's which are damn good active monitors for the price. Studio monitors are specifically designed for near-field listening, which is something I think a lot of desktop audiophiles overlook when buying speakers.
The other plus about active monitors is built in amplification.
Bear in mind that with better speakers, you'll be revealing every flaw in your source. Especially when listening to poorly encoded MP3's (anything below 320kbps).
view therobbstory's profile
the firewire speakers by LaCie loog nice but sound poor..
the M-Audio ones are good, check them out @ Appel store near you.
I'm looking for a wireless solution really... any tips?
@ Editors: the lights in the picture featured in this article are really nice! where, what,
how? You must tell me :-)
view TeaspoonInc's profile
Vintage cambridge soundworks 2.1 systems are pretty awesome I think. I have an older Klipsch 2.1 pc system that is also very nice sounding.
view bordjon's profile
Seconding Klipsh's 2.1 or 4.1 offerings. My 4.1 just finally died after ten years of constant use.
view matsayswhat's profile
I have an Audioengine A2 as well. Can't beat the sound for that price.
view cscamp20's profile
1 for @marcelor's comments.
Craigslist is your friend. You will find tremendously better speakers from many British speakers, which practically invented the niche and certainly perfected the sound.
If you want to find something from the US, then Klipsch are lovely, but very bright. I'd give studio monitors from Miller & Kreisel top marks, but that would probably stretch your budget. Still...check around and best of luck.
view RJHD3's profile