Computer Speakers

[madrusty289]

I'm was promised new computer speakers by my parents. They're offer is around $50-$75, but I could chip in if absolutely necesary.

So my question is: What are the best speakers that I could get in my price range? Keep in mind this is mainly for listening to music, and I don't have a sound card, just integrated audio. I was thinking a 2.1 system, since anything else will be pointless, right?

[ss2nv]

I know this would probably be a little high, but for $180.00 you could get the Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 (3 piece) Multimedia System from Best Buy. I own this system and it sounds great. I'm very partial to Klipsch audio equipment, as that's the brand speakers that I use for my home theater also.

[madrusty289]

That seems really expensive for a 2.1 system. Anyway, I can't afford it.

[stampeder1]

If anyone could answer this it would be me, lol.

A good 2.1 system is the altec lansing acs-340. It can be found on ebay for about 35.00, and it has very good sound quality for the price.
Its around 35 watts and has a 6.5 inch subwoofer, and has bass, trebel, and balance controls. If you want to take it up a notch you can get the altec ada880, the altec ada885, or the ada890(thx certified). They all have 8 inch subwoofers and 4 satellite speakers
(you can also put two) and all have remotes. The ada880 and the ada885 have a known record of the subwoofer blowing though. They are all under 100.00 on ebay.

Btw, I did all of this off the top of my head...

Edit: Don't get klipsch, they are overated, exspensive, and they don't sound that great imo.

[maddawg]

Jordan those are teh speakers that i have with the sub and its great. You can always hook ur computer up to your boombox.

[speedycheater]

I use these:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=18&WLBS=fs%2Dweb4&sku_id=0665000FS10011459&catid=&newdeptid=18

I have a 5.1 sound card though. The integrated sound cards in most computers are pretty good but, I use protools to record guitar so I needed a better sound card.

[ND4SPDR]

I've got the Altec Lansing ACS-33 sub and satellite combo on my comp. They sound pretty darn good and cost me $20 a year ago, so I'm really happy with them.

[madrusty289]

But what happens when I use cheap integrated sound with a 4.1 system? It obviously can't "surround."

[speedycheater]

It won't be surround but you will get a better sound than with a 2.1 system. Make sure the 4.1 has the proper connections for 2.1 though. In all honesty, its probably worth spending a bit less on speakers and buying a good 5.1 card for under $50. If you look on ebay you can get one for even less. Even with a card, you can get a good 5.1 system with speakers and a card for under $100.00.

-Just my $.2

[madrusty289]

Speedycheater, you read my mind. I'm trying to find my current speakers for reference. I was wondering: since I don't care that much about bass, is it worth it to get a new system? Will the quality be better? What's a bigger improvement- new speakers with the integrated sound, or a new sound card with either my current speakers or new cheap ones?

EDIT: HP/Polk Audio "E" stereo speakers. Those are the speakers I am using. Obviously, very low quality.

[ss2nv]

Altec...Ha!...Stampeder1: What Klipsch speakers have you heard??

[rc10gt2003]

I have the speakers that cam with my Dell computer , they sound alright

[stampeder1]

ss2nv said:
Altec...Ha!...Stampeder1: What Klipsch speakers have you heard??

ProMedia 2.1, ProMedia 4.1, ProMedia 5.1, and that new funky looking one. I don't like them because the sub doesn't have good, crisp, punchy base like most altecs.

[FrogmanNH]

I hook my computer up to my shelf system, but if you mainly listen to music, that might defeat the purpose. I do get good sound though. At least better than in my car.

[madrusty289]

So can anyone answer my question from the last post? This is actually really important. Thanks.

[stampeder1]

madrusty289 said:
So can anyone answer my question from the last post? This is actually really important. Thanks.

Go with new speakers because if you get a new fancy sound card its still going to sound bad with bad speakers. Do the speakers you have right now have a subwoofer? If they don't I would get a new pair with a sub, cause it really adds a world of difference. Oh and if you are looking at some speakers and they say "gaming speakers" that normally means there lower quality bass machines.

[madrusty289]

Well, I don't care about bass. My current speakers don't have a sub, but they do have a jack for one. But if I got a new sound card, I would get new speakers too, just with my own money.