Well, they were OK for a few years, the boxy little speakers that came with my computer in 2000, but now they’re starting to sound like everything I try to play is on a cylinder made by Mr. Edison himself, so I’d like to replace them.
I have a PC (no, I can’t replace it with a Mac just yet) running Windows XP Pro. I don’t want to run the Headbangers Ball in here; I mostly listen to spoken word, classical, old songs, and Broadway stuff, so I’d like stuff that’s good with voices and strings.
I’d like something with a smaller “footprint” on my desk, more like pylons than boxes. I have limited room but I can spread them out a bit. I’d like to spend between 50-100$.
There’s a good selection here; I’ve always liked this place, they have a great selection, and I try to support Downtown NYC if I can (waves little flag). So, Dopers, which speakers have worked for you and what sort of things should I be looking for? Thanks so much!
Morelin and I both use Altec-Lansing speakers, two satellites with a subwoofer on the floor for low-end stuff. They’re pretty cheap, but I think they’re pretty good speakers. They could blast more sound than I’d know what to do with.
You know, all of those computer speakers sound cheesy when compared to even mediocre audio speakers that are hooked up to an amp or a receiver. I had an early 80s receiver and some little speakers sitting around and put them to good use. You can connect the audio out of your computer’s sound card to the receiver’s sound in jacks. Then you can hear your computer’s music through audio speakers connected to the receiver. If you don’t have any gear, ask some friends–I have been turning down lots of offers to liberate garages of old stereo stuff.
I use Altec Lansing ATP 3’s. They are like the pylons you seek but they’re not exactly little sticks. They were right in the middle of your price range when I bought them a few months back, so they should be cheaper by now. The sound quality is very good, but they’re obviously not pro quality so don’t expect to be blown away.
Sure, I have opinions on everything, even stuff I don’t know about. First, you want to shell out some bills and get a good set. You don’t want one of those “little piece of wire with two little fuzzy things on the end” sets.
I used a Sony headset for years until the bass started going out. Right now, we have a very nice Aiwa headset that has beautiful sound.
In terms of low-footprint/reasonable price (less than $100), I’ve been very happy with these.
Very good sound for a two-speaker, non-audiophile setup that doesn’t take a lot of desk space, plus a front-facing headphone jack when you need privacy.
in computer speakers there are 3 players. Logitech, Altec Lansing and Klipsch. Klipsch by far is the best, while logitech’s top end speakers are better then altecs(non-existent top end). however I think altec’s middle range speakers is better then logitech’s middle range, but only slightly, and at a cost.
if you want a 2 Speaker setup i’d purchasealtec 621 Great clarity, plenty of power. the altec 641,( 4 speakers) is much better value however. These speakers(and the logitech z-560s, logitech z-680’s, and any klipsch) are certainly powerful enough to wallmount in your room. for something smaller, i’d got for the altec 221 the 5 speaker version(251) however should sound much nicer. Logitech has a competitor to the 251s namely the z-540(4 speakers) and the z-640(5 speakers). I’ve never heard the 251’s but all the reviews put it a mark above the z640’s(which I have personally heard, and think are perfectly acceptable if your’re not a head banger).
in computer speakers there are 3 players. Logitech, Altec Lansing and Klipsch. Klipsch by far is the best, while logitech’s top end speakers are better then altecs(non-existent top end). however I think altec’s middle range speakers is better then logitech’s middle range, but only slightly, and at a cost.
if you want a 2 Speaker setup i’d purchasealtec 621 Great clarity, plenty of power. the altec 641,( 4 speakers) is much better value however. These speakers(and the logitech z-560s, logitech z-680’s, and any klipsch) are certainly powerful enough to wallmount in your room. for something smaller, i’d got for the altec 221 the 5 speaker version(251) however should sound much nicer. Logitech has a competitor to the 251s namely the z-540(4 speakers) and the z-640(5 speakers). I’ve never heard the 251’s but all the reviews put it a mark above the z640’s(which I have personally heard, and think are perfectly acceptable if your’re not a head banger).
oh, and all the mid range speakers can be easily found under a hundred. The higher end logitech z-560’s and altec 641s can be found for just over a hundred and the z680’s and klipsch 4.1/5.1 can be found for about 200-300.
I have a set of Klipsch ProMedia 4.1s that I got when they first came out almost three years ago. I have to say that I am so very happy with them they sound just great for the folk jazz and blues that I play on them.
Well, the ATP3s looked and sounded great but the subwoofer was too big for my apartment (studio in NYC) so I went with the Altec-Lansing 221, from J&R downtown ($49.99). Then I went to eat in the World Financial Center, overlooking the North Cove where the emergency boats evacuated people on 9/11 and occasionally looking up at the beautifully restored Winter Garden. You know, you can see right through it up to the Woolworth Building, dammit.
But I installed the speakers and they sound wonderful!! Thanks so much everybody!
