# \*bzzzt\* Help me buy new computer speakers, please **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 16, 2003, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655 "2003-05-16T11:14:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/1 "2003-05-16T11:14:55Z")
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](http://www.jandr.com/JRSectionView.process?RestartFlow=t&IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1168&pbegin=0&pdir=0&Sort=Mfr_Name,Current_Price,Product_Name); 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! _bzzzzzzzzzzz…_ _crackle_ ---
**Author:** ![Doomtrain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/0ea827/32.png) [@Doomtrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doomtrain)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/2 "2003-05-16T12:30:58Z")
**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. ---
**Author:** ![LolaCocaCola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/3 "2003-05-16T12:42:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mehitabel \* > \*\*There’s a good selection [here](http://www.jandr.com/JRSectionView.process?RestartFlow=t&IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1168&pbegin=0&pdir=0&Sort=Mfr_Name,Current_Price,Product_Name); I’ve always liked this place, they have a great selection, and I try to support Downtown NYC if I can (waves little flag). \*\* YAY! 🙂 I always get my computer hardware at J & R! ---
**Author:** ![smam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/46a35a/32.png) [@smam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smam)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/4 "2003-05-16T13:27:08Z")
Well there is this guy in a white van, usually parked in the supermarket car-park and… ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/5 "2003-05-16T15:22:55Z")
[Here you go.](http://store.klipsch.com/details.asp?ProdID=24) ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/6 "2003-05-16T15:29:12Z")
Although probably a little more than you wanted to spend. ---
**Author:** ![Geoduck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c37758/32.png) [@Geoduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geoduck)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/7 "2003-05-17T05:07:40Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![SouprChckn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f9b8f/32.png) [@SouprChckn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SouprChckn)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/8 "2003-05-17T06:39:30Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Silentgoldfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@Silentgoldfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silentgoldfish)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/9 "2003-05-17T06:53:47Z")
Say, could I do a mild hijack and ask for opinions on headphones as well? ---
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/10 "2003-05-17T13:57:28Z")
Thanks for the suggestions! The Altec-Lansing sounds good, . I don’t have a stereo–I just use headphones. Sennheiser ones, which I love. Are [these](http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1168&Product_Id=884421) them? They seem nice but may I ask you to measure the units? The subwoofer looks sort of big. Thanks **SouprChckn**! ---
**Author:** ![Doomtrain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/0ea827/32.png) [@Doomtrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doomtrain)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/11 "2003-05-17T14:46:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Silentgoldfish \* > \*\*Say, could I do a mild hijack and ask for opinions on headphones as well? \*\* 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. ---
**Author:** ![LordVor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90ced4/32.png) [@LordVor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordVor)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/12 "2003-05-17T16:46:33Z")
In terms of low-footprint/reasonable price (less than $100), I’ve been very happy with [these](http://www.bose.com/home_audio/game_computer/mediamates/). _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. -lv ---
**Author:** ![Harmonix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Harmonix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonix)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/13 "2003-05-17T19:12:24Z")
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 purchase[altec 621](http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=621&sID=2) 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](http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=221&sID=2) 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). > [@](#): > > Say, could I do a mild hijack and ask for opinions on headphones as well? Try [www.headphone.com](http://www.headphone.com) ---
**Author:** ![Harmonix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Harmonix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonix)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/14 "2003-05-17T19:13:34Z")
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 purchase[altec 621](http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=621&sID=2) 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](http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=221&sID=2) 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. > [@](#): > > Say, could I do a mild hijack and ask for opinions on headphones as well? Try [www.headphone.com](http://www.headphone.com) ---
**Author:** ![SouprChckn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f9b8f/32.png) [@SouprChckn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SouprChckn)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/15 "2003-05-17T19:14:51Z")
[http://www.alteclansing.com/downloads/ATP3%20sell%20sheet.pdf](http://www.alteclansing.com/downloads/ATP3%20sell%20sheet.pdf) Dimensions listed on second page. Requires Acrobat Reader. ---
**Author:** ![gmarkstephens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@gmarkstephens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gmarkstephens)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/16 "2003-05-17T22:02:43Z")
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. [Klipsch](http://www.klipsch.com/) good luck ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2003, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/17 "2003-05-17T22:23:24Z")
The ones you listed on your J&S link page > [@](#): > > ALTEC LANSING ATP3 Satellite/Subwoofer Powered Computer Speaker System - An eye-catching three piece design that delivers high-quality audio for PC and Macintosh computers will be 30.00 instead of 80.00 this Sunday at Staples. ---
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2003, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bzzzt-help-me-buy-new-computer-speakers-please/175655/18 "2003-05-18T12:30:53Z")
Update on Sunday: 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!