How do I shop for computer speakers?

I’m really not much of an audiophile: I’m been using the crappy computer speakers that came with one of my mum’s computers from 7 or 8 years ago for about 3 upgrades. They’re finally starting to crap out, and so it’s time to actually buy proper speakers for once.

I don’t want to spend too much money, but I’ve got a Soundblaster Audigy and would like to actually take advantage of it finally.

What kinds of things should I be looking for? Brands? Specific speakers?

I use my computer sound mainly for watching movies, playing games, and listening to mp3’s, if that’s useful information.

Thanks in advance!

If you’re just planning to use the speakers only while sitting at the computer, you might want to consider getting a pair of headphones instead, as headphones tend to offer more bang for the buck than speakers. Do you have a particular price point in mind?

I’ve already got some pretty nice headphones but they don’t really work very well when I want to watch something with my gf :).

I don’t really want to spend more than 50-100 bucks but I don’t really know enough about speakers by themselves to be able to give a good price range. Basically, I don’t want to spend too much but I dont want to wind up with crap!

Do you want stereo or surround sound? Good surround speakers will cost quite a bit more than stereo.

Here’s a link to an online store that is about as cheap as you will be able to find in Asutralia:

Stereo Speakers

Surround Sound Speakers

I have a pair of Logitech stereo speakers at home that I am very happy with. They comprise 2 stereo satellite speakers and a sub-woofer and cost $69 from the first link.

Logitech, Altech Lansing, Creative, Harman Kardon are all well known brands which would make good buys.

Walk into an electronics store and ask for these:

Cambridge Soundworks

They’re not state-of-the-art anymore, but they’re $50 and work GREAT!

Good luck.