# I need new computer speakers **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 27, 2004, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706 "2004-08-27T00:23:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/1 "2004-08-27T00:23:49Z")
The speakers currently plugged into my computer are about to die, so I’d like to replace them. I’d like a decent set, but nothing too expensive–I’d balk at anything much over $100. Any recommendations? ---
**Author:** ![JimOfAllTrades](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@JimOfAllTrades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimOfAllTrades)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/2 "2004-08-27T05:43:45Z")
I have a slightly older version of this Altec Lansing 3 piece speaker system: [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000C20XD/ref=pd\_sbs\_e\_3/002-9464873-5222428?v=glance&s=electronics](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000C20XD/ref=pd_sbs_e_3/002-9464873-5222428?v=glance&s=electronics) and I have installed them for two or three customers. Everybody pretty much loves them. Very good sound for a desktop set (although the subwoofer can be a little large for some desks). In my experience, very hard to beat for the price. ---
**Author:** ![Toddly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/22d042/32.png) [@Toddly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toddly)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/3 "2004-08-27T05:46:40Z")
I bought some refurbished Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers and they look brand new. They have worked great and I could not believe the sound that comes out of 2 speakers and a sub woofer. It is also nice that they have inputs on the control speaker for headphones and audio in. You can plug in a portable CD player and it will play through the speakers without turning on the computer. They do not seem to have any at the moment but they do have the 2.1 GMX version. I have not heard them. [Link](http://www.klipsch.com/store/list.aspx?dept=8) ---
**Author:** ![slortar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@slortar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slortar)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/4 "2004-08-27T14:13:58Z")
I’ve had the same set of Cambridge Soundworks for about 7 years now and they still sound pretty good. Unless the build quality has changed significantly over the last 3/4’s decade, I’d say that’s a pretty good recommendation. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/5 "2004-08-27T14:45:30Z")
You CANNOT go wrong with the Klipsch 2.1 systems. Brand new they are about $150. But you get your moneys worth for that extra $50! I wouldn’t get anything less. I had the Altec Lansing 3 piece before I got my Klipsch setup. Altec Lansing, sorry, but never again! ---
**Author:** ![JimOfAllTrades](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@JimOfAllTrades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimOfAllTrades)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/6 "2004-08-27T18:17:10Z")
> [@ParentalAdvisory](#): > > I had the Altec Lansing 3 piece before I got my Klipsch setup. Altec Lansing, sorry, but never again! There is no doubt the Klipsch system is better. I love Klipsch systems in general, and have used several of their systems as my primary sound system speakers for 30 years. Great stuff. But the OP specifically requested under $100, and the Altecs are one of the best I’ve heard in that price range. But if the extra $75 doesn’t kill you, absolutely, get the Klipsch! ---
**Author:** ![hightechburrito](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f6c823/32.png) [@hightechburrito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hightechburrito)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/7 "2004-08-27T18:17:13Z")
[http://www.epinions.com/cmhd-Speakers-All-Cambridge\_SoundWorks\_CSW\_PCWorks](http://www.epinions.com/cmhd-Speakers-All-Cambridge_SoundWorks_CSW_PCWorks) I’ve had this set for about 5 years, and have very pleased. It sounds better than my other stereo setup, both the speakers and sub are small, and both are very clear even at high volumes if you want to use it with your computer as a replacement of your home stereo. Also, they were only 50 dollars when I got them, 5 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Toddly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/22d042/32.png) [@Toddly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toddly)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/8 "2004-08-27T19:09:15Z")
I should mention that on another tech message board a lot of the members there were praising the Logitech brand speakers. They are more affordable than Klipsch and have many different models that are in the price range mentioned in the OP. Here is a list from [Newegg](http://www.newegg.com/app/searchProductResult.asp?Submit=Go&Range=1&DEPA=0&bop=and&description=logitech+speakers&InnerManu=1080) but Logitech are widely available at a lot of retailers. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/9 "2004-08-27T22:05:44Z")
I have the Altec Lansing 251 five-speaker plus base module system. I’m no purist audiophile, but i do like my music, and i’ve been very happy with the system. It cost me $99 about two years ago, and now i feel a bit depressed because it can be had at [Newegg](http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-113-126&depa=0) for $38.99 plus s&h. Anyway, you can find some reviews of the system [here](http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/altec215/), [here](http://www.cooltechzone.com/reviews/audio/251_1.php), and [here](http://www.xtremetek.com/reviews/index.php?id=49). The reviews are all good, although it seems that true audiophiles might want a slightly more powerful, bass-heavy system. The cutomer reviews on newegg are mixed; some people are dissappointed, while others think the system is good value for money. If this system is now selling for less than $40, you should be able to get a considerably better system for about $100. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/10 "2004-08-27T22:35:57Z")
> [@slortar](#): > > I’ve had the same set of Cambridge Soundworks for about 7 years now and they still sound pretty good. Unless the build quality has changed significantly over the last 3/4’s decade, I’d say that’s a pretty good recommendation. 🙂 I second this. It’s also easy to add speakers, mine has an extra pair of 5" mid-range. ---
**Author:** ![RandomLetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8edcca/32.png) [@RandomLetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandomLetters)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2004, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-new-computer-speakers/261706/11 "2004-08-28T00:37:05Z")
> [@Toddly](#): > > I should mention that on another tech message board a lot of the members there were praising the Logitech brand speakers. They are more affordable than Klipsch and have many different models that are in the price range mentioned in the OP. Here is a list from [Newegg](http://www.newegg.com/app/searchProductResult.asp?Submit=Go&Range=1&DEPA=0&bop=and&description=logitech+speakers&InnerManu=1080) but Logitech are widely available at a lot of retailers. I second the reccomendation for Logitech speakers - I have a set of z-640’s that I purchased for $50, and they sound wonderful.