Which 2.1 speaker set should I get?

[dferigmu]

I'm looking for a powerful speaker set with a subwoofer. I've heard good things about the JBL Creature II and the Harman Kardon Soundsticks 2, but they don't seem very powerful. I need something that puts out stereo-level sound and I don't want to spend more than $150.

I have heard very good things about the Logitech Z-2300 and the Klipsch GMX A-2.1 Personal Audio System. Is either one better? Or does anyone have any other suggestions?

[sjpetry]

Klipsch is much better then Logitech.
Go for the ProMedia 2.1 (http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=103) they might not be the most stylish but they have 200 WATTS of crystal clear highs, smooth mids, and BOOMING bass.
They can be found on eBay (http://search.ebay.com/ProMedia-2-1_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQmaxrecordsreturnedZ300QQsatitleZProMediaQ202Q2e1) for well under $150 shipped (I got mine for $107 shipped). :D

[dferigmu]

Klipsch is much better then Logitech.
Go for the ProMedia 2.1 (http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=103) they might not be the most stylish but they have 200 WATTS of crystal clear highs, smooth mids, and BOOMING bass.
They can be found on eBay (http://search.ebay.com/ProMedia-2-1_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQmaxrecordsreturnedZ300QQsatitleZProMediaQ202Q2e1) for well under $150 shipped (I got mine for $107 shipped). :D

I've heard they have a low lifespan though and the Logitech's got a 9.0 rating on CNET.

[wnameth]

You could get the Altec Lansing FX6021 2.1 Amplified Speaker System, I know it is a little pricey, but they are excellent, i used them in bestbuy today, and plus they kind of have a G5 look to them. ( i am not sure how to make a word into a link, so here is the full link)

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=0&sku_id=0926INGFS10039704&catid=20399&newdeptid=20374&PCName=

[Dyaus]

I've heard they have a low lifespan though and the Logitech's got a 9.0 rating on CNET.

I've had my Klipsch Promedia 2.1 for about 3.5 years now and i haven't noticed any degradation in sound quality. I'd definitely recommend them, as i have recommended them to quite a few friends already and all have been pleased with them. None of them (at least 4 people i can think of right now) have had any problems with them.

[xsedrinam]

A lot depends on your context, too. For a library-sized classroom of 40 students, international travel, plug and play ease, I went with the Harman/Kardon Sticks II set up. Just got it today at CompUSA and am pleased with what it's putting out. I'm not an audiophile by any stretch, but the sub woofer and two sticks are putting out good sound for what I've run it through in a couple of hours which includes PPT and Keynote presentations, DVD and .aiff files from iTunes.
X

[edwardlanti]

you should get the Logitech Z-2300 i have one that i bought a month ago. you wont regret it. the sound is clear even when you put the volume all the way up.also the bass will move your whole room around lol. it has 200 watt in total. you will love it man

[puckhead193]

You could get the Altec Lansing FX6021 2.1 Amplified Speaker System, I know it is a little pricey, but they are excellent, i used them in bestbuy today, and plus they kind of have a G5 look to them. ( i am not sure how to make a word into a link, so here is the full link)

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=0&sku_id=0926INGFS10039704&catid=20399&newdeptid=20374&PCName=


Agree, the altec lansing are sweeeeet... I have them and they are amazing...great sound, good bass, if you can afford them, get it. YOu can't go wrong.

[Zeke]

I also have the logitechs and while I haven't heard the Klipsch (I'm sure they probably produce sound more accurately) the logitechs sound really good. Amazon has them for $109 shipped. I consider myself to be somewhat of an audiophile in that I can't stand speakers that don't sound good. I spent a lot of time listening closely to make sure these would satisfy me.

Good luck.

[dferigmu]

You could get the Altec Lansing FX6021 2.1 Amplified Speaker System, I know it is a little pricey, but they are excellent, i used them in bestbuy today, and plus they kind of have a G5 look to them. ( i am not sure how to make a word into a link, so here is the full link)

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=0&sku_id=0926INGFS10039704&catid=20399&newdeptid=20374&PCName=

They sounded good at the Apple Store, but they're just too expensive for me.

[dferigmu]

I also have the logitechs and while I haven't heard the Klipsch (I'm sure they probably produce sound more accurately) the logitechs sound really good. Amazon has them for $109 shipped. I consider myself to be somewhat of an audiophile in that I can't stand speakers that don't sound good. I spent a lot of time listening closely to make sure these would satisfy me.

Good luck.

Yeah, I saw that. I'm very tempted to buy the Logitech Z-2300 considering they have gotten rave reviews. One question: Do they provide too much base? I did read about that somewhere. I want some base, but not so it takes over everything else.

[sjpetry]

Yeah, I saw that. I'm very tempted to buy the Logitech Z-2300 considering they have gotten rave reviews. One question: Do they provide too much base? I did read about that somewhere. I want some base, but not so it takes over everything else.
I'm not sure on the Logitech but you can control the bass on the Klipsch with a knob. :)

[risc]

http://www.bose.com/images/home_entertainment/products/p_companion_m.jpg

Bose Companion 3 (http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=CY83TFYQ6s2QrvCw0xvTzdfpGxth0TkXLgFkjKFzwwfwVX2Y9JMW!91081015!218263964?event= VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=companion3_computer_index&pageName=/home_entertainment/computer_gaming/index.jsp)

[sjpetry]

http://www.bose.com/images/home_entertainment/products/p_companion_m.jpg

Bose Companion 3 (http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=CY83TFYQ6s2QrvCw0xvTzdfpGxth0TkXLgFkjKFzwwfwVX2Y9JMW!91081015!218263964?event= VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=companion3_computer_index&pageName=/home_entertainment/computer_gaming/index.jsp)
Way way too over priced. And if you read his first post you'll know that he can't spend over $150 (your only $100 off). I have compared the Bose next to my Klipsch and the Klipsch blow the Bose away (at less than half the price).

You should listen to the sound system before you buy it.


P.S. the Bose sound nice for normal volumes but if you want good sound that rocks the house go Klipsch or if you must......Logitech. :cool:

[munkle]

I'll second the Klipsch Pro Media 2.1. I've had mine for 2 years and they've performed perfectly. Nothing special to look at but sound reproduction is perfect. The only slightly annoying thing about them is the on/off switch is located on at the back of the subwoofer...not the most convenient place Klipsch!

Apart from that, I can't recommend them highly enough.

[Lacero]

I would go with Mackie near-field HR624 monitors. You can add bass later as you can expand the system. Total flat frequency response and tight unbelievable bass.

Mackie HR624 (http://www.mackie.com/products/hr624/)

[dferigmu]

Way way too over priced. And if you read his first post you'll know that he can't spend over $150 (your only $100 off). I have compared the Bose next to my Klipsch and the Klipsch blow the Bose away (at less than half the price).

You should listen to the sound system before you buy it.


P.S. the Bose sound nice for normal volumes but if you want good sound that rocks the house go Klipsch or if you must......Logitech. :cool:

Yeah, those Bose ones are too expensive, especially since I can get something very good if not better for $100 less.

Is it possible to buy both the Logitech and Klipsch speakers, try them both and return one? Maybe that's what I should do.

[sjpetry]

Yeah, those Bose ones are too expensive, especially since I can get something very good if not better for $100 less.

Is it possible to buy both the Logitech and Klipsch speakers, try them both and return one? Maybe that's what I should do.
Check their return policy. Is there a place where you can listen to them near you (compusa, apple store)?

[risc]

Way way too over priced. And if you read his first post you'll know that he can't spend over $150 (your only $100 off) .... the Bose sound nice for normal volumes but if you want good sound that rocks the house go Klipsch ....

Weird from the pricing I've seen here (in Australia) the Klipsch ones are a heap more expensive, I've in the market for new speakers here too and since a few of you are recommending the Klipsch I've decided to try and find a dealer here.

[sjpetry]

Weird from the pricing I've seen here (in Australia) the Klipsch ones are a heap more expensive, I've in the market for new speakers here too and since a few of you are recommending the Klipsch I've decided to try and find a dealer here.

In the US the Bose are $249.99 and the Klipsch are $179.99 (but can be easily found on eBay for around $100). :)

[feakbeak]

I would go with Mackie near-field HR624 monitors. You can add bass later as you can expand the system. Total flat frequency response and tight unbelievable bass.

Mackie HR624 (http://www.mackie.com/products/hr624/)

Well, I don't think these will help dferigmu, considering they are about $650 outside of his price range. I'm assuming you are plugging these awesome speakers because you own a pair. :)

While my post may not be all that helpful to the original poster either, this does fit into the topic of 2.1 speaker sets. I'm more in line with Lacero with my audio tastes. I'm not a huge audiophile, but I do not care for most Logitech and Klipsch computer speaker sets because the bass is always boomy, I hate that. I like having flat freq. response and decent imaging.

I own a pair of the Acoustic Energy AGEO2 (http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/products/aego/aego.html). I paid $400 for them about three years and have been very pleased. Since Acoustic Energy is based in the UK, I'm sure MR's UK readers pick them up for cheaper than what I paid here in the US.

I bought a Mac Mini as a second machine. I intend to keep the AEGO2 system with my PC since that's how I listen to music in my bedroom. The mini will go near my kitchen/dinning area and I'll need another pair of speakers. I didn't want to spend as much money on the second pair of speakers, but I want decent sound. I'm looking to spend about $200, preferably no more than $150. Important qualities for me are flat freq. response and MOST importantly no artificially boomy bass. I can't stand that and most all the stuff at Best Buy, Comp USA, etc have that problem, even when you turn the sub down all the way, it still seems unnatural. I don't care if the bass does not extend too low, as long as it sounds clean.

If anyone knows a good speaker solution that fits my requirements I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks!

[gallivant]

I've got the Klipsches myself... paid $160 retail without doing a lot of price hunting; they'd probably be cheaper online after some looking around. They're absolutely amazing, and affordable.

[dferigmu]

Well, I don't think these will help dferigmu, considering they are about $650 outside of his price range. I'm assuming you are plugging these awesome speakers because you own a pair. :)

I bought a Mac Mini as a second machine. I intend to keep the AEGO2 system with my PC since that's how I listen to music in my bedroom. The mini will go near my kitchen/dinning area and I'll need another pair of speakers. I didn't want to spend as much money on the second pair of speakers, but I want decent sound. I'm looking to spend about $200, preferably no more than $150. Important qualities for me are flat freq. response and MOST importantly no artificially boomy bass. I can't stand that and most all the stuff at Best Buy, Comp USA, etc have that problem, even when you turn the sub down all the way, it still seems unnatural. I don't care if the bass does not extend too low, as long as it sounds clean.

If anyone knows a good speaker solution that fits my requirements I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks!

That's kind of what I'm looking for. I need something that's not above $150-200 and provides high-quality, powerful sound, but not booming bass. I mainly listen to alternative, techno, and top 40 songs. I'll also use it for DVDs.

So far, it seems like the Logitech's are good if you want big bass, the Klipsch are popular if you don't want as much bass, and all the other suggested are more than $300!

I think I'll try the Logitech and Klipsch one's and then decide. Maybe I'll even bring home some of the Soundsticks and try them.

[Jigglelicious]

That's kind of what I'm looking for. I need something that's not above $150-200 and provides high-quality, powerful sound, but not booming bass. I mainly listen to alternative, techno, and top 40 songs. I'll also use it for DVDs.

So far, it seems like the Logitech's are good if you want big bass, the Klipsch are popular if you don't want as much bass, and all the other suggested are more than $300!

I think I'll try the Logitech and Klipsch one's and then decide. Maybe I'll even bring home some of the Soundsticks and try them.

If you aren't looking for booming, overwhemling bass, then a 2.0 system (one without a sub) might be a smarter option. Subwoofers are usually not all that great for music, but work very well for movies, where there are a lot of low frequency explosions and such.

One of the best 2.0 multimedia speakers would have to be the Swan M200. For music they easily beat out the Klipsch in terms of sound quality. You can read the following review (http://www.3dss.com/reviews/SwanM200/) for a better description of its strengths. The only downside is that the only place I know of that sells these is newegg.com. Oh yeah, and make sure you have the room on your desk, cause these speakers are HUGE!

[fanbrain]

If I can tell you anything, it would be that Klipsch are your best bet. Logitecs are purely for bass, not accurate sound reproduction. Altec Lansings are OK, and Bose are overpriced and don't sound as good as they are cracked up to be. You can't go wrong with Klipsch. I have a Promedia 4.1 here, and I love them to death. I listen to classical music mostly. Incredible detail. I also listen to organ music. It's the most difficult sound to reproduce because you are dealing with frequencies that no speaker can accurately reproduce.

Look around for a set by Klipsch. You'll never look back. Great detail. They're not built for looks. They're built for the express purpose of playing music. And that's just what they do.

[jared_kipe]

Here is my post from another thread

I'm not to sure about those stick design speakers either, I agree that they might expect too much out of a sub. For the money you are talking you could probably look at Klipsch. I own a set of their Promedia 5.1's and their DD-5.1 decoder to match them. Of course thats for 5.1, you would probably be looking at one of these models.

http://klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=713 150USD
http://klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=103 180USD

They also have a nice ipod solution.. mmm 200Watts of power for an ipod..
http://klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=907 But I'm not sure if they have a line in so you can use them with a computer. But not available quite yet :'(

And if you happen to want portability, then try these
http://klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=922 100USD

[dferigmu]

If I can tell you anything, it would be that Klipsch are your best bet. Logitecs are purely for bass, not accurate sound reproduction. Altec Lansings are OK, and Bose are overpriced and don't sound as good as they are cracked up to be. You can't go wrong with Klipsch. I have a Promedia 4.1 here, and I love them to death. I listen to classical music mostly. Incredible detail. I also listen to organ music. It's the most difficult sound to reproduce because you are dealing with frequencies that no speaker can accurately reproduce.

Look around for a set by Klipsch. You'll never look back. Great detail. They're not built for looks. They're built for the express purpose of playing music. And that's just what they do.

It seems like Klipsch is getting the best reviews on here. What about the ProMedia GMX A-2.1 Speaker System? That was the main Klipsch set I was looking at b/c of its price and appearance.

And what about reports of hissing and speakers going out after a short period of time with Klipsch speakers?

[IJ Reilly]

I bought the Logitech Z-2300s a few weeks ago and they are remarkably good for the size and money. They also have a separate volume control for the sub, which is essential if you ask me. I bought these after much research -- they were consistently rated above the similarly-priced Klipsch speakers. I know this is contrary to some of the advice you've heard here, but there you go. It's based on my reading and not any A/B comparison I've made.

FWIW, I wouldn't expect audiophile performance from any speaker of this size and cost but they are certainly better than I expected.

[edrill]

hi - can these types of speakers, ie, with a powered sub woofer be used with an airport express? is the determining factor that they are powered?

and how about with a home theater system? if plugged into a digital receiver, i;m sure that you can use an airport express, but what if you were to purchase home theater speakers - could they be used with an airport express or do they have to be attached to a receiver or amp.


thanks.

[feakbeak]

hi - can these types of speakers, ie, with a powered sub woofer be used with an airport express? is the determining factor that they are powered?

and how about with a home theater system? if plugged into a digital receiver, i;m sure that you can use an airport express, but what if you were to purchase home theater speakers - could they be used with an airport express or do they have to be attached to a receiver or amp.

Airport Express only outputs at line level - there is no amplification so you need powered speakers. Most 2.1 speakers systems for computers are powered by an amplifier in the sub.

If you want to use it with non-powered speakers, which is the typical case with home theatre setups then you'll need to have the output from the Airport Express go into your receiver or pre-amp.

[feakbeak]

I'm not a huge audiophile, but I do not care for most Logitech and Klipsch computer speaker sets because the bass is always boomy, I hate that. I like having flat freq. response and decent imaging.

I own a pair of the Acoustic Energy AGEO2 (http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/products/aego/aego.html). I paid $400 for them about three years and have been very pleased. Since Acoustic Energy is based in the UK, I'm sure MR's UK readers pick them up for cheaper than what I paid here in the US.

I bought a Mac Mini as a second machine. I intend to keep the AEGO2 system with my PC since that's how I listen to music in my bedroom. The mini will go near my kitchen/dinning area and I'll need another pair of speakers. I didn't want to spend as much money on the second pair of speakers, but I want decent sound. I'm looking to spend about $200, preferably no more than $150. Important qualities for me are flat freq. response and MOST importantly no artificially boomy bass. I can't stand that and most all the stuff at Best Buy, Comp USA, etc have that problem, even when you turn the sub down all the way, it still seems unnatural. I don't care if the bass does not extend too low, as long as it sounds clean.

If anyone knows a good speaker solution that fits my requirements I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks!Just to update this thread for anyone who goes searching on 2.1 speaker systems I thought I would post what I ended up purchasing since I am so pleased with these speakers.

I purchased a pair of Swans M-200s. I'm not even sure what they retail, but I picked them up for $169 on newegg.com. There is no sub with these speakers so if you're a bass lover these probably wouldn't suit you. They have bass and go down to about 50 Hz before rolling off. The bass that is present though is tight and images well. Also, if you are looking for something small these don't fit the bill either. They are good size monitors. They are more like traditional monitors than multimedia satalites. However, if you want clean, accurate sound with great imaging these speakers will deliver. They outperform my Acoustic Energy Aego2 2.1 speaker system that I mentioned in my earlier post and these are less than half hte price. Amazing!

It is a crime that Logitech, Bose and Altec Lansing can sell their crap systems for the prices they charge. I did not want t spend much money so I just went to Best Buy and Circuit City at first. I listened to every system they had on display, even ones costing up to $400. I did not like ANY of them. I am not exaggerating, they all sucked. I then went and poked around on the internet and found the Swans M-200. They received great reviews and user opinions of them were exceptional. I am very happy with my purchase.

[Jigglelicious]

Just to update this thread for anyone who goes searching on 2.1 speaker systems I thought I would post what I ended up purchasing since I am so pleased with these speakers.

I purchased a pair of Swans M-200s. I'm not even sure what they retail, but I picked them up for $169 on newegg.com. There is no sub with these speakers so if you're a bass lover these probably wouldn't suit you. They have bass and go down to about 50 Hz before rolling off. The bass that is present though is tight and images well. Also, if you are looking for something small these don't fit the bill either. They are good size monitors. They are more like traditional monitors than multimedia satalites. However, if you want clean, accurate sound with great imaging these speakers will deliver. They outperform my Acoustic Energy Aego2 2.1 speaker system that I mentioned in my earlier post and these are less than half hte price. Amazing!

It is a crime that Logitech, Bose and Altec Lansing can sell their crap systems for the prices they charge. I did not want t spend much money so I just went to Best Buy and Circuit City at first. I listened to every system they had on display, even ones costing up to $400. I did not like ANY of them. I am not exaggerating, they all sucked. I then went and poked around on the internet and found the Swans M-200. They received great reviews and user opinions of them were exceptional. I am very happy with my purchase.

Glad you like the M200's, I hear they are incredible speakers. Although I am fairly happy with my Klipsch, I plan on getting a pair of M200's too, because I don't like the way my walls rattle from the sub on my Klipsch - it makes it difficult to listen to music when others are sleeping in the same house.

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says...I have been reading this thread with great interest as I am also looking for some speakers. I had been quite intersted in the Bose Companion 3's, not just for the looks but because they were one of the only ones that would fit where I need them to, and they can be mounted on my monitors...but I have been reading quite a bit on various sites and they get very mixed reviews - either you like 'em or hate 'em it seems. By default I always seem to favour Klipsch but the satellites are a couple inches too tall to fit where I need them to...decisions, decisions....oh yeah!