Speakers!!!!

[ayeplussjr]

I'm looking for some help for some desktop speakers. You guys have any suggestions. I don't need top of the line type speakers, but good sounding speakers is a must. Any suggestions?

[Trip.Tucker]

Listeners!!!!!

...oh sorry, thought we were playing word association games.

[SnowLeopard2008]

I would go with Logitech. For under $100, you can get a 5.1 surround sound set.

[ayeplussjr]

Listeners!!!!!

...oh sorry, thought we were playing word association games.

LOL....yeah...maybe i shouldn't have added those exclamation points on my title. Maybe the better title would be something like, "Speaker Questions"

[KelchM]

I'm looking for some help for some desktop speakers. You guys have any suggestions. I don't need top of the line type speakers, but good sounding speakers is a must. Any suggestions?

How much do you want to spend?

What will you be using them for?

How much space do you have to work with?

[PcBgone]

I just got the Logitech z2300's. Although they are just 2.1's, they sound beautiful! Im impressed. They were 83.94 from Amazon, however I opened an Amazon account and got 50 bux off! So I really just paid 33.94 for them!

[ayeplussjr]

How much do you want to spend?

What will you be using them for?

How much space do you have to work with?

Money is not too much of an issue, since I don't plan on using my iMac as a home theater. I just want quality speakers for the iMac

I'll be using them for just pretty much music, and maybe watching a movie here and there.

Space shouldn't be that big of a problem

[XianPalin]

I like my Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers. I used to have 5.1 but it was more of a pain than anything having all those speakers around, plus it's a bit more of a pain to deal with on the Mac side, as there's a lot less support for it I believe.

Only downside to my speakers is that the on/off switch is on the back of the subwoofer so I have to reach down there to turn them on and off. Not a big deal if you just want to leave them on I guess. I should probably rig up a switch that's a lot easier to access.

Anyways, the subwoofer control is on the speaker, so depending on your use that may be better to have at arms reach than the power switch.

The quality is great at low or high volume, though because of my neighbors I unfortunately don't turn them up very much.

[KelchM]

Money is not too much of an issue, since I don't plan on using my iMac as a home theater. I just want quality speakers for the iMac

I'll be using them for just pretty much music, and maybe watching a movie here and there.

Space shouldn't be that big of a problem

How about some Audioengines?
http://www.audioengineusa.com/a5_home.php

[DavyC412]

How about some Audioengines?
http://www.audioengineusa.com/a5_home.php

the frequency resp range is pretty garbage for speakers that cost 350 bucks, but it looks like it has a very nice mid range. pair that up with a sub and it could be really good, but i woudnt use them on their own.

i would go with logitech as well. get the 5.1 system. you never know the difference between stereo and surround until you hear it for yourself. it even makes music sound that much better (front speakers are cloned to rear) because you become surrounded and emersed by the music rather than just being infront of it.

[iCharlie]

Bose Companion Fives.

Without a doubt, the best desktop audio quality I myself have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

[KelchM]

the frequency resp range is pretty garbage for speakers that cost 350 bucks, but it looks like it has a very nice mid range. pair that up with a sub and it could be really good, but i woudnt use them on their own.

Its a realistic frequency response compared to the overoptimistic numbers you typically see.

With a 5" driver you can get away without having a sub for all but a few genres of music.

[jeffreyk]

I'm using the Logitech 5.1-channel speaker system (The Logitech Z-5500 Digital system) and I think they're excellent speakers for the price/cost.

[KelchM]

Also,

Unless you are primarily watching movies there is absolutely NO reason to go 5.1.

Even then, unless you are willing to spend a fair amount of money 2.0 with some powered monitors or 2.1 is the way to go. Adding three more speakers without doubling your budget means the quality of the individual speakers is going to be lower.

Just keep that in mind.

[little nin]

Also,

Unless you are primarily watching movies there is absolutely NO reason to go 5.1.

Even then, unless you are willing to spend a fair amount of money 2.0 with some powered monitors or 2.1 is the way to go. Adding three more speakers without doubling your budget means the quality of the individual speakers is going to be lower.

Just keep that in mind.

this post is so true, i spent ages trying to get my 5.1 speakers to work and then just gave up, then i realised that that 2.1 or 2 monitors were the way to go

music is made to be played infront of you neway :D

as someone said, the audioengines are good and the aego m's :)

[KelchM]

this post is so true, i spent ages trying to get my 5.1 speakers to work and then just gave up, then i realised that that 2.1 or 2 monitors were the way to go

music is made to be played infront of you neway :zaru

as someone said, the audioengines are good and the aego m's :)
Indeed.

The Aego M's are awesome if you can find them.

[aaquib]

Bose Companion 3's ftw.

[KelchM]

Bose Companion 3's ftw.

The companion 3's would be a good buy if they were about 100.00 cheaper. 250.00 is just to much to spend for that kind of system.

But, if you are in need of very compact speakers, I think they are one of the best options without going for something like the Orb Audio (http://www.orbaudio.com/) speakers.

[aaquib]

The companion 3's would be a good buy if they were about 100.00 cheaper. 250.00 is just to much to spend for that kind of system.

But, if you are in need of very compact speakers, I think they are one of the best options without going for something like the Orb Audio (http://www.orbaudio.com/) speakers.

Ok, maybe I'm a bit biased since I got them for $99 with an Airport Express when I bought my Mac :) And since I already had an Airport Express, I sold it locally for $70. Therefore, it was only $30...But I'd easily spend $150, maybe $200 on them.

[OptyCT]

Its a realistic frequency response compared to the overoptimistic numbers you typically see.

With a 5" driver you can get away without having a sub for all but a few genres of music.

I have the smaller AudioEngine A2's and they don't even require a subwoofer. The only people who would think they lack bass is the "boom and sizzle" crowd who runs around with four 10" subs in their trunk. If you enjoy bass reproduction that is "punchy", as opposed to "muddy", then you'll enjoy these. The only con of the A2's is their ability to play blaringly loud. If you're using them in an average sized room and don't plan on using them at an outdoor house party, they're hard to beat.

[DavyC412]

Also,

Unless you are primarily watching movies there is absolutely NO reason to go 5.1.


i completley disagree, but im not here to change how you listen to music

to me, the level of immersion you get when youre surrounded by speakers playing music cannot even be closley matched with a 2.1 system. and its not blatant either, its very subtle. i can tell, for example, when the rear speakers are not working on my system because the music feels flat, even though it sounds the same, however, when everything is on, it blends together so nicely that you dont even realize they are there.

[KelchM]

i completley disagree, but im not here to change how you listen to music

to me, the level of immersion you get when youre surrounded by speakers playing music cannot even be closley matched with a 2.1 system. and its not blatant either, its very subtle. i can tell, for example, when the rear speakers are not working on my system because the music feels flat, even though it sounds the same, however, when everything is on, it blends together so nicely that you dont even realize they are there.

You really aren't gaining anything unless you are listening to multichannel music. Now that is certainly a new experience.

I have a several thousand dollar 5.1 system and when I'm listening to music I typically am using it in a 2.1 configuration.

It just doesn't make sense to use 5 channels for two channel music.

[01jamcon]

I'd go for Aego M's.

[ayeplussjr]

Also,

Unless you are primarily watching movies there is absolutely NO reason to go 5.1.

Even then, unless you are willing to spend a fair amount of money 2.0 with some powered monitors or 2.1 is the way to go. Adding three more speakers without doubling your budget means the quality of the individual speakers is going to be lower.

Just keep that in mind.

Yeah....the thought about buying 5.1 speakers for my desktop never crossed my mind. I won't be watching movies on the iMac....I got my home theater set up for that. Still don't know what system to get, but your suggestions have helped. Thanks!! Keep the suggestions coming.

[DavyC412]

You really aren't gaining anything unless you are listening to multichannel music. Now that is certainly a new experience.

I have a several thousand dollar 5.1 system and when I'm listening to music I typically am using it in a 2.1 configuration.

It just doesn't make sense to use 5 channels for two channel music.

you dont clone your front channels to the rear when you listen to a stereo source?



like i mentioned many times its for the feeling of immersion. its like having a really good pair of headphones on, it sounds so much fuller than just sitting infront of the speakers. its like being inside the music. but like i said, thats just my thought on it.

[thegoldenmackid]

It's impossible to tell what we could recommend depend on how big, what accuracy you would like and your price range, the recommendations could be anything...

[Galley]

Check out the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 (http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-AV-Powered-Speakers/dp/B000MUXJCO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1231719376&sr=8-1). :cool:

[trekster]

Check out the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 (http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-AV-Powered-Speakers/dp/B000MUXJCO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1231719376&sr=8-1). :cool:

I have an extra set of monitors lying around and was wondering what kind of inputs do I need to buy so I can connect it to my MBP?

[AZ-GT]

AudioEngine or M-Audio if you want something a bit less expensive.

[Tamoshanter]

I'm looking for some help for some desktop speakers. You guys have any suggestions. I don't need top of the line type speakers, but good sounding speakers is a must. Any suggestions?

Try the LOGITECH Z-2300 (200W THX surround sound), excellent reviews, highly recommended, $114 at amazon.com

[Hydroxs]

I have the swan m-10 and they are pretty good for music. The only downside is that you have to place the subwoofer at the same level as your speaker so you get the right bass.

[LeoFio]

Please give a maximum amount you are willing to spend, and the people on this board will have a field day recommending speakers to you :)

There is everything from a $100 2.1 setup in a box to spending $1000s on a hi-fi system to connect your mac to.

[SnowLeopard2008]

Please give a maximum amount you are willing to spend, and the people on this board will have a field day recommending speakers to you :)

There is everything from a $100 2.1 setup in a box to spending $1000s on a hi-fi system to connect your mac to.

You forgot the $30 Logitech 2.1 speaker system. ;)

[haze]

AudioEngine or M-Audio if you want something a bit less expensive.

I concur. These are the best options without playing through a dac/amp or receiver paired with monitors. 99% of the Logitech, Bose, etc. won't compare for the price.

[rick3000]

Not to hijack, but could anyone recommend a good set of 2.0 speakers for $50-60? I want to get a nice set for college but space is limited.

[Killyp]

I wouldn't really recommend the M-Audio monitor offerings. I've always found them to be a little pathetic/dull sounding (even for monitors).

[Tosser]

the frequency resp range is pretty garbage for speakers that cost 350 bucks, but it looks like it has a very nice mid range. pair that up with a sub and it could be really good, but i woudnt use them on their own.

i would go with logitech as well. get the 5.1 system. you never know the difference between stereo and surround until you hear it for yourself. it even makes music sound that much better (front speakers are cloned to rear) because you become surrounded and emersed by the music rather than just being infront of it.

People do realise, that most music is burned as a stereo recording, and that surround sound, unless specifically made for such a setup will ruin the "immersion" and placement, right?
A proper stereo set up playing back a stereo recording will sound better than the same recording played back on a surround sound set-up. Plus, with a budget – any type of budget except the "No limits"-one, when buying two speakers (or two speakers and a sub) will get you more bang for the buck, than the same amount of money spent on five or seven speakers (plus sub, if so needed).


I concur. These are the best options without playing through a dac/amp or receiver paired with monitors. 99% of the Logitech, Bose, etc. won't compare for the price.
I agree.

Not to hijack, but could anyone recommend a good set of 2.0 speakers for $50-60? I want to get a nice set for college but space is limited.

Don't be offended, but for that price, I'd go for headphones (cans), and simply use the inbuilt speakers when you don't want to wear headphones. $50-60 won't get you far. You'll propably end up with the same quality (lack of quality) speakers than what's in your lappie, only they will be separates and thus take up space and clutter your desktop.

[dmw007]

Bose Companion Fives.

Without a doubt, the best desktop audio quality I myself have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

Agreed, the Bose Companion Fives are truly awesome speakers (have them connected to a 2.8 GHz Mac Pro)! :)

Bose Companion 3's ftw.

Also great speakers, I have them connected to my 2.8 GHz iMac and used them on my 2.3 GHz DP Power Mac G5 before that. :)

[trekster]

How's the bass on the Bose and the Klipsch Speakers?

[dmw007]

How's the bass on the Bose and the Klipsch Speakers?

The bass on my Bose speakers is great in my opinion. :)

[zxcvb]

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2466


when you are choosing speakers, you can go with 2.1 or 5.1 channels , or you can go with several speakers with a sub. Or you can go with both ways which I think you dont want because it would cost thousands dollars.

basically I think 5.1 channel is wasting money like bose companion 5. you barely would listen 5.1 channel sound except the HDTV or blue ray movie. 5.1 channel it self sounds unbalanced like laptop build in speakers, only difference is it has a sub, so the bass is so loud that makes you thought 5.1 is so different.

so as someone suggested before, "buying two speakers (or two speakers and a sub) will get you more bang for the buck, than the same amount of money spent on five or seven speakers (plus sub, if so needed)."


My point is multiple speaks( for high tunes, middle tunes and low tunes， not several same speakers) are much worthy than multiple channels.

[Galley]

Not to hijack, but could anyone recommend a good set of 2.0 speakers for $50-60? I want to get a nice set for college but space is limited.

Creative GigaWorks T20 (http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Labs-GigaWorks-Multimedia-Technology/dp/B000PHX68G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1232401751&sr=8-1). You can find them for as little as $50 after rebate.

[DavyC412]

People do realise, that most music is burned as a stereo recording, and that surround sound, unless specifically made for such a setup will ruin the "immersion" and placement, right?
A proper stereo set up playing back a stereo recording will sound better than the same recording played back on a surround sound set-up. Plus, with a budget – any type of budget except the "No limits"-one, when buying two speakers (or two speakers and a sub) will get you more bang for the buck, than the same amount of money spent on five or seven speakers (plus sub, if so needed).


i bought these old 4.1's in the early days of EAX for gaming. but im not gonna turn the rears off when i listen to music. i personally perfer them to be on, i think it sounds fuller, richer, and generally better (you get the headphone feeling, its hard to describe) than when i only turn the fronts on, which feels harsher (my speakers have an adjustible setting where i can change the speaker balance from F to R on the remote, so i can quickly switch to compare the two). to me, the music sounds the same, but feels different, if that makes any sense. youre not gonna change my opinion to 2 speakers is better than 4 just like im not going to convince you of the opposite. i have my opinion, you have yours. i feel its more immersive, and that just because music is burned in stereo, it doesnt have to be heard on only two speakers, you dont.

as for getting more bang for your buck from 2.1 instead of 4.1, i would have to heartily agree. a 2.1 system of equal value to a 4.1 would probably be of higher quality.

[djkny]

Where can you get those Aego M's? Have been looking everywhere. Have they simply been discontinued, or ... are they merely an audiophile collector's item?

[dylanbrown]

I would go for the Bose Companion 3's. By far the best pair of desktop speakers I have ever used.

[dL.]

Bose Companion series sucks imo.

Go for Audioengine A2 or A5 depending on your desk size.

dL

[dylanbrown]

Bose Companion series sucks imo.

dL

That's just your opinion, many people speak of them very well and are absolutely fantastic. They get pretty good reviews too, and people on this forum seem to like them.

[Tosser]

That's just your opinion, many people speak of them very well and are absolutely fantastic. They get pretty good reviews too, and people on this forum seem to like them.

Of course it's his opinion. He even stated it was his opinion. :p


But really, how many of those reviews aren't merely opinion based on little knowledge and zero comparison?

[dylanbrown]

But really, how many of those reviews aren't merely opinion based on little knowledge and zero comparison?

True, very true! Out of all the desktop speakers I have owned they have been the best. (and also the most expensive) lol.

[zxcvb]

That's just your opinion, many people speak of them very well and are absolutely fantastic. They get pretty good reviews too, and people on this forum seem to like them.

if you could shut off the Bose companion 5 's big Sub and listen music only from it's 2 speakers, you'll see its true color

:D

[dylanbrown]

if you could shut off the Bose companion 5 's big Sub and listen music only from it's 2 speakers, you'll see its true color

:D

True, when you turn down the sub, the speakers sound kind of weak. I still think they're amazing!

[ayeplussjr]

I decided to go with the Logitech Z2300's. Got em from Amazon for about 84.00. I'm happy with em. They match my iMac, and sound a lot better than the built in speakers. I didn't want to spend too much. I don't use my iMac as a home entertainment system. Got my flat screen and my 6.1 surround for that...I just bought em just so that I can have some decent speakers to use while doing work on my iMac and listening to iTunes.

[KVH]

My next pair of computer speakers will be these...
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/loudspeakers/swan-active-desktop/p/swan-m200mkii/cPath/21_24/products_id/80

If not then I would go separate amp and either some PSB or Triad speakers!

[Sgt.Pepper]

You've already made your purchase so my advice is now moot.
I was going to recommend, you get an external DAC to bypass the computers, and them get an amplifier and hook up some proper stereo speakers, that is the best sound option. Although it would have been more expensive. Also you'd probably want lossless music too.
Or set up a nice headphone rig, with a DAC/headphone amp.

And to the people who recommended BOSE, the quality of BOSE speakers is about half what they cost. BOSE spend millions on a slick advertising/marketing to convince people their great products, when really they're an average product in a shin case.
They should change 'Better Sound Through Research', with 'Brainwashing through marketing'

I don't hate BOSE, I just hate that they advertise as themselves as a premium product when their not, yet they still charge a premium price. If they were actually premium, I'd like them. Or if they had prices that reflected their quality I'd like them.

[SUSU65]

A thought about speakers ...

I was looking for a set as well...
Until I noticed a button on my
shelf top Panasonic Stereo above my monitor
that said - AUX - auxiliary ...

So I grabbed the AV cable from the digital camera,
plugged it into the mac, ran it up to the
sound jacks behind the stereo,
pressed the auxiliary button ...
and Shazam - booming sound in stereo.

A trip to the dollar store to pick up a
dollar fifty AV Sound cable, and that’s it !
... very happy, sounds great.
net cost ... a buck fifty.

try it ! you might like it :)
...um just say’n .... !


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