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Best Computer Speakers

pureelite1 said:
My Imac has Headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack) and also to the person above me, those are not SURROUND SOUND. I am specifically looking for the best surround sound experience for my movie/gaming/music experience
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Put surround in the topic title next time. That helps.
 
Beanoir said:
You don't have to, sound is a personal taste.
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Not really. Sound waves can be measured. A speaker system that accurately reproduces the sound file's waves is a speaking system that is technically superior to one that doesn't. Personal taste matters, of course. Many people like distortions, hence the popularity of tube equipment. But, sound is not just about personal taste. It can be scientifically quantified.
 
I have the tried and true Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 system (which can be bought now for ~$150). These speakers are amazing. I hooked my computer up to my 5.1 surround system in my living room, yet for music, I actually prefer the Klipsch (and the bass is unbelievable).

Klispch used to make a 5.1 version of the same system, but it seems to be discontinued. Perhaps you can find it on eBay or elsewhere?
 
I just purchased the Swans M10's. They are absolutely amazing, especially on my pockets. Great bang for your buck, and great speakers.
 

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Where'd you get the M10s? Swans seem hard to find. I'm curious about the M20w and M50w as well.

Also, I've never seen them with the black faceplates - only white. Did you do that yourself? Looks slick...
 
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yadmonkey said:
Where'd you get the M10s? Swans seem hard to find. I'm curious about the M20w and M50w as well.

Also, I've never seen them with the black faceplates - only white. Did you do that yourself? Looks slick...
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Whether you want black or white go here. Lockware Systems

The black color is an exclusive only offered by that company. Currently, they seem to be the only place at the moment to have either in stock.
 
Wow, I really didn't expect to see these in stock anywhere. Now just to decide between the M10s and the M50Ws. Seems that the M10s would be hard to beat in terms of quality for the dollar, but I adore the look of the M50s and some extra bass would be nice.
 
yadmonkey said:
Wow, I really didn't expect to see these in stock anywhere. Now just to decide between the M10s and the M50Ws. Seems that the M10s would be hard to beat in terms of quality for the dollar, but I adore the look of the M50s and some extra bass would be nice.
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Glad I could help. If the M50's were available in all black I would have purchased those. I really really love bass.
 
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akswun said:
I agree with Chris on getting studio monitors but not on the M-Audios....

If you're going to spend 500$ go with some KRK Rokits 2nd Gen... You can get a pair of 5 or 6" for under $500 and getting the best quality sound available for 'Music' listening.

I personally think $500 is too much to spend on just computer speakers because for around $120 you can get a 2.1 system. You don't really need to spend that much money on a home theatre system.

Anyway... I say go with a pair of KRK's but thats only because I dj and use them in my own setup.
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I read a lot about quality problems of the M-Audios.

This mainly concerned the lower-end speakers AV30 and 40, but would you trust a company that puts speakers out that break that easy? One visit to the M-Audio message board and I decided not to go with this company. This adds to the complaint about the quality of this brand's product on Amazon.com

I heard a lot of good things about the KRK's. I think you can buy them as singles: $ 200 a piece.
 
I'm sitting here giggling because I'm so happy with the Swan M50Ws I just set up. It's sort of like my feeling after I first got lasik. The clarity is suddenly there, as is the ample and tight bass. So clear and warm.

These things really highlight just how weak the Z-5500s (which I've had for 3 years) are for music. I love them for movies and games, but for music they're just muddy on the lows and weak on the mids.

Hey Lightspeed1, thanks for the tip on Lockware Systems. They were probably the only game in town for procuring these things at the moment.
 
yadmonkey said:
I'm sitting here giggling because I'm so happy with the Swan M50Ws I just set up. It's sort of like my feeling after I first got lasik. The clarity is suddenly there, as is the ample and tight bass. So clear and warm.

These things really highlight just how weak the Z-5500s (which I've had for 3 years) are for music. I love them for movies and games, but for music they're just muddy on the lows and weak on the mids.

Hey Lightspeed1, thanks for the tip on Lockware Systems. They were probably the only game in town for procuring these things at the moment.
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No problem at all. The guy's there are great! All I ask is that you spread the word. If you know anyone looking for Swan's send them to Lockware Systems.
 
LightSpeed1 said:
How are you enjoying those M50's some time later. Have your broke them in yet. I know after a couple of weeks my M10's sound a little better.
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I haven't had much time to break them in yet but I'm still giddy about these things. Sparkling highs, warmth, ample bass and the low end is so nice and tight.
 
Just my 2c: You'll be happier in the end with a good sounding pair of bookshelf monitors for $500 rather than a foul sounding surround sound set for $500.

In general any mass-market product branded as "computer speakers" is going to be awful.

But I live in a world of ribbon tweeters and sealed boxes, so I'm a little biased.
 
FX120 said:
Just my 2c: You'll be happier in the end with a good sounding pair of bookshelf monitors for $500 rather than a foul sounding surround sound set for $500.

In general any mass-market product branded as "computer speakers" is going to be awful.

But I live in a world of ribbon tweeters and sealed boxes, so I'm a little biased.
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Is their a particular pair of bookshelf monitors that you had in mind or just any set for $500?
 
FX120 said:
Just my 2c: You'll be happier in the end with a good sounding pair of bookshelf monitors for $500 rather than a foul sounding surround sound set for $500.

In general any mass-market product branded as "computer speakers" is going to be awful.

But I live in a world of ribbon tweeters and sealed boxes, so I'm a little biased.
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This was the lesson I took from my Z-5500s. I still think that they're quite enjoyable for movies and games, but for music they stink on ice.
 
Logitech Z-5500 is best speaker for you, and this speaker is also in your budget, this is 5.1 surround sound system, in this speaker includes wireless remote control with batteries and also get 2 year limited warranty.
 
pureelite1 said:
Wow they really nice and compact! How is the sound quality on them, if you dont mind giving me a little review since i also have a mac
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The sound is great better then the Z-5500 but the one thing I had is the console, I rather have the Z-5500 console instead just for looks
 
Positioning of speakers is extremely important. Make sure the speakers are at ear level. It makes a massive difference. A $100 speaker will sound better than a $10000 speaker when positioned much better.
 
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