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Now this is really ridiculous. Talking about Bose being crap and simultaneously recommending Swan's? Swan's are design only speakers which sound absolutely horrible (presuming you're talking about the usual 2.1 speaker set). Even the majority of Swan owners will confirm this.

Edit: M10's is what I'm speaking of. They fit in the OP's price range. There really are better choices than these.
I don't know where you got this from, but I've used Logitech Z-2300s (these actually sound horrible ;)), M-Audio AV40s and Swans M10 speakers (which I currently own) and the Swans are no doubt the best in looks and audio quality. I'm not saying it's as great as Bose, because I've never used Bose speakers but for the money, they sound awesome and not horrible at all. I'm sure a lot of M10 owners agree with me on this one. ;)

What about the Edifier Prisma E3350? I think these look quite nice next to an iMac.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/H1044LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MTgyMzQ3OTc&s=topSellers
 
I can second the M10 for affordable speakers with great sound and a great design to boot.

I currently have both the AV40 and M10 and prefer the M10 slightly. The only issue to me is that the M10 is VERY directional and you would basically need to be sitting/standing directly in front of them for the best results.

Also, the Bose does sound fantastic and "full" compared to my AV40. I've had the side by side and the Bose really does work pretty damn well.
 
I've been pretty dang happy with my Klipsh Pro media 2.1 :)

Me too for the past 3 years! Just replace it with Bose Companion 5 and lovin it so far! The Klipsh is Loud and nice bass but bose have very clear sound and looks really nice! Got my Klipsh for only 130 and bose 400 :( its pricey!
 
I can second the M10 for affordable speakers with great sound and a great design to boot.

I currently have both the AV40 and M10 and prefer the M10 slightly. The only issue to me is that the M10 is VERY directional and you would basically need to be sitting/standing directly in front of them for the best results.

Also, the Bose does sound fantastic and "full" compared to my AV40. I've had the side by side and the Bose really does work pretty damn well.

Dude, that's because the AV40 are STUDIO MONITORS. They produce ACTUAL sound.

Bose adds all that subwoofer bass into your music and just clouds it with bass. BOSE = NO HIGHS, NO LOWS, IT MUST BE BOSE.
BOSE = BUY OTHER SOUND ELECTRONICS
 
2.1 Speakers for MacMini?

Going thru a similar dilemma.

Set my budget to $500 or below.

Need 2.1 system for the upstairs office which holds my MacMini.

Any recommendations from personal experiences???
 

hmm I remember trying one of their 2.1 setups at the local guitar center. It was slightly better than say z-2300s, but not really anything special

IMO if you get the B&Ws (computer speakers) you are overpaying for design. The Audioengine's will blow those away. There was a review some time ago comparing the A2's to the zeppelins and it wasn't even close. The A5s are even better than the A2s (there's even an A5+ model above that now). It's worth at least a try. I myself have a TBD and an MBA on my desk, so I get what you mean by matching. It's not worth it IMO. At least let your ears decide.
 
the sound is ok on my new iMac

and i'm considering investing some money in order to get some good 2.1 speakers

all reviews are giving good grades to most kits but it's quite difficult to compare them

i was wondering which you would recommend (my use: movies and music)

in an affordable price range:

- JBL Creature III black
- Bose Companion 3

and in a less affordable price range:

- Bowers & Wilkins MM1
- Focal XS


thanks


Swans M10's
 
soundsticks are awesome but take a bit a space on the desk...

I ordered the soundstick IIIs -- they should be here sometime today. You keep mentioning that they will take up too much desk space. The soundstick speakers take up little space at all. Moreover, you can save your valuable desk top space by placing the subwoofer else were. I got mine for $114 shipped so it was pretty much a no brainer to go with this option. not only do they sound great they have a brilliant design. Its like buying speakers and art at the same time.
 
Just wanted to follow up on my previous post. My HK Sound Sticks came earlier today and they sound really great. I was a bit skeptical they would sound as good as people say that they do.. and well.. I'm extremely happy with my purchase.
 
Just wanted to follow up on my previous post. My HK Sound Sticks came earlier today and they sound really great. I was a bit skeptical they would sound as good as people say that they do.. and well.. I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

And it's only day 1! In a week or two, they'll really start to open up - and you'll be even happier.

Only thing these babies aren't great for is Dance music, the bass handles Jazz, Rock and Classic far better. Real tight.

Keep them spaced apart by about a minimum of 3 feet if you can. Don't be nervous about playing around with the tilt, make sure the top tweeter of each stick points to the tippy top of your ear. They are primarily for near-field listening, so pointing them away from your head doesn't help much.

Also, make sure they aren't directly up against the wall, leave at least half a foot of room between the stick and any wall space so they can breathe a bit.

Other than that, it's a simple 2.1 system that I'm sure you'll enjoy with time.

*Don't drop the sticks too much! They split in half easy.
 
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