HK Soundsticks III vs Klipsch Promedia 2.1 vs ?

[Ahheck01]

Hey guys and gals,

So it's time to upgrade. I'd like to stay in the $150ish range for 2.1's for my iMac.

I do video editing during the day, but it's for basketball training videos, so audio perfection isn't a priority.

I do listen to music quite a bit - somewhat loud, but great quality is important. I also watch movies with my wife on my iMac, which sits in a living room that's about 14' by 20' with hardwood floors and 10' ceilings.

Right now the Soundsticks are $130 on Amazon. The ProMedia are $155 at Best Buy (165 after tax).

I much prefer the appearance of the Soundsticks, but of all the reviews of the ProMedia, it sounds like the Klipsch are more likely to please long term with the sound.

I know for pure accuracy/quality the pricier Audioengine and Swan options are preferable, but in the $150ish range, what would be the best option for me?

Thanks!

 

[Ahheck01]

I suppose I should ask:

For $165, can I do any better? Could I do a receiver and used components for anywhere close? I'd like big, clear, quality sound. Not necessarily audiophile quality, but darn good quality. And when I'm watching an explosion take place on screen, I want to feel it. Not earth shattering, but if it rattles the windows a little that's not a bad thing.

 

[JoeG4]

The Klipsch system will sound better - the soundsticsk make a great 40w system, but won't have the mids or the clear bass of the klipsch setup.
Cheers, merry christmas!

 

[Shaun.P]

I've had my Soundsticks II for 6 years this March.

I absolutely love them and the sound is excellent.

Soundsticks III are a wise choice.

 

[Alinoe]

If within price range, the Swans M200 mkIII are easily the best powered system I've ever heard. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/swans2/1.html

 

[toxic]

Klipsch, no contest.

M200s (which are out of the OPs budget) and other shelf speakers/monitors still need a sub. unless you dont find low freqs important, of course.

 

[JoeG4]

Hehe, the Swans M200s. I was wondering with all the recent talk about Swans on the forum, when I'd start seeing people brag about those again XD

People were proclaiming those to be the best speakers ever when I was what.. 10? XD They must be pretty darn good. Too bad they wouldn't just make a normal 2.1 set.

 

[Alinoe]

I disagree with the M200s needing a sub. For nearfield listening, the bass output is sufficient for most normal users. And subwoofers can be devilishly hard to integrate properly in a desktop setting. Lots of bass doesn't equal good sound.

My computer system used to be a pair of B&W 805n speakers powered by a Jungson DA120 amplifier, and even though the swans cost only a tenth of that setup, I actually find they perform better, because they are more suited to the environment in which they are playing.