need new speakers

[HBOC]

need some new speakers. I have the Logitech Z523 set that i have had for 10 years almost, which have worked well.

Now it is time for some new speakers. There are "several" speakers out there that get good reviews. Problem is being able to listen to them before buying. From my researches, i have narrowed it down to a few. My budget i would like to stay at $150 or less. I know that is not much for speakers, however i live in an apartment - so not trying to get crazy.

Edifier R1700BT $149.99
Edifier R1280T $99.99 (Blue tooth version is $129.99)
Micca PB42X $119.99
PreSonus Eris E3.5 $99.95
Mackie CR4 $149.99
M-Audio BX-5 $150

The Edifier's get amazing reviews, as does the Micca and PreSonus. Mackie gets good reviews, but not as high a score, but has more reviews. The M-Audio versions out there in my price range don't seem to be favorable. The AV-42 model is $100 off at Amazon ($99), but reviews state that it is a step down form the AV-40 that it replaced.

Problem with amazon is that even if you are a prime member, you still pay return shipping - so don't want to buy several models only to be stuck paying shipping on 8 lb speakers.

Guitar center sells the M-Audio, but non of the others.

anyways, any experience with these; or some speakers that i am missing?

Thanks

 

[jerwin]

Can you visit a guitar center and listen to the m-audios?

 

[rhett7660]

I have a set of these and absolutely love them, they are just a tad out of your price range though, however you can get the next size down.

Behringer MS40

The Behringer MS20's are right in line with your budget.

 

[jerwin]

does your mac have an optical out-- the recent ones don't

 

[BlazednSleepy]

Well I wouldn't include the M-Audio BX-5 as they are $150 EACH. And they need an audio interface to power them. They are proper studio monitors. I would honestly wait so you can save at least $300 to $350 to get a good pair of speakers that will last you many years.

 

[jerwin]

This site may be amusing to read.

http://noaudiophile.com/index.php

a couple of the speakers mentioned have been reviewed there.

You might also consider amp + passive speakers.

Also, consider whether you need a monitor-- really accurate, uncolored sound for mixing-- or whether you'd be happiest with a good set of speakers that may pleasantly color the sound.

 

[HBOC]

thanks for the responses. Local Guitar Center has the M-Audios. My MBP doesn't have optical out. And good catch on the M-Audio being for each! I don't do sound mixing or anything - just listen to music when editing photos and such. I suppose anything will be better than what i am using now

 

[Phil77354]

I've used Audioengine A2 powered speakers since 2009, they are excellent small speakers that sit on both sides of my iMac and I've been very happy with them. I use them with the Audioengine D1 DAC but that's not necessary.

Since they were first offered there have been quite a few other small powered speakers introduced, so I can't say which ones I'd purchase today, or if I would even go with this type of speaker since Apple has the new HomePod (which I've just ordered).

I have followed Steve Guttenbergs reviews on Cnet. He has evaluated quite a few small quality speakers over the years and that is another resource worth checking out.

 

[jerwin]

the A2's exceed the budget by 50-100 bucks, though.


would spending $50 on an amplifier, and $100 on a pair of bookshelf speakers be a good option?

sort of like this?

https://fstoppers.com/originals/best-computer-speakers-any-budget-157011

 

[Phil77354]

My personal choice would be to go for powered speakers, because the intent of a powered speaker is that the amplifier is designed to work with that specific speaker and should therefore provide better sound quality.

At your price range I really don't know what I would select if I was purchasing for myself. I don't know if the various speaker candidates you listed in your original post are self-powered or require an amplifier.

The package you reference, with Polk speakers and a separate amplifier, is probably worth seriously considering.

Here's another place to check out - Crutchfield has a couple of powered speaker pairs that are in your price range - the Mackie CR3 and CR4. I'm not familiar with that brand so I would do some research before ordering them, but personally I would go for powered speakers before I would consider speakers and a separate amplifier.

Good luck!

 

[jerwin]

It's not my budget, it's @HBOC 's. Just trying to keep this thread on target.

 

[HBOC]

so i ordered the Edifier R1700 BlueTooth speakers for $150. 720+ reviews and they have a 4.5 rating. They have to be "decent". Will find out on Sunday and report back in case anyone else is looking for new speakers.