New Speakers!? What to choose?

[mgartner0622]

Hello-

I'm looking to get a new set of speakers...
I've been looking at the Bose Companion II & III series, as well as the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II they have at the Apple Store.
I'm looking for highish end speakers (reputable brand that is) for $250 or below.
I'm open to buying used ones from amazon or another site if I can get them for under $250

Also, I use a 2.1 rebranded set that I got with a windows computer I bought in 2002. (Considered a major upgrade at the time, although i don't know the original brand) They are quite old, and the cord is falling apart. Honestly, will I see an improvement in sound quality, or should I just splice and replace the power cord and continue using my current ones?


Thanks!

 

[definitive]

have you tried newegg.com instead of the apple store?

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=60&name=Speakers

logitech makes some very nice affordable speakers.

 

[Auszero]

Klipsch promedia 2.1

 

[Abyssgh0st]

Klipsch promedia 2.1

+1 on these. Although I may be a bit biased, because with my employee discount I got them for $70 instead of the +$150 MSRP. These are really nice speakers in a relatively sleek and manageable form factor, producing very crisp and loud sound.