What are the Best Speakers for under $300

[fatcat23]

Logitech Z5500

If you are looking for computer speakers for your MBP then you should definitely pick up the Logitech Z5500's. They have an optical input which works great with the mini-optical port on the MBP. You can output true 5.1 including DTS from your laptop. If you don't want the 5.1 surround then definitely check out the klipsch promedia 2.1. But the Z5500 sound so much better through optical as compared to the stereo analog cable. It's a night and day difference, and I would say they sound better than the klipsch for stereo(music) as well.

Don't waste your time with Bose like the companion 3 or 5. It's overpriced.

The Mackie/Behringer monitor setup is on a completely different level tho. There much better than the Z5500 but at an added cost. Most likely above your budget of 300.

 

[Goldenbear]

Whilst I'm here, what are the best 2.1 speakers? Don't mind about price.

How about these plus this sub?

OK, seriously, none of the "computer speakers" sound all that great, if you're going for accurate sound reproduction.

For example, I listened to the Klipsch 2.1 a few years back and recall being incredibly disappointed with them. I found them to be a bit shrill, with booming bass (as in uncontrolled - not a "good thing"), and the mids were non-existent. OK for most rap/rock/etc and movies, I suppose.

I've read a lot of praise for Swans M10 speakers, but I've never listened to them myself.

I gave up and went with high-end headphones for computer use. $500 can get you a very good mid/hi-fi setup (headphone and amp) that will sound better than a lot of $2000 stereo systems.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

If you are looking for computer speakers for your MBP then you should definitely pick up the Logitech Z5500's. They have an optical input which works great with the mini-optical port on the MBP. You can output true 5.1 including DTS from your laptop. If you don't want the 5.1 surround then definitely check out the klipsch promedia 2.1. But the Z5500 sound so much better through optical as compared to the stereo analog cable. It's a night and day difference, and I would say they sound better than the klipsch for stereo(music) as well.

Don't waste your time with Bose like the companion 3 or 5. It's overpriced.

The Mackie/Behringer monitor setup is on a completely different level tho. There much better than the Z5500 but at an added cost. Most likely above your budget of 300.

I purchased my Behringers for $280 from Amazon. I wouldn't reccomend spending more then $150 on computer speakers, you can get a pair of monitors that are going to be dramatically better then almost any computer speakers on the market.