Which 2.1 speaker set should I get?

[jared_kipe]

Here is my post from another thread

I'm not to sure about those stick design speakers either, I agree that they might expect too much out of a sub. For the money you are talking you could probably look at Klipsch. I own a set of their Promedia 5.1's and their DD-5.1 decoder to match them. Of course thats for 5.1, you would probably be looking at one of these models.

http://klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=713 150USD
http://klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=103 180USD

They also have a nice ipod solution.. mmm 200Watts of power for an ipod..
http://klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=907 But I'm not sure if they have a line in so you can use them with a computer. But not available quite yet :'(

And if you happen to want portability, then try these
http://klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=922 100USD

 

[dferigmu]

If I can tell you anything, it would be that Klipsch are your best bet. Logitecs are purely for bass, not accurate sound reproduction. Altec Lansings are OK, and Bose are overpriced and don't sound as good as they are cracked up to be. You can't go wrong with Klipsch. I have a Promedia 4.1 here, and I love them to death. I listen to classical music mostly. Incredible detail. I also listen to organ music. It's the most difficult sound to reproduce because you are dealing with frequencies that no speaker can accurately reproduce.

Look around for a set by Klipsch. You'll never look back. Great detail. They're not built for looks. They're built for the express purpose of playing music. And that's just what they do.

It seems like Klipsch is getting the best reviews on here. What about the ProMedia GMX A-2.1 Speaker System? That was the main Klipsch set I was looking at b/c of its price and appearance.

And what about reports of hissing and speakers going out after a short period of time with Klipsch speakers?

 

[IJ Reilly]

I bought the Logitech Z-2300s a few weeks ago and they are remarkably good for the size and money. They also have a separate volume control for the sub, which is essential if you ask me. I bought these after much research -- they were consistently rated above the similarly-priced Klipsch speakers. I know this is contrary to some of the advice you've heard here, but there you go. It's based on my reading and not any A/B comparison I've made.

FWIW, I wouldn't expect audiophile performance from any speaker of this size and cost but they are certainly better than I expected.

 

[edrill]

2.1 speakers

hi - can these types of speakers, ie, with a powered sub woofer be used with an airport express? is the determining factor that they are powered?

and how about with a home theater system? if plugged into a digital receiver, i;m sure that you can use an airport express, but what if you were to purchase home theater speakers - could they be used with an airport express or do they have to be attached to a receiver or amp.


thanks.

 

[feakbeak]

hi - can these types of speakers, ie, with a powered sub woofer be used with an airport express? is the determining factor that they are powered?

and how about with a home theater system? if plugged into a digital receiver, i;m sure that you can use an airport express, but what if you were to purchase home theater speakers - could they be used with an airport express or do they have to be attached to a receiver or amp.

Airport Express only outputs at line level - there is no amplification so you need powered speakers. Most 2.1 speakers systems for computers are powered by an amplifier in the sub.

If you want to use it with non-powered speakers, which is the typical case with home theatre setups then you'll need to have the output from the Airport Express go into your receiver or pre-amp.

 

[feakbeak]

I'm not a huge audiophile, but I do not care for most Logitech and Klipsch computer speaker sets because the bass is always boomy, I hate that. I like having flat freq. response and decent imaging.

I own a pair of the Acoustic Energy AGEO2. I paid $400 for them about three years and have been very pleased. Since Acoustic Energy is based in the UK, I'm sure MR's UK readers pick them up for cheaper than what I paid here in the US.

I bought a Mac Mini as a second machine. I intend to keep the AEGO2 system with my PC since that's how I listen to music in my bedroom. The mini will go near my kitchen/dinning area and I'll need another pair of speakers. I didn't want to spend as much money on the second pair of speakers, but I want decent sound. I'm looking to spend about $200, preferably no more than $150. Important qualities for me are flat freq. response and MOST importantly no artificially boomy bass. I can't stand that and most all the stuff at Best Buy, Comp USA, etc have that problem, even when you turn the sub down all the way, it still seems unnatural. I don't care if the bass does not extend too low, as long as it sounds clean.

If anyone knows a good speaker solution that fits my requirements I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks!

Just to update this thread for anyone who goes searching on 2.1 speaker systems I thought I would post what I ended up purchasing since I am so pleased with these speakers.

I purchased a pair of Swans M-200s. I'm not even sure what they retail, but I picked them up for $169 on newegg.com. There is no sub with these speakers so if you're a bass lover these probably wouldn't suit you. They have bass and go down to about 50 Hz before rolling off. The bass that is present though is tight and images well. Also, if you are looking for something small these don't fit the bill either. They are good size monitors. They are more like traditional monitors than multimedia satalites. However, if you want clean, accurate sound with great imaging these speakers will deliver. They outperform my Acoustic Energy Aego2 2.1 speaker system that I mentioned in my earlier post and these are less than half hte price. Amazing!

It is a crime that Logitech, Bose and Altec Lansing can sell their crap systems for the prices they charge. I did not want t spend much money so I just went to Best Buy and Circuit City at first. I listened to every system they had on display, even ones costing up to $400. I did not like ANY of them. I am not exaggerating, they all sucked. I then went and poked around on the internet and found the Swans M-200. They received great reviews and user opinions of them were exceptional. I am very happy with my purchase.

 

[Jigglelicious]

Just to update this thread for anyone who goes searching on 2.1 speaker systems I thought I would post what I ended up purchasing since I am so pleased with these speakers.

I purchased a pair of Swans M-200s. I'm not even sure what they retail, but I picked them up for $169 on newegg.com. There is no sub with these speakers so if you're a bass lover these probably wouldn't suit you. They have bass and go down to about 50 Hz before rolling off. The bass that is present though is tight and images well. Also, if you are looking for something small these don't fit the bill either. They are good size monitors. They are more like traditional monitors than multimedia satalites. However, if you want clean, accurate sound with great imaging these speakers will deliver. They outperform my Acoustic Energy Aego2 2.1 speaker system that I mentioned in my earlier post and these are less than half hte price. Amazing!

It is a crime that Logitech, Bose and Altec Lansing can sell their crap systems for the prices they charge. I did not want t spend much money so I just went to Best Buy and Circuit City at first. I listened to every system they had on display, even ones costing up to $400. I did not like ANY of them. I am not exaggerating, they all sucked. I then went and poked around on the internet and found the Swans M-200. They received great reviews and user opinions of them were exceptional. I am very happy with my purchase.

Glad you like the M200's, I hear they are incredible speakers. Although I am fairly happy with my Klipsch, I plan on getting a pair of M200's too, because I don't like the way my walls rattle from the sub on my Klipsch - it makes it difficult to listen to music when others are sleeping in the same house.

 

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says...I have been reading this thread with great interest as I am also looking for some speakers. I had been quite intersted in the Bose Companion 3's, not just for the looks but because they were one of the only ones that would fit where I need them to, and they can be mounted on my monitors...but I have been reading quite a bit on various sites and they get very mixed reviews - either you like 'em or hate 'em it seems. By default I always seem to favour Klipsch but the satellites are a couple inches too tall to fit where I need them to...decisions, decisions....oh yeah!