Computer Speaker Systems

[AtomicSpark]

What do you have? What are your experiences with them?

I've been thinking about getting the Logitech Z-2300. I've had a Logitech 5.1 speaker system in the past, but my desk didn't accommodate it very well and I don't feel like spending over $300 again. However, after demoing them at Best Buy, I can say that I wasn't very impressed. The satellite speakers lacked the ... clarity that the other systems seemed to have.

I've also recently been looking at the Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II. Reviews have stated that they have excellent full range of audio, but lack powerful base that a subwoofer can produce.

Although I'm used to a more powerful system, I never really blasted it except for the luls. I'd like to try something different this time and look for better sound rather than more power. If it helps, I'll be using the speaker system for video games (PC and PS3), music, and DVD movies.

 

[kineaesth]

I had a pair of these for six wonderful months.

 

[Sedako]

I use a pair of Behringer MS20s. Despite being only 10W, they can really pump out some clear mid and highs depending on the quality of the music rip. Poor rips (anything 128 kbps and under) sound like crap, but anything 256 and up sounds great. They are near-field monitors, so they are best for listening while seated close to and in between them. I actually just picked up a Polk PSW10 to drive the bass, though I'm waiting for the cable to arrive to actually use it. I didn't realize how gigantic it was though, as I've only ever had shitty Logitech subs before now. I would honestly avoid Logitech speakers, as I've always noticed slight distortion even on higher end models. Their speakers seemed to really only designed for gaming anyways, and lack a lot of the clarity that better brands offer. Some reviews of my speakers if you're curious.

 

[AtomicSpark]

Yeah I've been talking to some people in IRC and decided that I'm going to ditch the common computer speakers and find two decent monitor speakers and an amp.

Found this: http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/09/13/how-to-upgrade-to-studio-monitor-speakers

Looking at: http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio...nd-Sound-Monitoring-System-603703-i1153194.gc

 

[Sedako]

Yeah I've been talking to some people in IRC and decided that I'm going to ditch the common computer speakers and find two decent monitor speakers and an amp.

Found this: http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/09/13/how-to-upgrade-to-studio-monitor-speakers

Looking at: http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio...nd-Sound-Monitoring-System-603703-i1153194.gc

M-audio is a good choice. That set looks to be good if you plan on going to 5.1 or 7.1 later on as well.

 

[Raziaar]

I use some old Altec Lansing speakers.

They're white and small and ugly.

I can't find any images that compare to them. Every Altec Lansing speaker image I find looks like they're from the year 3000 compared to my 1990's era speakers.

 

[VirusType2]

X-Fi Xtreme Music - Compared to my other sound card, this one has great clarity, generally good sound, but it seems to lack a little in low frequency reproduction. It doesn't work with quite a few of my games. No fiber optic output. Overly bloated software that you will want to have a start up manager block everything except the driver. Not Recommended. $80


Cerwin Vega! 12" floorstanding loudspeakers - These are absolutely ****ing sweet, with two 12" woofers in huge ported cabinets, these ****ers have balls. The mids are a little too loud, making vocals too loud, but if you use a digital EQ, you can easily adjust for that. They are very large and very loud. They handle up to 200 watts each and have trip-able circuit breaker protection. You won't be able to use these if you live in an apartment or something. 12" woofers sound best from a greater distance than smaller woofers. Will last forever. Highly recommended for large rooms. Great value at $220 each.

Kenwood 100w per channel reciever/amplifier (over 10 years old) - Got this with insurance money when my older and much better sounding Kenwood was stolen. While it's pretty damn good sounding in general, I'm not happy with this one. I can't wait to upgrade to Denon or Harmon-Kardon with fiber optics, but this damn Kenwood just won't die.

 

[Bakurei]

If you really want something good I'd recommend Quad or Martin & Logan speakers. But those aren't cheap. The only best way is to go listen to the speakers yourself. Most people will recommend speakers with absolute shit sound quality and tell you it's great. If you spend 10min taking a dump at the toilet you don't smell anything out of the ordinary, but it still doesn't mean it doesn't smell like shit in the toilet.

 

[AtomicSpark]

Yeah, I'll be stopping by Best Buy, a local music (instrument) store, and Guitar Center (the closest one being 30 mins away, so I'll call and make sure they carry stuff like this). I definitely want to hear stuff in person before I make a choice.