Suggestions sought: Computer Speakers

[GA Russell]

I received an Amazon gift certificate for Christmas!

The volume control on my computer speakers has been flaky for a couple of years now, and I would like to replace them. I don't listen to music on my computer except when I listen to Spotify. Rather than spend much money on computer speakers, I would prefer to spend the gift certificate on an audio component of my stereo system.

So can anyone recommend a computer speaker that he considers a good value? I have been looking at these:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-980-000417-Speakers-Z130/dp/B003CP0OT2?SubscriptionId=AKIAJ7T5BOVUVRD2EFYQ&tag=camelhomealerts-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B003CP0OT2

Is Logitech a good value brand? I don't feel the need to have a floor base speaker, although I suppose I could be talked into it.

By the way, I am also a member of BJ's and Sam's, so if a much better bargain is to be found at one of those stores, I'm all ears.

[Scott Dolan]

I've had the Logitech Z4 2.1 set for years and have always been very happy with them. As far as I'm concerned you can't go wrong with Logitech no matter what. They build bulletproof products that are very budget friendly.

[mjzee]

I've used these for years (Altec Lansing FX3022), and highly recommend them:

They have bass cones built into the base, pointed down, so they give a nice, smooth response across the audio spectrum. They also look good on my desk. Amazon.

[Scott Dolan]

I had Altecs before I got my Logitechs. My wife still uses them down in the basement while she works out. It's another sub/sat system, and it easily fills a room.

Altec also builds some excellent budget equipment. I second the option.

[GA Russell]

Sounds great! mjzee, I'm sure that your particular speakers are out of my price range, but I'll study both the Logitech and Altec brands to see what I can find.

[etherbored]

mjzee; thanks - an excellent, timely suggestion for me! are you using these on a desktop or laptop? have you upgraded your sound card or are you running stock?

[Leeway]

Make sure you get the speaker wire upgrade

[tomatamot]

KEF X300A

http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l=314587&a=314691&po=1,00.asp

[mjzee]

mjzee; thanks - an excellent, timely suggestion for me! are you using these on a desktop or laptop? have you upgraded your sound card or are you running stock?

I actually have two pairs. One I use with my desktop (and I have never upgraded my sound card); the other pair I use in my bathroom connected to an iPod! In the past, I've connected them to my TV (it sounded pretty good!).

[Scott Dolan]

Make sure you get the speaker wire upgrade

Or just set your money on fire. You'll get the exact same results.

[romualdo]

Harman Kardon Sound Sticks & Jellyfish

have been running these for close on 10 years & the addition of a Nuforce DAC converter a couple of years ago has made it even sweeter

[Dave Garrett]

They are probably more than you want to spend, but I've been using a set of Klipsch's ProMedia 2.1 speakers for quite some time and haven't found anything else in their price range that even comes close. They sound great on my current computer and I haven't even gotten around to upgrading the sound card or adding a DAC.

Check out the hundreds of Amazon reviews from satisfied owners:

http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO

For some reason, they only seem to be available from third-party sellers at Amazon, but they can be had from directly from Klipsch for a lower price:

http://www.klipsch.com/promedia-2-1-computer-speakers

[Scott Dolan]

I had a set of Klipsch ProMedia's. Their sound is second to none. Second to none.

My problem was that the sub stopped working just a few months after I bought them. I could whack the sub and it would come back on, but it was only temporary. I read a boatload of reviews from folks who had the exact same experience.

No offense, but I'd encourage folks to steer clear of them. Especially considering how relatively expensive they are. If you luck out and get a set that doesn't shit the bed on you, you'll not find a more impressive sounding sub/sat system for your computer. If not, you'll be cursing the day you were born.

[David Ayers]

I want these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powered-Colorful-Fountain-Speakers-Computer/dp/B00FLU0EG4/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&qid=1389257241&sr=8-44&keywords=computer+speakers

I mean, sure, there's only one hostile review from a disappointed customer, but there are bound to be thousands of disappointed customers out there, and I want to be one of them.

[Scott Dolan]

Let's hope there aren't even hundreds...

[Jerry_L]

I want these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powered-Colorful-Fountain-Speakers-Computer/dp/B00FLU0EG4/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&qid=1389257241&sr=8-44&keywords=computer+speakers

I mean, sure, there's only one hostile review from a disappointed customer, but there are bound to be thousands of disappointed customers out there, and I want to be one of them.

Get these instead: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Colour-Jets-Speakers-Complete-Auxiliary/dp/B00FFC2MUO/ref=pd_sim_ce_1/275-1223493-4035965

4 stars average from 33 customers.

I've used these for years (Altec Lansing FX3022), and highly recommend them:

They have bass cones built into the base, pointed down, so they give a nice, smooth response across the audio spectrum. They also look good on my desk. Amazon.

I have a set of these on one of my home PCs. They do sound great for the price and size. Bass response is excellent even with no subwoofer.

Edited January 9, 2014 by Jerry_L

[Kevin Bresnahan]

Harman Kardon Sound Sticks & Jellyfish

have been running these for close on 10 years & the addition of a Nuforce DAC converter a couple of years ago has made it even sweeter

I've had these same speakers for many years as well. I think they sound pretty good.

[Scott Dolan]

*mini rant, I apologize in advance*

You know, many "audiophiles" have made fun of my Harman Kardon receiver for years (except the one I know personally who actually heard it).

But they actually build some pretty quality products. Their signature sound is warm and round. Certainly not on par with tubes, but a reasonable facsimile for the money.

I had been running my main system with an old POS Sony VSX-whatthefuckever, and at 100WPC it powered my Polk Audio speakers "just fine". Then I bought my HK. It was rated at 45WPC, ran me $500 over a decade ago (the Sony was $250), and weighed as much as a compact car.

My audiophile buddy, who had a $10,000+ tuber system with Martin Logan stats, came over and listened to it. Maybe not an exact quote, but he said something along the lines of, "holy shit, you went from a Pinto to a Porsche!"

I still don't get why HK is so shit upon by the audiophile community. Yeah, it's budget material, but lightyears beyond the Pioneer/JVC/Yamaha/etc dreck that floods the big box stores.

I've never heard the Jellyfish system, but I'd always second anyone who suggested HK gear. They are well beyond their price range in quality, and sound quality.

[Д.Д.]

Very timely thread, I am starting to use Spotify (David Ayers, you can claim your commission from them), so I need a set of PC speakers, something I've never bothered with.

[Scott Dolan]

If you already have a main stereo system, you could always go with an Apple TV unit and stream it.

[Д.Д.]

If you already have a main stereo system, you could always go with an Apple TV unit and stream it.

Thanks for the advice, might do just that. Still a set of PC speakers would not hurt, I guess.

[Dave Garrett]

I had a set of Klipsch ProMedia's. Their sound is second to none. Second to none.

My problem was that the sub stopped working just a few months after I bought them. I could whack the sub and it would come back on, but it was only temporary. I read a boatload of reviews from folks who had the exact same experience.

No offense, but I'd encourage folks to steer clear of them. Especially considering how relatively expensive they are. If you luck out and get a set that doesn't shit the bed on you, you'll not find a more impressive sounding sub/sat system for your computer. If not, you'll be cursing the day you were born.

My understanding is that the majority of the sub problems were traceable to a poorly-designed connection on the cable that plugs into the sub, a flaw that I believe has since been rectified in units of more recent manufacture. For what it's worth, I've been running the same set for 5+ years with no problems, as has a friend who bought his set shortly after I got mine. As is always the case with issues like this, your mileage may vary.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Dave Garrett

[Scott Dolan]

Glad to hear that, Dave. That speaker system is just too damned good. I'm happy to hear that Klipsch hasn't ignored the problem.

For the money, and with even a decent soundcard, they'd have you believing you were listening to a $1,000 system.

[Scott Dolan]

If you already have a main stereo system, you could always go with an Apple TV unit and stream it.

Thanks for the advice, might do just that. Still a set of PC speakers would not hurt, I guess.

Absolutely not!

The Apple TV unit is $100, which is pretty steep relative to a nice set of computer speakers. Just wanted to offer up that alternative.

It's funny. Even being the audio snob I am, my buddy at work brought in a pair of Dell speakers that his wife was going to throw away. Hooked them up to our shared machine, and I told him I was quite impressed and wholly satisfied with how they sounded.

Sometimes even us audio snobs get put in our place.

[Д.Д.]

My mother has Sony PC speakers that must be close to 20 years old. She must have paid all $30 for them back then. They sound excellent. Even look good. When I visit her next time I will check what model it is, just for the sake of it.