PSA: Most computer speakers suck

[Raduque]

I'm using a Logitech Z3 set because I don't have room for my Sansui DB8080 and 3ft tall 3-way towers that are flat down to 50hz.

 

[BeauJangles]

What I wonder is - why does a company like klipsch sell their 2.1s with such obviously awful amps? The satellites on their promedia are actually pretty decent, it's the amp that's coloring the sound.

For the same reason that people buy mp3s and don't care about how "terrible" the music sounds -- Just Good Enough technology.

 

[tboo]

Love my Razer Makos

 

[slackerinabox]

Love my Razer Makos

Those get stellar reviews , how are the mids on them?

 

[Brainonska511]

I like my Promedia 2.1 speakers - the only thing I wish was different was the control module not being a piece of the right speaker and instead be a separate wire remote like many other computer speakers.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Hows the bass on those M200s? Do they have a subwoofer out in case you'd like to upgrade?

They have pretty good bass for speakers of this size.

I did a couple test measurements with RoomEQ Wizard to check its functionality before I moved the SPL meter into my theater room to do my actual measurements.

In those preliminary tests, it was clear that my computer room has some acoustic issues, but the Swan M200s went down to the 50Hz range as advertised. I have a hump in the bass due to room characteristics above 50Hz, so it's a little hard to tell exactly what's going on, but I do not feel like I really need a subwoofer with these.

The M200s do not have a subwoofer pre-out. If I wanted to add a sub, I'd probably just run my analog audio out from my PC to a subwoofer with line level input/output and then run the output to the Swans. I'd level match them with the gain/volume control and then use Windows volume control to change volume while I left the gain/volume on the speakers and sub set as calibrated.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I agree, most computer speakers are kinda crappy ....

I have an old set of Yamaha MST50s on my PC ..... they don't sound good, but they aren't quite total garbage either .... usually just use them for gaming or playing an ocassional mp3.

I have my HTPC hooked up to my Reciever with some BIC America RTR15s if I want real sound....

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

Mine are Bose, so I know they're good.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

I blew out the speakers on my 5300's a couple weeks ago and have been searching for replacements (gaming, movies, music). It seems that the 5500's are the replacement, but the cost ($350+) is just ridiculous. Anyone have any thoughts on a good 5.1/7.1 replacement?

 

[NutBucket]

I'm using a Logitech Z3 set because I don't have room for my Sansui DB8080 and 3ft tall 3-way towers that are flat down to 50hz.

You mean 8080DB

I have my 9090 (non-DB) hooked up to my PC.

 

[Raduque]

You mean 8080DB

I have my 9090 (non-DB) hooked up to my PC.

Yea, that's what I mean. It's in storage and it's been a while since I actually looked at it.

NutBucket, I don't suppose you know how to fix the VU meters? They don't move anymore.

 

[secretanchitman]

i love my z-5500s. they sound awesome (of course they dont compare to real home theater speakers though).

 

[NutBucket]

Yea, that's what I mean. It's in storage and it's been a while since I actually looked at it.

NutBucket, I don't suppose you know how to fix the VU meters? They don't move anymore.

Hmm, not sure offhand. Time to get out a schematic and multimeter and go to town. I gave mine a good tuneup when I got it since one channel was dead.

 

[Raduque]

Hmm, not sure offhand. Time to get out a schematic and multimeter and go to town. I gave mine a good tuneup when I got it since one channel was dead.

Mine needs one too, the right channel has a tendency to go lower in volume(or it goes into mono) sometimes and you have to fiddle with the stereo/mono button to get it back. And the protection circuit takes literally five minutes to reset after it's been tripped.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

So... in the $300-400 range these A5's are supposed to be the best, right?

...this is for general music (some local/indie rap, rock, etc) video games...

 

[MrMatt]

I have those, too Have to turn down the bass for most songs, but excellent with X-Fi XtremeGamer.

Also have a decent 2.1 Boston Acoustics set that I got with a Gateway system in 1998. Still good sound quality, and I use it with my laptop.

Holy crap! The BA735! I was just going to post about them. I've used them with 3 computers now. It's simply amazing how good these speakers are.

 

[Fritzo]

I have those, too Have to turn down the bass for most songs, but excellent with X-Fi XtremeGamer.

Also have a decent 2.1 Boston Acoustics set that I got with a Gateway system in 1998. Still good sound quality, and I use it with my laptop.

I have those same Boston Acoustics- they were standard with all their computers I also have the X-Fi. There's a "music" setting on it that equalizes the speakers to music, and it makes a big difference.

 

[tboo]

Those get stellar reviews , how are the mids on them?

Very good. I was quite surpised by their sound when I first fired them up.

 

[speg]

I am happy with my Logitech Z-5500s... they are not perfect, but I am not and don't pretend to be an audiophile.

 

[kalrith]

I've had my 4.1 Klipsch Promedias for 9 1/2 years now, and other than having to clean the volume POT, they've been flawless. I think they've been great for the price, but I obviously know that real HT equipment is better. Whenever I get around to upgrading my main HT system, the old system will become my computer speakers

 

[slag]

I have an older set of Altec Lansings that are awesome.

ditto.

 

[yhelothar]

I love my Swan M200 I got for $200 and a Velodyne 10" Subwoofer for $160.
I bought my gf a set of Klipsch 2.1 from ebay for $50 a few years ago and first set them up next to my swans for a comparison. While the Klipsch sounds good at low volume, at medium or higher volumes, the sound is thin and weak sounding in comparison.

The $125 amplified bookshelf speakers they have now seems like a pretty kickass deal.
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/

 

[Kalmah]

Get studio monitors and you'll blow your pants after hearing them. Check musiciansfriend.com


link

 

[coldmeat]

I haven't used my speakers since I bought my A700s. These headphones blow them away, maybe because they are $100 Altec Lansings. It's so much easier to hear things in games with headphones rather than speakers, like hearing voices over background noise.

 

[Crono]

Holy crap! The BA735! I was just going to post about them. I've used them with 3 computers now. It's simply amazing how good these speakers are.

Lol, I couldn't recall the model number, but those are the speakers. The Gateway was my first computer, and while the other stuff has been junked (well, I actually still have that 4GB hard drive in a box, lol) or given away (the EV700 or whatever it was decent CRT, gave it to a friend) the speakers soldier on.

Build quality of all the accessories that used to come with computer systems dropped significantly when all the actual computer components dropped in price. Love that Boston Acoustics set, still use it when I workout, and I've used it for nearly every secondary desktop or laptop I've ever had. I also used the PS/2 keyboard up until last year as a backup keyboard. Keys had better quality and more satisfying click, like most older keyboards. I have a IBM model "M" somewhere here that I got off ebay, but never got around to buying a converter for it.