Should I upgrade from Klipsch 2.1 speakers?

[Leo V]

Hi,
Since my friend wants to get ProMedias 2.1, I could sell him mine and upgrade. The problem is: have any speakers been created (under $250) that are actually *better*? (Assuming that you don't have something against PM2.1's, in which case our tastes differ.) By better I mean better quality sound, as opposed to greater wattage or amplified bass. My speakers' main use is music, so extra features like Dolby or 4+ speakers aren't important. Just transparent, quality sound--more of what the PM's provide.

For reference, I am using Midiman Audiophile2496 soundcard and CD's ripped using Exact Audio Copy (using Monkey's Audio lossless compression). Anything I should consider?
Thanks!
--Leo

 

[John]

Keep what you have since you will be disappointed with anything else under ~250.00.

 

[Leo V]

So how much more for the next step up?

I found Cambridge MegaWorks 510D for $276 shipped... I wonder if those are really better?

 

[Rhombuss]

Both the Altec Lansing 641's and Logitech's Z560 are well under that $250 mark, and give you the 4.1 surround channels.

 

[SocrPlyr]

Leo i would definately go check out those speakers for yourself before you buy anything like them... Klipsch speakers to me sound completely different from any other brand i have listened to, i'm not saying the other sound bad but in my opinion what the Klipsch do w/ a full body effect is just amazing... a friend of mine just ordered a pair of speakers (logitech or alteclansing, can't remember) but i will be able to tell you how the compare, when the get in... but in reality you almost have to go check out the speakers yourself and listen to them side by side...

Josh

PS if you really like the Klipsch the 4.1s are $239 shipped from newegg (just a quick check)

 

[TheWart]

for pure music quality, i'd stay with your promedias. btw nice soundcard!

 

[brunswickite]

z560's u can get for under 150 bucks

 

[John]

Originally posted by: brunswickite
z560's u can get for under 150 bucks

Leo firmly stated By better I mean better quality sound, as opposed to greater wattage or amplified bass. The Logitech speakers fall into that category, not to mention they blow fuses and seem to "break down" more often.

 

[GT578]

Why don't you get a separate receiver and a pair of speakers instead of computer speakers since you mainly listen to music. I did that because I also only listen to music on my computer and its better than any computer speakers i've used...and that includes Klipschs...

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: GT578
Why don't you get a separate receiver and a pair of speakers instead of computer speakers since you mainly listen to music. I did that because I also only listen to music on my computer and its better than any computer speakers i've used...and that includes Klipschs...

Not a bad idea as you can get as "audiophile" a system as you can afford.

 

[RamzaBeoulve]

Keep the 2.1s. I have a set of Promedia 2.1 speakers, and adjusted to listening to the music quality that they produce. I considered "upgrading" to a creative inspire 5.1 digital audio setup, but the sound quality wasn't even close to comparable to what my promedia's gave. Depending on how long you've had your 2.1s, your ears will adjust to how well they sound, and anything worse will be easily identifiable.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

An audiophile recommended Swan Diva speakers.. m-200 or something. I ordered tem for $200 a while ago from av123.com and still haven't recieved them. av123.com is down..... Great.
But they are supposed to be the best speakers you can get for the money... bookshelf style, tweeters and woofers in one box, none of that sattelite crap.

Edit: Nevermind. The speakers can be found here.

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: Leo V
So how much more for the next step up?

I found Cambridge MegaWorks 510D for $276 shipped... I wonder if those are really better?

I have them and they are great but I do watch movies , play games and listen to music but I listen to music a lot more than the other 2

IMO the 510D is a definite step above the klipsch but if I were you i would get the BA7800's from the gateway accessory store because they are probably the best musical "computer" speakers under $400
but I would not pay $280 for them unless you are gonna use surround sound

I have never owned the klipsch but have listened to them as well as the z-560

the 210D dont have the same subwoofer but have the same satellites as the 510D so you might wanna check those out

 

[Leo V]

Thanks for the advice so far! I respond....

GT578: (re: "Why don't you get a separate receiver and a pair of speakers")

I would do that... but I need suggestions on the exact equipment I can buy within $250, so that the result really sounds better than PM2.1's. Does the price allow it?

Jellomancer: (re: "An audiophile recommended Swan Diva speakers.. m-200 or something")

Would be great to hear your opinion once you get them. I admit the lack of subwoofer disconcerts me (I hope it doesn't adversely affect the system's linear frequency response.)

mchammer187: (re: Cambridge 510D, 210D, and BA7800)

I would consider the 210D, but I cannot find it anywhere! Regarding Boston Acoustics, I found some condemning comments about their music reproduction. This leaves the 510D, but of course I'm uneasy about paying $120, largely for upgrading to a 5.1 setup

SocrPlyr: (re: ProMedias 4.1)

The PM4.1's are basically twice what I need, and I don't have much room to accomodate them. PM2.1s are just as good for me.

Everyone who suggested keeping my PM2.1's: A very tempting suggestion. At the same time, it would be a convenient time to upgrade. I am just afraid of downgrading

I'll add that PM2.1's have a good built-in headphone amp; most rivaling systems don't. This might be the straw that broke the camel's back, causing me to stick w/ what I have.

 

[Tiberius]

You should grab their 5.1 speakers, and while you're at it, pick up a receiver that has Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Pro Logic II as well. That way you can use 4 speakers to listen to your music. Otherwise, the upgrade would be pretty useless unless you watch DVDs and/or play games.

 

[Beeker25]

The ONLY speakers that I would upgrade the Klipsch 2.1 to are the Klipsch 4.1 or 5.1, In my opinion, there aren't ANY PC speakers that sound as nice as the Klipsch Pro Medias. Go to you local Best Buy and check out the other options, Best Buy usually has quite a few on display that you can listen to and compare, I know that they have the Logitech 5.1's, Cambridge 5.1's, and the Klipsch 5.1's all of display for comparison, when you get to compare the sets next to each other, there is NO COMPARISON between them, the Klipsch are the best by far in MY OPINION!! This is only my opinion, others may think differantly.

 

[Leo V]

Well, here is what I found:

Good: PM5.1's are actually improved over PM4.1 and PM2.1's, in terms of sound quality.
Bad: They cost $335 shipped (+separate receiver), and EDIT: They do have a headphone jack Also, I'm not sure where to put all those speakers.

PS: I can't find info regarding whether PM4.1 is improved over 2.1.

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: Leo V
Well, here is what I found:

Good: PM5.1's are actually improved over PM4.1 and PM2.1's, in terms of sound quality.
Bad: They cost $335 shipped (+separate receiver), and EDIT: They do have a headphone jack Also, I'm not sure where to put all those speakers.

PS: I can't find info regarding whether PM4.1 is improved over 2.1.

PM 4.1 is not an improvement over the 2.1 from what i've read

you could just get another set of 2.1's and then you'll have basically a 4.1 with 2 subs but then again you said you hadnt a need for 4.1

and IMO if you are considering PM 5.1s get the megaworks 510D imo the are unquestionably the best 5.1 PC speakers out there (no headphone jack tho)

 

[MasterHoss]

I would stick with your ProMedia 2.1 speaker system. You won't find anything worthwhile given your price range. I don't know about the MegaWorks 510D. I finally had a chance to listen to them and although the bass was impressive, the timbre you're used to with the ProMedia line is definately different from that of the 510D. I personally like the ProMedia's sound characteristics over the MegaWorks line.

 

[Leo V]

This review finally convinced me to go with Swan M-200 speakers. By all reports, their lack of subwoofer is part of the design--the bass doesn't lack. And music/sound quality is better than PM2.1's. av123.com sells them for $243 shipped to me. I will probably order tomorrow, and report back once I have them tested.