looking for a decent set of computer speakers... $200 budget

PeterK · 10-10-2006, 07:19 PM

hey all. Right now I have the logitech z2300....they are OK, but really don't stand a chance against even the cheapest bookshelves.
I remember coming here asking for this same advice about a year ago and i got these stupid 2300s cause they were nice and small, even though they weren't highly reccomended.
I know someone mentioned some swan computer speakers that caught my eye back then. but were too expensive.
I don't really have a budget. but i'll set it at 200 for the hell of it...don't wanna get too carried away.
anything that anyone has or knows of that they could reccomend?
keeping in mind that i'm up in canada so shipping from the states would bring the budget down a bit for shipping/taxes.

ChrisWiggles · 10-11-2006, 08:37 PM

These are exactly what you want:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836136102

You'll thank me later.

PeterK · 10-11-2006, 11:14 PM

those are indeed good, and I might get them, but they are a tad bigger than what i would like...I'm wondering if there is something smaller out there. Is there anything in the 2.1 market that will have have speakers that are fairly small but have good undistorted sound? or is that kinda like an oxymoron?

Seth=L · 10-12-2006, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterK

those are indeed good, and I might get them, but they are a tad bigger than what i would like...I'm wondering if there is something smaller out there. Is there anything in the 2.1 market that will have have speakers that are fairly small but have good undistorted sound? or is that kinda like an oxymoron?

By looking at you signiture I would assume you think it is an oxymoron. You might look at other powered monitors in that price range. As far as 2.1 goes, they aren't really designed to be the best audio reproducers. Unless you have no choice I would go with powered monitors.

Question: do you have a CRT monitor, if so check to be sure the Swan Monitors are magnetically sheilded, as it will cause problems for your monitor if they aren't.

ChrisWiggles · 10-12-2006, 01:12 AM

The swans are indeed shielded.

**HTF Ads**

PeterK · 10-12-2006, 04:57 PM

how's the bass response on the swans...is it possible to hook up a sub to these speakers? there seems to be a speaker output terminal...

Torgny Nilsson · 10-12-2006, 05:46 PM

I have a 2.1 system from Cambridge Soundworks that has a sub (it is not an SVS sub by any means, but it is not boomy like many Logitech subs, etc.) and a pair of Newton M-50 speakers. Great sound, but the speakers are not the smallest. Works great as a computer sound system.

I also have CSW's Mick Fleetwood 2.1 system that comes with 2 small speakers, an amp, and a hard case that it all packs into for transport but that also is a sub. It has amazing clarity. After I got it, I found myself listening to it for a couple of hours in my media room (rather than listening to my $8,000 in media room speakers). Not that it is as good as my media room speakers, but it was so compelling that I kept listening to it. I have since used it for backyard parties, on vacations, etc. It is the best portable system I have ever heard and would work very well with as a computer system.

But both systems are twice your budget. I only mention them because you said that your budget was not firm (and because you can easily find 10 to 20% off coupons for CSW on line or during their regular sales).

Wayne A. Pflughaupt · 10-12-2006, 06:53 PM

Quote:

those are indeed good, and I might get them, but they are a tad bigger than what i would like...I'm wondering if there is something smaller out there.

Keep in mind, the smaller you go, the more you lose lower midrange and upper bass. That’s why most computer speakers sound “thin” in the mid area – their little woofs don’t get down low enough to blend with their subs. Make room for the Swans – you won’t be sorry!

Quote:

how's the bass response on the swans...

It drops off below 100 Hz at a rate of about 20 dB/octave. Room gain should help them get response down to about 55-60 Hz.

Quote:

is it possible to hook up a sub to these speakers? there seems to be a speaker output terminal...

The terminal is for the other speaker. The amp is on one of the speakers, and the other speaker is connected via the binding posts.

Hooking up a sub can be tricky, but it’s doable. The easiest way is to split the soundcard’s output and send one side to the sub. The Swans won’t get high-passed, they’ll have to roll out naturally. The downside is you have to control the volume from the computer; turning down the Swan’s volume control will not turn down the sub. If you already control your speaker’s volume from the computer, you’re golden.

If you want to control everything from the Swans’ volume control, you can pull out the woofers and connected 18 ga. speaker wires to them (the woofers have a second set of terminals), and send them to the speaker-level inputs of your sub. Works like a charm.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

PeterK · 10-12-2006, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne A. Pflughaupt

If you want to control everything from the Swans’ volume control, you can pull out the woofers and connected 18 ga. speaker wires to them (the woofers have a second set of terminals), and send them to the speaker-level inputs of your sub. Works like a charm.

hmm, that is an extremely excellent idea. ok i'm getting these speakers...anyone have any idea what shipping to ontario is gonna cost?