200-400$ budget, what is the best speaker to choose for watching movie in a college dorm? (1 Viewer)

First, I am a rookie, and I plan to buy a speaker for watching movie in my small college dorm, powered by my laptop. What is your guys suggestion? I just bought a BOSE Companion 5, and you guys said I can use the same budget to buy a better one; but nobody tell me what I should get. Can someone please give me some suggestion and tell me the reason why I should choose it? I would really appreciate it!!! Thank you guys!!!

Personally, I swear by this computer speaker system: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000062VUO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A7I31781ARCJ6


I think it'll be every bit as good as the Bose 5. I say I think, know why? First, I have two; one for me and one for my son, so I'm familiar with it. Second, the specs are decent for a budget system: http://www.klipsch.com/promedia-2-1-computer-speakers/details. Now go try and compare those specs to the Bose: http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/computer_speakers/companion_5/index.jsp . You couldn't, because Bose won't publish specs. And that's just one reason we're not fond of Bose on the forum. The other is they make very average stuff and pretend it high end.


If you want to up the scale a bit you could go for something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKNOYWK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3R4JF9HIBKU5Z&coliid=I2IQ5HLCZPYS93

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-N22-Premium-Desktop-Amplifier/dp/B0049OI08W/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1422331243&sr=1-1&keywords=audioengine+n22


That doesn't have a sub, but will still sound great. You can add a sub later.

Wow that's a nice budget for some computer speakers. I would go one of two routes with this. Either get a nice set of computer speakers or put together a nice 2.1 system on your own. Here are some options:


Computer Speakers

• Klipsch Promedia - $150 at your local BestBuy go listen to them if you like they rock.
• Altec Lansing Octane - $85 and sound pretty dang good for the money...my go to set for most folks wanting nice computer speakers.
• Logitech Z623 - $130 THX certified...they are loud too. I just don't see them being that much better than the Altec set.

2.1 build

• SMSL SA-50 - $70 The amplifier of the system
• Dayton Sub 800 - $110 Small but still sounds really good and has high level inputs and speaker outputs.
• 3.5mm to RCA cable $6 - Hooks your computer to the amp
• Speaker wire $10 - Hooks the output of the amp to the sub and then back out to the speakers.

Speakers- This is the hard part. I would look at a few options but I'm thinking you're going to want something small and compact.

• Micca MB42x $80
• BIC DV32 $55
• Boston Accoustic CS 23 $200 ($100ea)
• Polk TL2 $200 ($100ea)
• NHT Super Zero $200 ($100ea)
• Infinity P143 $120 ($60ea)
• Mirage OS3 $200 ($100ea)

Although, am I the only one who pictures that scene from Ruthless People, whenever I see college students asking about speakers for their dorm?


(Sorry, old traumatic grudges from my dorm days.)

@ArmSC, thank you for give me a really systematic recommendation, I will definitely consider your reply!!

Chen Long said:

@ArmSC, thank you for give me a really systematic recommendation, I will definitely consider your reply!!

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You're welcome and if you have questions please let me know.