Speakers for PC?
Posted by: nicnaim on 11 November 2005
For you guys spending thousands of pounds on your systems, this will seem trivial, but what would you suggest for hooking up to the average PC (or Mac)?
Just looking for something that is tolerable for play back while adding to iTunes library / ripping vinyl / playlists.
The reason I ask is because I have just had to return some Altec Lansing gear (bought un-researched/unheard when Mac purchased) , because the constant hum from the sub was driving me nuts.
Nic
Just looking for something that is tolerable for play back while adding to iTunes library / ripping vinyl / playlists.
The reason I ask is because I have just had to return some Altec Lansing gear (bought un-researched/unheard when Mac purchased) , because the constant hum from the sub was driving me nuts.
Nic
Posted on: 11 November 2005 by u5227470736789439
Dear Nic,
My computer feeds my system, and all is fine. I had a nice 3 meter cable made that does the 'small type headphone plug to DIN' made years ago (which was a bit expensive!), but it also enables me to try out alsorts of components to see just how fine they are. The Tivoli Model One works superbly in this arrangement on Radio Three, and I recently have listened to an iPod this way.
As I don't watch TV and have no Home Theatre set, I put DVDs in the computer, and use the Gramophone for nice clear sound.
All with one nicely made cable. Only a suggestion, Fredrik
My computer feeds my system, and all is fine. I had a nice 3 meter cable made that does the 'small type headphone plug to DIN' made years ago (which was a bit expensive!), but it also enables me to try out alsorts of components to see just how fine they are. The Tivoli Model One works superbly in this arrangement on Radio Three, and I recently have listened to an iPod this way.
As I don't watch TV and have no Home Theatre set, I put DVDs in the computer, and use the Gramophone for nice clear sound.
All with one nicely made cable. Only a suggestion, Fredrik
Posted on: 12 November 2005 by Paul Hutchings
The Harmon Kardon range might be worth looking at.
It seems PC speakers are supposed to be something you're expected to spend a hundred quid on without trying - I'd suggest buy mail order or try and find somewhere that will do no quibble returns.
I have a set of 2.1 Labtec speakers that are NXT panels, cost about £50 a few years back and sound excellent IMHO.
Paul
It seems PC speakers are supposed to be something you're expected to spend a hundred quid on without trying - I'd suggest buy mail order or try and find somewhere that will do no quibble returns.
I have a set of 2.1 Labtec speakers that are NXT panels, cost about £50 a few years back and sound excellent IMHO.
Paul
Posted on: 12 November 2005 by nicnaim
Fredrik
I have always tried to keep main system/Mac/PC separate. Some of the dodgy attachment (with sound) that certain mates send me, would not be welcomed by the wife/neighbours through a system that has no remote!
Paul,
You are absolutely right when you are buying something that is relatively inexpensive compared to the main hi-fi, you do not really think about it. The Altec speakers were £180, but were crap. Their customer service department told me their was nothing they could do about the hum, because the power supply was housed in the sub, it was considered normal! I shall not be darkening their door again. Apple, who supplied the unit originally, were great regarding return and refund. Good cutomer service always brings me back.
Regards
Nic
I have always tried to keep main system/Mac/PC separate. Some of the dodgy attachment (with sound) that certain mates send me, would not be welcomed by the wife/neighbours through a system that has no remote!
Paul,
You are absolutely right when you are buying something that is relatively inexpensive compared to the main hi-fi, you do not really think about it. The Altec speakers were £180, but were crap. Their customer service department told me their was nothing they could do about the hum, because the power supply was housed in the sub, it was considered normal! I shall not be darkening their door again. Apple, who supplied the unit originally, were great regarding return and refund. Good cutomer service always brings me back.
Regards
Nic
Posted on: 13 November 2005 by Steve G
My PC is hooked up to my Naim system. The sound quality playing back MP3's etc. is listenable although not in the same class as the CD3.5 or LP12.
Posted on: 13 November 2005 by garyi
roland and ediermol (second name not right I think) do a very similar active speaker. If you do a search on ebay for 'active speaker' they come up all the time for around 60 quid. They also benefit from a digital input as well which would be handy for a new iMac or G5 Powermac.
I use USB Soundsticks and Sub, and they do the job, but as others have said, it seems PC speakers are inherently shit because the expectancy is so very low.
I use USB Soundsticks and Sub, and they do the job, but as others have said, it seems PC speakers are inherently shit because the expectancy is so very low.
Posted on: 13 November 2005 by Not For Me
I use Behringer MX2642, Naim 250 and Dynaudio BM5, and they seem OK on the PC.
DS
DS
Posted on: 13 November 2005 by Matt F
Posted on: 13 November 2005 by nicnaim
Thanks for all the suggestions lads, I will check them out. Currently no pressure to replace immediately as I have some ancient Sony active speakers that I use for holidays as back up.
On a completely separate note, iPods really do beat the hell out of carting 20-30 CD's abroad for holiday tunes. Currently got 15.8 days worth of tunes loaded up. Means there is always something for everyone, not just my "twiddly" jazz.
Regards
Nic
On a completely separate note, iPods really do beat the hell out of carting 20-30 CD's abroad for holiday tunes. Currently got 15.8 days worth of tunes loaded up. Means there is always something for everyone, not just my "twiddly" jazz.
Regards
Nic
Posted on: 14 November 2005 by Paul Hutchings
Interesting, I'd never considered Studio Monitors before.
Anyone else have any comments on the benefits of stuff like the Behringers vs "PC Speakers"?
I'm assuming companies like Behringer that make pro/studio gear aren't going to produce tat even at the lower end?
Quick edit - just noticed the Behringer MS20's have a spdif input which in theory means I can connect my Macs optical audio out direct to them?
Paul
Anyone else have any comments on the benefits of stuff like the Behringers vs "PC Speakers"?
I'm assuming companies like Behringer that make pro/studio gear aren't going to produce tat even at the lower end?
Quick edit - just noticed the Behringer MS20's have a spdif input which in theory means I can connect my Macs optical audio out direct to them?
Paul