best sounding computer speakers
Posted by: 12frets56 on 08 October 2006
Hi, I am not sure if this comes under hi-fi or padded cell. I want to buy some good speakers for my computer. (Macbook) I have listened to some JBL's and some Harmon Kardon soundsticks and just thought they sounded terrible. To my ears they were all boom and zizz. To me, the idea of a 2.1 speaker system doesn't work, it just doesn't sound balanced to have the bass coming out of a separate box. Would I be better off buying some studio monitors or are these not really suited to general listening purposes?
Posted on: 08 October 2006 by Ridzwan
Edifier by phil jones
Posted on: 08 October 2006 by J.N.
This is a nice solution from Russ Andrews, as it connects to yer PC via a USB socket - thus bypassing the PC's sound card.
Allegedly very good, but I haven't heard it.
At lower prices, I use an 'Altec Lansing' 2.1 system, which was about £40 from 'PC World' and I find perfectly acceptable for sampling internet music.
A friend has an £80 Logitech 2.1 system from 'PC World' which sounds better still.
John.
Posted on: 08 October 2006 by 12frets56
The Russ Andrews set up looks interesting. Is there anywhere selling it that has it to demo? In this age of downloading music it seems strange that none of the major league hi-fi manufacturers has started making a decent quality speaker system that can sit next to the computer. I beam music wirelessly from my Mac to the lounge but this is not ideal as I would like to listen in the same room.
Posted on: 08 October 2006 by Guido Fawkes
I use TDK speakers on my PowerMac, but not sure if they are still available
They're NXT panels and a bit Stax like in presentation. I use them for listening to
listen again programmes on the BBC.
Posted on: 08 October 2006 by SteveH
Try the Audica MPS-1 they are superb
Posted on: 08 October 2006 by garyi
Posted on: 08 October 2006 by Skip
Bet the JM Lab iCub sub and Sib satellites would be worth a listen. $999 for the system but I have seen them cheaper on Audiogon. Saw them written up in Tone Photo vol 3 on page 66. This is the sister publication to Tone Audio which reviewed the N-Sat and Nait 5i system.
http://www.tonepublications.com/Explore both for free at the link above.
Posted on: 09 October 2006 by Rockingdoc
quote:
Originally posted by 12frets56:
The Russ Andrews set up looks interesting. Is there anywhere selling it that has it to demo? In this age of downloading music it seems strange that none of the major league hi-fi manufacturers has started making a decent quality speaker system that can sit next to the computer. I beam music wirelessly from my Mac to the lounge but this is not ideal as I would like to listen in the same room.
I feel you need to be clear about what you actually want. Do you mean self-powered speakers to be fed from the audio-out of the computer sound card? Or, do you mean how to get a decent sound from the digital sources in your computer.
If you are after the first option, I'm afraid i don't know of any set-up likely to give decent sound. I gave up trying.
If you are after decent sound from your digital files, I can thoroughly recommend the stand alone USB/DAC from Russ Andrews. I've always felt his products over-priced, so tried quite a few other options before buying his DAC. However, the Russ Andrews DAC-1 easily outperforms any other USB/DAC that I have heard, and I have no regrets about buying it.
Then you will need an integrated amp and monitor speakers.
Posted on: 09 October 2006 by acad tsunami
Posted on: 09 October 2006 by 12frets56
I think that I just want self-powered desktop speakers that uses the computers soundcard as otherwise I will be getting into serious money territory that I would rather spend on upgrading my cd5. I listen to a mostly acoustic folk, jazz, classical and singer songwriter stuff so I don't need all the clod-hopping bass that seems to be the trend with most computer speakers. Sweet top and mid range with balanced bass is more what I am after. What about small studio monitors? These must be shielded so is there any reason not to go down that route? How are these different to other speakers?
Posted on: 09 October 2006 by 12frets56
Just looked at the mps-1 web link. This is definitely interesting. Garyi, when you say not cheap..how much not cheap? Any idea how much ££?
Posted on: 09 October 2006 by garyi
I believe they are around the £300 mark.
Posted on: 10 October 2006 by Willy
How about a small s/h amp, possibly a creek or rega and something like a pair of Kans, or similar sized speakers? All should come in around £200, sound good and have resale value.
Regards,
Willy.
Posted on: 11 October 2006 by Rockingdoc
exactly what I'd suggest. Any old s/h hi-fi integrated amp and bookshelf speakers from a decent manufacturer is going to outperform self-powered "computer monitors" at the same price point.
Posted on: 11 October 2006 by Jono 13
quote:
Originally posted by Willy:
How about a small s/h amp, possibly a creek or rega and something like a pair of Kans, or similar sized speakers? All should come in around £200, sound good and have resale value.
Regards,
Willy.
Beware of Kans interfering with your monitor!
Jono
Posted on: 11 October 2006 by garyi
Beware of Kans being 1980s crap speakers.
Posted on: 11 October 2006 by Steve Bull
quote:
Originally posted by garyi:
Beware of Kans being 1980s crap speakers.
superb
Posted on: 12 October 2006 by Noopz
without spending stupid money, you can get yourself a good s/c 2.1 combo for uner £150.
M-Audio 2496 soundcard
Acoustic Energy AEGO 2
+ a decent RCA-RCA interconnect
Sounds great for music playback- I was amazed when I first got it.Don't use the stock IC that comes with the speakers though- it's rubbish.
