Computer Speakers

[yeahwho]

What sort of speakers do you have hooked up to your computer? I had a 3 way Boston Acoustics system for 6 years (2 small satellites speakers and a separate subwoofer.) That was real good and did fine but it failed last week and is never coming back.

So now I'm in the market for a new set of speakers and I'm willing to spend $150... not that I will, but these look real cool (http://reviews.cnet.com/separate-speakers/m-audio-studiophile-av/4505-7869_7-32381162.html?tag=mncol;lst).

What type of speakers do you guys have and what do you recommend?

[Helvete]

PC speakers are normally really cheap because you don't need anything else apart from the actual sub and a couple of tweeters. $150 should get you some decent enough ones. I've actually got my laptop plugged into my DVD player so I have many watts of 5.1 surround.

[yeahwho]

That sounds great, having your laptop plugged into the home system. These speakers are for a desktop in a home office setup in a complete different room than my TV/Multimedia room. I keep all my files and office stuff plus this giant ASUS and HP 24" monitor in another altogether different room because mostly I don't want people snooping around my bills and work stuff.

I saw some 5.1 systems for the computer but they were pretty pricey. Because this room I'm using is relatively small (under stairs in a day lit basement) I'm trying to keep it simple. I do want really good sound though, most every song I've ever ended up purchasing was due to me sitting on my butt in front of this computer and hearing it over this system on a blog or internet radio station.

But listening to music on the internet can be awesome if you have the right system... sounds like you do!

[NicRN77]

I've had these (http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Spot-2-1-Speaker-System/dp/B000M39268) for a few years and they are pretty decent. Good bass.

[TurdBerglar]

i have these

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/224&cl=us,en

you can find them for a whole lot less


it's generally considered the best pc speaker system


i've seen this set at around 150 at it's lowest


these speakers are not as good as you can get with a home theatre system. but for pc you can't get any better.

these speakers are badass


the sub is massive though. so you need some space.

[HEIRESS]

I have a similar version to these (http://www.alteclansing.com/vs4221-pc-computer-speakers.html) that came out 6 years ago and I'm still rocking out to them.

The sub is so loud that I rarely turn it on because my landlord lives upsturrsss.

decent for the price anyways.

[FunkyHiFi]

I haven't tried this myself yet, but a lot of audiophiles say they use a small stereo receiver or integrated amp (basically a receiver with no radio tuner) hooked up to the soundcard and driving a pair of whatever speakers you want.

Btw I've read many good reviews of M-Audio's studio monitors by many members of the audio sites I belong to.

Hopefully I don't write another "thread killer" post by including the following audio geek info.....

If you have a 5.1 channel soundcard*, depending on its set up capabilities, I would think you would be able to run a pair of small powered desktop speakers, and via the 5.1 soundcard's subwoofer/LFE output jack, operate a separate subwoofer of your choice. A decent 5.1 soundcard should include the special filters, a.k.a. electronic crossovers to cut off the low bass from the small desktop speakers, reducing distortion at higher volume levels and send only low bass to the sub. This way both sets of speakers won't be trying to reproduce the same bass notes which can cause phase problems (the two sets of sound waves will very probably not match up exactly, partially cancelling each other out). And a good card should include a distance compensation or delay system to make sure the sound from all 3 speaker units arrive at your ears at the same time, which will affect the quality of the bass at the desktop/sub crossover point & just help make for a more "cohesive" soundfield (this is especially important for a home theater system). We just bought a new computer with a built-in 5.1 card - I have only personal experience with 5.1 home component systems - but haven't had a chance to play around with it yet, hence all the "shoulds" above! :D


* though I love surround music (which sadly is now difficult to find because of the iPod "revolution"), stereo is still a great way to listen to music - you don't HAVE to use one of those simulated surround modes if you don't want to and IMO many sound pretty cheesy anyway. If you want to hear what's considered one of the most amazing true surround mixes around, find a copy of the Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots (http://www.quadraphonicquad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3703) dvd-audio disc. It will contain a 5.1 Dolby Digital track any regular dvd player can handle.

[kaiser soze]

I wish I could have my pc hooked up nicely on the audio tip, back when I had it connected to my tables I had an audio out to my mixer and 10 inch DCM sub and sony monitors so that was a nice touch (y)

But for now I have some Insignia speakers that are pretty darn decent for the price. I am planning on getting the first installment of the Bose companion system sometime soon.....here's hoping

[Documad]

I haven't tried this myself yet, but a lot of audiophiles say they use a small stereo receiver or integrated amp (basically a receiver with no radio tuner) hooked up to the soundcard and driving a pair of whatever speakers you want.

Btw I've read many good reviews of M-Audio's studio monitors by many members of the audio sites I belong to.

Hopefully I don't write another "thread killer" post by including the following audio geek info.....

If you have a 5.1 channel soundcard*, depending on its set up capabilities, I would think you would be able to run a pair of small powered desktop speakers, and via the 5.1 soundcard's subwoofer/LFE output jack, operate a separate subwoofer of your choice. A decent 5.1 soundcard should include the special filters, a.k.a. electronic crossovers to cut off the low bass from the small desktop speakers, reducing distortion at higher volume levels and send only low bass to the sub. This way both sets of speakers won't be trying to reproduce the same bass notes which can cause phase problems (the two sets of sound waves will very probably not match up exactly, partially cancelling each other out). And a good card should include a distance compensation or delay system to make sure the sound from all 3 speaker units arrive at your ears at the same time, which will affect the quality of the bass at the desktop/sub crossover point & just help make for a more "cohesive" soundfield (this is especially important for a home theater system). We just bought a new computer with a built-in 5.1 card - I have only personal experience with 5.1 home component systems - but haven't had a chance to play around with it yet, hence all the "shoulds" above! :D


* though I love surround music (which sadly is now difficult to find because of the iPod "revolution"), stereo is still a great way to listen to music - you don't HAVE to use one of those simulated surround modes if you don't want to and IMO many sound pretty cheesy anyway. If you want to hear what's considered one of the most amazing true surround mixes around, find a copy of the Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots (http://www.quadraphonicquad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3703) dvd-audio disc. It will contain a 5.1 Dolby Digital track any regular dvd player can handle.
I missed you. Seriously.

Yeahwho, I picked out my computer speakers based upon how nice they looked. I'm no help at all.

[FunkyHiFi]

I missed you. Seriously.:) I've been looking for a job (a full time job right there!), arguing with the audio nutz on gear forums and doing some cardio stuff to help get rid of the weight accumulating while doing the previous activities. I thought I had better come back and catch up on some *fun* stuff. (y)

Btw anyone who needs some audio-related wallpaper, here's a neat stylized graphic of an old Fisher-Price record player (http://www.flickr.com/photos/seantubridy/492542403/in/photostream/) (too clunky for me to call it a turntable). They said a t-shirt version would be for sale, then I noticed the date - damn!

[FunkyHiFi]

But for now I have some Insignia speakers that are pretty darn decent for the price.If those are those curved coaxial-equipped models, those are nice! They were a major audio-forum sensation a few years back when Best Buy first started selling them.

[kaiser soze]

nah they're these

http://www.bestbuy.ca/multimedia/products/pdp/10076434.jpg

[yeahwho]

i have these

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/224&cl=us,en

you can find them for a whole lot less


it's generally considered the best pc speaker system


i've seen this set at around 150 at it's lowest


these speakers are not as good as you can get with a home theatre system. but for pc you can't get any better.

these speakers are badass




I had to compromise for space/funds and ended up with the M-Audio 40s (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileAV40.html). I did listen to that system of yours and was blown away.

The M Audios cost $140 on Amazon (shipping included) and they are incredibly accurate. Great sound. Better than I expected, it took awhile to set them up in the right position (being a perfectionist) but after fiddling around with them the past few days I have them aimed perfect, clarity and bass are amazing. These speakers are truly studio monitors.

[Freebasser]

I'm still using a 6-7 year old set of Creative 5.1 speakers. Occasionally the sub-woofer spazzes out due to its age and i have to tap it a bit to get it back to normal, but they still sound gorgeous.

Listening to music isn't the same when it isn't being blasted at you from 5 directions at once.

[FunkyHiFi]

Couple weeks ago I was at a Guitar Center and was checking out various monitors. They didn't have the small M-Audios hooked up in the demo room, so had to make do with the biggies with 8" woofers (usually a company's speakers all share a common "voice" so usually there is just more bass as they get larger). Those sounded good to me, clean/accurate but not tinny or harsh. Some Mackies (same size) also sounded good.

And of course the ADAMs and Dynaudios sounded good but for nearly $2000 per pair and @1200/pair respectively, they better sound good! But the M-Audios didn't embarrass themselves and am thinking about the smaller versions. The worst speakers I heard (not HORRIBLE but not great either) were the KRKs: they sure looked cool but to my ears they sounded too bright and a little harsh with certain tunes (I brought my own CD-R I made just for this purpose).

Funky needs a new MP3 player first though - my little Sansa with a whole 1gb of memory still works, but I need a little bit :D more space for more music, and will probably buy their 8gb player, gloss black or navy blue. And my hiking boots are shot, so need those too and gotta get new socks to go with them of course........:)

[Robbin The Hood]

Ive got my computer hooked up to a Denon 5.1 Reciever with Denon and Linaeum Rear channel Speakers, a Denon Center Chanel, Mission Floor Standing speakers and a Onkyo Self powered sub.

[FunkyHiFi]

^ now that's an audio system!

[chromium05]

I'm a seperate amp and speakers guy too...

Old Cyrus 1 amp and quad 11L speakers for normal listening and a pair of Tannoy Active Reveals as a 2nd pair for when doing mixes.

I hate pc speakers. For the price of "decent" ones - you'd be better going local on ebay and finding a used amp and speakers - that way you can upgrade as and when money allows.

[Adam]

I'm not really an audiophile but I am in the market for computer speakers to. I just want them to sound alright in a medium sized room with several people in it. I have no clue what to buy and I suppose a max budget of £50. I'd normally just go to play.com and look at the reviews but any tips will be appreciated.

[EN[i]GMA]

Headphones will give you better sound for the money. Hence, I use headphones.

[Adam]

GMA;1723024']Headphones will give you better sound for the money. Hence, I use headphones.

This is why I only want cheap speakers - in case the noise needs to be heard by others to.

I have some excellent moulded ear noise cancelling ear plugs - great for running

[Robbin The Hood]

Ive got a pait of Numark Monitors that can be used as computer speakers... Brand new in the box, if someone wants them, they can have them for 20 bucks and whatever the shipping costs

[faz]

I've got an old 5.1 set up. I use my pc for all my media stuff. Dvds, blu ray, music etc

[FunkyHiFi]

I'm not really an audiophile but I am in the market for computer speakers to. I just want them to sound alright in a medium sized room with several people in it. I have no clue what to buy and I suppose a max budget of £50. I'd normally just go to play.com and look at the reviews but any tips will be appreciated.Going by this statement:

"....a medium sized room with several people in it"

.......I couldn't think of anything that was close to your price range, but here's an example of a 2.0 channel system that I think would sound much better than most "computer speakers", provide the volume I think you need and as a bonus gives you the flexibility to upgrade (if you want to). I am not sure if these are sold in Europe but if not, they at least can give you some ideas:

Sony 2-way speakers (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665191299), $50 per pair - I've listened to these several times with my own music and thought they sounded quite good.

Sherwood RX-4109 stereo receiver (http://www.sherwoodamerica.com/site/sherwood/receiver/RX4109.php?mtype=1)*, $90 to a $100 - this little receiver has received many positive reviews the past three years. It includes a phono input for turntables without a built-in phono preamp (most higher quality tables don't include preamps). It also includes lots of inputs for other devices with analog outputs, like a CD or dvd player, a cassette deck :eek: or a TV.



Other amplification ideas for anyone (I've never used these myself though).......

Dayton DTA-1 Class T Digital Amplifier (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380), 45 bucks - this little 15 watt per channel amplifier is sold under several different brand names, but always gets good reviews. Don't be deterred by its power rating: when receivers still included power meters, I regularly saw that most of the time when playing music for background use in a living room, even with large speakers with 12" woofers, only 1 to 5 watts was used!

If you like to build your own gear, using a pair of what are called full range drivers (no separate tweeter) in a homemade box can provide very good sound. Here's a 3" FR driver. (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=264-880) FRs go all the way up to 12 inches, but past 6.5" they really need what's called a "helper tweeter" that provides only the highest high frequencies, because otherwise the music can sound too dull and veiled. FYI: what makes conventional speakers with woofers and tweeters tricky to design & build is the crossover - this is the electronic system inside the box that splits up the bass and treble sounds for each driver. But FR drivers need no crossover system, just the correct size box.

Pioneer integrated amplifier (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteAmplifiers/ci.A-35R.Kuro), $150-200. Trust me, 45 watts per channel heard via a PC-based speaker system will probably cause actual pain, so be careful! :eek: This amp also includes a phono input.

* FYI: receivers are more popular here than in most parts of the world; everyone else pretty much uses integrated amplifiers, which are basically a receiver with no tuner........and considering how crappy commercial radio is here nowadays & the low # number of listners vs. all the previous decades, I'm surprised there are still receivers being sold here at all!

[FunkyHiFi]

This is pretty off-topic, but after mentioning building your own speakers above, for anyone that thinks Radio Shack has always just been a place for cell phones and batteries :( check out this awesome site where you can browse through their catalogs all the way back to the late 30s:

http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalog_directory.html

It uses a Flash-based system so you can "turn" the pages and by clicking on the page, enlarge and drag them too.

Interesting stuff :)..............

3-way speaker kit, page 60 (http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1982_small/) - I used these for my second set of speakers I built in my senior year in high school in 1983. That page also includes the 4" FR driver ($11.00) I used for my first set of speakers.

The classic TRS-80 computer, page 170 (http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1980/) - woohoo, 16K of RAM (yep just 16,000 bytes, not 16 million), cassette based info storage and black and white monitor! No hard drives yet and the processor probably had a max speed of around 250kHz..that's KILOhertz not meghertz. But these machines could still do math-based applications much faster than any human.

The iPod of the 60s, page 8 (http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1965_small/) - this is when commercial radio was actually enjoyable to listen to. For the most part stations back then actually knew what most of their listeners wanted to hear and employed human DJs (not computer-based files recorded in another city that many stations use now) that were actually knowledgeable about the music they played and amazingly enough, if the DJ thought a new track would be liked by his/her listeners he was allowed to play it. :eek: Nowadays most playlists are rigidly controlled - those corporations want you to like what THEY think is good - and this is severely frowned upon if not outright forbidden.

Lastly, speaking of radio, all those internet-based stations, especially the listener-supported and college ones out there are realyl fun to listen to, just like the old days. More and more internet "tuners" are coming out that directly work with your modem so you don't need the computer to be turned on. Here's one (http://www.frys.com/product/5890893;jsessionid=iW7FDgFhspNGLK4Tr49bTQ**.node2? site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG) I am seriously considering buying, unless my ancient '88 Honda CBR craps out again. :( Listner supported Somafm.com is one of my favorites, especially their noisepop stream (http://somafm.com/play/noisepop) and their "Mission Control" stream is great at night when reading. Princeton's station (http://www.wprb.com/) also plays good stuff.

[FunkyHiFi]

If there's any other old people ;) here, and they like the original Chicago and own a surround system (any price range), you might want to check this out:

Chicago Transit Authority (http://www.rhino.com/shop/product/chicago-chicago-transit-authority-dvd-quadraphonic), quadraphonic version

This is a music-only dvd containing a DTS96/24 track any surround receiver can play if it has the DTS logo.

Quadraphonic, or quad, was the first surround format and it still sounds great since the 5.1 format used nowadays only added a center channel and subwoofer channel, neither of which have anything to do with generating the surround soundfield.* Read more about it on that link above or if you really want the detailed version, go here (http://www.quadraphonicquad.com/forums/content.php?7).

BTW the music samples for this double album are split in two for each track: one for the front channels and one for the rear channels. I think they did this to let people know this is a true surround mix i.e. not like the fake ones produced by most receivers' "hall" or "club" buttons or the better - but still fake - surround mixes generated by Dolby Pro-LogicII and its competitors.

FYI: this is a title from Rhino's upscale "Handmade" series so it isn't cheap - $30 :eek: - but like all titles in that series it's limited edition and includes some super-nice packaging. Plus a quad release (or any true-surround music release for that matter) is EXTREMELY rare in these days of the iPod, which is stereo-only, so that also bumps up the price.


* if your system includes a subwoofer, as long as the receiver's speaker management system is configured correctly, the appropriate bass frequencies will be pulled from the front & rear channels and diverted to the sub for playback. If you happen to use just four large-enough front & rear speakers (with the receiver set up for that configuration), then you're all set! I did this for three years before I bought my subwoofer: all four of my speakers used an 8" woofer so in my little mancave, the bass was quite good.

[FunkyHiFi]

This is definitely only going to appeal to a small group of people but here goes anyway. :D (sorry for all the links!).....

For anyone that likes Rush...and likes surround music.....and owns some kind of surround playback system, you might want to check this out:

Rush's Moving Pictures CD+dvd-audio package (http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Pictures-Deluxe-CD-DVD-Audio/dp/B004MOMT2M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301802816&sr=8-2)

Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moving_Pictures_%28album%29) for this awesome album :)

Audio-only Youtube video for "Camera Eye" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4zufIxDkhg) one of my favorite tracks; includes lyrics in description box..

The following is part of a blog entry (http://ww2.richardchycki.com/archives/167) by the engineer in charge of the 5.1 mixing:
I’ve been in the studio for last month remixing the original Moving Pictures CD in 5.1 surround. I finished tweaks on Red Barchetta yesterday. It really was an amazing experience to spread the original tracks of such a classic CD into the 3D word of surround. (The car speeds off, goes behind and banks a sharp right in rear BTW). The listening experience is drastically enveloping and.......

FYI like most dvd-audio discs, this contains a 5.1 Dolby Digital track for all those conventional dvd players out there.

Still no reviews of the mix itself (surround mixes can vary wildly in style), but a member of another music forum somehow got hold of this 3 days early and posted the types of audio formats he found on the disc - post #163 (http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=242354&page=9).

A Blu-ray version is supposed to follow a month later.

Lastly, for any other sci-fi fans, check out their album called 2112 - good stuff!