Computer speakers
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Joined: Feb 2004
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I need a decent 2.1 speaker system for my son's computer. Since I can't even justify the Axiom Audiobytes for myself yet, I'm looking for something sub-$100 that won't make my ears cry. I'm not opposed to used (like from Ebay). Any suggestions would be appreciated by both of us.
I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left M60 VP160 QS8 EP350 M22 VP100 Algonquins
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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How about some headphones?
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 309
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Not a bad idea, except he has pretty good taste in music so I don't mind listening.
I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left M60 VP160 QS8 EP350 M22 VP100 Algonquins
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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It's not that, you will get much better sound from a $100 set of headphones than you will a hundred dollar set of of computer speakers imo.
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,467
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2005
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$100 headphones will be rocktastic. Hook him up with some Grado SR80's if you want the best in sound quality.
If you're going with sub $100 speakers, I don't think there's really any option that could be considered anywhere close to hi-fi.
I would say go for a satellite/subwoofer setup from klipsch or logitech if you really want to go to the speaker route.
The Grados will completely trounce any speaker/sub setup in terms of sound quality though.
M22s|VP100|QS4s|HSU STF2
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,859
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connoisseur
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I've read good things about the Hercules as a cheaper computer speaker. Anyone try them? Was thinking of getting them myself at some point, as I don't think I can justify the Axioms for what is mostly gaming audio. Don't listen to a lot of music on the computer.
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,602
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If you can stretch the budget to $129 or so... you should be able to get a pair of Edirol MA-10Ds - I've used them as micro monitors, and use their big brothers the 20Ds as desktop monitors on all but one computer. They're clearer than you'll get out of "multimedia" speakers... you won't get the crappy rattly plastic bass you'd get out of $100 Altec-Lansings, but really, who wants that anyway? Bren R.
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313
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devotee
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You can't always find them, but you may want to try to find some older monsoon planar speakers. They're pretty decent little computer speakers. I picked up a pair with a small sub for under 100 about 4-5 years ago. Still work great.
PeachTree 65se, PeachTree D5 and SVS SB1000 - Stereo M80s, M22s, SVS PB3000
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 946 Likes: 2
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 946 Likes: 2 |
I have a Monsoon speaker system for my old Dell PC. They are a great setup (subwoofer and planar speakers). I don't use them much anymore with having a new Apple iMac. I was thinking about trying them with my Roland drums just for fun.
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361 |
I booted my "desktop" speakers and got an Onkyo desktop audio system. Plug the usb in and you get real speakers and nice looking stainless steel and black control unit with CD, etc, the plays nicely with Windows. Way better than the similarly priced PC speakers - of plastic and paper.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 309
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Actually, I have a set of the Monsoons on another computer. I definitely agree that they are head and shoulders above any mainstream multimedia speakers I've heard. My first thought was to find another set on Ebay, but there isn't anything listed right now that caught my eye. I think I'll keep watching for a while before I pull the trigger on something that I'll instantly regret.
I have an old pair of Koss Pro4A headphones gathering dust, so I might as well give them a try.
I was really hoping you guys would try to convince me to go for the Audiobytes. I'm a little disappointed!
I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left M60 VP160 QS8 EP350 M22 VP100 Algonquins
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
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Its all about protocal. Page one is for rational answers, page two for hijacks and at page three comes the wheedling, conniving and such. Stick around. We'll get you into those Audiobytes yet.
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Joe, my M22s are my "computer speakers". I'll second Charles(zimm)on this and suggest feeding the output from the USB port into a higher quality setup than the typical computer speaker represents. My computer is a basic Dell laptop and when I want to listen to quality sound on it, e.g., classical music stations, I simply bring the Dell over to my M22 setup and plug it in.
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361 |
And I'll add to John's point, as running the REW software I found my internal sound card is not real accurate. The stuff (???) in my Onkyo desktop system is much better and sounds great. Plus, I have a problem with speaker systems marketed as PC speakers costing as much as a decent system with CD/AM/FM/USB plus good little speakers. Perhaps the Axioms are worth it, but most are cheaply built by mouse and software companies, not speaker companies.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 309
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I definitely agree with your points. That's why I asked for advice, because I know PC speakers suck. Now you've got me thinking about buying a cheap AVR and using my spare M22s.
I can't wait until we get to page 2 when the peer pressure to go for the Audiobytes kicks in!
I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left M60 VP160 QS8 EP350 M22 VP100 Algonquins
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833 |
You have a spare set of M22s and are asking about computer speakers, shame on you I would most certainly be getting a inexpensive receiver and hooking those babies up.
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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The Audiobytes are excellent!
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 309
devotee
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OP
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Now I just feel stupid! Actually, I don't have room at the computer for those big speakers and a receiver. I have a bad feeling that I'm gonna end up spending too much money...
I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left M60 VP160 QS8 EP350 M22 VP100 Algonquins
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
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I think this little job would be just what you need, small, quality, plug and play with computer and 22's: Computer DAC/Amp Or, look around the used sites or bargain places. I paid $150 for my Onkyo system on clearance from Crutchfield. You don't need much and I bet with some patience you could get a system to bypass your sound card and add 10-40 clean watts to your M22 for under $150, and have a great little setup. (Note: I use mine 8 - 15 hours a day, so I'm a little particle to decent sound as I work.)
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Don't be so hard on yourself. You're big enough to smoke!
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
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Wow, I guess that belongs on the "what psych med are you" forum? One day they will invent a spell check that knows what I'm trying to say. I found the difference between offering to give a message v. a massage can cause some to be uncomfortable at later conferences.
Or I could read more closely...nah, work on that mind reading spell check.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,349
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,349 |
You don't even need an AVR, especially if space is a concern. I have one of these powering my M22's in our bedroom. Just RCA inputs, a volume knob, and outputs to the M22's. While it can't provide house-party levels of volume, for normal listening volumes in an average sized room, the sound quality is incredible. In a PC setup, where you're sitting just a couple of feet from your M22's, the volume should be way more than ample. And heck, you can even run the thing on 8 AA batteries - great for M22 tailgate parties. And you'd get to enjoy sexy class D amplification. The only negative about it is that the build quality is about what you'd expect if you won it at a carnival. Super cheap feeling. But I've had mine for almost two years now and it's still working perfectly, and the sound quality is great.
M80v2 | VP150v2 | QS8v2 SVS Pci+ 20-39 Emotiva UMC-1 & LPA-1 M22ti + T-Amp, in the Office
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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I'd use one of these myself.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,349
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I'd use one of these myself. Hey! It's an Emotiva BPA-1!
M80v2 | VP150v2 | QS8v2 SVS Pci+ 20-39 Emotiva UMC-1 & LPA-1 M22ti + T-Amp, in the Office
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
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I'm currently on the hunt for an old beater stereo amp for some bookshelf speakers in my garage. You would be think that would be easy to find but they are not, and the people in the local 'used' listings who have them seem to have delusions as to their worth.
I have a buddy who will build small tube amps for small sized speakers just for fun and more for show, but his price is high so he is not forced into serious production by his friends, thus removing the fun. I can inquire though if you want something unique looking.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 309
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OP
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Thanks guys. Both of those PE amps look very promising. The price of the Sonic Impact is very tempting, but the specs are a bit weak, especially the THD. Can using M22s make up for that?
I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left M60 VP160 QS8 EP350 M22 VP100 Algonquins
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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I wouldn't count on it. The M22s are very much a GIGO speaker.
Last edited by kcarlile; 04/03/09 09:54 PM.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Wait a second. Emotiva, an amp company, just re-badges some amp made somewhere and sells it for more than Dayton? That aint right. I'm thinking of buying their amps. That is bad management my friends. Wow.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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$10 more ain't too bad. And it's not like stuff like that doesn't happen all the time. Familiar with the Pontiac GTO?
Of course, a good counterargument is a Cadillac Escalade. Enjoy paying $20K more for your ugly grill.
Last edited by kcarlile; 04/03/09 09:59 PM.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Computer speakers
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Joined: Jul 2002
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connoisseur
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Emotiva also offered a 5 year warranty and just before phasing them out had the price in the $129-$149 range.
Good point about the Escalade.
getting to 2,000 posts; one year at a time vp160/qs8/qs4/ep350/m60/m2200s
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