So, my daughter asked me for advice on speakers for her laptop/desk. The obvious choice was audiobytes, but she informed me they were above her budget limit. She didn't want to spend more than $200.

I figure I can pick up a used receiver for $50, so that leaves $150 for speakers. To me, the only way to get something half decent is in the used market.

Any suggestions? Maybe older PSB alphas or Paradigm studio 10s (like really older...)

Not sure where to go with that budget.

Check out the Infinity Primus (Harmans value) line of bookshelf speakers at your local Best Buy. Something like this would work fine for her.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/infi...358ebe08e28en02

Add $100 to her total and order a pair of M3's off of the auction site.

The Mirage Nanosat might be another good option and certainly would be something different with the omnipolar technology behind it. They have a small form factor that would be easy to place with a laptop. They look good and perhaps "cute" for a female. They would fit in your budget. For an extra 60 bucks you can get them in a rosewood or high gloss black finish too which in that case they should look stunning.

http://www.crutchfield.ca/Mirage_Nanosat_BL_Satellite_Speaker_p/653nsatbl.htm

I offered, she said no. Gotta love someone who knows how to stick to a budget. Her plan is to graduate from university debt free and I think she'll make it!

Hah! Spoke too soon. My daughter just called and said she would take me up on an offer to buy the speakers as a house warming/Christmas gift. Off to the outlet store.

I picked up a pair of used Paradigm Atoms for ~$80, and they seemed pretty decent. Noticeable mid-bass bump (much more so than M3) but overall sound was good.