Best small speaker(s) under $50

[George Lentini]

I'm looking for decent quality speakers for my desktop. I know I won't get the best quality for my price point, but I'm going to be using headphones most of the time and only need these for occasions when there are multiple people watching/listening. I don't have much space on my desk, so the smaller the better. Is there a single unit that would sound just as good as a multi-piece setup? If I will really see a massive difference, I'd be willing to spend a little more, but I'd rather not if I can avoid it.

 

[KEW]

Under $50 is a tough price point.
I have never heard them, but the JBL Loft 40's are on sale for $40/pair with free shipping, so they at least meet your price point. The ratings on Amazon and NewEgg are pretty decent (FWIW).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=86-110-015&nm_mc=AFC-dealnews&cm_mmc=AFC-dealnews-_-NA-_-NA-_-86-110-015

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

If you're lucky try to find Behringer MS16 on sale or spend the extra $20 on them
They are worth it

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Under $50 is a tough price point.
I have never heard them, but the JBL Loft 40's are on sale for $40/pair with free shipping, so they at least meet your price point. The ratings on Amazon and NewEgg are pretty decent (FWIW).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=86-110-015&nm_mc=AFC-dealnews&cm_mmc=AFC-dealnews-_-NA-_-NA-_-86-110-015

seems like nice passive speakers KEW, OP will need an amp to power these, but reviews seem good

 

[markw]

George, keep in mind that with "just any speakers", you will need an amplifier to drive them. You might search for "powered speakers", or "computer speakers"

But, with that budget, don't expect too much.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

seems like nice passive speakers KEW, OP will need an amp to power these, but reviews seem good

You can get lepai amp pretty cheap, but yes it will add cost. https://www.parts-express.com/lepai-lp-2020a-tripath-class-t-hi-fi-audio-mini-amplifier-with-power-supply--310-300

 

[slipperybidness]

I'm looking for decent quality speakers for my desktop. I know I won't get the best quality for my price point, but I'm going to be using headphones most of the time and only need these for occasions when there are multiple people watching/listening. I don't have much space on my desk, so the smaller the better. Is there a single unit that would sound just as good as a multi-piece setup? If I will really see a massive difference, I'd be willing to spend a little more, but I'd rather not if I can avoid it.

As everyone else mentioned, anything decent under $50 is gonna be very difficult. That really means you need self powered speakers. If you are really gonna keep it under $50, then you are almost certainly gonna have to look on the used market.

Here are some for $75 to consider
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446814959&sr=8-1&keywords=m+audio+monitors

These are $80
http://www.amazon.com/Alesis-M1-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0011Z87I0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1446815054&sr=8-2&keywords=alesis+monitor

 

[PENG]

I would add the Polks to the mix.

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1446815520&sr=1-4&keywords=polk+audio+speakers

 

[Seth=L]

Under $50 is a tough price point.
I have never heard them, but the JBL Loft 40's are on sale for $40/pair with free shipping, so they at least meet your price point. The ratings on Amazon and NewEgg are pretty decent (FWIW).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=86-110-015&nm_mc=AFC-dealnews&cm_mmc=AFC-dealnews-_-NA-_-NA-_-86-110-015

Looks like they're $80 for the pair on Newegg. The Loft 30 is available new on eBay from numerous sellers (probably not authorized dealers) for a little under $50 a pair. Still need an amplifier though, the Lepei might fit the bill.

 

[slipperybidness]

Dayton B452 is on sale right now for $28
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-b452-4-1-2-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-pair--300-452

Leapai LP-2020A is on sale for $27 right now
http://www.parts-express.com/lepai-lp-2020a-tripath-class-t-hi-fi-audio-mini-amplifier-with-power-supply--310-300

That's about the best you are gonna do, only $5 over budget at $55 for pair of speakers and an amp. Otherwise, start watching ebay and Craigs list.

 

[KEW]

Looks like they're $80 for the pair on Newegg. The Loft 30 is available new on eBay from numerous sellers (probably not authorized dealers) for a little under $50 a pair. Still need an amplifier though, the Lepei might fit the bill.

That is the problem with places like NewEgg and Amazon, the price can change any second! I think they have software that controls the price based on the sales rate.

 

[Seth=L]

That is the problem with places like NewEgg and Amazon, the price can change any second! I think they have software that controls the price based on the sales rate.

Or they saw people were looking at it, and decided to jack it up. I'd equate it to tying a dollar to a string...

 

[afterlife2]

These JBL's go on sale alot for $30 right now $50: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16886110017&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-BensBargains.com (Internet Brands)-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=404255&SID=457142_desktop

 

[afterlife2]

These might do the trick for about $14 more: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-of-Pinnacle-AC-500-8-Ohm-Bookshelf-Speakers-/171989602603?hash=item280b61112b:g:VLUAAOSwunJWE72f