Budget desktop speakers under $200

[geniusmusicman]

I'm currently looking for some new speakers, either passive or powered, between $100-$200 a pair for casual desktop use in a small bedroom. I will be using be it for music, movies, and games alike. I just want the best possible sound for my budget, no more. I would prefer new, but for the right speakers, I would consider used as well.

I currently own a set of Infinity SM65 bookshelf speakers and they are hooked up to a Sony STR-DE597 receiver as well as a Micca Origen G2 USB DAC/Amp and PC. The receiver is there just to connect the bookshelf speakers and the receiver is being outputed from the Origen DAC as I wasn't sure the DAC or the headphone amp in the receiver would be sufficient.

My system sounds absolutely great as it is, but I am always looking for better sound. I am just not sure I will get it at this price point. Powered speakers (or studio monitors) are what I want the most as I want to save space, but if bookshelves are the better option, I will go with that. Here are the questions I have regarding my current setup and possible new setup:

1. Has anyone heard the speakers I currently own and how would they compare to the current offerings out there within my budget?
   
   
2. Between these speakers, which would be better for my setup?
   
   • Sony SSCS5
   • Klipsch R15M
   • JBL LSR305
   • Polk TSI100
   • Presonus Eris 4.5
   • Edifier R1280T
   • Edifier R1700BT
3. Should I just keep my current setup and add a subwoofer instead?
   

Thanks for any input provided

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Check reviews on noaudiophile.com

 

[MrBoat]

My system sounds absolutely great as it is, but I am always looking for better sound. I am just not sure I will get it at this price point. Powered speakers (or studio monitors) are what I want the most as I want to save space, but if bookshelves are the better option, I will go with that. Here are the questions I have regarding my current setup and possible new setup.

At this point, along with the choices, ends up being a heap of subjectivity basically depending on who you ask.

For an actual upgrade, I would think the next step would be a listening habit upgrade other than just essentially swapping out other budget components for what you already have. Subwoofer, sure, but that's about all I could see as an improvement or, at least something new to play with for awhile.

I did desktop systems for awhile in about the middle or later part of my audio hobby but my next obvious upgrade was a large system again for a critical listening opportunity with a lot more options. I still dabble in desktop, or near field systems but I tend to treat those more as a convenient novelty than I do my main system.

All of those types of speakers you mentioned, I would end up getting used to and forgetting what my actual upgrade was from memory unless I had replaced something that was worn out or sucky to begin with.

ETA: I do own the JBL 305's and I had fun with them at home for awhile but now I have them at work and they do a pretty good job in my comparatively large shop space and I do like those speakers. But then, I am a long time JBL fan so. . . .

 

[geniusmusicman]

Thanks for your opinion. My desktop system is the only option I have for the foreseeable future. The biggest problem I am facing right now is that my speakers are old enough that no one carries them (they are from the 90's) and there are no stores that demo any of the speakers I want to hear, so I can't compare. The only one I have heard are the JBL's and they sound amazing. They have more low end coming from the speakers than I expected. You can't hear any low end from my speakers unless you crank it really loud. Without a sub, I would prefer a speaker that has a little low end to it.

 

[slipperybidness]

Thanks for your opinion. My desktop system is the only option I have for the foreseeable future. The biggest problem I am facing right now is that my speakers are old enough that no one carries them (they are from the 90's) and there are no stores that demo any of the speakers I want to hear, so I can't compare. The only one I have heard are the JBL's and they sound amazing. They have more low end coming from the speakers than I expected. You can't hear any low end from my speakers unless you crank it really loud. Without a sub, I would prefer a speaker that has a little low end to it.

We just don't really see much of an upgrade for a $200 budget, regardless of the vintage of your current speakers.

But, you can't go wrong on the JBL LSR monitors.

EDIT: For $200, and wanting better bass, look no further:
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm currently looking for some new speakers, either passive or powered, between $100-$200 a pair for casual desktop use in a small bedroom.

I currently own a set of Infinity SM65 bookshelf speakers...

My system sounds absolutely great as it is, but I am always looking for better sound....

I think you should just keep your current system. For a casual desktop setup, I don't think you'll improve much unless you ADD a Subwoofer to your current system like this Dayton 12" subwoofer for $148 shipped.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

If you need something smaller/ more compact for space limitations, then the 8" or 10" subs (of course, less bass output):

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-800-8-80-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-627

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

 

[geniusmusicman]

I think you should just keep your current system. For a casual desktop setup, I don't think you'll improve much unless you ADD a Subwoofer to your current system like this Dayton 12" subwoofer for $148 shipped.

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

If you need something smaller/ more compact for space limitations, then the 8" or 10" subs (of course, less bass output):

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-800-8-80-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-627

https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

I've heard a lot of good things about the Dayton subs, and honestly, if I go the route of the 2.1 system, I will most likely get one.

Any good recommendations for a powered setup? I may go that way to save a little on space. The powered options I listed above are ones I have heard most good things about in other forums and reviews or my price point.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I do own the JBL 305's

Do they come with speaker grills?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've heard a lot of good things about the Dayton subs, and honestly, if I go the route of the 2.1 system, I will most likely get one.

Any good recommendations for a powered setup? I may go that way to save a little on space. The powered options I listed above are ones I have heard most good things about in other forums and reviews or my price point.

Yeah, they all need subs. If I were to pick one, I would pick the JBL - if they come with grills.

 

[geniusmusicman]

Yeah, they all need subs. If I were to pick one, I would pick the JBL - if they come with grills.

No grills on those JBL's. From what I have heard when I went into my local Guitar Center, they don't really need a sub either , they sound great as is.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Never heard the 305s, but you'll have to pry my LSR2325p (305's predicessor) out of my cold dead hands...

 

[MrBoat]

No grilles and plenty bass from the lsr305. I didn't need them and bought them anyway and almost bought the 308's too.

 

[lovinthehd]

I think it sounds like a lateral move to me, too. I still have a DE597, too. If you really just want to go active I like the JBL 305/308 ideas...

 

[geniusmusicman]

Thanks for the input guys. JBL LSR305 seems like the way to go here for active monitors. Have any of you heard the Mackie MR524 or 624's? "Z reviews" states that these are better than the JBL305's. How do you guys feel about that?

Here is the youtube review:

 

[zieglj01]

I do not put much weight in the Z reviews

 

[geniusmusicman]

So I have narrowed down my choices to two and decided to go the passive route. I am thinking about either the Sony SSCS5 or the Elac Debut B5's. Both are around the $150 mark per pair and don't want to go much more expensive than that. I'll add a subwoofer down the road. What do you guys think about those two choices?

 

[Hokies83]

So I have narrowed down my choices to two and decided to go the passive route. I am thinking about either the Sony SSCS5 or the Elac Debut B5's. Both are around the $150 mark per pair and don't want to go much more expensive than that. I'll add a subwoofer down the road. What do you guys think about those two choices?

Been Reading lots of reviews these seem to be the golden ticket at $200 ish
http://www.philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

Review
https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/elac-b5-vs-philharmonic-affordable-accuracy-new-monitor.97171/

Review

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/philharmonic-affordable-accurate-monitor.2924/

 

[geniusmusicman]

I've heard a lot of good things about those as well. Thanks for the input!

 

[Hokies83]

I've heard a lot of good things about those as well. Thanks for the input!

Just pulled the trigger and got the AAM book shelves and the mtm center.

 

[geniusmusicman]

Hope they work out great Hokies. I think I'm going to keep my choices from the options above just for cost purposes. I can get either speakers with a 25% off through Google Express so either set will only put me back about $125 after taxes. Just can't decide between the two...