desktop speakers for notebooks

[guynexdoor]

I'm looking to buy 2.0 speaker system set up for my laptop. I am a teacher, in a large classroom, and so I want to make sure the speakers can be "loud."

what specs should I be looking for? Is it the higher the wattage, and louder the sound?

the speakers would be plugged in, but no subwoofer.

I was told that logitech was a good brand, and to stay away from cyber acoustics.

THanks

 

[MDS]

I currently have Creative Gigaworks T20 and previously had Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 2.0. Both are very good and provide about 15 watts per channel.

15 wpc is enough to get fairly loud in a typical desk environment where you sit only a few feet away from them. If you need more power you'd have to look at powered studio monitors (which cost a lot more than computer speakers).

 

[mazersteven]

These should work. LOL

 

[Adam]

These Swan speakers have gotten good reviews.

Higher power doesn't always mean louder, and you need to check if they are quoting RMS (average) power or peak power.

A great thing about computer speakers is that you'll probably be buying them at stores that will let you take them back without a restocking fee, so you can try them out and see if you like them.

Like MDS, I'm running a set of Creative speakers (although mine aren't are a lower line than his). I can't say if mine would fill a large classroom with good sound, though. The Swans would almost surely blow mine away.

 

[markw]

Be prepared to accept compromises as far as quality and quantity of sound.

Keep in mind that these speakers are all designed for near-field listening (a foot or so in front of you), not filling a room with large sound.

If you were open to a three piece system, you might be able to get better performance for your large room needs. I use a fairly compact three-piece Altec VS2221 system and they do a credible job in my cellar but I don't know how large that classroom is or how loud you expect it to be.

 

[mazersteven]

How about something like these. This is for real this time.

I don't know if these would work, but take a look.

http://www.mackie.com/products/srm150/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-SRM-150-Compact-Active-PA-System?sku=601064

 

[guynexdoor]

what to look for (specs) for desktop speakers

guys,

i'm looking to buy speakers that are less than $50!!!!

nothing over $100

these are just for classroom. the size of the classroom is prbably 20 by 30 ft.
it's fairly large.

 

[mazersteven]

guys,

i'm looking to buy speakers that are less than $50!!!!

nothing over $100

these are just for classroom. the size of the classroom is prbably 20 by 30 ft.
it's fairly large.

Then MDS seems to have the best recommendations with the Creative Gigaworks T20, and Klipsch ProMedia Ultra.

 

[markw]

I paid about $50 for my three-piece Altecs.

Check weekly sale flyers or surf the internet for big-box store sales.

 

[mazersteven]

Maybe this will work for your classroom.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/yamaha-nx-u10/yamaha-nx-u10-usb-full-review

 

[mike c]

I would second the altec lansing suggestion. those are really loud for the money. (especially those with at least 3" drivers)

 

[AbyssalLoris]

I know it's not exactly what you want, but I have a Logitech 4.1 setup I used to use with a computer. It's not really 4.1, it just extends 2.1 to 4.1. As far as computer speakers go, these get reasonably loud and the sub was considered one of the better options for the price when it sold new.

It is lying around at my place taking up valuable space and I'd be glad to send it to you for the cost of shipping. Let me know if you want it.

 

[crazyd1415]

I had a pair of roland powered speakers I bought years ago. they will fill up the class room. I think most guitar centers have the roland powered speaker line. I forget the model number and they might not have the model I have anymore. But I got them for around $100 at the time. It seems the speakers now go by the edirol name tag and not the roland name tag. same company.

but here is a link to their current models
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productlist.aspx?ParentId=105

 

[wilmeland]

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=mul_spk_csw

Cambridge Soundworks makes a decent sounding system that has been around forever & plays reasonably loud. It's at your price point. It's 3 pieces, but I can fit all 3 pieces in a small camera bag & use for a traveling audio system.
I've owned this PC Works system as well as the higher priced Sound Works system & have been pleased with them.