For $400, Which one should i choose?

[Domitidus]

Hi guys,
First ,i'm not an audiophile but i think i've sensitive ears. I want to buy a sound system for my bedroom ( 12 ft * 15 ft) to use it mainly for music (PC & iPod) and sometimes games. My budget is about $400 ( i know it's low but that what can i afford!). I have read a lot of reviews about portable systems, 2.1 and Mini Hi-Fi ones and wonder why some of them have low RMS watts,compact design with very high price while others have multi-functions system with high RMS and large speakers with reasonable price!. So, now i'm confusing to which one should i go for? however, i have some options :
1. Logitech Z-5500 (even though, i'm not looking for 5.1 but just consider it due to its high review scores ).

2. Jamo i3000 2.1 system with dock for iPod (compact speakers but got very high scores from several well known magazine based on its high performance).

3. Axiom bookshelf M2 v2 (i think i don't need to comment on Axiom products).

4. Japanese Hi-Fi systems like Sony, JVC,..etc.

Please dont tell me to go to stores to test and listen because there is no stores over here (no need to mention my place ).
Finally, i'm looking for sound quality and performance not the style or size ( dont care if it's 2.1 or 5.1 either).

So any advice ?

 

[Seth=L]

Honestly, buy somthing used. My system is comprised of mid 90's Boston Acoustics HD10s I bought used for $70 (MSRP $440 pair) and the Teac shown in my signature for $70 refurbished. That Teac and those Bostons sound fantastic in my living room, and they get very loud without stressing the Teac. All that for $140 and I am very happy with the sound of my setup. You could buy some very nice used gear for $400, or a combination of used and new.

However, buying used speakers is tricky, and it's really best guess. The Axioms would be very nice. Looking for an older stereo receiver from Yamaha, Denon, Harman Kardon, or Pioneer (used Pioneer stereo receivers go for very cheap on Ebay) to power the Axioms would be a formidable combination.

Don't fret much about wattages, as they don't mean everything and you will find that they truly mean very little in real world situations.

Would this system be used for near field listening, such as at a computer?

 

[mike c]

http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_Receivers_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ10225970QQftidZ2QQtZkm

http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_Infinity_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ10225969QQftidZ2QQtZkm

 

[jcPanny]

Powered speakers

If your sources are PC and iPod, powered speakers like the AudioEngine5 or smaler 2's might work well for your bedroom.
http://www.audioengineusa.com/store/

Otherwise, quality bookshelf speakers from Axiom, AV123 or other manufactuers with an inexpensive stereo amp (audiosource, T-amp, etc.) would be a good option.