Looking for affordable, yet high quality speakers for PC.

[Mkilbride]

Alright! I have this Soundcard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102019

After installing it, updating the drivers and whatnot, the sound difference was minimal to my audiophile ears, and I was told it was my crappy old 5.1 surround sound speakers I have.(I got them for like 170$ in 2006)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121006

They're like that, but a slightly older model. They've been great for everything, but I was told by many people that my Speakers just don't cut it for my new Sound Card.(Which is why the sound didn't improve that much with the addition of a sound card.)

So now I've asked on a few other forums. Everyones only replied with 800 - 1500$ speaker systems and told me I should get those. If I wish rich, I probably would, but as 800-1500$ could be better spent on alot of things, I figure I'll go for some reasonably priced ones that are still significantly better than my own.

Now, I've been looking at Newegg and Amazon, but not seeing to many tempting deals. I've seen some in the range of 250-300$, which, 300$ is my limit I am now putting on this upgrade.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Computer-Speakers-5-Speaker-Silver/dp/B00007AKDP

Those look fantastic, I mean they're from 2003, but still priced at that price and excellent reviews? They've got to be pretty damn good.

Then I saw these on the same page,

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-THX-Certified-505-Watt-Digital-Surround/dp/B0002WPSBC/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_0

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121120

Newer, but 10$ or so cheaper, too, so I ask myself, why? I saw them on Newegg for 300$, but only 250$ on Amazon. Newegg usually has the best deals...anywhere. So I'm abit confused on that.

Now I want speakers that make good use of my new Sound card, but I don't want to blow 500$+, I was hoping for a reasonable price, 250$ - 300$

Also, I notice a distinct lack of 7.1 speakers...anywhere, at least high quality ones or ones designed for the PC. I was thinking since my Sound Card supports it, and well, shouldn't I get speakers that are 7.1, so I don't need to upgrade in another few years? I dunno really...

Now I know what I am asking may be heresy to some of you Audiophiles, having a budget, but wanting high quality speakers, too. Now I ask you to look past this my brothers, and please help me.

Recommendations, advice, please, I need it. Thanks.

 

[john72953]

The Logitech Z-5500 sounds like a system that could more than satisfactorily service your needs. I've been running a Z-2300 (2.1) system for several years and I've been extremely happy with them. For computer speaker choices, I think that Logitech is a very good choice.

As far as 7.1 is concerned, there isn't much software out there that even supports this yet. However, if you did want to go that route, I'd consider spending a few extra dollars and not try to accomplish this on a 5.1 budget.

Get it from a reliable company that offers a money-back guarentee...if you don't like them, ship 'em back and you'd only be out of pocket for the shipping.

John

 

[GlocksRock]

I like the Klipsch pro media speakers, check out the GMX-A 5.1 system.

 

[Nemo128]

What do you plan on using them for? Depending on your answer, I'll steer you towards or away from the Logitechs.

I've owned the Z-560, Z-680, Z-5500, the Klipsch Promedia 5.1, 2.1, and 2.0, among many other lesser known brands/models.

 

[Mkilbride]

I rarely listen to music, but the music I do listen to right now is usually .flac, so lossless quality and it sounds great, I can hear the bass just right, it sounds fantastic. It's a secondary concern.

I mostly play games, and watch movies I've downloaded. Usually not DVD, but .mkv's, ogm's, ect. High quality containers.

 

[Nemo128]

Ok, you've got two distinct purposes. You want a good stereo setup, high fidelity with clean output, and you've got surround with good low frequency effects and good mids for vocals in movie audio tracks.

For the stereo use, since you use lossless, I think you'd want a nice set of bookshelf speakers with a seperate clean amp. However, Swans multimedia speakers are a phenomenal alternative. I wasn't a believer from all the online reviews and one d-bag I know who raves about them like they're the next coming of Jesus, but I was made into a believer when I finally sampled them.

For surround, if you want to have close to the clarity and power of a good stereo system but have movie-watching bliss, you really need to look at the Klipsch Promedia 5.1 or the Creative Gigaworks S750. The Logitechs I fear will be painful for your music needs. From my time owning them, I did not like them at all for music listening but loved them for gaming and movies. They lack the smoothness of bass and clarity of mids/highs that I wanted with my music, but they had plenty of BOOM for movies and mids/highs that kept effects defined if not very clean or accurate.

The other option I highly recommend since you are using that card is to get an amp that'll let you run the analog channels from the sound card into it and buy good speakers. That would most likely be a much more expensive option, and not one you want to go for if you plan on using it for more than just the computer.

In conclusion, I think you should try to snag a Promedia 5.1 or Gigaworks S750 set off eBay/Craigs/wherever. Cost will be much better and you'll be happy with the performance I bet. Stay away from the Logis if you really enjoy clean crisp music. This is coming from a life-long Logitech fan who has owned almost every speaker system they've made.

 

[bluebirdy]

Hi, Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speaker are really good. They don`t have the the greatest sound but they are realy good. I recommend you go for it.