Looking to buy speakers for my computer

[Patrukas777]

I'm finally building my first computer (Hackintosh / PC) and all I have left to do is to decide what speakers to go with. This computer will be used for gaming and music. I'm not expecting spectacular sound; however, I would like to get at least decent sound.

I have a Denon 1508ci that I don't use and it could be used to power the speakers. I believe I'll be able to connect speakers / receiver to my tower by either your standard 3.5mm connect or optical cable. I don't want to spend too much on speakers...maybe a couple hundred bucks. Maybe something like the behringer 2030p's???

If the 1508 is not a good option, then I would possibly get a 2.1 computer speaker setup. I found this one: http://www.alteclansing.com/ae/us/computer-speakers/expressionist+0153-ultra-mx6021/invt/mx6021/&bklist=icat,3,shop,computerspeakers#tabanchor

great price right now.

I'm open to suggestions. BTW, I would also consider buying speakers in sections (example: by the L/R and possibly C now, with rears and sub later).

I just wanted to thank you guys in advance. You guys have always given great suggestions and input in the past.

 

[bikemig]

audio engine P-4

You probably want to try the optical connection and use the dac in the receiver since computers tend to be acoustically noisy environments. The audio engine P-4s aren't cheap at $250 but they are really good set of speakers for a desktop, http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-P4. They're small, they sound great, and they are front ported which is, I think, a plus for a desktop, nearfield environment.

 

[Patrukas777]

You probably want to try the optical connection and use the dac in the receiver since computers tend to be acoustically noisy environments. The audio engine P-4s aren't cheap at $250 but they are really good set of speakers for a desktop, http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-P4. They're small, they sound great, and they are front ported which is, I think, a plus for a desktop, nearfield environment.

how would they compare to the Behringer 2030p's?

 

[Patrukas777]

I would also be interested in speakers from some of the internet direct companies such as Ascend Acoustics and Aperion Audio. I just don't know much about them. Feel free to chime in.

 

[GranteedEV]

Personally I think using a receiver with a computer, is pretty convoluted. I would go with powered speakers:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR2325P

But if you do want to squeeze some use out of the denon, then maybe these?

http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Verus-Forte-Satellite-Speaker,296,89,840.aspx

 

[Patrukas777]

Personally I think using a receiver with a computer, is pretty convoluted. I would go with powered speakers:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR2325P

But if you do want to squeeze some use out of the denon, then maybe these?

http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Verus-Forte-Satellite-Speaker,296,89,840.aspx

I just figured since I had a receiver lying around, why not use it. Not to mention I bet I would get a lot better sound out of the receiver/bookshelves, than that of your computer speakers....and what about adding a sub?

 

[its phillip]

Yeah, I would definitely recommend you just pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers and a sub of your liking to go along with your receiver. It'll work just fine. I've been using a receiver with my computer system for the last couple years.

 

[Patrukas777]

Yeah, I would definitely recommend you just pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers and a sub of your liking to go along with your receiver. It'll work just fine. I've been using a receiver with my computer system for the last couple years.

how do you have yours setup? Are you using the optical line?

 

[its phillip]

I'm using optical, yes. Here's my desk:

 

[MinusTheBear]

You can look at the KRK Rokit 5 and 6 powered monitors. They are inexpensive as well. IIRC they perform rather well according to 3rd party measurements, and as studio monitors geared towards near field listening.

 

[Patrukas777]

I'm using optical, yes. Here's my desk:

Looks nice, I bet you have a little too much fun on it haha

 

[its phillip]

Thanks. I really regret going with a tv though. A smaller, higher resolution monitor (or monitors) is much nicer.

 

[Patrukas777]

I'm going with a 24'' Acer HD monitor for my setup. Can't wait to put everything together. Just having a hard time with selecting speakers. I think I'm going to get two speakers now and get a sub next month. Looking to keep the speakers no more than 350

 

[bikemig]

I'm using optical, yes. Here's my desk:

@Phillip: I like the idea of putting the AV receiver under the desk (and I like the AT AD700 cans a lot as well). How close are your bookshelf speakers to the walls? One thing that bugs me a bit about using bookshelf speakers is that most seem to be rear ported and I think that front ported speakers are easier to set up on a desk. But you get a lot of choices if you don't mind using rear ported speakers.

 

[its phillip]

Mine are rear ported but I have them plugged. I'm not sure of the distance from the walls. The one on the left is fairly close to the left wall and I think the rear of the speakers is something like 15" from the wall. Just a guess though since I'm not at home to check.

Patrukas, I really like my speakers, so I recommend you check them out - they do fall under your requirement since they are $300 a pair.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/accessories/542469405/energy-rc10

Of course, there are plenty of other good speakers worth looking at for around the same price or much less.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I strongly rec - they are much, much better than 2030p (at current 2030p prices)
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html

but, I'd like to add that I just love my JBL LSR2325p monitors - they are LOUD yet crystal clear and more than enough power to fill my whole apartment
I got them from Zzounds, but used their price match from another site:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_35044_JBL-LSR-2325P.html?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=froogle

I think I got offered 162 ea + free shipping - a cracking price for amazing speakers.

here they are on my desk:

 

[Patrukas777]

I strongly rec - they are much, much better than 2030p (at current 2030p prices)
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html

but, I'd like to add that I just love my JBL LSR2325p monitors - they are LOUD yet crystal clear and more than enough power to fill my whole apartment
I got them from Zzounds, but used their price match from another site:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_35044_JBL-LSR-2325P.html?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=froogle

I think I got offered 162 ea + free shipping - a cracking price for amazing speakers.

here they are on my desk:

another sweet setup. I'm hoping some of them go on sale labor day week

 

[bikemig]

Personally I think using a receiver with a computer, is pretty convoluted. I would go with powered speakers:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR2325P

But if you do want to squeeze some use out of the denon, then maybe these?

http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Verus-Forte-Satellite-Speaker,296,89,840.aspx

I've gone back and forth between using powered/active monitors and passive ones for a desktop system. The amp I have right now is so small that it fits well on a desk but there is something to be said for keeping the clutter down and going with powered speakers.

 

[Patrukas777]

I strongly rec - they are much, much better than 2030p (at current 2030p prices)
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html

but, I'd like to add that I just love my JBL LSR2325p monitors - they are LOUD yet crystal clear and more than enough power to fill my whole apartment
I got them from Zzounds, but used their price match from another site:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_35044_JBL-LSR-2325P.html?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=froogle

I think I got offered 162 ea + free shipping - a cracking price for amazing speakers.

here they are on my desk:

I might pick up a ascend 170 B-Stock or see if they go on sale on tuesday. Word on the street is they are having some type of sale labor day week.

 

[bikemig]

I might pick up a ascend 170 B-Stock or see if they go on sale on tuesday. Word on the street is they are having some type of sale labor day week.

Aren't the ascend htm-200s a better choice for a desktop if you end up placing the speakers near a wall since they're sealed?