Need advice on computer speaker options

[Jerek Dain]

I'm a very techy guy, but my knowledge of audio equipment is rather limited. I currently have some very boring cheap speakers that I've been using for a while, and while they've been quite good for their cost I finally have a modest budget to get something more substantial. I'm thinking like $100-250, but that's flexible for a true gem. In various searches for things like "best speakers for the money may 2017" I've turned up a lot of lists with a wide variety of recommendations. Many I feel are not well maintained lists, and the only speakers that are repeated between them seem to stand out for reasons other than what I'm looking for.

I am a constant gamer, and listen to a lot of music. I also sometimes watch movies or TV on my computer, though that's fairly rare and not really worth being a priority. I'm looking for something that will have a good big sound; if someone's sleeping in the next room I should be able to wake them up. In my searches I found some highly recommended speakers that are rated well on things like fantastic accuracy of sound, and while I really appreciate that, I wonder if that means it won't have the bassy power I'm thinking of. Not that I'd want to sacrifice accuracy for bass, or at least not much. Many also seemed to not include a subwoofer, which makes me wary (perhaps my lack of audio equipment knowledge is showing here), even when they're more expensive.

What sorts of speakers should I be looking at? Are there quality computer speakers without a separate subwoofer?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

You're looking for the wrong thing. Most of computer speakers aren't that great.
here are my suggestion
1) JBL LSR305 https://www.amazon.com/JBL-LSR305-Professional-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00F1DEI8G
2) alternatively these may interest you:
http://www.vanatoo.com/store/speakers/new-transparent-zero-black
you could both reviewed at noaudiophile.com

 

[Jerek Dain]

Interesting, the JBL LSR305 is one I had actually taken note of in my searches as a prime candidate. So I guess these speakers wouldn't need any sort of separate subwoofer?

 

[speakerman39]

+1 on the JBL 305's along with this:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha

The 305's have plenty of low end inmho. But, if you need more then I would opt for this:

http://www.pssl.com/Studio-Monitors-Sub-Woofers/M-Audio-BX-Subwoofer-Powered-10-Inch-Studio-Sub


This combination would make for a potent setup and certainly wake your neighbor(s)!


Phil

 

[MrBoat]

I have a set of these, which sound pretty darned good as far as computer speakers go. When I had a ton of people still living here at home, I didn't have time or place for a dedicated audio system and this carried me over for a few years as my main music listening system.

Don't let the little drivers fool you. These things play quite loud and clear.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

305s would play most of the music without the need for sub, however they will struggle with accurately reproducing very low bass notes. Think of stuff like cannon shots or very low notes of huge pipe organ.

 

[Jerek Dain]

Okay, so it sounds like I should start with the JBL LSR305s, and then if I'm not getting the bass levels I want I can add a sub (such as what speakerman39 linked)?

I'll probably get that audio interface. I've heard 3.5mm to 1/4 inch cords can do the job, but it seems like some precision would be lost.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Is that pure coincidence that speakerman recommended that sub since hs just happens to have one listed in 4sale forum. Not saying anything, but facts are facts. As far for cables - regular y cable would do. If your pc audio interface is too noisy, you may have to spend a bit for external dac.
I like cheap Behringer uc202. Fiio 3 dac would also be fine

 

[Jerek Dain]

Alright, I've ordered the 305s with this cord to hook them up. If I want more bass once I try them I'll look in to a subwoofer.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[speakerman39]

Is that pure coincidence that speakerman recommended that sub since hs just happens to have one listed in 4sale forum. Not saying anything, but facts are facts. As far for cables - regular y cable would do. If your pc audio interface is too noisy, you may have to spend a bit for external dac.
I like cheap Behringer uc202. Fiio 3 dac would also be fine

My sub is already sold! In fact, it plainly says it! Not trying to push something that I have for sale. Just recommending something that I have owned that works well. Just wanted to make sure I am very clear here! The fact is, what I recommended does work well together. The 305's have excellent bass, but if a sub is wanted the M-Audio sub works well with the 305's.



Phil

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Alright, I've ordered the 305s with this cord to hook them up. If I want more bass once I try them I'll look in to a subwoofer.

Thanks for the advice!

I think it would be wrong cable. 1/4 port is meant for balanced TSR plug, not unbalanced.
You'd need to go with unbalanced and get this cable instead:
https://www.amazon.com/KabelDirekt-3-5mm-Audio-Cable-Auxiliary/dp/B00DI89OM6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494882165&sr=1-4&keywords=3.5mm+to+rca+shielded&th=1
(Disregard the bs in description, only thing worth mentioning is it's shielded cable with right connectors and good price, which happens to be of decent quality and looks)

I tried to post it before, but my cell reception sucks. My LSR2325p (predecessor to LSR305) I never run them more than 1/3 of volume and the pair of them supposed to get to 112db of loudness at 1m(3ft)
This is about same level of sound as running (gas) snow blower makes .

 

[Jerek Dain]

Thanks for the cable clarification. I've stopped that cable order (or tried to, apparently Amazon can't guarantee it can be stopped) and instead ordered a 6ft version of what you linked.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

I think it would be wrong cable. 1/4 port is meant for balanced TSR plug, not unbalanced.
You'd need to go with unbalanced and get this cable instead:
https://www.amazon.com/KabelDirekt-3-5mm-Audio-Cable-Auxiliary/dp/B00DI89OM6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494882165&sr=1-4&keywords=3.5mm+to+rca+shielded&th=1

The pictures I can find of the 305s don’t show any RCA inputs. TRS jacks will work with TS plugs, so the cable the OP linked in Post #9 will work fine.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

The pictures I can find of the 305s don’t show any RCA inputs. TRS jacks will work with TS plugs, so the cable the OP linked in Post #9 will work fine.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

OOps, Wayne is right. The original cable you've ordered is what you need. sorry for the confusion. I was looking at the back of my LSR2335p which does have rca input.

Sorry again

 

[Jerek Dain]

Well, fortunately the cancellation failed, so I'm still getting the original cables! Thanks for looking out, even if there was some confusion.

 

[speakerman39]

Well, fortunately the cancellation failed, so I'm still getting the original cables! Thanks for looking out, even if there was some confusion.

Getting ready to say the cable you ordered looks a lot like the one I was using. Just a different brand. As mentioned previously, I believe you will find that the 305's have good low end. But, it may not be enough for your needs. Be sure to put them off of your desk on good stands. I also bought some Mo-pads that seems to help some. Getting the 305's off of my desk made for the biggest improvement over all. Congrats on your purchase! Keeps us all posted!


Phil

 

[Jerek Dain]

Getting the 305's off of my desk made for the biggest improvement over all.

Hm, why's that? So the sound doesn't bounce off the desk?

 

[speakerman39]

Hm, why's that? So the sound doesn't bounce off the desk?

Well if you look at Studios you will always see the Studio Monitors are mounted a bit higher than the desks. The idea is that the tweeters are at ear level and they are used in the near-field. The 305's really did sound better on stands and not on my desk. I was amazed at just how loud the 305's could play.



Phil

 

[Jerek Dain]

Cool, I'll make sure the tweeters are at ear level.

 

[shadyJ]

It doesn't hurt the sound for the speaker to be upside down, by the way. If you can prop the speaker up, and have it upside down with tweeter at ear level, you get rid of lots of acoustic reflections from the desktop. These reflections can really put a peak in upper bass.