Should I get HK Soundsticks or the Tivoli Model Two? For ipod/cds

[Indeed]

Hi, I am not an audiophile type person so I need your expert opinions. I want a small system in which to plug in a cd player and ipod. I've been swinging back and forth between the Tivoli Model Two, and the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks. The main thing I can't get a sense of, is which would actually SOUND better, ignoring functionality and looks. Any idea?

http://www.tivoliaudio.com/product.php?productid=144

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=MME&prod=SOUNDSTICKSII&sType=C

 

[Seth=L]

Hi, I am not an audiophile type person so I need your expert opinions. I want a small system in which to plug in a cd player and ipod. I've been swinging back and forth between the Tivoli Model Two, and the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks. The main thing I can't get a sense of, is which would actually SOUND better, ignoring functionality and looks. Any idea?

http://www.tivoliaudio.com/product.php?productid=144

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=MME&prod=SOUNDSTICKSII&sType=C

I don't know about the HarmanKardon, but the Tivoli has a very good tuner, and I think they sound great for their size. Don't get the Bose iPod Dock, please for the love of all that is good.

Cool username by the way.

 

[corey]

Neither. Go to your local computer store & pick up a 2.1 set of speakers. Logitech has some at $50 (X-230 2.1 Stereo Speaker System), Klipsch has much better at $150 (ProMedia GMX A-2.1 System).

 

[jcPanny]

Computer/iPod speakers

Also check out the Audio Engine 5 powered monitors. Much better quality then your typical computer speakers and they have an output for a sub.

 

[Nick250]

I have listened to the Tivoli at Tweeter and was not impressed. And $199 extra for the CD player?? Yikes! Other people seem to like it, but to me it sounded like one step up from a clock radio.

Nick

 

[Alex2507]

The sound sticks come with a sub and plug into my computer. I'm listening to them right now. Mine are remans from Harman Audio on eBay. Full warranty. There was a problem and the seller even paid for the shipping to get the defective unit returned and a replacement sent to me. I live in a condo so I'm not a sub cranker but I do enjoy a little low frequency blended into my music. I think I paid around $90 for them. I've never really turned them up very loud but I'm sure that I could get somebody to come knocking if I chose.

I like their sound, looks, size and price. But then again I really haven't looked at much else. If there are bettter products at similar price points, I'd love to take a listen.

 

[Indeed]

Thanks

Wow, you guys are great, thanks for the suggestions! Ok, thanks to you I have ditched both of my original options, and am now trying to decide between these three:

Audioengine 5

http://www.audioengineusa.com/products.htm

Klipsch Promedia 2.1

http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/promedia-gmx-a-2-1.aspx

Swans MS200

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/cgi-bin/theaudioinsider/SWM200.html?id=HAUCk3Sp

My budget is around $350. Does anyone have any opinion about the relative merits of these? The Klipsch is the only one that comes with a subwoofer, but is a subwoofer less important if the speakers are nicer? Sorry I'm rather ignorant.

 

[Seth=L]

Wow, you guys are great, thanks for the suggestions! Ok, thanks to you I have ditched both of my original options, and am now trying to decide between these three:

Audioengine 5

http://www.audioengineusa.com/products.htm

Klipsch Promedia 2.1

http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/promedia-gmx-a-2-1.aspx

Swans MS200

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/cgi-bin/theaudioinsider/SWM200.html?id=HAUCk3Sp

My budget is around $350. Does anyone have any opinion about the relative merits of these? The Klipsch is the only one that comes with a subwoofer, but is a subwoofer less important if the speakers are nicer? Sorry I'm rather ignorant.

Go with the Swans, I have heard good things about them. They will be more relaxing to listen to over the promedia, that is for sure.

 

[Indeed]

Hmm

Seth, my only concern with that is the lack of subwoofer. Do you recommend anything in terms of that?

 

[Indeed]

One other question

I also have a pair of Grado SR-80s that I like to use. Now, the Swanns have no headphone output, but I normally just plug them into the ipod/discman directly. Would I get way better sound through them by plugging them into the Klipsch headphone out? If that's not a big deal I think I will get the Swanns

 

[emorphien]

Go with the Swans, I have heard good things about them. They will be more relaxing to listen to over the promedia, that is for sure.

They're on my list of things to get "some day"

 

[jcPanny]

Computer Speakers

Seth, my only concern with that is the lack of subwoofer. Do you recommend anything in terms of that?

Those sound sticks don't have a real subwoofer. They have 1" drivers (tweeters) on the sticks and a 6" powered woofer.

Bookshelf type monitors like the Swans and AudioEngine have 5" woofers and will probably have a better, lower frequency response than the sound sticks.
If you want much below the 60 Hz range, you will need to add a 8" or 10" subwoofer.

 

[Alex2507]

Those sound sticks don't have a real subwoofer. They have 1" drivers (tweeters) on the sticks and a 6" powered woofer.


HEY! I resemble that remark! LOL. You are 100% right about the sizes. Kind of like a really good clock radio? Maybe I should get out more and listen to better stuff. Now I'm gonna have to see what range the sound sticks say they go down to. Like everything else I think it comes down to what you want them for.

 

[satish536]

I have the Klipsch promedia 2.1 THX they sound really good with my audigy 2 ZS .

The swans are definately the better speaker but they i think they are pricey.

I love the klipsch, they kill logitech's 2.1 thx system in terms of sound quality.

The only drawback is it has a ported subwoofer which is why its not best in terms of SQ.

 

[emorphien]

The swans are definately the better speaker but they i think they are pricey.

Considering what you get for <$200 I'd say they're a steal, although yes they do cost more than the Klipsch speakers.