Desktop speakers for <$200

[Zifle]

So I'm in the market for a set of speakers (been running headphones up till now), but I'm not entirely sure what I should be aiming at.

I'm looking for a 2.0 or 2.1 system to be used primarily for music. While I do play games often, I prioritize the sound within them less, than I do for VOIP with my friends, thus it is usually turned down to a point where it doesn't matter how it sounds.
I don't need them to be able to turn up the volume by a great extend, I consider myself more of a quiet listener, and I hardly doubt any speakers I can find will be unable to play at a volume which satisfies me.

So far, I've been looking at a couple of comparison reviews here and there, and find the Gigaworks T40 to be a good balance between quality and price (though, lack of dedicated subwoofer).

I've had my eyes in the direction of a used Z-2300, which for what I hear, still outclasses most of the competition, including the  "successor" z623. Unfortunately, it's not all too easy to get ones hands on in these times.

I'm not a huge bass addict, but I do like having a kick when the drums start rolling. As such, I'm not sure if I would want to not have a subwoofer, but I figure with a 2.0 set, I could get a dedicated one later on, if I need it.


So what would be your suggestions? A set of speakers for relatively cheap money (I don't plan on shelling out more than $200 for them, although if you have suggestions that are close, it could be considered).

Best bang for the buck for ~$200, 2.0 or 2.1?

[The_Beast]

I love my Logitech Z4's but I don't think they make them anymore

[WRXChris]

I highly recommend Logitech Z-2300 2.1 system for that price.  You are going to have to settle for used though, as they don't make them anymore.  The replacement model was a huge downgrade in terms of amplification. 

The reason to go for the Z-2300 is that it uses Class AB amplifiers which are usually only found in audiophile grade equipment (especially nowadays).  With a good sound card these speakers are an amazing bang for the buck.  I've had mine for 6 1/2 years, have had no problems, and have no intention of replacing them. 

Another recommendation would be the M-Audio AV40.  You don't get a subwoofer, and they can't play as loud, but they do have more well defined mids and highs.  Plus you could get these new, and they cost $150.

Here's an old review with both of those systems and a couple more: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1207390/m-audio-av40-vs-logitech-z2300-vs-creative-gigaworks-t3-vs-bose-companion-3-review

Good luck!

[WRXChris]

Oh and here's a nice technical review that goes into great detail explaining why the Z-2300 is so awesome!

http://www.head-fi.org/t/532858/logitech-z-2300-the-last-of-the-titans

[IvanIvanovich]

I got some gallo spherical speakers used for close to that, but they do need an amp as well... which I use audioengine n22 with, maybe you could go for something similar. Sound quality is easily leagues better than any of the pc oriented speakers with such setups. I do really like my audioengine n22, quite impressed with the quality. Their powered monitors seem to be fairly well regarded also.

[Zifle]

Thanks for your responses thus far!

@The_Beast: Yes, it seems to be discontinued (didn't look for too long, but I don't think I would have to if it was still being produced)

@Lysol: If I had the money, I would definitely be getting a good amp, and a set of awesome speakers, but I'm afraid that is not the case. While the features of the n22 you mention, sound great (let alone the quality of the product, which I have not looked into), spending some $200ish on an amp alone is just not something my budget allows, unfortunately =/

@WRXChris: After reading your first link, I was actually more compelled to get a pair of AV 40's, rather than the Z-2300 (if I can find it somewhere). Mostly due to the mention of lack of clarity in the mids and highs. I haven't heard these speakers, so naturally I cannot give my opinion on them, but it seems some share this statement, while those whom does not (perhaps not directly disagreeing with it, but more so not mentioning it) pretty much puts it as the perfect 2.1 system all-around, in the price-tier.

On the note of the AV 40's, however, comes an issue which seems to not be a single faulty product, but rather a design flaw in itself. People report the left speaker (containing the amp) to get much too hot, one even having a AV 20's components fry (it would appear the AV 20's have the same issue). On the same note, however, there's also a report for a seemingly permanent fix for this http://forums.m-audio.com/showthread.php?24288-Possible-fix-for-overheating-problem-of-AV40

I'm still unsure of what to aim for, should I go for having the subwoofer for the extra kick, or go without it, and have just a little extra quality in the mids and highs?

[IvanIvanovich]

I see it was well above your budget, but there are some similar things that are less expensive especially if you go into used market. For example there are some really nice tube amp kits if you have the time and skill to assemble them for quite cheap ~$50 which are likely much better than the n22. I was more just suggesting to look past pc speakers really. If you don't want to fuss with it though, some powered reference monitors might be another option to look into. There are quite a selection of those in your price range.

[genkigavin]

check out the swan m10
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?products_id=89

[sth]

I've heard good things about Audioengine A2s. If anybody else has an opinion on them I am interested in hearing it as I would like to replace my current garbage monitors with something that has some semblance of midrange.

[Namkung]

The A2s are pretty good. Certainly better than most speakers people use with computers such as logitech.
Might want to check out Polk Audio products as well.

[Zifle]

The M10's seem quite nice, both aesthetically, and bang for the buck. Unfortunately, it seems to be fairly hard (read, practically impossible) to get to Denmark, which does sadden me some, as I quite like them, after reading a few reviews.

Polk Audio speakers seems to be somewhat the same deal, the ones I have found readily available are of "much" higher quality than I can afford, so I'm afraid I have to rule out those =/

I have found a few places that sells the A2's, the price is a little steep ($250 due to VAT and whatnot), but if they're good for the price, I don't mind getting those. I suppose I should look into comparisons between those and the AV40's, if anyone can vouch for either of them, it would be appreciated.

Thanks for the input thus far, and keep suggestions coming, even if they do seem a little out of what I seem to want (such as the Polk Audio, and semi-DIY), the more the merrier =)

Edit: I suppose it's worth mentioning, I can grab the AV40's for basically half of what the A2's cost. In this case, there could be some room for a dedicated sub, if I can find something relatively cheap.

[Snooter]

I cannot recommend these Klipsch speakers enough. I made a computer about 5 months ago and I was found nothing but good things about this brand. They are a little on the pricey side but still under your budget I believe. You cannot turn them up all the way and sit in front of them they are just so loud and the quality is amazing. I am no sound expert but, everything comes through crystal clear.

I always used logitech speakers and have nothing but good things to say about them as a brand but, these are just superior in every way.

[Zifle]

Thanks for the suggestion Snooter, I have come across a fair bit of recommendations on that particular system as well, however as it is with some of the other stuff you guys have recommended, they appear to be quite hard to come by in europe.

That being said, with some more googling, I managed to find a distributor of the Swans M10 on amazon ( http://www.amazon.de/SWANS-M10-Aktiv-Lautsprecher/dp/B001P4846C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323990615&sr=8-1 ), german, but due to learning it in elementary school, and the awesome invention of google translate, it's not too much trouble fighting through it.
And for 158 euro (just under $200) with free shipping, I can't complain too much.

I'll give you guys a chance to talk me out of buying these, but I won't give you too long. Does anyone have anything negative to say about this system, or a better alternative for the price?

[Lethal Squirrel]

Here's my recommendation. A set of MicroLab Solo 6c's. Best speakers I have ever owned, and for the money they are amazing! I had a pair of KRK rokit 8's and I think these are better honestly, and half the price!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380455516094?hlp=false#ht_2478wt_1170

[WRXChris]

Glad to hear all these recommendations!  I'm tempted to get new computer speakers now, but I mostly listen to my monitor audio rs6's and doubt that would change, so I should probably save my money for keycaps lol.

[alaricljs]

You are evil... I was deeply considering the Rokit 8s for some time now.  Shall I swing by and have a listen? 

[Lethal Squirrel]

My issue with the rokits is that they were so clear and nice, that music that wasn't 320kbps or higher sounded crappy, and also I was running off of $40 motherboards on board sound. xD

[Christown]

I Highly recommend Audioengine products, great quality for the price.

[ekw808]

I hear good things about the Klipsch 2.1s as well.

[telepete]

Yes Polk is made by someone awesome iirc [Harmon?]. Really good value there. I have 2.0 atm. I got a pair of Celestion 3's for nothing and they sound fairly nice.

[Homing Lasers]

The M10's seem quite nice, both aesthetically, and bang for the buck. Unfortunately, it seems to be fairly hard (read, practically impossible) to get to Denmark, which does sadden me some, as I quite like them, after reading a few reviews.

Polk Audio speakers seems to be somewhat the same deal, the ones I have found readily available are of "much" higher quality than I can afford, so I'm afraid I have to rule out those =/

I have found a few places that sells the A2's, the price is a little steep ($250 due to VAT and whatnot), but if they're good for the price, I don't mind getting those. I suppose I should look into comparisons between those and the AV40's, if anyone can vouch for either of them, it would be appreciated.

Thanks for the input thus far, and keep suggestions coming, even if they do seem a little out of what I seem to want (such as the Polk Audio, and semi-DIY), the more the merrier =)

Edit: I suppose it's worth mentioning, I can grab the AV40's for basically half of what the A2's cost. In this case, there could be some room for a dedicated sub, if I can find something relatively cheap.

I have AV40s. I love them, but I've only ever owned crappy Logitech 2.1 speakers previously, so I don't have much to compare them to. The bass isn't as bad as I expected. Metal and folk sounds great on them. Hip hop sounds not so great due to lack of subwoofer. The speaker with the power supply gets really hot. I think what they have going for them is that they are some of the cheapest speakers that will make most of your music sound the way that it's supposed to sound. People say that the newer model is worse. You might want to look into that if you buy them. 

[microsoft windows]

I found some great speakers on ebay. They're a steal at $105!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Design-powered-computer-speakers-Vintage-Apple-model-M6082-/251004733724?pt=US_Computer_Speakers&hash=item3a710c491c

[rudyzhou2]

+1 swan m10s or Audioengine A2s, definitely better than most out there around the same price range

[ekw808]

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?products_id=89

pretty good price

[Zifle]

I ended up going with the M10's, which were received today. I've only just set them up, but I love them!
The sub was a little deeper than I expected (in dimension, not sound), but it worked out.

I am not what so ever disappointed in the sub, it seems to be just what I'm looking for in terms of response, so I don't think I could be much happier!

Thanks for all your suggestions, I hope they can help other people, as they have helped me =3