Computer speakers

colin808

Im pretty sure this is more for home theater but I was wondering if anyone had any input on some good computer speakers under $200. I was looking into the AudioEngine2 but I want to see if anyone else had some advice.
Thank you

Silverfang2340

I have the Corsair SP2500 2.1 speakers for my pc, they're fantastic for gaming, and really good for music too. They retail for $250 but it's well worth it, Amazon is selling them for $190 it seems.

Also, the frequency response is 35Hz – 20kHz +/- 3dB. Decent enough for everyday use. http://www.corsair.com/en/pc-computer-audio/pc-computer-speakers/gaming-audio-series-sp2500-high-power-2-1-pc-speaker-system.html

nwohlford

I have been using the Cambridge Soundworks Extreme 2.1 in my office at work. I just replaced it with another (much more expensive) system, but for a 2.1 with small desktop speakers, it worked very well. I will probably list it here soon to see if there is any interest.

gdpeck

I think that the Audioengines are tough to beat in their price range. They aren't 2.1, so you may end up adding a small powered sub, but they have very balanced sound, and are very musical. I currently have the slightly larger Audioengine A5s in my home office system, and actually think that the A2s are more balanced. The A5s seem a little bloated in the mid-bass frequencies, but I take care of that by crossing them over at 80Hz. Also I've had a couple of customer support interactions with Audioengine, and they are fantastic, customer oriented company.

colin808

It doesnt have to be 2.1. I just need some speakers for my computer that were decent. I just didnt want to hook up my comp to my home receiver. The smaller the space it takes up the better in this case but want to make sure they sound good.

EndersShadow

Dont discount the Polk blackstones either. I believe a couple folks here are using them as computer speakers. Only downfall is you need something to power them....

Personally the AudioEngine A2's are good, M-Audio M40's are good as well. KRK makes some GREAT near-field studio monitors (KRK Rokits) but they are out of your price range :sad:. Guitar Center has some pretty good offerings online to see whats out there.

I know a bunch of folks running different offerings from Swan as well.

colin808

EndersShadow wrote: »

Dont discount the Polk blackstones either. I believe a couple folks here are using them as computer speakers. Only downfall is you need something to power them....

Personally the AudioEngine A2's are good, M-Audio M40's are good as well. KRK makes some GREAT near-field studio monitors (KRK Rokits) but they are out of your price range :sad:. Guitar Center has some pretty good offerings online to see whats out there.

I know a bunch of folks running different offerings from Swan as well.

oh yeah. i just wanted a plug and play either through usb or aux or rca (I think its called analog)

I also saw some Ultralink ucube that I was looking at since they are really small but I feel might lack midbass compared to the A2.

I also was looking at the M40 but I would need some sort of DAC since my comp doesnt have RCA or XLR right? I think M40 is about $125 on amazon.

colin808

I saw on head-fi forum that they suggested these http://www.amazon.com/Samson-MediaOne-Precision-tuned-Powered-Monitors/dp/B0019R8U7I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8 which are $99 but I think I would need DAC for the RCAs.

Is there a huge difference connecting aux or rca?

EndersShadow

colin808 wrote: »

oh yeah. i just wanted a plug and play either through usb or aux or rca (I think its called analog)

Gotcha

colin808 wrote: »

I also was looking at the M40 but I would need some sort of DAC since my comp doesnt have RCA or XLR right? I think M40 is about $125 on amazon.

You would either need a external DAC or add a soundcard to your computer (if it is possible). One of the DAC's we suggest thats low cost and good sounding is the Musiland Monitor, however its going to be ~125.

Given what you want and your budget the Audioengine A2's are going to be hard to beat. They do exactly what you want. Keep in mind there wont be ANY speakers that let you connect USB direct to them for music playback. The A5's USB is simply to charge your device, you still need to connect to it via AUX.

gdpeck

There are a bunch of audioengine haters on head-fi for some reason. Based on my own experience, I don't think the hate is justified, but that seems to be a prevailing sentiment over there. I can see why people would find the A5s muddy, but I've never heard anything like that from my A2s.

Also, I'm not sure you need a DAC for RCA. If your computer has a headphone output, you can use a mini-jack to rca adapter to plug it into the speakers. A DAC or better soundcard would be a nice upgrade at some point, but you don't need it just to plug in speakers that only have rca inputs.

Swan may also be worth a look. I've always been intrigued by their offerings, but never had a chance to listen to them. They seem to be pretty highly regarded, however.

colin808

gdpeck wrote: »

There are a bunch of audioengine haters on head-fi for some reason. Based on my own experience, I don't think the hate is justified, but that seems to be a prevailing sentiment over there. I can see why people would find the A5s muddy, but I've never heard anything like that from my A2s.

Also, I'm not sure you need a DAC for RCA. If your computer has a headphone output, you can use a mini-jack to rca adapter to plug it into the speakers. A DAC or better soundcard would be a nice upgrade at some point, but you don't need it just to plug in speakers that only have rca inputs.

oh yeah i forgot. i wasnt thinking about the adapter for rca. although i read that rca and aux basically have no difference in sound.

i didnt see any haters on head-fi. infact, one guy gave a very good detailed review on them. to me it seems like the A2 is the front runner unless someone has an overwhelming favorite over the A2.

colin808

EndersShadow wrote: »

Gotcha



You would either need a external DAC or add a soundcard to your computer (if it is possible). One of the DAC's we suggest thats low cost and good sounding is the Musiland Monitor, however its going to be ~125.

Given what you want and your budget the Audioengine A2's are going to be hard to beat. They do exactly what you want. Keep in mind there wont be ANY speakers that let you connect USB direct to them for music playback. The A5's USB is simply to charge your device, you still need to connect to it via AUX.

what makes a difference between the musicland monitor dac vs a fiiO dac? theyre both 192khz/24bit.

colin808

should I sacrifice space and get the A5 for $100 more or stick with A2?

AsSiMiLaTeD

I really like my Swan setup, much better than the equivalently price AudioEngine setup I had.

colin808

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

I really like my Swan setup, much better than the equivalently price AudioEngine setup I had.

i looked at the swan speakers. I thought about getting the D1080 or the Mkii open box since it was $220 but shipping would bring the speakers to about $270-300 (since I live in Hawaii). So not sure I want to spend $100 more plus get bigger speakers. Although from what I hear the Mkii are amazing. So are the 1080.

AsSiMiLaTeD

The mkIII and even the mkII are a significant step up from the D1080. I tried to go the cheaper route and get the D1080 and it was nice, until I heard the MKIII

colin808

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

The mkIII and even the mkII are a significant step up from the D1080. I tried to go the cheaper route and get the D1080 and it was nice, until I heard the MKIII

so if between 1080 and mkii..definately get mkii? but would have to be open box.

If I really wanted something small Im trying to look into the H2 but Im not sure I like that theres not actual tweeter..just a 2" full range.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Definately te mkii and I bought a pair of those open box and they were basically new. It's really hard to go wrong for that price

colin808

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

Definately te mkii and I bought a pair of those open box and they were basically new. It's really hard to go wrong for that price

how are the mids/mid bass?

MADGSF

I am using the TL3s with an Audioengine N22 and PSW111 sub for my office but as stated that combination is way above your price point. I used M-Audio speakers before my current setup and while they did not have enough bass for me they sounded good to my ear with good separation and imaging. You can find versions in the M-Audio line up to fit most any budget.

zingo

The Swan M200s are great and can be had for a good price with a little hunting; very musical speaker. I currently have the Behringer MS40 on my desk which can be had shipped for under $200. They are good all around performers with analog and 24/192 digital inputs. I wouldn't recommend them if they were the only speakers you would listen to music on, but I like them as desk speakers because of how flexible they are. My work office computers are currently the Focal Book XS. They aren't cheap, but they are the best sounding speakers for their size I've ever used.