Computer speakers
I am looking at getting a setup for my computer that I can also use on my tv for a setup in my room. I have been doing research online because I want to find some bookshelf type speakers for this purpose, rather than getting actual computer speakers. I have been reading some good stuff about the polk vintage speakers and wondered if you guys thought that would be a good way to go. I don't want to spend a lot of money, but I want something better than what traditional coputer speakers offer. I don't want to spend tons of time looking before I have made up my mind because I live in idaho so it is probably going to take some time finding something be it in a pawn shop or craigslist or whatever. Anyways... Any input would be appreciated.
Post edited by daps83 on
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Welcome to the forum daps. First you need to decide on a budget. Its hard to advise without one.
Tim"They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde
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well this is just for a computer and some light tv watching so probably under $100 for the speakers. I am mainly just looking for probably a single pair of bookshelf speakers. I read a lot of good stuff about the polk 5b's for instance on the net as far as vintage stuff goes.
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I liked the Cambridge Soundworks I had - and they are reasonably priced.
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R Series (R30's or R50's)with a small 2 channel AV receiver could work.
I think you would be better off with a Logitech Z2300. I am very impressed. Very loud, comes with amp and sub.
Seriously, Movies (dont watch many on the PC) sound great.
Read the Reviews.
It will be hard to get a complete system under $100 going with Polk. -
I am not looking for a full system under $100, just under $100 for a pair of speakers. I have a couple old receivers laying around that I can probably use. I have heard all of the computer speakers, my brother has the 2.1 klipsch which are supposed to be the best 2.1 computer speakers under $200. i think the cheap insignia bookshelf speakers at best buy even sound better than pretty much any pc speakers i have heard.
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I find the Swans to be the best 'computer' speakers.SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40
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I think for a 100$ budget, cheap computer speakers are basically what you would have to stick with. Basically, for space and ease, powered speakers are more suitable and of course there is a cost. However, you mentioned you own a few receivers therefore, you best approach would be to find the best full range bookshelf speakers your 100$ can buy and use with one of your existing receiver. Personnally, no computer speakers appealed to me. Right now, I am testing some studio monitors which are powered speakers and great to replicate exactly the content you are playing at near field but definitely will not match your 100$ budget. Another option, if you already own some small speakers you like but are not using in your rig, maybe you could consider using/recycling along with one of your receiver for the computer purpose. Are you intending to play music solely or movie is also intended?? I also started a thread asking on new computer Polk product but unfortunately did not get any answer to the question.
Cheers
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If you can manage it, I would try and pick up a used pair of bookshelf speakers and an amplifier locally, through craigslist.
Assuming the bookshelves are even halfway decent they will blow away most any <$100 computer speaker for clarity. Someone's old AV/HT receiver would work too, in analog mode.
I'm never going back to computer speakers, myself. -
i agree with phork. after trying computer speakers for years i was able to buy a used hk 3490 and a pair of used bookshelf speakers, you wont beleive the diference it made.
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I think you're on the right track looking at the vintage Monitor series. Be aware that they are kind of borderline as far as "bookshelf" speakers go, depending on the model. The Monitor 5's, for instance, are 22" high, 10" wide and 10" deep.
If that isn't a concern, I'd say that's a great choice. If that's a little too large, look into the Monitor 5 Jr's.
The vintage Monitors go for less than a hundred dollars on a very regular basis, and for the price, they're very hard to beat for music. I'm running a pair of Monitor 7A's for my 2 channel, and I couldn't be happier with them. They're pretty efficient speakers too, and don't require a ton of power to shine.
I'd pass on the purpose built computer speakers myself. Some of them are decent, but you'd probably have to spend a lot more than 100 dollars to get anything equivalent to the vintage Monitors.The nirvana inducer-
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comfortablycurt wrote: »I think you're on the right track looking at the vintage Monitor series. Be aware that they are kind of borderline as far as "bookshelf" speakers go, depending on the model. The Monitor 5's, for instance, are 22" high, 10" wide and 10" deep.
If that isn't a concern, I'd say that's a great choice. If that's a little too large, look into the Monitor 5 Jr's.
The vintage Monitors go for less than a hundred dollars on a very regular basis, and for the price, they're very hard to beat for music. I'm running a pair of Monitor 7A's for my 2 channel, and I couldn't be happier with them. They're pretty efficient speakers too, and don't require a ton of power to shine.
I'd pass on the purpose built computer speakers myself. Some of them are decent, but you'd probably have to spend a lot more than 100 dollars to get anything equivalent to the vintage Monitors.
yeah i have heard great things about the vintage polk stuff. I haven't checked the specs on anything that much yet. Does it take much to drive the older polk stuff?
I have heard of people getting some sweet deals on vintage polk stuff, even under $50 for a pair of polk 5b's. I'm not sure how easy its going to be to track down a pair of vintage speakers my area. But hopefully I can find a good deal somewhere. -
If you are thinking about using any of those, make sure to consider a small subwoofer!For good computer speakers, I would suggest that you consider either the vintage Polk RM series, the new RM series or the OWM series. Check the links below.
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/rm201/
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/bookshelf.php?s=rm2008
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/bookshelf.php?s=rm2008#owm
For some good prices on these speakers to meet your budget, check out PolkDirect on ebay.DARE TO SOAR:
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They look very good, seems to be of good qualty. There isn't any mention of power rating in your original discussion... can you provide some specs??DARE TO SOAR:
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