Understanding Computer Speakers...

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

Jelly

Joined
Aug 10, 2003
Messages
2,569
Location
College Dorm...
Or maybe I should try to learn about speakers in general...

Anyways, my computer came with these basic speakers seen here:

-


Like to listen to music, and I'd just like to have some speakers that produce nice clean, crisp sounds without distortion (which bugs the heck out of me!).

Granted, any audiophile on here probably won't believe a 2.0 or 2.1 "system" can produce decent sounds, but that's what I'm limiting myself to...and would like to spend $25 or $30 MAX.

Any recommendations? Should I stick with the basic 2.0 setup or go with a 2.1?

Edit - Here are a few I found:

Altec Lansing 121 2.1: http://www.alteclansing.com/downloads/121 SELL SHEET.pdf

Altec Lansing VS2120: http://www.alteclansing.com/downloads/US_VS2120_SELL_SHEET_PA.pdf

Both are the same price at $27.62 from Wal-Mart.

Creative Labs 330 2.1:

http://us.creative.com/products/pro...ry=27&product=281&nav=technicalSpecifications

Wal-Mart has this one for $22.92.

Logitech X120 2.0:
http://www.logitech.com/lang/pdf/x120.pdf

Wal-Mart has this one for $22.98.

[ December 04, 2004, 08:30 PM: Message edited by: Jelly ]
 
none of those sound too great.......does Sony still make a set-up? I still have mine from 7 years ago - SRS-002PC w/sub and it's really the best inexpensive PC sound system I've heard (I'm SURE there are better for more $
grin.gif
 
Thanks for the replies Al and Pabs...

Came across a few audio sites since posting the original message and think at this price point, it's best I stick with the 2.0 setups.

Although it's just a sales pitch with some overblown hype, this from Altec Lansing in regards to their VS2120 sums it up: "Your new PC rocks. Unfortunately, the tinny-sounding speakers that came with it are pretty uninspiring. It’s time for a powered audio upgrade. Time to let your PC, CD, DVD and MP3 player blast your favorite music in full-stereo sound. For great sound at a great price, check out the Altec Lansing VS2120 system. Get the great sound you deserve with this affordable and compact powered audio system."

The $27.62 price tag fits well with my original $25-$30 proposed limit...
 
Jelly,

Doesn't your school have a "salvage/surplus" place where they sell old computers, file cabinets, etc.?

Look there for some GOOD used speakers.

That Altec Lansing system is o.k., but look at the low end base response - 70 hz doesn't even begin to get into the base sounds.

For the best sound your need a system with a small sub-woofer to cover the range that those two piecers won't touch. I have the Altec Lansing ACS295 system. It cost $75 from a "discount" computer store. This unit used to be an upgrade on Dells.

Now,I see them used all the time for $25. There is one on e-bay right now. Anything under $40 including shipping would be a great deal. You won't believe how good they sound with the sub-woofer. There are better systems out there, but not at this price.


EDIT: just type in computer speaker at E-bay - there are HUNDREDS for sale. Really try to get the subwoofer, you will love it.

[ December 04, 2004, 10:52 PM: Message edited by: doitmyself ]
 
I prefer to run it into a real stereo amp and some real stereo speakers.

For $150, you can get a great looking and sounding shelf system, with a sub. And you can use it for real music without using the computer. what a concept. The surround sound option really doesn't do anything for me as I rarely sit in the middle of the orchestra pit.
 
Computer speakers of any type should not be confused with anything but noise makers. With the rise of best buy, circuit city, there are very few if any pure audiophile only stores left.

Take if from a person who has an audiophile set up, the best set made for a computer is laughable at best and extreemly annoying at best.

My alternative has been to buy a really good set of headphone for use with the computer. Beat all computer speakers in terms of dynamics, bass extension and detail..

Dan
 
You guys keep forgeting - he's stretching his college budget at $30!

A chevy vega is not as good as a Corvette, but it is better than nothing at all (just barely).
 
More expensive speakers are nice, but what's the point of doing that...my computer has an integrated audio card and I'm listening to 128K bits/sec music, so there is no point in getting super-duper nice speakers.

[ December 05, 2004, 12:23 AM: Message edited by: Jelly ]
 
i recently got the 2120's after giving my dad my altec lansing atp3's (best speakers i ever owned.) while i dont think theyre very good, theyre a great buy for that price and i think the best you will get. the only thing i did not like was the hi's werent as solid as i'd like. i like strong vocals and treble and these couldnt match my 2-3 year old atp's
 
I am finicky when it comes to sound and music. The Altec Lansing 2.1 I have sound fantastic with my computer. They have excellent bass response and crisp highs. I use Winamp for audio and internet radio. You can fine tune the sound with the equalizer. I like it loud and these speakers do it well. We will be upgrading to the 4.1 setups within the year which put out between 100-200 watts.

A good computer is an excellent alternative to the stereo reciever.

[ December 05, 2004, 09:06 AM: Message edited by: Amkeer ]
 
I dunno. I am NOT an "audiophile"

I do agree with the budget comments.

I have a heard the AL 2.1 and they don't sound that great to me. I must admit something about computer sound - as raspy as it can be it seems like it can be cleaned up a lot with an equalizer, whereas a good system can be improved and tuned with an equalizer, but just not as dramatically.

I use my computer for, frankly, computer stuff. Sure I like it to sound good....but I don't compare it to the living room stereo.
 
Mine sounds great!!
dunno.gif
Then again you have to take the time to set it up properly. I can play classical, jazz, techno and rock with all the different instrumentals its sounds excellent. I also like the visuals from winamp to play with the music. Cool stuff!!

Now if I want to put a hurtin on my ear drums and the kids are gone its the 300 watt speakers from the stereo that fit the need.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jelly:
More expensive speakers are nice, but what's the point of doing that...my computer has an integrated audio card and I'm listening to 128K bits/sec music, so there is no point in getting super-duper nice speakers.
Click to expand...
The best speakers in the world are only as good as the sound card in your system. Most off the shelf PCs come with an integrated sound chip that is fair at best. For real improvement, you'll need to disable the on-board sound chipset in the BIOS and add a high quality soundcard, matched to a high quality speaker system. Done correctly you can achieve very high quality sound.

But..as you stated there is a budget to be concerned with
frown.gif
 
Exceeds Jelly's budget by about 2x. A good compromise between cheap and high end. Could double as a reasonable low priced book shelf speaker system for a starving college students stereo system.

Cambridge Soundworks $55 solution

I've had a set for a couple of years. You won't confuse them with a $1000 system, but they sound better than they have any right to sound for that price.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom