Best Speakers ($300 Or Less)?

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EliteGeek91

Limp Gawd
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Jan 6, 2012
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I am looking for the best sound set-up possible without breaking around $300.

A sub is a must for me.

Right now I have a $60 speaker set from Altec Lansing, and it sucks when it comes to bass.
 
Another vote for the Swans M50. You can also try going the bookshelf speaker / studio monitor route if desk space is not an issue.
 
Almighty ODST said:
They reworked them from what I've read and they aren't the same quality, so I don't think these should be recommended anymore. I'd recommend Swan M50. I've heard they're fantastic for the price.

Here
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Bummer.

I researched the currently available Klipsch PM 2.1 system and you are correct. That just sucks. I just updated my review on Amazon...since they are still listing the updated system on the old product page...as if it is the same product. Yes, I just updated an 8-year-old review. :)

After much research, I concur - for under $300 (US), the Swan M50W looks like a great option. They appear to sound excellent, look beautiful, and the wiring is very nice....with only one standard speaker wire going to each sat. The separate volume control unit also looks very elegant...and also looks like the first thing that will break. ;)

The have a marketing/unboxing vid on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VloJCtDYBMo

And it's worth the watch just to hear him suggest turning up your bass when watching the video...and then saying, "If you're using a pair of Logitech speakers, you won't be able to hear the difference." :D

I suppose what is lost with such standard wiring is the ability to control the sub's output directly from the sat...which I do all the time...primarily to drop the bass when it gets late...lest I tempt fate with the wife. ;)
 
What's going to be driving these new speakers? Part of that $300 may be needed to upgrade your source, too...

Great speakers + crappy source = crappy sound.
 
I would bet that you could plug an ipod into either my PM 2.1s or the M50W and compare either with the same source connected to a set of Logitech speakers and even an average listener would hear an amazing difference. The same is true for onboard audio on most MBs. I don't think that most average users need to sweat the source too much if they have a decent MB.

Of course, true audiophiles have sound cards...and only use monodirectional patch cables...and burn them in with pink noise for at least six months before use...and they also own a pile of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AKDL1-Dedicated-Link-Cable/dp/B000I1X6PM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

;)
 
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Scuba Steve in VA said:
I would bet that you could plug an ipod into either my PM 2.1s or the M50W and compare either with the same source connected to a set of Logitech speakers and even an average listener would hear an amazing difference. The same is true for onboard audio on most MBs. I don't think that most average users need to sweat the source too much if they have a decent MB.
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I'm merely considering all aspects of what makes sound, not just the speakers. With a $300 budget, the OP is already way beyond what the "average listener" is willing to pay and something like the Xonar DG or a FiiO D3 (in case this isn't purely for computer use) can easily be included on the OP's shopping list and would only result in a much more satisfying listening experience. An "average user" would spend $25~50 on speakers, so it's not a stretch to assume that they'll hear the difference between a $250 Klipsh and a $25 Logitech.

No one is telling the OP to multiply the budget by 100,000,000, or to start lining his ear canals with gold so he can just plug "hyper-balanced" TRS cables directly to his brain to achieve the "best sound set-up possible". I asked a question and recommended something to think about.

Of course, I could've simply sat at my desk, looked at the post, and said, "Buy what I have. Everything I own is good. I won't even bother asking you what you want 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1, just buy what I have."
 
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erick_c said:
I'm merely considering all aspects of what makes sound, not just the speakers. With a $300 budget, the OP is already way beyond what the "average listener" is willing to pay and something like the Xonar DG or a FiiO D3 (in case this isn't purely for computer use) can easily be included on the OP's shopping list and would only result in a much more satisfying listening experience. An "average user" would spend $25~50 on speakers, so it's not a stretch to assume that they'll hear the difference between a $250 Klipsh and a $25 Logitech.

No one is telling the OP to multiply the budget by 100,000,000, or to start lining his ear canals with gold so he can just plug "hyper-balanced" TRS cables directly to his brain to achieve the "best sound set-up possible". I asked a question and recommended something to think about.

Of course, I could've simply sat at my desk, looked at the post, and said, "Buy what I have. Everything I own is good. I won't even bother asking you what you want 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1, just buy what I have."
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No argument that upgrading other components could be beneficial.

That said, he asked for a recommendation for speakers (his subject line)...and further qualified it to include a sub in his post. Of course, you can interpret it more broadly based on the "best sound set-up possible" line, but you implied that his source may be "crappy"...and I was responding to that statement...stating that I seriously doubt that he has a "crappy" source.

He got multiple recommendations for a 2.1 system. If he wants 5.1, he can further qualify. Most of us most likely assumed 2.1 since 2.0 and 2.1 are the norm. Most folks do not have a 5.1 system connected to their computers due to where the systems are located. And yes, we are in the Computer Audio forum. ;)

Almighty ODST and Mr. Wolf apparently recommended a product that they do NOT own...as did I after performing additional research, as I noted in my earlier post. Thus, your "buy what I have" accusation is way off base.

Someone submits a question asking for "Best Speakers ($300 Or Less)?" and I respond with advice on speakers...for $300 or less. ;)

Oh well, no worries. All good info regardless.

cheers,
Scuba
 
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onefatguy said:
i cant wait till she splits all i want is my 42in samsung my computers and my harley
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:D

I didn't get a flat screen and bike until AFTER I split with the wife. :)

Wife number 2 let me buy more flat screens, but the new garage definitely has a lack of bike going on at the moment. ;)
 
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