Looking for help on deciding on PC Speakers ($150 - $250 budget)

Trojita

n00b
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
28
Hello,

I recently had my Klipsch Promedia 2.1 pc speakers destroyed by a chipmunk my cat brought into the house. I'm looking to replace them and my budget is around $150 to $250.

I was actually thinking about possibly getting the Creative Labs Sound BlasterX Katana soundbar. It's price right now seems pretty static at $250, but I was going to wait until it got around $230 to purchase it. In the past on Drop it was $200. All the reviews seem mostly glowing especially on the sound quality and surround, but I did see one critical user review that says that mids were dropping while playing some games. Not sure if they just had a defective set or what.

I was also thinking about getting another promedia. The set is currently on sale for $120. I had heard some things about the newer versions having some changes that some people may not like. I also don't really like the idea of having to buy the same thing that was destroyed lol.

I was also looking at the Audioengine A2 Plus. Seems they might be phasing out that model in favor of the bluetooth ready offerings. The red A2+ are $219.99. I'm wary of buying them just because of how small they are and that they don't come with a sub. The Audioengine A5 Plus looks tempting but it is also $400.

Any other suggestions?
 
You can get some nice Klipsch bookshelf speakers for $148

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FKH3VPV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Add a Monoprice 8" powered sub for $79

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009GUTJ34/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and drive them with this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MCXWCRL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
719fKJhIwCL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.

Is it alright to get standard bookshelf speakers to use in a PC setup instead of near fields?

Is there any other alternative dac/amp you'd recommend instead for this setup. I'm not sure I want to go back to being worried about making sure I turn off the tube amp for fear of lowering the life expectancy of the tubes.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Is it alright to get standard bookshelf speakers to use in a PC setup instead of near fields?

Is there any other alternative dac/amp you'd recommend instead for this setup. I'm not sure I want to go back to being worried about making sure I turn off the tube amp for fear of lowering the life expectancy of the tubes.

I'm sure there are other non-tube amps available with Bluetooth input but I really like that Dayton Audio one. It really shocked me as to how well it performs...there's watts and then there's wattslikeaboss.jpg. That amp is the latter

parts express sells the dayton as well as many other smaller amps (non-tube) similar to that at really good prices.

I'm using that exact setup and I have absolutely zero complaints...

As far as tube life is concerned...though the amp comes with cheaper chinese 6F1 tubes, the E80CF and ECF8 tubes are also usable in the amp and can be had pretty cheap.
 
If using bookshelfs are fine, I might splurge on my budget and get a KEF Q150 pair. They are on sale right now for $300. If I do that I can buy a subwoofer anytime later.
 
Last edited:
notarat That Dayton amp doesn't have a lowpass filter. It seems like subwoofer output is rare on these amps to begin with, and low pass filters even more so. I guess I could technically buy a minidsp later, but that's even more money on top of a sub.

I saw this Dayton amp
https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-APA150-150-Watts-Amplifier/dp/B000VKXLBO

Seems to have a LPF. Not sure if it would be overkill.

Parts Express currently has the Dayton Audio HTA20BT for $120

The Dayton Audio APA-150 is $170 right now
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Im using JBL LRS-306 and like them. They are active studio monitors and will almost certainly be on sale around black friday if you keep an eye on slickdeals.net

I bought mine for less than half price last year on black Friday. (2 for $~150)
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR306MK2--jbl-306p-mkii-6.5-inch-powered-studio-monitor

Deal I used. (May come round again this year)
https://slickdeals.net/f/12346444-j...peaker-2-for-152-free-shipping?src=SiteSearch
It's also worthwhile to stop by guitar center or sam ash, etc. and see if they have any used ones too. Studio monitors are killer for the price as pc speakers.
 
I would second the recommendation to go have a look at the JBL LRS speakers. They are common in pro shops like Guitar Center so you can go have a listen. They are exceedingly good for the money and are speakers and amps all in one.
 
I'm a big KEF fan and am sure you'll be pleased with your new speakers. (y)
 
Back
Top