• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

Looking for solid 2.1 speaker setup

I

Illudrium

n00b
Joined
Feb 7, 2013
Messages
13
So for the last few hours I've been researching 2.1 setups but I'm still uncertain what would best suit my needs. This is my first time ever buying audio equipment and my budget is $200. I want something that I can use with my monitor that will be connected to my ps3 and my gaming capable laptop . I will obviously be using it for gaming in addition to listening to music (mainly metal, industrial, and 90's rap) and watching movies.

I've already looked into the Promedia's but read that the older models performed better, though I did find the older version on craigslist for $80. Seems sketchy though. I also looked into the AV-40's but read that they lacked a strong bass substitute. Also looked into Audioengine A2's but those lack the bass period. I've read from some users on here that it would be better to invest into each speaker/woofer individually along with an amp and other devices. Seems a little extravagant, not to mention I don't have the space nor the receiver. I'd rather keep things simple. I appreciate any input guys.
 
Last edited:
I use headphones 90% of the time. but I currently have the Logitech Z623. They are pretty good for my needs. The Corsair 2.1 have good reviews but I got the Logitechs since they were on sale in my local store.
 
Oh yeah, I should add that I want the speakers to have a decent range. I don't want to be restricted to just a sit at desk situation, something I just read the corsairs have an issue with. This is important to me because it will be my primary sound system since I don't have one already to begin with, so if I want to just listen to music while I do something else in another part of the room, I can.
 
Last edited:
Im looking at the corsair set aswell. I found refurb units for $140
 
^^Seems like a great setup, though rather large.

Would I be better waiting until sites restock the Swans M50w speakers and saving up a bit of money?
I like their space efficiency, but they kind of seem overpriced for what they do.
 
I'd rather have the Swan M50s than the klipsch promedia 2.1 personally

the swans are kinda spending but have good audio quality ... I don't care for the klipsch's sound at all personally.


I have a couple thoughts for you.... if you are willing to look for used speakers (these are available on ebay for ~$50 pretty regularly) the Realistic Minimus 7 (or 77) speakers are pretty small and actually sound pretty good... I have a couple pairs of these type of speakers ...I would warn you that if you find the 77s they tend to need to be refoamed..I got my 77s for $10 at a thrift and then spend another $5 on a surround kit off ebay and my wife uses them along with a Pioneer SX-450 in her office.. they sound very nice. the refoam was an easy job and didn't take too long.


on my desk I have limited space so I am rocking Polk T-15 bookshelf speakers along with a PSW10 sub on the floor with a SMSL SA-S3 t-amp. this set up was pretty much exactly $200 and is one of the smaller bookshelf + t-amp solutions I can think of. It is a compromise as I like the sound quality of my Polk Monitor 30s and would rather be using them but they are just too big for the space so I am using my T-15s (mine where $50 on sale....it is harder to justify choosing them when they are their normal street price of around $100~ish)


space issues may precluded it but if you look you can generally find some pretty killer deals on used stereo equipment ...I got an all but mint Nikko NR-750 about 2 weeks ago for $10 (50~ish WPC) sounds amazing but it is much larger than a t-amp ... if you have the space it is a very attractive option ..but requires patience / luck and persistance..and you need to test stuff out and make sure it is working right and all.

Used speakers can be an awesome deal also...for example ..I have a Pair of JBL L1 speakers (which are pretty big for being bookshelf speakers....honestly) they cost about $800 new i believe mine cost me $40 for the pair in good cosmetic and excellent acoustic condition I love these speakers.
 
Get a used set of Klispch iFi's. Great speakers for not too much money, if you don't mind spending $200 for speakers from 2006. Every flaw in the Promedia is taken care of by the iFi's. :)

For what it's worth, I have a pair of Audioengine A5's for sale on this forum. Still sitting in my computer room/office closet. :) I'm also asking $200 shipped for them. :D
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1738054
 
My only issue with the "build your own audio system" route is that each piece tends to be rather large like the ones you and dragonrage suggested. Then I would have to mix and match different types of amplifiers/receivers. Not only that, I would have to find the ones with the proper inputs for my purposes or buy an external adapter. I think in the end this is more trouble than its worth especially considering the spaced required for everything added up. For this reason, I think I will wait for the m50w's or until another viable option arises, just for the sake of compact form factor, proper inputs, and all in one functionality that fit my circumstances. imo, the simpler route is worth the extra cash especially since I won't be upgrading again anytime soon.

@jbltecnicspro I'm quite interested in those A5's. I've been reading reviews and the consensus seems to be that the A5's do just fine without the subwoofer and actually provide a more accurate bass sound. I must ask though, are they the A5+'s or just the regular ones? I'm asking because the A5+ has the RCA inputs that I need for my ps3.
 
Last edited:
I think I still have the RCA to MINI that came with my A5's. I've never heard the A5+'s, but I can't imagine that they'd be THAT much better than the originals. They use the same drivers, if I recall correctly. I think that they modified the amp and connectors. Let me look for my RCA-to-MINI. :)

EDIT: It would help to read your post, wouldn't it? :D They're the A5 originals.

DOUBLE EDIT: Found them. You'd be set for your PS3. ;)
 
^^ I'll give it some serious thought. Still doing a bit more research on my options. Great deal though. ;)
 
Sorry, but I'm going to have to pass on the A5's. After more research it appears they have an overheating issue and the left speaker is louder than the right. Not good for gaming. Thanks for the offer though.
 
Illudrium said:
Sorry, but I'm going to have to pass on the A5's. After more research it appears they have an overheating issue and the left speaker is louder than the right. Not good for gaming. Thanks for the offer though.
Click to expand...

Not a problem. They sold over the weekend. I would caution you about reading of the "problems" with the A5's. There's always a bad batch of hardware. My A5's never had overheating problems, and certainly the left speaker was never louder than the right. Yes, you have to turn the pot a little up so that both speakers are level-matched, but most speaker systems are like this.
 
CthulhuDreams said:
Audioengine A5+ paired with S8 woofer and Audinst HUD-MX1 if you can increase your budget.
Click to expand...
That's nearly $1,000! WAYYY out of my budget...
jbltecnicspro said:
Yes, you have to turn the pot a little up so that both speakers are level-matched, but most speaker systems are like this.
Click to expand...

Yeah, according to what I read it's because one speaker is active while the other is passive. I guess the lack of an amp in the right speaker prevents it from increasing its volume at the same rate due to the lower power?:confused:
 
No, I think you're misunderstanding. The speakers' levels are matched. The ONLY time it's not perfectly matched is when the volume's turned all the way down. You inch it up a little and then both speakers are playing the same volume level. Make sense? My Klipsch ProMedias did that, my Headroom Bithead amplifier does that, my Headroom Micro amp does that, and my Technics stereo receiver does that too. It's normal with standard potentiometers.

Can you link me to that complaint on the speaker? The amplifier in the left speaker drives BOTH speakers simultaneously. It is an amplifier/speaker system, only difference is that the amplifier resides in one of the speakers. I don't know what you're reading, but the Audioengine speakers - all of them - are solid speakers. If you're still interested in a system, the A5+ is a great system.
 
CthulhuDreams said:
Audioengine A5+ paired with S8 woofer and Audinst HUD-MX1 if you can increase your budget.
Click to expand...

lol, bro, you like Audioengine more than they deserve. Also, it's almost never the right move to match brands with audio. The only companies that make good everything are quite expensive, and AudioEngine is not one of those companies. I'm not calling AudioEngine terrible or anything, but they aren't really cost effective for what you get. A more effective system can be made for as much or less including a decent surround receiver (not surround speakers though unless maybe a pair or two of B652s which wouldn't be my front speaker choice in this comparo of course, nor is surround sound)
 
Last edited:
Allisons Dad said:
I'm quite happy with the 652's.
Click to expand...

They are okay overall, but they are really great for the price. One of my friends is currently running the exact setup I linked and he's happy with them. I'm pretty picky about sound but they did beat my expectations for their price. I sure wouldn't consider computer speakers over B652s + T-amp.
 
Last edited:
jbltecnicspro said:
No, I think you're misunderstanding. The speakers' levels are matched. The ONLY time it's not perfectly matched is when the volume's turned all the way down. You inch it up a little and then both speakers are playing the same volume level. Make sense? My Klipsch ProMedias did that, my Headroom Bithead amplifier does that, my Headroom Micro amp does that, and my Technics stereo receiver does that too. It's normal with standard potentiometers.

Can you link me to that complaint on the speaker? The amplifier in the left speaker drives BOTH speakers simultaneously. It is an amplifier/speaker system, only difference is that the amplifier resides in one of the speakers. I don't know what you're reading, but the Audioengine speakers - all of them - are solid speakers. If you're still interested in a system, the A5+ is a great system.
Click to expand...

That's the explanation I read for low volume imbalances. I should have been more clear. I did not mean that it applied to volumes across the entire range.
 
You really can't beat Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 for the price they can be had for used. Especially considering they have a HLCD.
 
Rational said:
You really can't beat Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 for the price they can be had for used. Especially considering they have a HLCD.
Click to expand...

That's terrible advice. They are nowhere near great. Some people like them for the money, sure, and they do go pretty loud. But they do not qualify for statements like they 'really can't be beat for the price.' They are actually not very low distortion or good sounding speakers. They are extremely harsh and that horn tweeter is terrible sounding - I had a set of Promedia 2.1 THX several years ago and they were painful to listen to at any decent volume because the tweeter had so many major peaks that they always seemed to have like a 'piercing' sound to my ears. They are "SPL" speakers only. If you can't hear how awful they truly sound, then that's good for you, really. I never want to hear them again. They are very polarizing speakers. Many people love them, but a lot hate them like I do. They're not a 'safe' recommendation.

I'd take a B652/SUB-1000/T-amp combination over the Klipsch Promedia set any day. I would also take a Swans setup over it (other than the stupid set with the separate midwoofer that has to be placed on the desk).
 
Last edited:
If you are going to quote, do it properly both times. I said: "You really can't beat Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 for the price they can be had for used." I picked mine up for 45 bucks used, show me anything you can buy for that price in the same league. I also run them through a DAC first. I hold to the statement the used Klipsch set is the best bang for the buck when purchased second hand.

I have a set. They do not see much use as I prefer the Maggies but I don't think we are talking that kind of budget. But they were worth every penny of the 45 USD I forked over for them, and can sound decent when run though a modest DAC. (when compared to onboard sound or in my case the MBP junk DAC)


dandragonrage said:
That's terrible advice. They are nowhere near great. Some people like them for the money, sure, and they do go pretty loud. But they do not qualify for statements like they 'really can't be beat for the price.' They are actually not very low distortion or good sounding speakers. They are extremely harsh and that horn tweeter is terrible sounding - I had a set of Promedia 2.1 THX several years ago and they were painful to listen to at any decent volume because the tweeter had so many major peaks that they always seemed to have like a 'piercing' sound to my ears. They are "SPL" speakers only. If you can't hear how awful they truly sound, then that's good for you, really. I never want to hear them again. They are very polarizing speakers. Many people love them, but a lot hate them like I do. They're not a 'safe' recommendation.

I'd take a B652/SUB-1000/T-amp combination over the Klipsch Promedia set any day. I would also take a Swans setup over it (other than the stupid set with the separate midwoofer that has to be placed on the desk).
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Find an old set of Gateway Boston Acoustics. I have a set from 1997 that I use & they still crank. Rattle the windows loud. You can get them pretty cheap too.
 
meh, bose and logicrap... hey @carson11, if you know the dumb bastard who set that abomination up, ask him to add the correct specs for those "35w satellites" on the logicrap Z623, here:

img20120306114027.jpg
 
I already ordered ZxR, now trying to get something decent instead of Logitech Z5500 I had (yeah, I bought them, before I knew anything about computer sound :p)

I was thinking of first getting pair of speakers like Pure Acoustics Supernova 1F - can't find them in US shops (might be diffrerent name there http://www.euro.com.pl/kolumny-audio/pure-acoustics-supernova-1-mocca.bhtml#opis), but there are the data I've on them:
Music power 100W
Nominal Power 60W
50Hz-20kHz
Impendence 8 Ohm
Efficiency 87 dB

Price in Poland for a set of 2 is about $110

The other set, bit more expensive - about $130 would be Supernova S http://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-Supernova-S-250-Watt-Surround-Speakers/dp/B0041SWYQA
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top