[Walker]

I'm looking for a set of computer speakers to go with my quicksilver. I've currenly got the apple pro speakers and an iSub. However, becuase of iTunes, we have really begun listening to my computer's mp3s alot lately and I now want speakers that I can rattle the house down with. Do they make speakers of this quality for computers? Any recommendations?

thanks,

lw

[proux]

You have a good stereo? Plug it there...

[coolmac]

I don't have em, but I've read many times that you can rattle your house with the Klipsch Promedia speakers.

[bil207]

Cambridge SoundWorks 213

[xyber233]

Logitech Z-680 or Logitech Z-560

[MaxPower2k3]

if you want 5.1 and some reciever functionality (decodes dolby digital) then you can get the Logitech Z680s. Another excelent 5.1 system without the reciever-ness are the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1s. If you only need 4.1 (which is probably the case with mp3s) then you can get Logitech z560s or klipsch promedia 4.1s. For 2.1 there are the klipsch promedia 2.1s, but i don't believe there's a 2.1 setup in the Z line on logitech

[benb]

Originally posted by coolmac:
I don't have em, but I've read many times that you can rattle your house with the Klipsch Promedia speakers.

Yea, they do rattle the house, I can attest to that. The sub is rather big though, about 12x12x10. The satellites are large as well, but you can wall mount them. However, they sound awesome. They are the best sounding computer speakers I have ever heard. But they pale in comparison to a decent reciever/floorstanding speaker combo.

Regards,
Ben

[Walker]

I'm seriously looking at the Logitech z560s. There is a place online that I can get them for $119+$20 shipping. Seems pretty cheap to me.

Will I be able to simply plug the speakers into my little jack in the back of my quicksilver or will I need to get an adapter? Do the speakers work right out of the box with no software to install?

Thanks,

lw

[dvd]

there's logitech z360 or 380 which is a 2.1

[xtal]

I will second (or third) the notion that although some computer speakers (i.e. Klipsch ProMedia) are great, they DO pale in comparison to 'real' audio speakers.

The fact is that larger speakers, with a greater box volume and larger drivers can output quality sound across many more frequencies. Construction plays a role here too, as wood boxes are MUCH less resonant (and thus better sounding) than plastic computer speakers.

It would be worth the money to pickup a quality (perhaps used) stereo or surround receiver and maybe a pair of decent bookshelf speakers to start. This is more of an investment, as these products could be used later on for other purposes (home theater, bedroom stereo system, etc.)

Just my two cents,

-Nick

[LeeG]

I can't recommend enough these Monsoon Speakers. I have had the MM-1000 for 3 years - great sound, no problems, and they get PLENTY loud. They have come out with newer models since I got mine, but I don't know much about them, definitely check them out...


Lee

[rhogue islander]

I will second Walker's recommendation of Monsoon MM-1000's.

Easily the most natural (and detailed) sounding computers speakers and I am a dedicated audio nut with over 30k's worth of home audiophile gear.

[Mac Zealot]

Ok, first off, the only 2 speakers I'd shoot for are either the klipsch models, or some sort of kenwood setup :eg:

Just get the biggest, nastiest things you can get. I have a 260w stereo behind me, and while it isn't an audiophile system it kicks the arse off the pro speakers/isub...

[Phat Bastard]

Too bad the Klipsch, Logitech and all models referenced here look like crap. Who would want an awesome-looking iSub beside one of those ugly beasts?

And aren't there ANY speaker manufacturers tuned into the fact that there is a market of power computer users who want 1) powerful computer speakers that are also 2) not just big black boxes? I thought the Soundsticks and JBL Creatures were supposed to address this market, but as xtal said, they don't sound anywhere near as good as "real" home theater speakers.

I'm just annoyed because I can't find speakers that are perfect for all my needs, kind of like Mac Zealot. Excuse my ranting.

[moki]

I have SoundSticks at home, which are reasonable for decent sound. At work I have a Bose multimedia sound system... now that thing really kicks some ass -- gets quite loud.

[subego]

Originally posted by moki:
At work I have a Bose multimedia sound system... now that thing really kicks some ass -- gets quite loud.

Do you have the Freestyle system, or something different?

At $500 I hope it would blow the doors off of anything which isn't floor standing.

Has anyone compared these to CSWs 213s?

[schalliol]

If you want to really turn your computer into a full system there are some things to consider:

It's not the size of your speakers that indicate power or quality, but the combination of the kinds of speakers and the amplifier to use them. The value of an amplifier is often overlooked by people. A typical amplifier for home or car audio is going to be fairly large, but note that people will cram an amp. into a head unit on a car stereo....do you expect that to sound any good? One key to an amplifier is the power supply, this can really take up some size.

As a result, you could go with some real home theater speakers THAT ARE MAGNETICALLY SHIELDED. I would suggest decent "bookshelf speakers" as Paradigm (ideally Reference line) (paradigm.ca), MK (mksound.com) or B&W (bwspeakers.com). Paradigm does sell an active line of the Refernce series that builds a great amp into the unit.

Then you'll want to consider a sub (if you don't get big speakers). The best sub out there is probably MK, and they have lots in their line, but I'm not sure on magnetic shielding.

Then get an amp. If you're using your computer as the pre-amp then you can skip that step (maybe one of those PCI cards would be good or USB out to RCA plugs).

One idea might be one of Yamaha's CAVIT units that combines a pre-amp & AMP with USB audio out (http://www.yamahamultimedia.com/yec/idx_cavit.asp). I haven't heard them, but they're probably pretty good, I remember that Stereophile reviewed them at one point (I think), which says a lot.

Ok, so don't forget some decent cables either. I would suggest some Straight Wire cables (straightwire.com), as they're not too much cash, but Monster is always a decent "poor man's" option.

In case you have forgotten by now, cost may be an issue for you, so you'll just have to deal with your budget.

That said, my Klipsch ProMedia 2.1's are supposed to arrive today. I could always hook my G4 up to my home theater system, but really don't have the current need.

- Jon
High End Audio Forum Founder

[schalliol]

BTW, after the crap I hear from those Monsoon car stereos, I certainly hope that the home stuff is better!

[CheesePuff]

Don't get the z-560. As soon as it starts to raddle your house the amp will blow. It has happened to pretty much everyone. Plus the bass is too boomy and you can't turn it down all the way, and no horn for the highs.

Get the z-680, they fixed some things and it has a ProLogic II decoder for your Mac to have 5.1 output.

No, you can not connect a 4.1 or 5.1 system to your Mac. You can use a y-adapater to just hear the same sound out of all speakers (the cheapest solution, about $3), or get the Revolution 7.1 for $99, a true PCI 7.1 sound card for OS X and comes with a custom made VLC DVD player for OS X.

[xtal]

I will generally agree with what schalliol has already mentioned, but I'll throw a few more brands into the mix. Axiom Audio (www.axiomaudio.com) and Energy (www.energyloudspeakers.com) are two other top-notch speaker companies to consider.

Personally, I have never been a fan of BOSE speakers. I have a host of reasons, but the biggest one is what I've heard of them. Not hearsay or reviews or whatever, but rather taking a critical listen to them with my own media (CDs, DVDs). I'll come back to that point later on.

Also, with regards to the subwoofer; it is true that small speakers will perform much better when paired with a decent subwoofer. However, it is not necessary to break the bank when thinking about a sub. It is quite easy (and cheap) to build a subwoofer yourself. All it takes is a decent woodworking setup, and the patience to read through some websites and/or books.

So, this is straying SEVERELY off-topic. If you are considering speakers of any flavour, do consider giving them a good listen in a quiet environment with CDs and/or DVDs that you know well (i.e. your favourite musical piece or movie will suffice). If the showroom floor is too noisy or not set up properly, consider buying the speakers from a place with a bulletproof return policy, and go from there.

As I've learned when considering any audio purchase: lean back, close your eyes, and trust your ears.

Happy hunting,

-Nick

[G4ME]

yeah i went through this when i went off to college, at the time i currently had these CSW 2.1 but they didn't really do it for me. So i got looking around at systems for computers, but then i realized that i am not going to be in a room this big for the rest of my life i want somthing with guts, ball, gahonas (SP).

So i decided that i would go for the full HT set up, so i started looking at recivers, i know at best buy they got those Kenwood, 5.1 with a 100watts by 5 revicers, but i wanted more high end. And knowing a little about electronics, i knew that the best recivers would draw the most power, ie have a hure power suppy/ transformer. and i started looking at High Current Recivers. And I found this one Onkyo SR500 and i snaged a cupon at my local CSW dealer that gave me 15% off all recivers and 25% off all CSW stuff so i had to use it.

Now i needed speakers and i wanted somthing with class. and with balls that would fit my budget, so again with my 25% off i picked up these CSW Newton M80s now these are great speakers for their size and roll off around 50 cycles which isn't bad for an 8" driver, but i needed more. and thats will be later on. So i initially got the SR500 and the M80s and had them for a good 4 months now and they are rock solid, the only thing that i have to say about the M80s is the fact that they arn't tottaly magneticly sheilded, i temporarally have one M80 about a foot an a half away from my CRT and when the notes go low, i get a small flicker in my screen but hey its only for a little bit.


As for my low end coverage, i did exactly what you mentioned Xtal, i built my own SUB. Its a copmpleat DIY 15" tempest, (Adire Audio) sub with a Parts Express 250w amp, in an enclosure about 9 cu feet made out of MDF with latteral bracing, with two four inch flared ports, front firing. I haven't watched any dvds seeing that i haven't gotten a tv in my room right now. but let me tell you that your crappy store bought subs from logitech, Klipsch, Bose, Monsoon, is nothing like this, i have heard notes on Pretty Hate Machine, and Pork Soda that i have never heard before.

I know its not a musical sub with such a large Q but i still love the fact that i can hit a solid 20hz note and still be cranking this thing at 120db, take that and shove it up you systems.

All in all this system that i have created so far, seeing that i still don't have a center, and surrounds is pretty preicy, about 350 for the M80s, 260 for the SR500, and about 450 in the sub in parts alone, not to mention the good 50 hours it spent in making it.

[GoatyC]

If you're interested in some truly different speakers, you should check out Norh Loudspeaker Company (www.norh.com).

[xtal]

Ahh.... nOrh. Beautiful speakers, and I've heard wonderful things about them. Don't forget about Swans, those are fantastic as well. (http://www.soundscapeav.com/swan.html)

[Freeflyer]

take a look at

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazin...1/swanm200.htm

Review of the swans, being used as a computer monitor system.

Sounds lovely, and is where my money would go if I were buying right now. However, as the new Tibook is sitting upstairs with me, I can just listen to my main system.

cheers,

J.

[sunoxen]

Does anyone know where to get the Swans m200?

I've looked everywhere, and can't figure out where to get them. They sound great.

[xtal]

Great link Freeflyer.

I'm normally not a fan of powered speakers, but the M200's sound to be worth a listen. I'm not sure where to get them, but you might want to try posting at www.hometheaterforum.com

There are a lot of knowledgeable people there, and a lot of Swan Diva fans.

[Walker]

Originally posted by Freeflyer:
take a look at

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazin...1/swanm200.htm

Review of the swans, being used as a computer monitor system.

Sounds lovely, and is where my money would go if I were buying right now. However, as the new Tibook is sitting upstairs with me, I can just listen to my main system.

cheers,

J.

I started reading the review of these speakers, and realized how ignorant I am of "audio terminology." Anyway, what I want to know is do I need a subwoofer with these speakers, and if they can plug directly into my quicksilver or what kind of adapter would I need?

thanks for all the info,

lw

[G4ME]

RCA line level inputs on the back of the active unit hook up to your computer sound card via the provided mini-plug-into-dual-RCA patch cord.

yeah got the RCA to mini that would plug directly in to your audio mini in your G4. BTW i think these have a really nice case, but having the PS in side the cases right next to the mid range, isn't the smartest thing.

Also you won't be getting too low with these, you would definatly need a sub, but its hard to find a small stand alone sub, and you would have to feed it line level

[thefamousmred]

schalliol is right. Get a real amplifier and a real set of speakers. I run sound out of my trusty PM7600 through a Sony DE835 and into my Paradigm Reference 20's, and the sound quality is better than anything I've ever heard in computer speaker-land. The highs are crystal-clear, the lows are tight, the soundstage is huge, and it can be LOUD. Life is good.

If you're going to use "real" speakers, don't put them next to your screen. First, they'll make your monitor look puny, which can be expensive when you decide you need a bigger one. Perhaps more importantly, they'll sound a lot better if you sit a few feet away from them (and space the speakers several feet from each other). That will give you much better imaging. It's not always feasible given space restrictions, but it's a big help.

And if you want foundation-rattling bass, buy a Sunfire (expensive), Velodyne (less expensive) or HSU Labs (inexpensive) sub

As always in life, you get what you pay for. Audio equipment is no exception. If you have more than a couple hundred to spend, even the expensive computer-oriented equipment can't compete with stuff from audiophile-land.

(If all you have is $100-200, consider getting a nice pair of headphones with a headphone amp - Sennheiser, Grado Labs, and even high-end Sonys work well).

[GoatyC]

(If all you have is $100-200, consider getting a nice pair of headphones with a headphone amp - Sennheiser, Grado Labs, and even high-end Sonys work well).

I agree; my Grado SR80's sound amazingly good plugged into my TiBook. The only problem is that I've now been bitten by the high-end audio bug. Just ordered an Echo Indigo card to upgrade the TiBook's sound system. Tube amps are calling to me...

[schalliol]

I second the headphone idea. As an audiophile without a lot of money, I know that headphones are much more cost effective as a way to get high quality audio.

I recommend Sennheiser HD580s and 600s, have the 580s and love them.

[subego]

Originally posted by GoatyC:
The only problem is that I've now been bitten by the high-end audio bug.

No Kidding!

And it's this damn thread's fault!

Let's see... What was originally going to be an updated CSW set up for $250 has now become the nOrh SE-9 tube amp at $399, and a pair of Omega Loudspeaker TS-3s. Also at $399.

The thing is too big to fit by my computer now, so it's become the "bedroom system"

If I do finally want to hook my computer to it, I have to swap out my Sonica for a Sonica Theatre (digital coax out, I don't want to make a 20 foot toslink run) and get a Channel Islands DAC (with isolated power supply of course). In other words, an extra $600 just to get the thing to do what I wanted it to in the first place.

Gee, I like that balanced power rig over there, you say it'll...

SOMEBODY STOP ME!!!!

Relevant Links:
nOrh <http://www.norh.com/products/se9/index.html>
Omega LS: <http://www.omegaloudspeakers.com/ts3.htm>
Channel Islands: <http://www.ciaudio.com/vda1.html>
M-Audio: <http://www.m-audio.com/products/consumer/index.php>

The nOrh site pointed me to the Harmonic Discord fourms, which are %110 goodness. Check it out:

<http://www.harmonicdiscord.com/forums/index.php>

As a final thought on the other end of the audiophile spectum. My computer is now hooked up to a $70 CSW soundworks system. If anyone has only $70 to spend on a 2.1 powered sub/sat system, this will be the best $70 you ever spend.

CSW: <http://www.hifi.com/store/category.c...item=c1swxxxxx>

[edit: added last paragraph, punctuation]
[edit: typo]

[G4ME]

do you actually have that M-audio Sound card? if so are you running OSX and are the drivers good, great suport, or is this another PC card that just got handed down to the macs, i want better audio then my mini out, and that coaxial out will do that.

[subego]

Originally posted by G4ME:
do you actually have that M-audio Sound card? if so are you running OSX and are the drivers good, great suport, or is this another PC card that just got handed down to the macs, i want better audio then my mini out, and that coaxial out will do that.

Right now I have the "basic" Sonica, which has a mini out (not great, but no hum like the built in mini out on my iMac DVse), and a Toslink (optical) out, which I haven't tested. Digital is digital though, so I would guess it works fine. This is in OS X

The drivers are a little iffy. They work perfectly for what I need them to do (unprocessed 2 channel output). I could only get the bells and whistles (expanded bass, faux surround) to work in the beginning, but I didn't want to use them anyways, so the fact the whole M-Audio pref pane has died on me really doesn't matter (you choose output and control volume from the sound pref pane, which works fine).

I'd be doing the same thing with the Sonica Theater, i.e. unprocessed 2 channel sound, so I'm not too scared about the drivers for my purposes.

Getting the 5.1 to work (which would be the main point for most people) may be another matter entirely.

I've never contacted their tech support so I can't comment on that.

HTH

[G4ME]

thanks, yeah i got a DVD player for 5.1 i just want better sound out, be it optical, or coaxil

[schalliol]

So, if I want the best two channel sound, what should I get the Sonica Theater or Revolution 7.1?

I would immagine that any USB device could run into bandwith issues, but I also imagine that a PCI card could run into internal noise issues.

[subego]

Originally posted by schalliol:
So, if I want the best two channel sound, what should I get the Sonica Theater or Revolution 7.1?

I would immagine that any USB device could run into bandwith issues, but I also imagine that a PCI card could run into internal noise issues.

Well, if you are using the digital outs, internal noise shouldn't matter. On the other hand, I've never ran into a USB bandwidth problem.

You could also use the basic Sonica, which has a digital (though optical, not coaxial) output, and is the cheapest of the three.

All three should theoretically provide exactly the same 2 channel sound over their digital outputs.

[schalliol]

That's a good point about the digital output, however I have heard of USB audio problems, though not too often. What about if i just want 2-ch analog output that's better than the internal?

[GoatyC]

Originally posted by sunoxen:
Does anyone know where to get the Swans m200?

I've looked everywhere, and can't figure out where to get them. They sound great.

http://www.swanspeaker.com/

[GoatyC]

Originally posted by Walker:
I started reading the review of these speakers, and realized how ignorant I am of "audio terminology." Anyway, what I want to know is do I need a subwoofer with these speakers, and if they can plug directly into my quicksilver or what kind of adapter would I need?

thanks for all the info,

lw

There's a really comprehensive review of the M200 at http://www.3dsoundsurge.com/reviews/SwanM200/ which includes explanations of the audio terminology used. This site is excellent - it has reviews of a gazillion computer sound systems.

[subego]

Originally posted by schalliol:
That's a good point about the digital output, however I have heard of USB audio problems, though not too often. What about if i just want 2-ch analog output that's better than the internal?

I can only review the basic Sonica since that's all I have.

Its analog mini-out (though the aforementioned $70 SoundWorks system) sounds fine.

No hum (which my internal analog out has something fierce).

Plays loud. I have the volume almost pinned to right on the sound pref pane. iTunes I have on max volume. With these settings, my general listening range is 2 to 4 on my speaker volume control. 6 starts to be painfully loud. It's tough to judge clarity out of such tiny little speakers though, so I can't really comment on that.

I read a review that claimed the analog out was weak, but the digital out was sweet. This would lead me to believe the digital sounds fantastic.

I would keep mine if I didn't need to make a 25 foot run to my stereo. I get the impression (and this makes sense) that coax takes longer runs more gracefully than the optical stuff, is less delicate, less susceptible to dropouts (or jitter) etc.

I think it's cheaper too...

[edit: apostrophe with the possessive of it... shame on me!]

[Mac Zealot]

Originally posted by schalliol:
Monster is always a decent "poor man's" option.

POOR?

I can't even justify monster wire!

[xtal]

I believe that it is possible to get an 'optical repeater' that will amplify the optical signal for longer runs. You are correct though, the fragility of optical cable makes it a less attractive choice. However, you just have to be careful of bending it to extremes, or pinning it under a couch leg or something. If it just runs along the wall and is left well enough alone it shouldn't be a problem.

[GoatyC]

I just ordered a pair of Swans M-200's for US$247 plus shipping from The Audio Insider http://theaudioinsider.com. They sell all Swans products, but the M-200's are not listed on the site, so if you want to order, you need to call 800-992-7252. If you're outside the US, call 805-527-1659.

[Freeflyer]

Great to hear you ordered the swans.

do us a favour and post your impressions once you have them.

I've only read reviews and never had a chance to listen to them. I'll be interested to know what you think of them.

Cheers,

J.

[drjoe]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Phat Bastard:
[B]Too bad the Klipsch, Logitech and all models referenced here look like crap. Who would want an awesome-looking iSub beside one of those ugly beasts?

Just a word to all those who post similar comments. A speaker, in this context, is a device for playing music [or words] It is NOT a painting, or a sketch or an etching, etc. It is designed to be listened to. Not looked at. If you want to listen to music from your computer, take the analog audio outsput, from, say, an iMic, pipe it through an amplifier and hook it up to a set of good speakers. Not 'computer speakers'. Audiofile speakers. Go buy a copy of Stereophile and buy the cheapest pair of 'class D' speakers you see there. I can assure you they will out-perform any of the peices of crap that masquerade as 'computer speakers' If you don't care about how they sound then be connent with what comes out of the built-in speaker in the ';puter. Just don't delude yourself that 'computer speakers' are worth whatever you pay for them.

[schalliol]

As an audiophile, I agree that the computer speaker systems for up to a few hundred bucks won't sound nearly as good as a true audio system.

However, let's look at the application:
1. People generally don't have the money to purchase mid-grade speakers
2. You need magnetic shielding, which usually is not in mid-grade speakers (Stereophile Class D, etc.)
3. You need an amp and pre-amp (though sometimes you'll see integrated amps).
4. You need decent cables
5. You need a good quality source and the stock sound from the motherboard isn't very good.
6. Not everyone has an audiophile budget.

[xtal]

Originally posted by schalliol:
As an audiophile, I agree that the computer speaker systems for up to a few hundred bucks won't sound nearly as good as a true audio system.

However, let's look at the application:
1. People generally don't have the money to purchase mid-grade speakers
2. You need magnetic shielding, which usually is not in mid-grade speakers (Stereophile Class D, etc.)
3. You need an amp and pre-amp (though sometimes you'll see integrated amps).
4. You need decent cables
5. You need a good quality source and the stock sound from the motherboard isn't very good.
6. Not everyone has an audiophile budget.

Generally I agree, but I'd like to comment on some of the points above.

1. You're probably correct.

2. More and more speakers are incorporating magnetic shielding, even in their lowest rung of offerings. An example is (my favourite) Axiom Audio (www.axiomaudio.com)

3. Or a semi-decent receiver, but again, you're right.

4. This I disagree with. Depends what you mean by decent I suppose. You can pick up bulk 12 AWG cable and DIY interconnect parts from an electronics supplier and do it all yourself, and I would consider these better than most stuff out there, and about the same price as the cheapest stuff you can find. I shudder when I see the price tags on Monster cables, for example.

5. True.

6. A repeat of 1, but again probably true.


Although my reply might seem disparaging, I'm not trying to be combative. I do agree with you, but just wanted to comment on the points you raised.

[SpinCycle]

Originally posted by GoatyC:
If you're interested in some truly different speakers, you should check out Norh Loudspeaker Company (www.norh.com).

These speakers look a little like a Ham. Not that that is bad or anything.

[OreoCookie]

Get an amplifier and good speakers. If you don't just take the smallest model of each, you should be fine.

The sound is beyond any pc speaker that you can buy (ok, I'll exclude studio monitors). I have decent (and large) speakers and they'd blast any pc speaker. (My little brother has a Logitec 5.1 system, the sound is ok, watching DVDs is cool, but still, it's not the same rich sound that you get when you have three different toners ...