Best 2.1 Speakers

[Ilmater]

I've had the same 2.1 Altec Lansing speakers (that's a picture of the right-front speaker) for over 10 years now, and they have performed admirably. The sound was very clean, even at highest volumes. One of the best features (seen in the picture above) was the easy volume control. Bass too high? Just hit the bass button and turn it down.

Can anyone suggest a similar 2.1 speaker system that produces similar audio quality? I would prefer to spend less than $100, but could make an exception if someone makes a strong case. I want a set that will last me another 10 years.

BTW, I searched and couldn't find anything. Sorry if this is a repost.

 

[Ilmater]

Nobody?

 

[imported_Imp]

Not sure if they're still available, think they are, but the Logitech Z-2300s are pretty good for the ~$100 price tag. Used a pair for half a year, great for games/movies, crap for music (like most computer speakers).

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: Imp
Not sure if they're still available, think they are, but the Logitech Z-2300s are pretty good for the ~$100 price tag. Used a pair for half a year, great for games/movies, crap for music (like most computer speakers).

I saw those for $109, but right now I'm seeing the AL VS-2221 at $49 and saying to myself... are those Logitechs really $60 better?

So I ask you, understanding that you probably haven't heard the Altecs... do you really think they're $60 better?

 

[ccho]

Aego M's are the best 2.1 channel computer speakers I have heard, but are ~$199 retail.

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: ccho
Aego M's are the best 2.1 channel computer speakers I have heard, but are ~$199 retail.

Thanks for the suggestion (I'm not getting many here), but that's too much. I love great sound, but I'm not spending that much on my computer speakers.

For the record, if it would help at all, I usually just listen to music while I play other games on my computer. Don't know if that makes a difference.

 

[Leros]

The Z-2300s sounds pretty good. For your budget, I think they are your best bet.

 

[kaizersose]

Originally posted by: Leros
The Z-2300s sounds pretty good. For your budget, I think they are your best bet.

i've got a pair and i think that they are fantastic. they are computer speakers for sure, but they have a nice wired remote, small footprint, and sound great for what you pay.

 

[dp004i]

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1, if you can still find them. Klipsch iFi is even better, but it's normally well over $100.

 

[imported_Imp]

Originally posted by: Ilmater

Originally posted by: Imp
Not sure if they're still available, think they are, but the Logitech Z-2300s are pretty good for the ~$100 price tag. Used a pair for half a year, great for games/movies, crap for music (like most computer speakers).

I saw those for $109, but right now I'm seeing the AL VS-2221 at $49 and saying to myself... are those Logitechs really $60 better?

So I ask you, understanding that you probably haven't heard the Altecs... do you really think they're $60 better?

Eh, maybe. All I know is that I felt bookshelves were worth the extra $660.

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: Imp
Eh, maybe. All I know is that I felt bookshelves were worth the extra $660.

Heh... you are a bad judge.

Anyone else have any suggestions? I could possibly afford over $100 if the speakers are really good quality.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836119101 these were the best dedicated PC speakers until Klipsch stopped making them. but maybe u can try to find them around maybe ebay.

other than that i got my M-Audio LX4 system (as an upgrade from logitech z-2300 which sucked balls) from samash for about $200. www.samash.com

 

[Bigginz]

Maximum PC magazine likes the M-Audio LX4 Studiophile speakers. They were available at Sweetwater.com. But now I only see the DX4 2.0 speakers. These are supposed to be studio quality monitors (great for music, OK for games). Apparently M-Audio stopped making this model, but there should still be some available for sale.

If you can't find the LX4's I would buy the Klipsch GMX-A 2.1 speakers. They are about $100 and were Maximum PC's best 2.1 speakers until the M-Audio LX4's came along. Klipsch is best know for is high-end home theater speakers.

Logitech and Creative also make good computer speakers. Just do NOT get Bose speakers. They are overpriced and under-performing compared to Logitech, Creative, and Klipsch.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

ok i'd suggest u quickly go to your closest samash store and ask if they have the M-Audio LX4 i saw them recently on their website and now they don't have it. i suggest u go and check the stores hopefully they'll have a few left @ $220+tax retail @ $300+

 

[Zardnok]

Originally posted by: dp004i
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1, if you can still find them. Klipsch iFi is even better, but it's normally well over $100.

These are usually in the $150ish range, but rival the sound quality of most small bookshelf systems. I owned a stereo shop for years and I count my Klipsch 2.1 system as one of my best purchases ever!

 

[ibex333]

I just got the ProMedias 2.1. They were about $168 shipped on newegg when I bought them a month ago, and I'm VERY happy with them. They are a lot more than what an average gamer/user needs, and the quality is good. I cant imagine why I would need anything more for gaming, music and movies...

If you are ONLY interested in movies, do yourself a favor and buy a $400+ 5.1 system and watch them on TV. But, if PC speakers is what you need, I dont see better alternatives in the below $200 range that Klipsh ProMedias, despite them being more than a few years old.

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: Bigginz
If you can't find the LX4's I would buy the Klipsch GMX-A 2.1 speakers. They are about $100 and were Maximum PC's best 2.1 speakers until the M-Audio LX4's came along. Klipsch is best know for is high-end home theater speakers.

Logitech and Creative also make good computer speakers. Just do NOT get Bose speakers. They are overpriced and under-performing compared to Logitech, Creative, and Klipsch.

Yeah, Logitech, Altec Lansing, and Klipsch are really the only brands I would go with. I don't think I could buy Creative (too cheap for too long). JBL normally is a great speaker brand, but they don't seem to get it with computer speakers.

But $150 is just more than I'd like to spend. I'll MAYBE spend $120, but that's a max. It's not even a question of what I can afford, it's a question of what it's worth to me. I only listen to music on my computer. I don't even listen to the game music when I'm playing games, so that is also a waste.

 

[Operandi]

The M-Audio StudioPro 4 is $130 shipped at Sweetwater and as far as I can tell is identical to the DX4 aside from the cabinet color making them a pretty awesome deal. If want more low-end power you can always add a powered sub at a later date.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Ilmater

Originally posted by: Bigginz
If you can't find the LX4's I would buy the Klipsch GMX-A 2.1 speakers. They are about $100 and were Maximum PC's best 2.1 speakers until the M-Audio LX4's came along. Klipsch is best know for is high-end home theater speakers.

Logitech and Creative also make good computer speakers. Just do NOT get Bose speakers. They are overpriced and under-performing compared to Logitech, Creative, and Klipsch.

Yeah, Logitech, Altec Lansing, and Klipsch are really the only brands I would go with. I don't think I could buy Creative (too cheap for too long). JBL normally is a great speaker brand, but they don't seem to get it with computer speakers.

But $150 is just more than I'd like to spend. I'll MAYBE spend $120, but that's a max. It's not even a question of what I can afford, it's a question of what it's worth to me. I only listen to music on my computer. I don't even listen to the game music when I'm playing games, so that is also a waste.

For how you want to use your speakers and your price range I think the M-Audio's I linked to above would be by far the best option. Check them out.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

2nd the M-Audio.

 

[Skott]

I'll add another vote for the Z-2300s. This place has them for $89.83. Shipping not included.

http://www.techonweb.com/products/productdetail.aspx?id=B26562******=PG

 

[nerp]

I managed to score a pair of klipsch promedia 2.1s for $99 on sale at *gasp* CompUSA last year.

Love them.

 

[nineball9]

I still have a set of those Altec Lansing 495's - got them with a Dell system in 1999. I liked their sound and they were designed to simulate surround sound using only 2 satelites. That worked OK, but I was more impressed by their sound than fake surround sound abilities.

Altec Lansing wrote an app to control the speakers in simulated surround sound as well as tone and volume controls. (The subwoofer has a USB cable to allow the app to control the speakers.) Alas, Altec Lansing wrote the control app for Windows 98 and never upgraded it for Windows XP. The speaker mounted controls still work but don't provide the flexibility of the Altec Lansing application.

I still have 'em attached to an old Win98 system though currently they are attached to a computer I'm testing. Never found any similar type speakers.

 

[alcoholbob]

Altec Lansing MX5021s are around 120-130 online.