Computer speaker advice

Forums › Home Theatre (incl HTPC) › Computer speaker advice

Flozzo

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Topic # 112092 26-Nov-2012 12:09

After probably more than a decade, I think it is finally time to get rid of these speakers that are older than me (quite literally).
I am looking for a pair of computer speakers for preferably less than or around 100NZD. My budget isn't too strict, but I preferably don't want to spend too much on new speakers since I am also looking at getting a second monitor for my PC. I have a sound card in my PC already, albeit a rather cheap one (ASUS Xonar DG) and a pair of headphones I am content with, but I still prefer to use speakers for music/gaming/movies anyway. I mostly listen to electronic music (hardstyle, house etc) and punk/rock so decent, but not overdone, bass would be nice too :)
If anyone has any suggestions, they'd be much appreciated. I have done some reading on various fora, but as we all know our choices in NZ are rather limited.

Thanks, Flozzo

khull

1245 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 137

Reply # 722998 26-Nov-2012 12:48

If you are in Wellington to pick up I'll sell you a set of Creative 5.1's for $50 :)

Depends on what you'll be using for - at your budget of $100 you could either get a decent 2.1 (which is no use for movies/gaming imo)

xpd

Chief Trash Bandit
8762 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1277

Mod Emeritus

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 723014 26-Nov-2012 13:19

Ive had a set of these for probably 10 years now, and love them to bits, if you can find some new in someones storeroom, highly recommended :)

Played games, music, movies through them at very high volumes and they still crank along :)

XPD / Gavin / DemiseNZ

For Free Games, Geekiness and Reviews, visit :

Home Of The Overrated Raccoons

Battlenet : XPD#11535 Origin/Steam/Epic/Uplay : xpdnz

Sea of Thieves Down Under

timmmay

13912 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2470

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 723028 26-Nov-2012 13:22

Edifier are great. I have a set for sale, but they're $700 new and in perfect condition, so not near your budget unfortunately.

AWS Certified Solution Architect Professional, Sysop Administrator Associate, and Developer Associate
TOGAF certified enterprise architect
Professional photographer

Ragnor

8025 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 387

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 723062 26-Nov-2012 13:53

Pretty low budget to work with but I'd go for these
http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=12471

Flozzo

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 723188 26-Nov-2012 17:24

Thanks for all the responses!
@khull Not in Wellingon unfortunately, so that won't work :) I probably also rather get a 2.1 or 2.0 system anyway as that's probably better for music, where my priority mainly lies.
@xpd I have something similar-looking, but probably 5-7 years older :P I'm more in the market for a new system with decent sound as opposed to reliability (and preferably better looks ;) )
@timmmay I have also heard good things about Edifier, but also that this is limited for the R-series when looking at cheaper sets, this series does not seem to be available anywhere here. 700 is (unfortunately) indeed well over my budget
@Ragnor looks good, have heard good things about the brand and the series. At 5kgs each I'd not be too sure where I'd put them (not on my desk, that's for sure), but definitely one to consider.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm shooting everyone's advice down, I do appreciate it! Might be a little too careful with my money for my own good ;)

ubernoob

523 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 79

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 723217 26-Nov-2012 18:36

Hi Flozzo, I have these
http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/support/speakers-audio/208
which I'm happy with for my PC. Listen to music and you can adjust the base out put, they can be desktop or swivel base to wall mount. They are old stock now and I don't see them around much, although they have later models available
If I was going to upgrade I'd probably get the THX certified ones http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/speakers-audio/home-pc-speakers last seen a couple of weeks ago at JB HiFi for $199 I know double your budget sorry but you might be able to do a pre Christmas deal??

FPR

129 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 7

Reply # 723334 27-Nov-2012 01:03

Had to replace my speakers earlier this year. After a bit of looking & reading reviews I got a pair of these.

http://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/Genius-SP-HF800A-Black-Wood-Speakers/15122721/

Love em!

Brandonrnz

363 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 12

Reply # 723349 27-Nov-2012 02:55

It's a shame you don't have $350-400 to spend, the Corsair SP2500's are AMAZING!

farns

97 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 723512 27-Nov-2012 11:13

Microlab Solo 6C are ok at $150ish, I just got some and out of the box unwarmed up they arent as good as M-Audio AV40s for mids but still good for the price.
I would get the 7Cs which are 3 way so should have better mids , they are pretty massive and plenty loud, could use them as party speakers at a pinch, more than enough for TV probably

The Solo series come with remote too and at 50/55w RMS are quite grunty if using for TV speakers or similar

All the reviews say they are better than logitech which are good vs bottom end stuff

M-Audio AV40s noticeably better so far though, very good accurate and warm mids and for the size the bass is good too

jonb

1440 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 321

Trusted

Reply # 723555 27-Nov-2012 12:02

I'd just get a cheap logitech with a subwoofer for under $50.

farns

97 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 723581 27-Nov-2012 12:41

Meant to say the Microlab 6C and &c are 100w and 110 RMS respectively, they will have more than enough bass and will sound a lot better musically than a bottom end loggy 2.1 system if you can stretch a bit more cash

Flozzo

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 723935 28-Nov-2012 01:04

Thanks again for all the replies.
The problem with Microlab speakers are that they look huge (and heavy), and probably won't fit on my desk. I don't really have space anywhere else, so that's not a great option. As for Logitech and Genius, I could do but haven't heard a lot of good stuff about either of them. I'll have a look in stores to see what the commonly seen speakers sound like. A M-audio could be nice but also rather expensive IIRC

ChrisNZL

304 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 28

Reply # 723969 28-Nov-2012 08:04

I'm not an audiophile but those Logitech X-230 2.1 speakers have served me well for a fear years now, good bass, good sound.

farns

97 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 723976 28-Nov-2012 08:15

I havent listened to a wide variety but IMHO logitech are good value at bottom end but a decent 2.0 set should have good bass and better mids , the microlab solo 6cs are 100w rms but too big like you said

Heres a competitor to the Logitech X-230 for a 2.1 set

http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/pc-speakers/1290484/microlab-fc360

$90ish

If you dont mind a sub I guess either brand but the microlab review is recent and especially rates it for your type of music