Need Help Picking Out Computer Speakers

[Lethal]

Here ya go buddy. You can have them for free!!!

[cmd]

Those bring up bad memories from when I first got a computer. Those mini-speakers I had were terrible.

[Shike]

Originally Posted by cmd

They would be for both active listening and background music. Also, I have Etymotic ER-6i earbuds, so I don't really want to spend more money on headphones. Do you have any suggestions as far as a 2.1 set goes?

Not really then, the Swans M10 if you can even find a pair would be your best shot for decent sounding ~$100 speakers. Unfortunately you probably will have a tough time finding them, and for what I consider a good 2.1 setup it would run about $350. That would consist of using a T-Amp, some NHT SuperZero XUs (excellent speakers BTW, rips Bower and Wilkons DM303s to shreds), and a 150W Dayton Sub from partsexpress.

Sorry, but I'm not going to recommend stuff that I just don't believe cuts it.

[cmd]

Do the Swan M10s need anything other than what comes with it? Butcher said something about them needing an amp. Thanks for the help though, I understand not wanting to give suggestions for products you don't believe in.

[Butcher]

You might can get a 3.5m jack to red and white or something but i highly doubt the quality will do the speakers justice.
Shike has a point if not recommending stuff he doesn't believe cuts it, but Shike can you not lower your standards to a non-audiophile for cmd's sake :P
(and on the note of bowers and wilkins, i'd love a set of those but sadly my pockets are not that deep)

[AUGUST 22]

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers PC Speaker reviews - CNET Reviews

I've had this set before and they're pretty awesome...and quite loud too

oh yes...and if you can...try to go to Best Buy and maybe even Circuit City...i know for sure Best Buy has most of their non-basic models set up as a display and you can listen before you buy.

[Shike]

Originally Posted by cmd

Do the Swan M10s need anything other than what comes with it? Butcher said something about them needing an amp. Thanks for the help though, I understand not wanting to give suggestions for products you don't believe in.

No they do not need an external amp, and you're in luck. After a bit of searching I was able to find a place that had them in stock.

linky.

Originally Posted by Butcher

Shike has a point if not recommending stuff he doesn't believe cuts it, but Shike can you not lower your standards to a non-audiophile for cmd's sake :P
(and on the note of bowers and wilkins, i'd love a set of those but sadly my pockets are not that deep)

Actually, the fact that CMD took what seems a leap of faith and bought some Ety IEMs before says he's probably going to have higher standards himself too.

As for Bower and Wilkins, re-read my post. They aren't worth it till you get to their higher lines, anything but their entry level titanium tweeter please. Rather than a proper delay for things like cymbals, it attacks and refuses to let them ring properly. I was expecting on spending almost a grand on a setup, and instead I walked out with a $400 setup of NHT SuperZero XU. Feel free to look them up, they look like Fisher Price toys but sound freaking great. I can't recommend them enough. They actually compete with my Focal Chorus 705s ($450 MSRP/pair) easily, and excel in a lot except bass extension (which since they're sealed is to be expected).

Anyway, I digress.

Originally Posted by timstone

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers PC Speaker reviews - CNET Reviews

I've had this set before and they're pretty awesome...and quite loud too

oh yes...and if you can...try to go to Best Buy and maybe even Circuit City...i know for sure Best Buy has most of their non-basic models set up as a display and you can listen before you buy.

Personally, I think Klipsch should be reserved for movies. They're even tighter on attacks than any titanium tweeter I've seen. Extremely detailed in the ability to dissect an instrument's sound. However, they make for one of the best movie viewing experiences. Either than or Mirage would be my recommendation for movies, but just not for music. Of course, some love the sound so . . . meh.

[cmd]

Wow Shike, thanks for the help & link. I think I'm going to go and get the Swan M10. Thanks everyone that helped.

[Butcher]

Originally Posted by Shike

As for Bower and Wilkins, re-read my post. They aren't worth it till you get to their higher lines, anything but their entry level titanium tweeter please. Rather than a proper delay for things like cymbals, it attacks and refuses to let them ring properly. I was expecting on spending almost a grand on a setup, and instead I walked out with a $400 setup of NHT SuperZero XU. Feel free to look them up, they look like Fisher Price toys but sound freaking great. I can't recommend them enough. They actually compete with my Focal Chorus 705s ($450 MSRP/pair) easily, and excel in a lot except bass extension (which since they're sealed is to be expected).

Anyway, I digress.

Yeah, im not that into it really, i can tell what sounds good and what is just over rated shit (bose)
I can't justify getting into it audio yet not only for the huge price involved but the fact im lacking a lot of my music on CD or SACD, so i can spend all the money i want its still going to sound crappy.
What about the B&W CM1 series? they any good?

[cmd]

Well, I ended up not getting the Swans. The subwoofer needing to be right in front of you was worrying me since desk space is pretty valuable and part of the reason I'm looking into getting new speakers is to get rid of the giant bookshelf ones I have right now. I found some Creative Gigaworks T40s with a rebate, which brought the price down to $88. I know they're not audiophile quality, but it was getting pretty favorable reviews and the small footprint is a huge bonus. Thanks for all the help Butcher & Shike.