External Speaker Recommendations

Just purchased a Dell XPS 15. I know the speakers on this laptop are highly rated. Still, it is a laptop and the sound system is limited as a result.
Looking to add a set of desktop speakers, a 2.1 setup will work fine for my needs. I was thinking of the Logitech Z523. Any opinions on these, or any recommendations based on your experience.
Thank you.

 

I would actually recommend that you look into a set of used / refurbished Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers, for around $80. They are legendary for the sound quality and volume that they output for their cost.

If you want to be able to experience the difference, go into any Best Buy and test out the computer audio speakers. Klipsch ProMedia 2.1s will absolutely dominate any 2.1 speaker setup made by Logitech, Creative Labs, or Bose.

 

Thanks. I'll check it out.

 

Before jumping to conclusions....

Let me just say that, the most important thing is to know what u will be using the speakers for.

Bass lovers will like one set more than another
Gamers will like another
Classical/Acoustic music lovers will like sth else.

At the end of the day, you will probably be using it for a variety of purposes, and I suggest that you go audition at the electronics store those which fit your needs. (this is the most important, since sound is VERY subjective)

Just to save some time maybe u can take a look at these (info i've accumulated from my own speaker search):

Music (non-bass heavy) - Swan HIVI1080MKII, Aego M
Super bass heavy - Logitech Z2300, Klipsh Promedia 2.1
Medium/Hybrid - Harman Kardon Soundsticks III, Creative Gigaworks T3, Altec Lansing Expressionist 2.1, maybe some of the 2.1 Edifier series

Good luck and remember theres no perfect set of speakers... Its all about which one you think sounds the best.

 

You're absolutely right, of course. It's totally subjective. Guess I'll need to listen to different sets and make a choice.
My needs are easy. Occasional movie, but more than anything they will just be used for listening to various MP3s while I'm sitting at my desk doing some work. No concert hall experience needed.

 

If your needs are "easy," any of those options can meet them and the choice should come down to sound signature preference. While auditioning is great, keep in mind that you'll make adjustments at home such as eq, speaker placement, source, room acoustics, etc. that will all affect the signature in unpredictable ways.

 

I highly recommend the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and Logitech Z-2300. Some of the best 2.1 computer speaker sets out there at a reasonable price point.

As for testing speakers out at Best Buy, just keep in mind that the speakers won't sound anything like that in your home. A completely open warehouse-type building like Best Buy is a completely acoustically different environment from a bedroom or office.

 

For price to performance: I like my Logitech Z313

Logitech - Speaker System Z313

Not for audiophiles but very nice bass.

 

Yeah a lot of people all over the place recommend Klipsch ProMedia 2.1s. I never heard them, and this might be an ignorant question, but is there ones that are similar quality/price range that LOOK hotter?

(these look kind like the old Logitech 5.1 system speakers)

 

Even though it's not desktop, the Logitech Z305 USB speaker bar produces incredible sound.

 

I'm going to concur about the Klipsch 2.1's. Try them out at Best Buy and you'll get a pretty good example of why they haven't changed the speaker design in forever yet they're still fairly popular.

I have a set of z313's that I have relegated to a second machine setup. They aren't awful, but you get what you pay for with those, imo. Overpowering bass with no hardware bass control. You can attempt to tone down the bass via software EQ but the results I got weren't really that great.

 

I see those Klipsch 2.1's also come in a wireless version. I like that idea. Wondering how that translates in the real world? Never tried wireless speakers before.

 

I would look at the Corsair SP2500. I think they run about $200 but from the reviews I read, blow everything out of the water.

 

S730 Multimedia Speaker
And the Swan M50W. I am going to get the corsairs and man wow a lot of questions about speakers on this forum recently.

 

haha

Wireless speakers are kinda stupid, since you only save a grand total of... 1 wire!

(The wire between your computer/ipod and the speakers)

You still need to plug it into the wall, and plug the speakers into the woofer.

So unless you are absolutely set on using the laptop all over ur house, it wouldnt make much sense (and even then, where would u place your speakers so that you can hear them well everywhere?)

 

Wireless speakers are a waste of time.