Help me pick some speakers!

I have a Logitech Z-5300 system used for gaming. When not gaming, I usually have music playing. I want some really accurate speakers in a 2.0 configuration. I am a fan of Bose even though they are over priced, would buy Companion 3's if I was spending that much.

So far I am between Creative Gigaworks T40's and M-Audio AV30. What ever I am buying is coming from Newegg so I can take advantage of the 6-months no interest.

For 2.0 audio, a Creative X-Fi USB will be used.

Anyways, what do you guys think? Am I going wrong with the T40's or AV30's?

 

I would stay away from Creative if sound quality is your concern. Not that they are bad.. I just dont think of it as a SQ brand.

Similar but better IMO is something by Klipsch

M-Audio's are pretty popular for there self powered monitors as well as AudioEngine though I am not sure if newegg carries the later.

 

I've been reading a lot around here about M-Audio. I just prefer to hear speakers before I buy them. Unfortunately, I don't think that is a brand commonly found in stores.

 

Yeah probably not going to be in regular chain stores. Maybe some kind of audio store like sound advice or something but even then your more likely to find bose and stuff in there and other exotic overpriced brands.

Most people ask for 2.1 systems and for that I can make a pretty solid recommendation of Klipsh ProMedia 2.1 they do make a 2.0 version. (seen here: Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 2.0 Speaker Review | Macworld ) but I have never heard the 2.0 only version myself.

I am personally never going to own a pair of self powered speakers, I always get an amplifier and pick my own speakers. Its a larger upfront investment but over time pays for itself and has more options. It does not even have to take up a lot of space. I have been thinking of replacing my 5.1 home theater reciever/amp with a simple 2 channel nuforce amp. (seen here: http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/iconamp/index.php )

They have subs/speakers too but I have not heard any of them and I do not think they are really popular (does not mean they are not good though)

 

When it comes to computers, I just prefer having speakers and nothing more.

Home theater is something totally different for me though. I have a Denon 3311 tied to some mirages and love it.

The reason I want a 2.0 system is because I don't wan't a second sub under my desk and because I don't want too much bass. I wantlows, but nothing to shake stuff off my desk (which is all my Z-5300's know to do even on their lowest setting).

Basically, I just want clean, accurate audio reproduction (low mids and highs) with accurate bass volume (think Bose Companion 3 quality).

 

If what you're looking for is professional sound go with M-Audio. Creative is still a "consumer" brand so they're likely to have a consumer grade sound - peaky bass and treble 'coz that's what the consumer wants.

 

I have the M-Audio AV30s and I think they're great.

If I remember right Best Buy might of had them on display in their store...and actually has them for $30 cheaper then newegg right now.

 

The Logitech Z-5300 is a decent system, but as stated, the Klipsch and AudioEngine blow that away. Not really a fan of Bose, since for the cost, you can get much better sounds from many other companies. Also as stated, you'd do much better with another company, other than Creative. I had that soundcard for a while but it was terrible and I gave it away. Turtle Beach has some good solutions, though you should probably check out some DACs/amps if you want even better sound. I like the Fiio's, cheap but still pretty good sound for those on a budget.

 

I'm iffy about this card too. I should get it Monday or Tuesday. My XPS has 5.1 built in, but it isn't supporting 5.1 in all of my games. I basically want a USB card that WILL support 5.1. I had read that X-Fi will. From what I have read some people love it, some people hate it. So I'll see for myself within the next 2 days.

Best Buy has the AV30's for 79. Waiting to see if they will price match since it is $30 difference.

 

What 5.1 system will you be using since your wanting to buy 2.0 speakers?

 

5.1 will be used for Games. I will be using Logitechs Z-5300 system.

2.0 will be used for music/video playback only.

 

FYI for those reading this post, I ordered the M-Audio AV-30's from Newegg.