High end computer speakers

I'm currently researching for a high end speakers to compliment my newly bought Dell 15z. My budget is up to $500.

So far in my list:
Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Speakers
M-Audio Studiophile BX5a Deluxe Studio Reference Monitors
Palo Alto Audio Design Cubik Digital Hi-Fi Multimedia Speakers

I'm welcome to more suggestions. I already have Sure SE530 earphones but would like a high quality speakers to match.

 

audioengine products are highly thought of by some.

 

If you're looking for a 2.0 setup, I second Audioengine. M-Audio products provide the best bang-for-the-buck if you're looking for a studio experience, although some people don't like to use them for multimedia. B&W are good, but in my opinion they are overpriced.

The best choice of speakers for you, in the end, is highly subjective and depends on several things - what you plan to use them for, how far away you will sit, and how large your room is, among other factors.

Since you're spending so much, I would check a lot of reviews and give speakers a listen before you buy, or make sure that you can at least refund your purchase if you don't like them.

 

Then don't waste it on computer speakers. Get a pair of real speakers and invest your money wisely. Five hundred dollars will get you a great pair of bookshelf speakers. The only limitation is that you'll need an amp/receiver to power them. Computer speakers and high quality are an oxymoron.

 

Somewhat true, but there ARE self-powered noisemakers that sound great. The money you save by buying bookshelf speakers, while significant, is usually offset by the other components. And in my experience bookshelf speakers tend to be overkill for near-field listening.

To be honest, if you want the very best sound quality you can get for $500 then you should invest in a good pair of headphones + DAC + amp. As an added bonus, you won't have to mess with speaker placement or the acoustic qualities of your computer room.

If you want specific recommendations, give us more details or check out www.head-fi.org

Edit: if that doesn't answer your questions, try http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/ or http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/

Good luck!

 

Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass is really good. I bought these speakers today, and so far I am very impressed. The bass is very audible and it could be classified as a 2.2 system (there is one bass speaker at the bottom of each speaker).

 

The Harman Kardon crystal pair could be on your list.

 

If you mean the GLA-55's, those retail for $999.99. That's a bit more than $500.

HK does make the impressive Soundsticks III though (2.1 setup), which are widely well-regarded and well within your price range.

 

I've been looking for something similar for a couple weeks and it definitely seems the Audioengine 5's are highly recommended. I'll most likely end up picking them up. I like to that you can buy just them now, then in a few months you could buy a cheap subwoofer to hook up to it. Although from what I hear they don't really need a SW. I do lots of gaming and movies so it'll probably add to it.

 

Actually they're on sale for $770 at Amazon! Not a bad deal really IF you like their sound....still more than $500 though. And you'd have to put up with how they look (NOT a pro imo)....

I would (and did) pick the MM-1 over the AudioEngine 5 though.

 

Not a bad deal IF the sound is actually worth $1000. I can't say I've auditioned them, but I seriously doubt that any 2.0 computer speakers could convince me to shell out even close to that amount. A true audiophile considering such a purchase would spend the money on true audiophile equipment, whereas a "normal" consumer with a brain and a finite wallet would buy something 97% as good for 1/5th the price.

 

Well first off, never buy speakers you haven't heard in person. Head on out to a high end music store and listen (bring some music of yours to play on them). Check reviews on audiosolutions.net.au.

 

If $500 is high end(?), I'd go with the MM-1. They're pretty impressive for their size and are easy to live with.

But yeah, what the guy above said.

 

....Pretty sure the OP has made his decision sometime in the 10 months since he first created this thread...

 

Jeez. I didn't realise it was a spam thread-o-mance.

 

Shall we make a thread law: Never offer headphones to someone that ask for speakers.

Five hundred dollars should be the average budget for a pair of speakers for the typical listener.

 

Some brands that come to mind.

AudioEngine
Emotiva Pro
Aktimate
Yamaha powered
KRK Rokit

This has been discussed many times on the AudioCircle and AudioAsylum.

Search for terms like powered speakers, studio monitors, or active speakers.

At $500 you could also get a pair of passive speakers and and integrated amplifier or receiver. I use a pair of HSU Research HB1's as my computer speakers.

 

Something most households have anyway. I just use my B connection, and am good to go. Wiring however, can be an issue.

Well good information never goes out of style.

 

KRK Rokit 5, they sound great and are affordable.