Looking for 2.1 computer speakers

So I just ordered a Asus G73 and will be using it as a desktop replacement. I currently have the logitech Z-640 hooked up to my desktop. I have had this setup for at least 4 or 5 years and 1 or 2 of the speakers are blown and just feel like its pretty dated.

To go with my new notebook I am looking for a set of speakers for use with it on my desk only so portability isnt a big issue. A 2.1 setup would be ideal since im not looking to put additional speakers around me. Id like to keep the total cost under $450. I will be using them for gaming and listening to downloaded music so what is my best choice out there?

 

Get you a set of Z2300's from Logitech. You won't regret it I promise, and they're WELL within that price range. I LOVE mine.

 

Klipsch Pro-Media.
The Z2300's are also very good.

 

I personally would also recommend the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers. Most importantly, I'll like to urge the steve638 to go check out the available speakers at local stores, if possible, to hear them out before buying the decision to buy. Ultimately what sounds good is all subjective IMHO. Good luck.

 

Even better idea is a retailer that allows returns. The way the speakers are set up in the room are also very important and if they cannot be set up the way they are intended to be, they may not sound as good as they did in the store, or compared to another pair.

 

Pro Medias are good but if you get them, definitely go retail. I bought a set from Ebay from a good vendor only to find a defective amp/sub unit. There are hundreds of similar complaints/stories on the Klipsch forums so be careful.

After getting a 2nd defective set from the vendor, I took the nice 3" midrange/horn speakers, a 500w 5.1 AVR I had laying around and added an 8" Tangband sub/plate amp and built a small enclosure for it. It'll rattle pictures on the walls of the next room easily I recently added the matching Klipsch center channel as well...

I have a small Logitech 2.1 from almost 10 years ago (x-230s, not the new crap model 230s!) and w/a little EQing, are actually pretty impressive...

EDIT: The z-2300s that were mentioned have been getting rave reviews for many years now...

Jeremy

 

picked up the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 today at best buy and boy am i impressed. thx for the help guys!

 

I'm sorry to break it to you, but with $450, you could have gotten better speakers, higher quality audio. Considering the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 is generally about $120(?), with $450 you could have gotten a monster system, or some very high quality floor standing speakers or something. I suppose you don't need the extreme audio quality the developers need though, do you?

 

Congrats on the purchase....in the $100-150 range, the PM 2.1 and Z2300s are the the leaders...Higher up, you have the M Audio's Swan monitors and the list goes on for small format audio...

EDIT: I actually ran some Alesis M1 and Roland DS90 active monitors for some time but the bulk and weight were a concern for my glass top desk Still need to get rid of the rolands....

 

Ehhh I wasnt looking for floor standing speakers. I wanted something that was going to fit on my computer desk since they are going to be used for pc gaming and listening to mp3's while browsing the net. $450 was the absolute max i was willing to go and I allready said i am more than pleased with the boost in sound quality I have noticed from the Logitech Z640 to the ProMedia

 

You did fine....Leave the tower speakers for the Home Theater and man sized TV

 

For $450, the best thing to do would have been to get a USB audio codec and a nice set of speakers, since buying good speakers for crappy laptop sound is a bad idea.

 

The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 set are excellent. I own the Logitech Z-2300, which is their biggest rival, and they're also fantastic. You'll be quite happy with those ProMedias.

Trottel, there's nothing wrong with using the laptop's onboard sound with these, considering they're specifically marketed as computer speakers, with the 3.5mm input and everything. My Z-2300's sound great with music from my netbook. Is it as good as it would be if I had a $100 sound card? Probably not, but it's a far cry from a bad idea.

 

What I mean is that he was originally looking to spend $450 on speakers for his onboard sound.

 

Ah. Well, I have no idea about that...these Z-2300's at $95 are the most expensive audio equipment I've ever purchased.

 

From what i can see, Klipsch and Z2300 are markets top in best priced speakers,

I shall be picking up some z2300's in a few days .

 

Oh, ok then. That's fine then. Hope you enjoy your ProMedias.

 

i LOVE promedia, picked it up from bestbuy