Looking for best value computer speakers

Budget: roughly 50$CAD (can go up to 75$ max)
Stereo type: 2.1 Surround
Uses: Music, movies & the occasional game
Location: Canada

Basically, I just want something relatively cheap, but that performs well. I see lots of lower cost speakers, but I'm really not aware what's good and what's not.

 

I was in the same boat as you just a few weeks back, not wanting to spend much, great sound nice and compact, etc. Did a lot of research and ended up getting these:

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/pro...l.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=A2315766

Comes to $33 cad shipped, arrived at door in 2 days. Incredible value, bass is great, volume control knob. Sub is tiny, which is surprising that it can pump out so much bass. Check out the reviews at newegg here:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121014&Tpk=s-220

700ish reviews!

 

You read the other speaker thread, so I guess it won't be a total surprise that I think these would be your best bet, even if I haven't listened to them. For starters, they're made of MDF instead of cheap plastic, which is practically unheard of in your price range.

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25954&vpn=M3400&manufacture=EDIFIER

Google it and you'll see why in the first page of search results.

 

Well the other thread listed 100$ speakers so I didn't really find options taht I could've used lol

@Convuluted: I'll check those out, although the subwoofer seems a bit weak judging from image and specs.

@Snake: Ah okies those look nice! I'm not too concerned about what they're made of as long as they sound good though.

Any other options out there? I've heard that Altec Lansing makes decent speakers, are they any good compared to the 2 options proposed so far?

 

I know the Times (UK) once said Logitech were good value for money - but comparing them to Sony EX85 (same price) and Sennheiser IE8 they are suddenly a bit lacking...

In principle Logitech may be an idea - see if you can listen to them first though.

 

Wait... aren't those headphones?

 

The Sony EX85 and Sennheiser IE8 are.

The Logitech speakers aren't - and yes I am comparing headphones (IEMs) to speakers.

Don't ask me what set of Logitech speakers - 2.1 2 speakers in each of the two satelites and one subwoofer - black and no fancy design.

The thing is, speakers shouldn't sound much worse than headphones.

The IE8 are another league - but my speakers were 45-60 odd € quite some time ago - 45Pound IEMs shouldn't be much better sadly my EX85 were.

The Logitech aren't bad, but they aren't precise and clear either...

 

Well I own a pair of LS21 Logitechs that came with my iMac and they sound decent I suppose(worlds better than that darn machine's integrated speakers at least lol ). However, I'm pretty convinced there are better options in terms of something that sounds better for the same price.

Currently, my picks are:
- the Logtech S220 (suggested by Convoluted)
- the Edifier M3400 (suggested by SnakeCharmed)
- the Altec Lansing VS2621 (someone here on NBR once recommended them)
- the Logitech LS21 (since I already own a pair so I have personal experience with them)

Can anyone vouch for the sound quality of these or have any other suggestions to add?

 

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkpar...&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=15&_sc=1

This is what I own, and even though it doesn't get as loud as I would like, the sound quality is ridiculously amazing. These are, by far, the best 2.1 computer speakers I have come across.

Is there anything I love more than a thumpingly big subwoofer like this one? Muahahaaaa.

I know it's a little out of your price range, but IMO, it's definitely worth it.

Mr. Mysterious

 

The Cambridge soundworks PCworks can often be found for a very low price. These are a very old model but they last forever and for the price you can find them, they definitely sound a whole lot better than similar or higher priced speakers. I found a 4.1 set (available in 2.1 as well) a couple of years ago for $30 shipped, probably the best $30 I have spent in a while. Had to leave those behind as I was leaving the country.

I now have a set of refurbished Altec lansing VS4121 I found for $25 shipped. Not too bad a deal ehh? Those are $99CAD+tax at Futureshop. I still prefer the PCworks though. I have the LS21 (without the sub), I still can't believe I paid $29 +tax for those, I still regret that decision. If you get lucky, you might be able to find some Logitech X230 for a decent price too, those are discontinued in North America as far as I know. Again, they are excellent for their price.

Detlev, stop comparing your $300+ IEMs to $50 computer speakers, thats close to pointless to even mention them in a thread like this. We all know you have a nice pair of IEMs ok?

 

Go for Altec or logitech speakers, compare the RMS output power and check if it has a good, heavy woofer. Those are my indicators on buying speakers.

These are practical buying habit I usually do, and I'm quite satisfied with it. Choose a good brand then compare the wattage and subwoofer weight.

Take a look at VS4121 or ATP 3 of Altec, I bought ATP5 before and it sounded great. I now have Logitech Z-series. Good luck

 

My Sony EX85 were the same price as my speakers - and much better.
And in the same price IEMs souldn't necessarily be much better.

 

Would there be any good sites for reviews on given speakers(kinda like NBR is for laptops) or specific references/reviews to particular speakers? That way, I suppose I could read up on it.

Thanks for the input so far btw

 

http://techreport.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=54690

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/foru...-edifier-m3400-2-1-speaker-system-review.html

http://overclockershq.com/hardware-reviews/edifier-m3400-2.1-multimedia-pc-speakers-review.html

http://www.ninjalane.com/reviews/sound/m3400