Looking for decent 2.1 sound system.

Hey there everyone, I know this topic probably comes up a lot, but I'm looking for a decent 2.1 system. I recently sold my 5.1 system(a Logitech X-530) since I couldn't use the surround with my laptop. My max price(before shipping and tax, but after bing if it can be used) would be around $150.

I've looked at a few other threads and noticed the Edifier S330D, and Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 are both recommended, but I'm also wondering about the harman kardon Soundsticks II as well as the Altec Lansing MX6021.

From looking around online I couldn't find many reviews of the Edifiers, but the others seem to be fairly decent for the price. So I'm just wondering which would be the best.

As far as what I'd be using them for, I'd say around 50%gaming/40-45%musc/10-5%movies. Maybe a 60/35/5.

 

I recommend the Logitech Z-2300. The fauxdiophiles here will tell you that the bass is muddy and there's no mid-range, but it sounds great to me, especially in games and movies. It doesn't shine quite so bright with music, but it's still great. I'd give the runner up recommendation to the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1, on the grounds that I do slightly prefer them when it comes to music, but I think the Z-2300 wins at games and movies.

 

In terms of value for money - Logitech - but you can possibly get something better at 150$

I've got these I think:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/208&cl=ch,de

Compare the bass with IEMs and yepp it is muddy... but beats any cheap hadphones and any laptop speakers

 

I'd go with the klipsch pro media 2.1 over the Z-2300(I have both versions of the klipsch and a set of the Z-2300's).

 

Strange, there was another topic just like this, and almost everyone except Mastershroom recommended Klipsch Pro Media 2.1.

Take a look at this; it may just help.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=423437

 

Haha, apparently I'm the oddball.

I like the ProMedia 2.1 (I own a set as well as my Z-2300), and when I listen to music, I usually go with these instead of the Z-2300, but when I game or pop in a Blu-Ray movie, I always go for the Z-2300. Given that the OP is primarily going to be gaming on his speakers, I recommend the set that I feel is better for gaming (and that other 10% for movies ), the Z-2300. Besides, it's not like music is automatically terrible on them, you just gotta turn the bass down a bit.

 

Yeah, as mastershroom said, they are both good. But the z-2300's are more boomy, which may be a good or bad thing, depending on what you like. That being said, the klipsch can still turn out some good bass.

 

Well, after going to the local Best Buy I got a chance to listen to the Klipsch and the Logitech Z and I have to say that I prefer the Klipsch a little bit more... with the bass all the way down the Klipsch just had a little bit better sound to them than the Logitechs did. The Logitechs had a bit more of a thump or boom as the bass was turned up... though I liked the gentler hit of the Klipsch a little bit more.

Though now I've got a question. I decided to hit up the Guitar Center next door and noticed they had some 2.0 speakers on sale there. They had the M-Audio AV40s, Mackie MR5s, and this one set of JBL(can't remember the name, maybe Control 2p?) speakers all for under $150. Reading on the other thread it seems going with a 2.0, then adding a sub in later is a better way to go.
So now I'm wondering, would getting one of those 2.0 sets, then getting a sub farther down the line be a better way to go? I'm by no means an audiophile, just wanting something that'll sound good really.

 

Honestly, it's a bit old, but the Cambridge Soundworks MegaWorks THX 250D is the best 2.1 system I have ever had. Accepts digital in, Bass is astounding, mid and high are very good.

It was expensive when brand new, now it's a bargain.

 

One downside to the ProMedia 2.1, at least to me, is that it does not have a separate control pod - I dislike controls built into speakers.

Other than that, I too do prefer the ProMedia 2.1 over the Z-2300 for music, which is my primary usage for my speakers. If you are mainly gaming, which you seem to be, you may appreciate the Z-2300's more "explosive" bass (although obviously, either of the two can pump out the sounds of grenades blowing up just fine).

The ProMedia 2.1's can be found used for very reasonable prices (as low as $60) on Craigslist and sometimes eBay. With speakers, you will probably want to buy local rather than from most online retailers unless you can get free shipping - the shipping for these heavy speakers can be as much as $40.