Looking for new speakers

GUIDE TO BUYING SPEAKERS FOR YOU COMPUTER:

STEP 1:
What are you looking for:
The biggest decision is in purchasing speakers is to determine what qualities you are looking for in speakers.
>>are you going for all out power?....portablility?.....space saving?....surround sound?.... looks?.....clarity?.....loudness?..... and so forth.

STEP 2:
Determine a price range:
>>How much are you willing to spend?....from there start looing for different speakers that meet you critieria and determine which give you the better deal.

STEP 3:
Do you want 2.0, 2.1, or 5.1?
>>2.0
>>>typically smaller and less powerful speakers
>>> tend to have decent volume and bass for personal video watching and music listening but lacks high volume performance.
>>>can be anywhere between inexpensive to midrange in price($15-75)
>>>does not have a subwoofer for bass output.
>>>example of a decent 2.0system is the Philips Multimedia 2.0 speakers (Claims 80w output but doesn't perform like an 80w system...though decent for a 2.0sytem
>>2.1
>>>these systems have a standalone subwoofer and two satelite speakers
>>> this setup is ecellent for most laptop users who have a desk to put them on.
>>>range in power out put between ~20w-200w RMS (basically RMS means what the speakers will put out at a constant rate)
>>>prices are between $20-$400
>>>these speakers are idea for those users who want ample power with available room shaking bass and good clarity with high volume performance and don't have the space for a surround (5.1) system.
>>> a popular and powerfull system are the Logitech z2300's (usually about $150 in stores like circuitcity but have been sited for as low as $80 through online stores).
>>5.1
>>>in other words a surround sound system
>>>power output ranges ~70w-1000w RMS
>>>prices range ~$200-you don't want to know
>>> a system that is relatively decent in price and a good performer is the logitech z5300's (there are much more powerful systems but they will cost a lot more than the z5300's{$200 for the logitech's} (often $500 or more for other makes and models)
These are ideal for those who have no need for portability or saving space and what theater quality video watching experiences.
>>>in addition to needing money, and lots of space, one will also, more than likely, be required to purchase an external soundcard to support 5.1 sound output.
>>> M-audio is an exelent brand choice but it you need something cheaper Creative will do.

STEP 4 WINDOW SHOPPING:
>>go to you local stores and see if they offer the speakers that you are looking to purchase.
>>>Testdrive them
>>>>trying something before you buy them is a good way to determine if the system you think you want is really the one you want before unnecesary spending of money.
>>once you verify that you have found the system you want look around, check for sales, compare one store's price to another, check online.
>>by doing some homework on the prices you will be less likely to spend more that necesary. Online store tend to be cheaper but occasionally local stores have a deal you just can't pass up...plus you don't have to wait for you speakers to be delivered if you buy locally.

Step 5:
>>Making shure it's all there and it's all working.
>>>try them out when you get them...run them at differnt volume settings for extended periods of time for at least a day or to to make shure nothing is broken or malfuntioning.
>>>if in the event a part is missing or something is not working or if you just aren't satisfied with the speakers you do have the option to return them.
>>>most of the time there is a 30-90 day return policy
>>>make shure you are aware of you warranties time frame and if you should need to send it to the factory or return it for any reason return it within that time frame to avoid unwanted fees.

Hope this helps those in the new speakers market and feel free to PM me or post about any errors I have made or info I have left out or need to update.

I will try to update this Guide from time to time as I get new info....and as somebody previously posted....if the mods deem it worthy....stickying this Guide/Thread would most likely be benificial.

 

The X-230 are really great speakers. CircuitCity has deals (rebates) on some Creative speakers. You might want to check them out.

 

Nothing like a 7.1 with pumpin bass!

 

for about $30 more i would highly recommend Logitech Z-2300's so much more powerful than the X-230.

 

Where can you find 7.1 for under say, $500.

 

What kind of extra power are you talking about?

 

Can I find the Z-2300's at Best Buy or CircuitCity?

 

Use PriceGrabber, it might not be local, but you can get some great deals.

 

Yeah the Z-2300's are great. Bass is great and the sound quality is amazing, nothing like a THX rated system to play games to. BF2142 sounds absolutly amazing on them. You can look on bestbuy/circutcity.com for them, but you'll get the best price on-line. Probably $80 by now.

 

What about the logitech Z-4's Better or worse than the X-230 or Z-2300?

 

Hey Sheff,

I've read many of your recommendations on the Z-2300 and have decided to get one. Will I need to get anything else for compatibility for my E1705? I've looked at all the websites I know of to find a new set for around $80 but wasn't successful. I was wondering if you might know some?

 

does anyone have an opinion on the Z-4's from logitech?

 

-Subscribing to thread. I too am looking for new desktop speakers.

 

I'd personally get the Creative Itrigue L3800's. They look awesome, and sound awesome. I'm staring at a pair right now.

http://www.securemart.com/cgi-bin/future/CRT392779.html?pcode=1

 

Is that 48watts constant output or peak output for the L3800's?

 

Still wondering about the logitech Z-4's

 

here's a link for the Z-4's
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7338641&st=computer+speakers&lp=5&type=product&cp=1&id=1122651984180

 

i'm not sure, but bas isn't everything, they can still drive .

They have GREAT clarity.

 

I havent tried Z-2300 yet but I can tell you, Klipsch Promedia 2.1 is an excellent choice. Last couple month ago, I was in market for a new speaker and I narrowed down my choice to these two. But I decided to go for klipsch and I didnt regret it.

 

link please?

 

You're talking about the Z-4's right?

I'm not looking for window shadering bass just good bass. I want speakers that are LOUD, clear, and sound good at high volume. Also I want speakers that will not rattle or make cracking noises when playing songs with realtively heavy/hard hitting bass.

 

You're just gonna get different answers from everyone. I'd suggest testing all the best.

Try these:

Z-2300's.
Itrigue l3800's
Promedia 2.1's
Altec Lansing mx5021's

 

(I was talking about the l3800's)

The Itrigue l3800 sounds good for you, they don't have super good bass, they just have good bass... They are loud and clear, not windows shattering bass..

If you do get them though, turn down the treble, it's a bit too high by default.

In fact just kill the the treble, it's way too high.

The l3800's even come with a wireless remote. You can sit away from the pc and turn up and down bass and sound (but not trebile)..

 

Are any of these suggestions going to cost less than $100 or is that just a hopeless dream?
Which of the one's mentioned are able to be found in local stores?

 

Well, they all cost near $100.

Yes, they can be found in stores, but at bigger markup

Itrigue 3800s, $127 shipped:

http://www.securemart.com/cgi-bin/future/CRT392779.html?pcode=1

In store price:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/prod...FEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1 PRODUCT&cm_keycode=67

Promedia 2.1's online, $133 shipped

http://www.directron.com/promedia21.html

Best buy's markup isn't so bad:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=4148283&st=promedia&type=product&id=1051384267922

The z2300's online are near your price, $107 shipped:

http://store.pagecomputers.com/store/productlink.asp?product_id=635584&scs=PG

Store price is quite different:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/prod...FEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1 PRODUCT&cm_keycode=67

Then of course you got taxes in addition to the store markup. BLEH. Buying online is way better

 

You should check online stores for pricing, use Froogle. And, we don't know what local stores you have in your area so check their respective websites. I know you like to post, but we can't give you everything; a simple Google search will answer a lot of your questions.

Don't forget to check sites for reviews of speakers either. For example, put in a search "Logitech Z 2300 review" and you'll get something.

And finally, don't forget about the Edit post button. Half of this thread is comprised of your posts:


That said, I would recommend the Logitech X-230's for a pair of great, low-priced speakers. Strong bass and they sound fantastic for BF2 and other games.

 

Still no takers on the Z-4's eh?
oh well.
I'm leaning towards the z-2300's but the Itrigue 3800's look pretty good too.
Anybody have a preferance?

 

I agree that the X-230's are excellent pair of speakers. But if you like good music, their are better options...

However, that doesn't mean the X-230's suck, they are excellent for the price...

Which btw, if you got the X-230's, I'd get them online too, you can them for like $25...

EDIT: I heard some Z-4's. it's basically a dumbed down Z2300 (Which I once owned). Yes, I'm an audiophile. You got alot of choices here. Like I said, the best is go to store, here what you want. if you can't hear the difference between the X-230's and better speakers, then get the X-230's, and you'll save $100. But if you can, and you want the best, get the best.

 

Chaz, I take it you find I post too much. Fine I'll cut back.

 

That's not what I was going for. What I was wanting to do was make you aware of the Edit button, so that you do not have to make two posts in a row; it looks repetitive. It makes the thread easier to read if all the information you want to post is in one post rather than three.
I have no problems with your posting so . . post away.

 

I know that, I just trust and value your opinions more than my own.

 

What speakers do you use Chaz?

I'm surprised to find that with a good sound card, X-230's can sound almost as good as Itrigue L3800's (Which were a step up clarity wise to the Z2300's)! I'm listening to them now, replaced the X230's on the downstairs pc. They sound quite a bit better, but the X-230's were excellent, almost as good...

EDIT: Did I kill the topic LOL?

 

I have the Logitech Z-2300's hooked up to my laptop, and the X-230's on my desktop. Both are hooked up to Audigy 2 sound cards.
The X-230 speakers are a beautiful value; the subwoofer is not that large, but is very strong (it won't "rumble" though). It makes grenades, drums sound realistic. Clarity is decent.

The Z-2300's are definitely a big step up in sound clarity and loudness especially (I've never reached the limit and do not think I will try for my ear's sake), and the bass is incredible - very deep, rumbling, and it will shake the house (and your neighbor's if the volume is turned up enough). There is nothing that can beat the Z-2300 speakers for 2.1 at their price, and even if you spend a lot more, I'm not sure how much better it is going to get.

 

Step up in clarity?

I find the X-230's almost as clear...

Did you turn that stupid little knob at the back down? It adds bass, deep bass ... All it does is distort the sound... Turn it down and add bass from an eq. and it should sound nearly as clear..

If you do turn it down, don't turn it all the way.....

 

I have the knob in the middle; too much bass is not good. It drowns out detail. I also use the Z-2300's at the default 1/2 point for the bass. The Z-2300's bass is incredibly powerful without being overwhelming.

True, the X-230's and the Z-2300's both sound very clear, but the Z-2300 has an edge, and once the volume is bumped up I can tell there is a definitive difference between the two.

The speaker sets are not very comparable; different price ranges, and one is much more powerful than the other.

 

Hum, that's about where I have mine...

I agree, the X-230's are quite clear, but the Z2300's are clearer, I used to own a pair . I traded them in for l3800's. They don't have super bass, but they are a bit more clear... I guess that's better?

The l3800's have their own remote, I love using it...

They are a tad aggravating, though. If you unplug them and move them somewhere, and try to plug them back in, WOMG, they are dead! Or are they? The l3800's expect you to unplug the wired remote and put it back in when you move it or it fakes a death on you and won't work :-\

Other then that, they are excellent. Excellent sound, excellent build quality. A wired and a wireless remote. Good bass, just not too much. You just gotta remember, they are annoying, if you move them, you gotta put the wired remote back in last :X

 

I'm not an audiophile to be honest, but I do know that the amount of bass doesn't make a pair of speakers good, nor does a lot of bass make anything sound nice. I do not boost bass on anything. Accurate bass is important too - if you want to hear inaccurate bass, try Bose products.

That would be my biggest gripe about both pairs of Logitech speakers - hardwired speakers. Moving them is a genuine annoyance.

I found a review on the Logitech Z-4's by the way Phillip:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Logitech_Z4/4505-3179_7-31516456.html
Here's the Z-2300's:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Logitech_Z_2300/4505-3179_7-30993080.html

 

I don't boost bass or treble (Unless it's seriously low on bass), I make sure it has decent bass, turn down the treble and turn up the volume

 

Could you explain what you mean by this in a little more detail? What I'm picturing is that the wires between the sub and the satellites are permanently attached, and that just doesn't seem right. How long are the cables themselves?

 

Good, powerful speakers for about $60? The X-230s would be my first recommendation, although if you want 5.1, the X-530s can be had for almost exactly $60 from Newegg. 70 watt RMS, 140 watt peak makes them more powerful than those $115 Creative 2.1s, and hey, it's surround sound (assuming you have a 6-channel output). I have the X-530s, as does a friend of mine, and we both love them. Everybody I know with Logitech speakers loves them, actually and it isn't a surprise - they sound great, loud and clear with plenty of bass but still plenty of highs and mids.

 

The speakers are permanently attached to the remote and each other, so if you want to move them, you have to move the entire mass at one time. The subwoofer can be disconnected from the rest.
I'm not sure how long the cables are; I would be hard pressed to tackle that jungle of wires behind my desk. I will if you really need to know though, let me know.

 

Here's a manual that I found on Logitech's website:

http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com..._tbl=9&p_id=2925&p_created=1126108083&p_olh=0

What you're saying is that it isn't wired like it shows on page 3?

 

The manual says:

Meaning, that the subwoofer is a separate unit and can be disconnected from wires that connect it to the speakers.

The speakers and the remote are hardwired to each other - they can't be disconnected.

 

Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-3-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO/sr=8-1/qid=1163976217/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7713384-3087924?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Cnet Review (not really good review actually, slightly biased): http://reviews.cnet.com/Klipsch_ProMedia_2_1_speakers/4505-3179_7-9807237.html

PCMag Review: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,19872,00.asp

I list some of review I could find on internet but I'm sure you can find more about it. Look at Tigerdirect and Amazon for it as sometimes they have quite deals for this speaker but I bought mine off eBay.

Hope this can help you a little bit.

 

Sorry to keep bugging you Chaz, I just want to make sure that I am understanding you correctly. Attached is a diagram of what I am picturing, where the red lines are the cables you are describing that aren't already pictured.

 

Thanks, whatsleft.

 

For my money, if you're looking to save a little, the x230 are great, great speakers, for the price.
For a little more, the x2300 are amazing, I don't think they're amazingly better, but I do think they're worth the extra money.

 

Hi I jsut orderd a dell 9400 and am worring about sound quility. I got the integrated sb audigy software edition. Does this support 5.1 and 7.1, and will this have good quility in games with a good speaker system. And also about speakers are these good?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10055037&catid=

Also would a dedicated sound card be worth it and would this fit into a dell 9400?
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10077352&catid=

 

wow, that's really expensive for those speakers, saleen. Of course, they're more in Canada, but on newegg here, they're only $50 some, last time I saw them.
I don't think you can but a sound card in a dell 9400, but I'm not an expert on that machine.

 

Thanks for what? I was asking a question.

The 9400 supports 5.1, but only through a special S-video cable, and only during DVD playback.

You can't put that desktop sound card into your notebook. The best you could do is to find a USB sound card, as there are no ExpressCard sound cards available yet.