Looking for powered 2.0 or 2.1 speakers

Hello all, and thanks for any and all help.

I am looking to buy a powered speaker system (2 or 2.1) to listen to music. I am not an audiophile but I have a strong appreciation for (what I consider) good sound. I'm not the kind of guy that can tell a difference between compressed and uncompressed music, but I can tell when music is only compressed at 128 kbps. (My mp3's are at 192).

I am looking for the best sounding powered speakers under 400 dollars.

I don't know the correct terminology to properly describe to you experts what I am looking for, so let me say that I will be using it for all kinds of music, from classical to rock to new age. I don't like flat sound, so I am probably not looking for a monitor. On my iPod I usually use the r&b or rock setting, and in my car and on my PC I tend to use the rock setting.

For my computer I use the Harman Kardon soundsticks II, and I like the sound, although I have heard better (crisper?) sound from other speakers. I like the clear highs and punchy bass that is not overpowering. I dislike the fact that I must be positioned right in front of the speaker to hear the highs, but for use in a PC setting it works for me.

With my iPod I use the Ultimate Ears Triple.fi pro, which I find to have terrific sound. (I used to use the B&O set of earphones which were also good. Until I tried the Triple.fi).

I am basically looking for great computer speakers, even though I plan using them in my bedroom playing music from my CD player and iPod. Size of the speakers and aesthetics are not *too* important.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
Thanks....

 

I have the Kliptch Pro Media 2.1 system hooked up to my desktop and I can definitely recommend these to anyone. Great satellites and a more than capable powered sub. I got 'em for like $175 at best buy about two years ago.

 

+1 vote for the Klipsch speakers. I've been using my Klipsch ProMedias ever since they were first released (v.2-400s). First THX-approved computer speakers ever!

 

i also agree with Klipsch speakers. i saw BestBuy have them for under $100 about a month ago. harmon kardon mediastick2 is also good choice if you're looking for something slip and won't take up much space. i have to warn you though that it's not one of the most convenient in actual use.

 

I have Logitech z-2300 2.1 speakers and they're fantastic, although with a $400 budget, I'm sure you could find something better.

 

For around $100: the Klipsch Pro Media 2.1s already mentioned, JBL Spot Speakers, and the Creative GigaWorks T40.

If you're only going to listen to music with these though, I would go for bookshelf speakers. Try looking on some forums dedicated to that kind of sound and see what they say.

 

Check out the NHT M00. Those are zeros. Also Acoustic Energy Aego M. You can't go wrong with the Klipsch, but you can do better.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

Does anyone know about the AudioEngine A5?

 

Since you love broccoli I feel compelled to offer some thoughts here.

You might want to reconsider your thinking that you're not looking for "flat" speakers. Two reasons: As you've already discovered you can easily eq/tweak the sound to your liking at the processor stage. When you're listening to classical you still want a violin to sound like a violin and a piccolo to sound like a piccolo. I think this is what you mean when you say 'crisper'. If a speaker can do classical it can do everything else, this is not true the other way around.

The other reason is that you're moving into the price range where speaker disigners really try to make their speakers flat (aka acoustically transparent, neutral, reference, yadda yadda).

I've never listened to the AudioEngine's. I too am looking for a new pc speaker system, desktop not portable, are we even in the right forum.

 

Take a look a the 2.0 Logitech V20 notebook speakers which have quite a bit of punch in it and has a nice carrying case. If you are looking for something less portable, the logitech 2.1 Z4 speakers will surely satisfy.

 

I know you are not looking for a 5.1 surround....but still wanted you to look through these......Dell 5.1 surround sound is the best set of speakers I have seen........I LOVE listening to music....and I normally want music to sound live.......these speakers do just that for me.....the BEST part of these AWESOME speakers is that.....they are available for cheap......I think I got mine for $80 something......Give it a look...Good luck with ur search!!!

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&sku=313-2247

 

Razer Mako speakers. They are THX certified and send their sound out 360 degrees. Will be out soon for $400 and are already getting good reviews.



Logitech Z Cinema Surround Sound. Replicates surround sound with a 2.1 speaker setup. Looks good, will be out soon for $299.

 

Def check out Klipsch

theres also the Bose Companion series as well as Altec Lansing.

Do you have a home stereo dedicated to music? Check out to building a dedicated Stereo if you ever feel like going a bit further with details in music.
I would suggest Polk Audio and if you get any more serious, Wilson audio

Good luck with your passion! when you can tell the diff between crappy 128 and 192+, you've got some training down. Remember, Its All About the Music!