Suggestions for speakers?

First of all, thanks for any suggestions in advance! Also note that I am currently located in Canada so I might or might not be able to get hold of your speakers suggestions.

I'm mainly looking for some powered bookshelf speakers, budget is strictly under $150 (inc tax + shipping). I realised I rarely use my headphones anymore (AT-AD700) so I am selling those and picking up some speakers instead. The speakers will be used mainly for music listening (I listen to a variety of things). I know my budget is limited, but so is the quality of (some of) my music files. I'd like to get the most out of my money.

Here are a few I have looked at (varying in price and quality):

- Numark NPM5
- M-Audio AV40
- Alesis M1 320 USB (unsure)
- Alesis M1 520 USB/non USB (haven't been able to find a pair that fits my budget)
- Audioengine 2 (again, out of budget)

 

I did find the two previous generations of the M-Audio entry-level monitors to be pretty decent in absolutes, let alone in their price range, so if the AV40 carries on that tradition I'd say it would be a good choice.

 

what about looking at logitech, they've been the ones that have impressed me the most in recent times in terms of bang for buck

 

Id pick up a separate power source and just get unpowered speakers, I think in the long run this leaves you with better upgrade paths and more options.

I have even been thinking of getting rid of my full sized home theater reciever I use to power my speakers and getting one of these to do it:

Nuforce.com | Desktop | Icon Amp |

 

Logitech really isn't a company for this sort of audio. Their speakers are only really notable in the 2.1 category (I love my Z-2300), but there are far better companies for the price than Logitech when it comes to bookshelf speakers.

 

What is it with you and Nuforce [snicker]

A decent powered speaker doesn't really need upgrade options - you're not going to ask them to fill a large room. They'll always be nearfields. True, there are degrees to this but for most people, it won't change. Powered speakers are handier to work with in a computer-based setup than dealing with separates.

 

I use a Logitech Z-Cinema 2.1 speakers for my setup and it's perfect Just don't use the bundled software.

Mr. Mysterious

 

I have been very pleased with my M-Audio AV30s and I've heard that the AV40s are only better, so I would recommend them.

 

Kinda just want the NuForce amp since its a perfect pair for the HDP, same size/color/etc

Same reason I would get a Fiio E9 if I had the E7 because they work well together.

 

take a look at the harman/kardon soundsticks II or III.

google some reviews and they're supposed to be the best sound quality you can get with less than $150.

 

Mine. I can even hear from the other rooms with volume half the maximum. USB powered or run on built in rechargeable battery for 12 hrs.

http://youtu.be/pRuk-YvVt7g

 

hmmm. Good choice of studio speakers.

If you really want something that bumps and shakes the ground - best bang for the buck, logitech z2300. What I use for the pat 3 years and it bumps hard. Very hard. When getting complaints from the first floor when I live on the third floor in my apt at school; people living down the hall 10 rooms down... Gives a good idea how hard the sub hits. Speakers are basically two mids. It hits good highs but not as the same if it had a pair of tweeters on them. Play around with the eq you'll get the highs in there if you like high-fq in your music (i don't). I probably have the volume up to not even a 1/4 and that's enough to irritate people. Half way when throwing parties. Never when more than half. Half volume you're going to shake the whole building.

iunno, just giving a helping hand

 

Thanks everyone for their suggestions. I think I'll order some AV40 soon. Not really interested in "ground shaking bass" or a complicated setup. Appreciated the suggestions though. FYI I am coming from a 4.1 set of Cambridge SoundWorks speakers, pretty old.

 

awesome, looks like a nice choice

 

Check this one also JT -
DELL Dell AY410 Multimedia Speaker System : Desktop Accessories | Dell

I have this one connected to one of my systems and it sounds great. For 50.00 (USD), its not bad at all.

What I like most is the 'control pod'. Power button, volume control, speaker and input ports - very handy.

 

If you haven't bought a set already, you could also check out the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1. A venerable but still great set of speakers - probably one of the best 2.1 mainstream speakers you can find.

 

What's the difference between bookshelf speakers/2.1/2.0?

 

2.0 and 2.1 refer to the number of speakers in a speaker system. 2.0 means just two speakers, i.e. stereo, while 2.1 means two speakers and a dedicated subwoofer (not really an entire speaker on its own, hence the .1)

"Bookshelf" just refers to a compact style of speaker meant to sit on a desk or other raised surface (like a bookshelf! ) instead of the floor.

 

No wai! The 4pointsurround? They were pretty decent for the day. I'm still using a set (albeit in 2.1) in a corner in the office. I thought I was among the last to own them

 

Yup! I am currently on my second set, had to give the first away (that I got for £15) when I left the UK. Grabbed a bargain on a set Altec Lansing vs4121 when I got to Canada, but decided they sounded like garbage. So back to the ol'Cambridge SoundWorks.