What are good speakers for laptops?

I'm looking to buy speakers because the ones on my dv5t just doesn't cut it. What would you guys suggest? I've been looking at the logitech z-5500 but spending $400 on speakers is simply too much. I love the look and everything but its expensive.

My price range is up to around $200. It can go a bit over. I don't really know what the specs of speakers are about and how they effect the sound. The stuff about watts, om, etc.

I'd also prefer surround sound speakers.

 

If you don't need surround (and it's highly overrated with laptop sound cards anyway), go with the Logitech Z-2300 if you want THX-certified movies and games (basically the Z-5500 in 2.1 setup), or the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 if you care more about music.

The Logitech X-540 is a good budget-level 5.1 setup, but you get what you pay for; it's not nearly as powerful as either of the two systems above.

 

If you're looking for 2.1 speakers, there is a recent thread about it below:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=409410

Hope it helps you out a bit. Good luck.

 

it really depends on what type of setup u prefer also. are u into a system that packs a big bass bang or a system that has defined mids and highs for music?

i would definitely recommend the z-2300, like mastershroom said, if u'r lookin for a nice 2.1 system that packs alot of bass. if u want to focus on music/mids & highs then nothin will beat a nice set of studio/monitor-type setup. check out swan speaker systems. they have really nice quality 2.1 and monitor systems that can be found for very cheap once in a while. i remember there was a deal for their 2.1 m10 system for only about $100 USD.

 

When I was trying to check out what kinda sound card I had I didn't really understand it. Under device manager and sounds,video, and games controller I had 2 objects. A "Nvidia HDMI audio" and "IDT High Definition Audio Codec". I'm guessing the nvidia thing is my sound card, but can anyone verify it for me?

I just wanna know what kinda abilities does my sound card have to use 5.1 speakers.

 

The nVidia HDMI Audio is the audio output from your graphics card when you're plugged into an HDTV via your laptop's HDMI port. The IDT HD Audio codec is the driver for your laptop's actual sound card.

 

So how can I tell what features or capabilities my sound card has? Like if its able to really use 5.1 systems and what not.

 

Open the IDT control panel and click on one of the audio jacks. If you have options for front, rear and center speakers, then your system supports 5.1.

 

check out the Bose Companion 2 or 3 series, they are good... for the price you pay of course

 

the idt control panel?

 

Please don't recommend the OP such overpriced junk...honestly. Even the Logitechs are much better.

To the OP, pick up a pair of Swan M10s.

 

I'm not too familiar with 5.1 systems, but if you're considering 2.1 systems, then I'd recommend the Klipsch ProMedia or the Logitech Z-2300. These two sets of speakers are one of the best 2.1 speakers currently in the market.

As for the Bose systems that were previously mentioned, they will not be able to compare in sound quality with the above 2 I listed. Like Dev1ant suggested, Bose speakers are mostly selling the brand name rather than quality sound.

 

Harman Kardon Soundsticks II....best looking and best sounding speakers on a budget

 

For a 2.1 speaker system, the OP might also want to check out the Sony SRS-DB500 PC speakers. More info on the link below:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665801072

 

I'm using a HP dv5t too and as for my external speakers set-up, all I use is Altec Lansing VS2420. I wasn't looking for a GREAT sound system, just one that provides better bass and quality and allows me to notice the instruments in the background that are being played (nearly impossible with the laptop speakers). The VS2420 fulfills these requirements and is relatively cheap.