External speakers...which one?

I'm looking at these three models of speakers from BB. I have to purchase from them since I've still got some return credit/gift cards still unused. What do you guys and gals think?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...ategoryId=pcmcat110000050027&id=1142290023793
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...ategoryId=pcmcat110000050027&id=1142290023716
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...ategoryId=pcmcat110000050027&id=1083710906282

I'm tempted by the Logitech speakers only because I've had a ton of positive experiences with them, but any advice would be great.

 

I'd rate them in the following way

Logitech > Insignia > CA

How much is your budget? I was looking at the Z-2300, but then since I wouldn't be waking up the neighbours (and consequentially not use them to it's full potential) I decided on the Logitech Z-10. I <3 it.

Getting speakers also depend on what genre of music you listen to. I don't listen to any rap or hip-hop, so I don't need that huge of a subwoofer. THX certification would have been a big plus, but anime doesn't sound all that better in THX anyways, so I really didn't care.

 

@night_2004 - What do you do most - listening to music or watching movies/playing games? I think the recommendations are different depending on the usage of the speakers.

 

Actually about 50/50 on games and music.

I have $40 credit with BB, and I'm hoping to not spend more than 30-50 out of pocket...$90 tops all in all.

FYI, surround sound is absolutely worthless for me...I'm deaf in one ear so I don't even notice a difference. Whichever speakers I get also have to plug into my sole audio out jack on my docking station...it is the same jack you would find on any notebook.

 

OK, night, I hear you.

I suggest this set (which meets your 90$ budget) over ALL speaker sets.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7059817&st=Klipsch&type=product&id=1108125259491

 

How good is the subwoofer (if there is one)? That really makes a difference to me, and that is the reason I'm trying to replace my current speakers (Logitech V20). I'd be willing to jump the budget to $100-110 if the speakers were really that darn good but not more than that.

 

The Klipsch ProMedia 2.0 do not have subwoofers. Like the Bose Companion 2, the woofer tech has been 'integrated' into the pair. Of course, you are NOT going to be getting the bass of a higher end 2.1 or 5.1 system. In my mind, the Klipsch unit is better than any competing Bose, Logitech, and Altec Lansing 2.0-2.1 product. It has the same features and better warranty as any of those competitors as well.

If you are serious about your sound-system, I would save up and spend $150-200. It's an expense that's going to be worth it.

 

I didn't know if raising the price bar would make much of a difference. I don't really have $200 to spend right now (sadly enough) though.

So far it's between the Logitech and the Klipsch...looks like I'll have to do a little on hand research.

Suprising though that the Klipsch model is only a two piece yet functions just as well as the Logitech 3 piece.

 

This unfortunately is true, for the most part. Especially with home stereo systems. The better speakers are more expensive because the frequency response is better, allowing you to hear more without distortion. At the same price points, and specs, it becomes a matter of personal preference what sounds better. Usually different musical genres sound better on certain units. For example, if you are listening to heavy metal and hip-hop, getting a subwoofer is essential. This may not be the case if your musical tastes are different...

 

Well, mostly we're talking about jazz, some classical, a little pop but nothing heavy by any means. Fast beat songs are less attractive to me than slower/moderate beat songs. If there are lyrics, they need to be clearly heard...I hate when you can't even understand it. More bass is always better.

Some ideas for what I listen to:
Think music from Oblivion, Diablo II, Yanni for instrumental pieces.
James Blunt is okay, Avalon is mediocre, John Mayer isn't exactly at the top of my list but it's tolerable. Bryan Lubeck (a newer artist and one I personally know) is also pretty good to my ears...he's mostly light jazz.

EDIT: I meant a price hike from $90 to $110. Almost everything that is better will cost more (I know that more than many), but if adding $20 to get speakers that are 50% better...I'd do it.

 

I suggest the Logitech Z-4.

Found out that it gets a rating of 8/10 (User) and is above average and provides good bang for buck.

Reviews:
http://modders-inc.com/reviews-story--43.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/Logitech_Z4/4505-3179_7-31516456.html
http://techgage.com/article/logitech_z-4_21_speakers


@BestBuy it goes for $105
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7338641&type=product&id=1122651984180

 

I think they should be Logitech.
Since you´re not considering a 5.1 or better system Logitech Z-2300 would be my one and only suggest.

 

My V20's get so much bass, they move by themselves!

Actually, if you like listening to music, you should go Klipsch (or Altec Lansing to save some $$$). Logitechs will blow out your ear drums with the bass---which some people like---but their audio quality is usually not as good for midrange sound and really anything subtle in audio. Not to say you won't enjoy the Z or even X series speakers, but just a heads up.

 

logitech one is best out of the 3 links you gave. of course you can tell the price is more than other 2 ones.

if you change your mind whatsoever and want to get a better one, best 2.1 speakers I recommend is the klipsche 2.1. And these are actually as good as bose, I think it even sound nicer than a 5.1 logitech 5300 (costs even more) I bought, and I don't even have space to put 5 speakers surrounding me!

anyways, logitech is best money you can buy in the store. and I still recommend a subwoofer than one without.

 

If you want to stay in the ~$100 range then I suggest the Klipsche 2.0 or the logitech x-230.
If you must have a sub then go for the x-230.......if not i highly recommend the Klipsche.........I have personal expereince with both and would take the klipsche any day.
If you are willing to swing around ~$150 then the logitech z-2300 or the Klipsche 2.1 Pro Media would be my two choices...........keep in mind that these higher end speakers are room shaking loud, though their sound quality is excelent...........I find the kilpshe to be slightly better for sound quality and clarity.
The Klipsche 2.1 can be purchased at bestbuy, but the z-2300's are available at Circuit City.
If you are willing to spend ~$150 and you don't mind purchasing online, then the z-5300e(5.1 system) is available from bestbuy.

 

Well, I went to BB and they didn't have a since one of the suggested units up and running. I'm not too sure if I'm going to be able to sample them...crap.

Are there any other stores that would have all these out?

 

fry's electronic have alot of speakers out to test, if there is one where you live.

 

I was finally able to test drive some of them...and I ended up getting the Logitech Z-230's because I was able to get a better deal on them that I originally thought possible. The Z-4's sub was a little too big!

As for the Klipsch...they were definitely nice but they were a lot more than the X-230 deal. I just had to give the 230's a shot...and they're definitely good. Almost too loud on the bass though...which is a good thing!

Thank you for the help guys...very much appreciated!

 

I have a set of x-230's......they are no z2300, which I also have, but they are nice, and pretty loud. I'm using the x-230's for my dorm right now since I recieved too many complaints and threats from other people in the dorm when I had my z-2300's there. One word of adivce.......the sub on the x-230's is a bit on the fragile side, but just a bit. One of my old room mates had a set and accidentally kicked over the sub. The accoustic tuning tube(cardboard toilet paper roll with one end dipped in rubber and wedged between the sub and the control panel) was dislodeged. It still sounded Ok but the bass changed it characteristics a bit.

 

I'll keep that in mind...there's a 2 year warranty though.

 

yeah, but they didn't cover it, but perhaps that was just BestBuy being stubborn.
Though perhaps logitech will be more understanding.