Computer Speaker Recommendations

[mrstats]

My subwoofer on my computer is starting to malfuction. It starts to rumble and really distorts the bass. It is an intermittent problem. This is my third sub; they were replaced by Dell. The speakers are Harmon Kardon (model HK695-01).

I do quite a bit of my music listening at the computer so I don't want real cheap speakers, but I don't want to spend much over $100 for two satellites and a sub.

I was looking at some Altec Lansing speakers (model VS4121). See link below:

http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=vs4121&sID=2


I like the idea of the small satellites. Has anyone had experience with these speakers? I listened to them at Best Buy and they sounded good. Does anyone have any other recommendations?

Thank you in advance.

mrstats

[Cafe Jeff]

I've had fun with the Monsoon Planars. Little Quad Esls for your desk. Jeff

[Dan]

Some of the Logitech speakers get great reviews for the $$$$. They aren't that expensive and sound good.

I really like some of the JBL's for sound and design. I'm thinking of getting a pair.

[mrstats]

Originally posted by Cafe Jeff
I've had fun with the Monsoon Planars. Little Quad Esls for your desk. Jeff

Which model do you recommend, the 7, 9 or 14?

[boead]

My buddy has the better Altec Lancings. We compared it to the older (discontinued) M-Audio SP-5B’s which made them sound like a toy. No comparison. The Altecs and Monsoon’s sound nice but a small set of powered monitors are best.

The newer BX5’s (http://www.m-audio.com/products/m-audio/studiophilebx5.php) sell for about $299 new online.

I’ve seen the older SP-5B for under $80 slightly used on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2577091076&category=47093


I have the SP-5B’s as rear channel surrounds on my theater setup; I also have a set of BX8’s as center channels and two SP-8S powered subs for front channels and sub channel. I have a set of Energy’s on the front channels, BTW.

I also have a set of JBL Media 4’s (powered monitors) a set of Roland MA8’s and the more professional MA-12’s. The chepo M-Audio’s sound better then any of them. The newer BX5’s are even better!

[reidc]

I have an older set of Altec Lansing ACS-495's(USB driven controls). These have 2 speakers in each cabinet slightly offset(45 degree angles), and a Sub. I heard these at work, as we received them with some Dell PC's, and thought they were awesome. I ended up buyng a set at a computer show for $140 maybe 4??? years ago.

I have wanted to try out different pieces now and then. I did hear a set of the cheap 5.1 set of Altec's(251), when I installed someones PC. For the $75 they cost- they put out some amazing sound. Although for that kind of money- I wouldn't think they could take any punishment.

I really can't justify buying a new set until my 495's die, as I really do like them. I know there is now much better stuff(and sexier looking too), out there just waiting for me. Seconding what someone else had to say about the Logitech units- I hear the 540's got some amazing reviews and are fairly inexpensive.

Chris

[-=Rudy=-]

Of the few I've owned, I've liked the Altec ACS-44s. No longer made, but they're small and actually sound halfway decent with a subwoofer that does more than "thud", and a nice top-end for being a single-driver design. (Never have opened a set to see what's inside.) They were cheap enough too. I have another Altec pair that creates Dolby Surround from two speakers...believe it or not, the "trick" is actually quite cool! :) Not as good of a top end, and these even have separate tweeters.

Once I get my computer set up in another room, it's going to be a pair of vintage Boston A40s or A60s, possibly with a subwoofer. Something to monitor my audio projects with.

[mrstats]

Originally posted by reidc
I have an older set of Altec Lansing ACS-495's(USB driven controls). These have 2 speakers in each cabinet slightly offset(45 degree angles), and a Sub. I heard these at work, as we received them with some Dell PC's, and thought they were awesome. I ended up buyng a set at a computer show for $140 maybe 4??? years ago.
Chris

I have two computers; the Altec Lansing ACS-495's are on my wife's computer:mad:

[Kevin Farley]

The monsoons are great, they're 150 a pair, and they'll destroy the klipsches and altecs for audio quality. Another option, and probably the best one. pawn shop receiver (NAD, onkyo, 70's sansui/pioneer, etc) and some little advents, or some such bookshelf. (epos, ProAc if you got em, spica, homemade, etc.) Or, a set of powered studio monitors.

[Mark]

I have Altec Lansing, four of 'em, but since I'm not home I can't check the style number on them. They sound really nice and were highly recommended by my computer guy, who is also a musician and does an awful lot of listening on his computer, where he has them as well.

[Claus]

Look here: http://www.harman-multimedia.com/shop_detail.html?cart=HK2_10703900225162 4&sku=INVADER&id1=2

[-=Rudy=-]

On the other hand, those Cambridge Soundworks speakers are among the worst I've heard. I still can't figure out what the charm is about those. Then again, Creative bought them out, so I think they're just coasting on name only. Henry Kloss isn't around to design new models anymore. :(

[mrstats]

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations. The two contenders in my price range were the Altec Lansing VS-4121 and the Monsoon Planar Media 14. After reading reviews, etc. I felt either speaker would be a good choice. I finally bought new Monsoon Planar Media 14 speakers on ebay for $84 (including shipping).