computer speakers

[danaeris]

My computer speakers Suck.

Any recommendations of middle of the road computer speakers that will improve my quality of sound without putting a HUGE dent in my checkbook?

My current speakers cost me $10 at Office Max, so just about anything would be an improvement.

Comments

[octal.livejournal.com]

I'd suggest getting a "real" stereo (cheap off craigslist) with an amp and speakers, if you're more constrained by cost than space. Way better than even expensive computer speakers, and probably about $100 used.

[kshandra]

Check the computer speakers at Cambridge SoundWorks. I have a fairly low-end set of their speakers on my computer, and the sound still rocks my world. (Literally - the first time I listened to "Stripped" by Depeche Mode, the sound of the engine turning over at the beginning made me jump a good six inches. Subwoofer GOOD.)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_duncan/]

I second the advice to use a garage sale stereo if you have the space for one. If the computer will be in the same room as one anyway, just run the wire.

While working at Surveyor a coworker came in with what was then CSW's lowest end amplified speaker system. He was quite proud of it. It's the white one in the plastic box: (speakers (http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=mul_speakers&item=c1pcwzzzz&type=store)).

I took a trip to Staples and even using their demo signal I could tell these were not the speakers for me. Not long afterwards I walked into a Cambridge Soundworks mall store and compared that with two other models priced closer to $150 and $250.

The middle one, now being offered (here (http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=mul_speakers&item=c1swzzzzz&type=store)) for $70, coupled with an AMFM pocket radio became my mother's living room stereo.

As long as I'm not trying to really rock out they're more than adequate. The midrange clips a bit when playing Lullaby from Shock Treatment loudly. At nearly five years old the sub squeeks a little when pounding hard. At reasonable neighbor-friendly levels it's still a nice amp/speaker set.

[aberrantvirtue.livejournal.com]

As you know, mine are from Cambridge Soundworks, and I love them.

I'm pretty sure mine are the $40 set, and that there's a slightly larger $70 set with a couple of extra satellites, but I think you agree after hearing mine that they're probably unnecessary. :)

[tunape.livejournal.com]

Depends on what type of music you listen to, your hearing quality, and what you personally like to hear. There's a lot of psychoascoutics involved.

Personally, I like the CSW too for their clear and crisp sound, good mid-range, and descent subwoofers as well. (ie. good for samba music with heavy bass, but also also all other percussions and the "tik tik tik"). Good price too. My gf likes Creative due to more emphasis on bass.(I find there's too much distortions in the mid ranges, and exaggerated bass)

For a comparison, check out a Bose store. Prof. Bose teaches the acoustics lab course at MIT, and also authored a good number of papers/research on Signal Processing and acoustics. A lot of their speakers are intended to compensate the distortions due to air and produce the "intended" sound from the source.

[atziluth.livejournal.com]

I have a Cambridge Soundworks computer speaker system that I anticipate not having room for in my new house; IM me about it.

[whipsnkisses.livejournal.com]

I gave my old computer speakers to Bear. I don't believe he's actually using them if you want to ask him for them. He's (his name) at lair.org

Good luck.