Dead Men Walking

dMw Chit Chat => The Beer Bar => Technology Section => Topic started by: smite on March 09, 2016, 07:26:54 PM

Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: smite on March 09, 2016, 07:26:54 PM
My 16 year old Cambridge Soundworks 5.1 PC speakers have just started to play up.
They have been superb and didn't cost very much (about £70 in 2000).

Soooo i need some new ones :P, any suggestions?

They are mostly used for playing Music and on the odd occasion playing games, when the house is empty.

I don't want to spend anymore than £100.

Considering these Harmon Kardon Soundsticks (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessories/computer-accessories/pc-speakers/harman-kardon-soundsticks-iii-2-1-pc-speakers-clear-08843639-pdt.html).
Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: albert on March 09, 2016, 09:46:00 PM
Hi Smite,

I have a set of these with the jellyfish woofer, (same uses as you intend) been reliable and sounding good for 3 years so far. No complaints other than when dust gets into the woofer it looks a little odd. easy enough to clear out with a lint free cloth.

Sure you can get them cheaper than £99.

Cheers,

Bert
Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: Gunda on March 10, 2016, 01:47:10 PM
You could overspend a little bit and get a topping vx1 desktop dac/amp for £80 then some cheap roth oli ra1 £70 bookshelf speakers :) would be much better sound.
Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: Twyst on March 10, 2016, 08:30:41 PM
I use the Microlabs 2.1 speakers (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microlabs-Fidelity-Multimedia-Subwoofer-Speakers/dp/B006812VOS/ref=sr_1_5?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1457641258&sr=1-5&keywords=multimedia+speakers).

I'm not audiophile enough to describe how the speakers sound, but they sure sound better or as good than friends speakers which retail for many £100's, but these retail for £28.
The once caveat is that they require RCA connectors which are generally only found on top end sound cards, which my ASUS STXII sound card offers.

I'm not a fan of more than 2.1 for desktop speakers, mainly because there's too much ambient noise in my house to appreciate more (damned kids!).
If I wanted to immerse myself, I either stick on my G4ME One (or Zero if I really don't want to hear the kids) headset.
Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: smite on March 11, 2016, 07:02:59 PM
Thank you all for the replies.

Albert, My brother has these speakers and is more than happy with them but they are Ugly. They are my fall back option at the moment.

Gunda, I'm pushing the budget at £100, spending more would not be ...... wise :D
The budget for headphones went from £80 to £150 and spent £200.

Twisted, the Microlabs speakers get decent reviews, not too keen on the look of the M700's though. Too glossy.
I do like the look of either the FC20 (http://www.microlab.com/?r=21systemen&st=full&id=647) or the M200 (http://www.microlab.com/?r=21systemen&st=full&id=682) Platinum speakers.
Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: smite on March 11, 2016, 08:19:38 PM
Quite like the look of these Wavemaster STAX BT 2.1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/wavemaster-STAX-BT-Bluetooth-smartphone/dp/B0133A917G) speakers. The satellites are unobtrusive, which is what i'm after but still provide good sound quality.
Reviews seem to be good.
Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: smite on March 12, 2016, 08:06:58 PM
After even more research, i have settled on the Wavemaster Moody (http://www.amazon.co.uk/wavemaster-MOODY-Speaker-smartphone-version/dp/B005PWYOIM) speakers, to be delivered tomorrow.
They are slightly better for music compared to the Stax, which would be the main use.
I didn't go with the Bluetooth option as the Canton Soundbase i bought at Xmas has it and is 200W compared to the 65W from the Moodies.
Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: Gone_Away on March 12, 2016, 09:10:48 PM
cool man. good choice!
Title: Desktop Speakers
Post by: smite on March 28, 2016, 05:38:13 PM
Quote from: smite;411448After even more research, i have settled on the Wavemaster Moody (http://www.amazon.co.uk/wavemaster-MOODY-Speaker-smartphone-version/dp/B005PWYOIM) speakers, to be delivered tomorrow.
They are slightly better for music compared to the Stax, which would be the main use.
I didn't go with the Bluetooth option as the Canton Soundbase i bought at Xmas has it and is 200W compared to the 65W from the Moodies.

For info: These speakers are excellent, far better than i expected and cheaper than the HK soundsticks :D