Computer Speakers

OUMike · October 25, 2006

My Cambridge Soundworks that have served me well for like the last 8 years is starting to go out on me. The amp in the sub I think is going bad. These are actually home speakers that I'm using for computer, so they use speaker wire and the likes. Basically what is happening is only 1 recorded channel is being played fully. Example. The Iron Maiden song The Trooper on the album Live After Death. Both guitars play at the same time in the intro but are playing in slightly different octaves. Sounds really cool. Anyhow, I'm only getting one of the guitars because the other guitar was recorded on the other channel. Basically only one spearker is getting a signal. Yes..I've tried changing cables.

I'm looking to replace them with another 2.1 setup. So far the couple of units I've read about are the Logitech Z-2300 ($109) and the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 ($149). Not sure if the Klipsch is more name brand or if its actually worth the extra $50.

For now I'll be using onboard audio, but I'd like to go SPDIF if I can. I'll possibly be upgrading to a good sound card at a later date. I listen to a LOT of music, anywhere from John Mayer to Iron Maiden.

Opinions anyone?

Wingnut · October 25, 2006

I've got two PC's with Klipsch 5.1 Promedias. Somebody would be hard pressed to get me to swap them out for another brand.

I'm a huge fan of Klipsch. My home theater is all Klipsch too...Actually, my clock radio in the bedroom (Kloss Model 3) and my garage stereo (shelf system, Aiwa) are the only places in my house NOT equipped with their stuff...So I'm a bit biased.

There's a member on the board that works for Klipsch, but I haven't seen stebob around in a while.

Clavin78 · October 25, 2006

I've got Creative, really good.

ZZebes · October 25, 2006

i am actually using my ProMedia 2.1's right now and wouldn't trade them for the world

yfz450dk · October 26, 2006

I'm using a Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 system. Its nice, and pretty resonable price-wise. I dont know if this helps...

bigdogxx · October 26, 2006

Been using the klipsch 5.1 setup for a good 3 years now and they have been solid.

NJx72 · October 26, 2006

i blew out promedias and i have a 5.2 setup, right now im running a pretty insane set up.

50 LG plasma

All Definitive tower speakers, and subwoofer is a 12" long throw, 1500watts, individually powered, it makes so much vibration it rattles the light fixtures downstairs. pioneer elite reciever, dvd player, direct tv & tivo

On the computer i have two floorstanding dbx speakers, that are five channels, and have a 15" sub in each, sony reciever and sony amp.

i pump out some major boom!

clm7214 · October 26, 2006

Im using the Bose system with the sub and 2 sattelites. It sounds better than my Home surround sound.

OUMike · October 26, 2006

haha thanks for the help everyone.

Maybe I wasn't entirely clear about the goal. I'm looking to obtain the best possible sound for around $100. The two setups I listed above were the 2 of the highest rated units I found. The Logitech setup is actually the CNet best buy for 2004. The Kilpsch were rated no better than average everywhere I looked.

So far I think I'm gonna go with the Logitechs.

Thanks guys.

Wingnut · October 26, 2006

Oh, I should add...Might want to replace the soundcard FIRST anyway.

I built this PC in '01, and just upgrade it when needed, and on my experience, Creative sound cards last a max of two years before they start dropping channels, cutting out, or just plain not working. I'm sure other brands are the same.

I'm going with Turtle Beach or something next.

OUMike · October 26, 2006

Oh, I should add...Might want to replace the soundcard FIRST anyway.

I built this PC in '01, and just upgrade it when needed, and on my experience, Creative sound cards last a max of two years before they start dropping channels, cutting out, or just plain not working. I'm sure other brands are the same.

I'm going with Turtle Beach or something next.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yea, I had an old PCI 512, but thats old. So I pulled it and now I'm using on board audio. Pretty good. Good enough for now anyhow.

Not really sure what I wanna go with though. Any recommendations?

Wingnut · October 27, 2006

Yeah...NOT Creative.

OUMike · November 8, 2006

Update. I've picked the Logitech Z-2300s. They seem to be the best speaker for the money and everyone has them highly touted.

Has anyone had any expirence with these speakers? I've not been able to determine weather or not they are digital. I have both analog and digital inputs and would prefer to use digital.

Ranger · November 8, 2006

Update. I've picked the Logitech Z-2300s. They seem to be the best speaker for the money and everyone has them highly touted.

Has anyone had any expirence with these speakers? I've not been able to determine weather or not they are digital. I have both analog and digital inputs and would prefer to use digital.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have the 5300s as well and I think they rock, very good low range tones. I don't think it has a digital output though. The Z-5500s do have them and a cordless remote.

Just get an Audigy 2 (or higher) ZS sound card and it'll have plenty of good sound out of the normal RCA jacks.