Computer speakers

Thump553 · « **on:** 23 Feb 2004, 02:16 pm »

Anyone have any reccommendations for 2 channel computer speakers for my office? Will be used primarily for internet radio listening at low volumes. I would like a small footprint-I have a LCD monitor and like to have a clear (physical) desktop. Looks are important here-its a professional office.

I could go the receiver/amplifer route and conventional speakers, if that works better.

Budget is undecided (its my pocket)-probably $100-200 for powered speakers.

Fife · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Feb 2004, 10:36 pm »

I have had the Microsoft DSS 80 system for the last 5 years. It is quite powerful for such a small thing. 20w per channel and the sub is 40watts (dual driver - passive + active). Speakers are the size of a Nalgene water bottle and the subwoofer is the size of say 20cm wide, 35cm long & 20cm high.

This thing can provide power for a house party! I have tried. Great bass for such as thing.

Currently one of fleabay and they go for pretty cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3079154533&category=32861

Otherwise, I am sure you can check out the Logitech, Altec Lansings, Klipshs....etc.

Depends on what you want/need. The sub may be overkill for you though.

Good luck.

steve_jrc · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Feb 2004, 11:12 pm »

For about $100 you could get a Griffin Powerwave and attach a pair of Norh 3.0 speakers for another 299.95 (includes shipping). Read the reviews on the Norh circle and Multichannel and Digital circle.

chino · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Feb 2004, 11:24 pm »

Ive had the harman/kardon Soundsticks for 3yrs I think. Bought it for looks. Made for the Mac but can be use for winXp too coz connection is USB. Soundwise not bad at all. Just 2 speakers + a sub thats all. Heres the link http://www.harmanmultimedia.com/shop_detail.html?cart=HK2_1077578104313893&sku=SS&id1=1

Brad · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Feb 2004, 02:40 am »

I've got the Monsoons with the 4 x 8" ribbon driver running full range. They come with a 6.5" sub. The 2.1 package is pretty reasonable (I paid $140 or so a couple of years ago)

Driving it with a Hercules Game Theater XP.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Feb 2004, 04:44 am »

I'm thinking of getting the Griffin, just waiting to see if eCost is getting any in stock in my lifetime. As a hardcore cheapskate, I'd wait a week before ordering from J&R to save a few bucks.

zeke · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Feb 2004, 05:46 am »

I second the monsoon recommendation ........ very nice sound ....

Thump553 · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Feb 2004, 02:22 pm »

I'm inclined to get the Griffin, but I think the Norh speakers might be overkill (and oversized) for my desktop. My seat is about 2-21/2 feet from the monitor, the speakers would probably go on each side of the speaker (LCD screen, therefore I don't have to worry about shielding-right?)

Rob, I'd think twice about buying from ecost. I've done it once and had absolutely no problems. But from what I've read on the forums if you ever need to return or RMA anything, they are a nightmare. Very short time periods and they frequently try to have you deal with the manufacturer rather than them. For the extra $10 or so I'd deal with J&R.

Dmason · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Feb 2004, 02:46 pm »

I must have gotten the last one, and received it in four days, no problems.

Rob, --go for this little PowerWave; Take a crowbar to that wallet and spend the extra --ten--dollars. This is the newer generation Tripath chip, and it seems to do its thing better than the ones in my Carver ZR amp. I think it is actually a better sound. It has some pretty "big" watts to, works just fine with my Soliloquy speakers.

Get two and have "monoblocks" for you computer for under $200. Then you could get a Behringer active digital crossover and bi-amp the Sound Sticks or the nOrhs. Or maybe some Omegas. They are "cheap." Any decent speaker that can operate on this level of output is going to have its sonic signature jacked up in a most astonishing way! A++

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Feb 2004, 10:00 pm »

Yeah, it's not like they cost $5K each!

I've orded tons of stuff from eCost.com, but the wait if often pretty long if something's outta stock.

How would a guy use two of them, Dmason? You could run each one from a diff USB port, but wouldn't they both get a stereo signal? I suppose you could vertically biamp, but that's sorta overkill for speakers meant to listen to MP3 samples at Amazon.com!

Dmason · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Feb 2004, 11:02 pm »

I meant....YOU, Rob, ...could use two of them. You know, tell your friends you have your computer stereo in "monoblock configuration." Just kidding....

Anyway, the thing sounds really good. My point is that for $90, you have something truly extraordinary, an opportunity in fact, -- around which to build a spectacular high end music maker...... If I were starting from scratch, and I am thinking very strongly of doing so, I would get some of these Omega speakers, -I am strongly thinking of doing so, (the single driver concept is one typically espoused by seasoned audiophools as a "final destination" design, --and the PowerWave, which is plenty juice to power them and sound dangerously SET-like. Computer-speakers-from-hell.

Nearfield listening is highly addictive. You could add very little IMHO, and have an absolute killer reference class stereo. Add a little single ended tube pre amp like Space Tech's, a Nixon DAC, and be done. For life. Absolute Killer System. ---For about $1200.--- I ask: 'what are you waiting for?'

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #11 on:** 26 Feb 2004, 01:21 am »

Are you seriously saying it's not "computer speaker good" but rather "world class first string system" good? If so that would be a true bargain, indeed. In that type of a rig, biamping might be cool.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #12 on:** 26 Feb 2004, 01:37 am »

Cripes! I went to J&R- friggin' out of stock!

Dmason · « **Reply #13 on:** 26 Feb 2004, 01:51 am »

I am saying it is ALL down to implementation. Like real estate is all about location. Properly implemented high efficiency drivers, like the ones Fostex has pretty well wired, sound great. Much attention has been paid to their design because in Japan "real" audiophools listen to single drivers with tube amps..... and don't need much power. Now with these little Tripath baby amps, one does not need to use tubes to make the Fostex sound good. (they sound terrible with most SS) add the other goodies, and yes, you would have something rather special.

Whatever Griffin did, they seemed to have given the PowerWave a decent PSU, because these are BIG 15-20 watts, and the dynamics with Fostex should be outstanding. Proof: I have zero inclination to pull the thing apart....

My Soliloquys are jamming in the other room, and are not super high efficiency speakers, tho' they are voiced with, and intended for tube amps.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #14 on:** 2 Mar 2004, 02:50 am »

I signed up for an email when they're back in stock. Someone just posted elsewhere that Griffin doesn't have them in stock right now, either. Just my luck- I finally get off the fence and now I can't get one.

I'll just have to content myself for now by reading about how great you guy's Griffins sound!

But I've already made room on my computer desk for one...

Mathew_M · « **Reply #15 on:** 2 Mar 2004, 03:19 am »

http://shop.macconnection.com/web/Shopping/Product.htm?catalog%5Fname=PCCGeneral&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=433433&variant%5Fid=&SearchLogID=%7B4A69366B%2D2297%2D4BF3%2D99A5%2DCA556609B4B7%7D

Mathew_M · « **Reply #16 on:** 2 Mar 2004, 03:21 am »

Dmason,

Could you please do a comparison between the Powerwave and XR45. I'm also interested in your thoughts on the Cayin amp. I too am looking for a nice sounding office system.

Thump553 · « **Reply #17 on:** 25 Aug 2005, 08:39 pm »

I'm bumping this very old thread in the hopes of some new ideas. My employment situation has changed-I'm in the process of establishing a solo office in very small 1700's era historical district. I'd like something for clear nearfield play, mostly folk, acoustic, etc. type music.

I hate to say it, but looks are important here. I need something either very small and unobtrusive, or unique looking. Since my budget is awash with red ink, cost is a factor also.

On the plus side, it looks like my new work computer has digital out.