Computer Speakers for a friend...

Figo · « **on:** 30 Nov 2005, 09:04 pm »

I've got a friend who is looking for a system for his dorm room to hook up to his computer. His budget is $350 max.

I was thinking of recommending some decent used bookshelf speakers ~250 and then adding a t-amp, but this may be too complicated for him...

are there any computer speakers that would sound OK (he's not an audiofool, just wants something that sounds loud, etc.), not break the bank and be easy to buy and enjoy for a normal member of society ie, I don't want to have to snoop around audiogon?

I'm trying real hard to keep him away from our insanity... heheh

thoughts?

Thanks

warnerwh · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Dec 2005, 01:44 am »

A used set of Monsoon MM 1000's sound excellent. They can only be found on Ebay now as they're no longer made. Price is around 150-175 I think. It's a pair of planars for the mids and highs and a separate sub for the lows. I sold mine and went to headphones on my computer but had been very impressed with the sound quality. They sound better than I thought computer speakers could sound.

SWG255 · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Dec 2005, 02:22 am »

A friend has the Klipsch PC speakers, and i was amazed at how loud, and how good they sounded plugged into a laptop. Are they audio-fool grade? No, but they will ROCK!

Doublej · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Dec 2005, 03:01 am »

Consider active studio monitors. Lots of choices avalialble at your local Guitar Center, Musician's shop, www.zzsounds.com or Amazon.

PLENTY of choices under $350. Some reviews available at

www.proaudioreview.com

They'll play plenty loud. Everyone will want to party in his room.

Val · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Dec 2005, 01:42 pm »

Nothing compares to Swans M200, $174 at Newegg. IMHO, of course.

Figo · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Dec 2005, 06:44 pm »

The Swans look like winners!

Thanks

kfr01 · « **Reply #6 on:** 1 Dec 2005, 06:54 pm »

T-Amp + real bookshelves.

That's the way I'd go. The swans are o.k., in my opinion, but they aren't even close to $300 pair of decent bookshelves.

Try a RAW 1F pair: http://quicksitebuilder.cnet.com/wrnch2/rawseries.html#raw1f

See if you can get him to use the FR125S driver instead.

Russell Dawkins · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Dec 2005, 11:26 pm »

Here's a slightly cheaper alternative to the RAW:
http://www.us.alegriaaudio.com/LingSingle.htm
althought the RAW looks a little nicer and has silver wire.

Val · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Dec 2005, 01:02 am »

Again, I think there is no comparison at $174 including shipping and built-in amplifier. On top of that, they look better than and sound as good as many bookshelves, check this review.