[bixby]

I could use some ideas on an upgrade to the cheap little speakers that come with most computers.  My budget is limited to $100 or so.  I need to have something that sounds better and preferably have an amp built in.  

I have thought of trying to find a pro audio monitor like a Tapco S-5 or a Fostex, but even used they seem out of the budget.  I have no idea on what lower end models might sound although I did hear some krk (sp) at guitar center that were not too bad.

This would just be for listening to internet radiio while working and sampling new itunes songs for possible cd purchase, loud not required.  

One other thought I had was some DIY type small box speaker with a full range driver, but then I would have to get an amp.  Sonic Impact?  Sound card has speaker out and headphone out, but it is nothing special I am sure.

Ideas?  Examples?

thanks

[Marbles]

A monsoon system like this would get my vote:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Monsoon-Planar-Media-9-PC-multimedia-speaker-system_W0QQitemZ8754023117QQcategoryZ3702QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you can find a pair of Swan 200's used for $100, they would be very good as well.

[cbj]

The $100 makes it a little tough.  As you mentioned the little sonic impact is about the only option if you don't get self powered speakers and it will cost you $30 or so.  If you got it you would want to try and stick with some fairly efficient speakers.  You could get a pair of Athena AS-B1s over at AudioAdvisor for $85 or get the AS-B1.2 for $120.  You could try the Infinity Primus 150s off ebay for $120 or so.  Finally the BR-1 kit from Parts Express is $140, unfortunately PE doesn't have free shipping anymore and the BR-1s aren't very efficient.

[Thump553]

I asked a similar question a while back and got plenty of good suggestions, but I can't find that thread now.  I ended up getting RSL Digital Fidelity One, a 2.1 powered system.  I'm very happy with them-the only drawbacks are:  beige color only, somewhat large subwoofer (if you have limited space) and no headphone jack.  They run about $65-70 with shipping and here is the link:
http://www.rslspeakers.com/

Here is an old review of them, comparing them to Logictech Z-2300:

http://www.macintouch.com/speakers01/review.html

[jackman]

A monsoon system like this would get my vote:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Monsoon-Planar-Media-9-PC-multimedia-speaker-system_W0QQitemZ8754023117QQcategoryZ3702QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you can find a pair of Swan 200's used for $100, they would be very good as well.

Hey!  I have that same system (Monsoon) on my computer.  It plays surprisingly loud with bumpin' bass.  Performance isn't going to keep Salk or VMPS up at nigh but cool system for the office.  

[bixby]

Maybe I have to spend a bit more then.  I'm surprised at the 2 votes for the Monsoon, I would have dismissed a system like that.  I heard the JBL Creature system and almost threw up listening to it.

But I trust you guys.  It is on my short list.  

I like the Swans and other ideas too.  Does it get any better at up  to $200 a pair.  And used is good.  I can probably find a used amp cheap to keep the whole thing under $200.

thanks

[jackman]

Maybe I have to spend a bit more then.  I'm surprised at the 2 votes for the Monsoon, I would have dismissed a system like that.  I heard the JBL Creature system and almost threw up listening to it.

But I trust you guys.  It is on my short list.  

I like the Swans and other ideas too.  Does it get any better at up  to $200 a pair.  And used is good.  I can probably find a used amp cheap to keep the whole thing under $200.

thanks

Hi,

The Monsoon speakers are good for an office type sysetem as long as you don't walk around or stand up.  They have limited vertical dispersion because they are ribbons (or planar) but when you sit in the sweet spot, they sound pretty good.  Worth the $20 this guy is asking.  They also play pretty loud and have a subwoofer.  I haven't heard the other speakers in the thread and would not be surprised if they are good.  For my office listening (background MP3's and CD's) these work fine.

Good luck.

J

[Val]

The Swans M200 is difficult to beat. Almost as good as top $300 minimonitors and with amplifiers to boot.

[bixby]

Marbles and Val, as well as others.,  thanks for your ideas.  After researching them and others, It really seems the Swans are the ones to beat.  Ordering tomorrow before the big Broncos win (fingers are crossed).

cheers

[Thump553]

In case you haven't bought yet, and want something cheaper, here is the Logitech Z2300's for $60 (after $50 rebate) with free "budget" shipping:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10380060&loc=101&sp=1