Minimun Speaker Purchase Price

[JarquaFelmu]

Hey guys, recently I've had to start looking into buying another sound output device for my computer.

See what happened was, I noticed that the mic on my headset was coming loose, so I knew that it was only a matter of time before I had to get rid of the headset, and today the left speaker went out on it ><.

The main reasons for wanting to buy speakers this time are because they don't move around as much (if at all) and so you have less and less chance of damaging their cords. Also, depending on the speaker and headphones, you can get better sound from the speakers.

So my question is, what do you guys think is the very least you would pay for quality speakers?

I'm not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of speakers, just some that will sound nice and get the job done.

I was thinking that $5 - $10 was way to little to spend on speakers, but $100+ seemed a little steep. Do you think you guys could steer me in a price range that I might want to look at? Thanks.

I've been doing some research and these look nice, but they seem on the low end of the cost scale.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121127

I just found this really awesome deal, I've been needing a new monitor anyways.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121126

On an off note, in order to use 5.1 sound, do you have to have a 5.1 sound card? Or is it all taken care of by the subwoofer and then that plugs into your sound output jack?

[Neo]

Hmm, well I picked 2 sets of speakers that are basically the same (one from newegg, and one surprisingly enough the exact same set at walmart) they were $20 I believe. Others love them here because they are good speakers, but also have a headphone jack on the front.

If you want a 5.1 system, it's really up to you, but I wouldn't spend anymore then 40-50~ on one -- Again, rofl, I picked up my 5.1 set at walmart, originally they are a home entertainment but they came with a cord that hooks them up to the computer.

However speakers with a headphone jack are very convienient, if you use headphones occasionaly, it's very convieniant to just plug them in right there, rather then give your computer a reach-around, or find the right port on it, etc...

Combo looks alright, but to be honest, you could find a good monitor for under 200, and a 5.1 under 50 so depends on how much you want to save.

IE:

Use the Promo Code: EMCACBECF on this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236029&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL021408&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL021408-_-LCDMonitors-_-L7A-_-24236029

and get it @ $180

Just look around first and READ THE REVIEWS! they are very helpful.

-Neo

[Oblongato]

Check out these (and the reviews):

http://reviews.pricegrabber.com/speakers/m/17049262/st=product_tab

I have an older version Creative T series 2.1 set, and I've never heard anything better in that price class. Stereo is not very exciting when you can get 7.1 systems for a few bucks more, but the sound quality of a decent 2.1 system is the best bang for buck. They are even suitable for music, if you aren't an extreme audiophile.

If you love having cables all over the place, Creative also has decent 7.1 systems (for a bit more cash).

http://reviews.pricegrabber.com/speakers/m/4071361/st=product_tab

But definitely go with a subwoofer system if you want decent sound - if you don't, you'll have to go for big speakers or forever live without bass.

[Neo]

bass isn't everything.

And if you are in a shared living arrangement (ie apartments or something) then high bass will aggravate your neighbors.

-Neo

[hammocksleeper]

you need a 5.1 sound card to get true multi-channel sound.

[Galiant]

bass isn't everything.

And if you are in a shared living arrangement (ie apartments or something) then high bass will aggravate your neighbors.

-Neo

we ave the same idea

[AJ]

you need a 5.1 sound card to get true multi-channel sound.

quite right, you need to make sure you have a sound card capable of outputting the surround that you're looking to get.

a 5.1 system with a crappy on-board analog out port isn't going to cut it.

[hammocksleeper]

quite right, you need to make sure you have a sound card capable of outputting the surround that you're looking to get.

a 5.1 system with a crappy on-board analog out port isn't going to cut it.

it's also worth it to point out that multichannel surround only provides extra benefit when watching surround movies or playing surround games. of which maybe your computer usage is mostly comprised, maybe not. a good setup is two speakers and a sub. this is the most common setup, does not require a special sound card, and is very flexible for different uses. a step up from this, more aligned with music listening, would be a pair of studio-quality reference monitors (will run you a few hundred dollars)

[Oblongato]

Most mainboards made in the past few years support at least 5.1 sound and would be adequate if you are on a tight budget. Check your model. If you are not satisfied with the sound, you can add a sound card later.

But even if you have to keep your bass down, you should compare the sound of a 2.0 system (w/out subwoofer) and a 2.1 / 5.1 / 7.1 system (with). I think you will be amazed at how far superior the sound of a subwoofer system is, and you can turn the bass as far down as necessary for your fellow human beings. If you care about sound quality, there are huge differences from brand to brand. Some systems look cool but sound like garbage. Read the reviews and try them in a store if you can.

[JarquaFelmu]

Wow, I am really impressed with the number of responses here and the quality of them. Thank you all for your thoughts.

I've been reading this thread and I've been checking out various prices around in Bestbuy/Staples/Walmart/Circuit City and various other stores. Some of them had good prices for their speakers and others had pretty high prices. I was talking with a Circuit City computer technician who was also a friend I hadn't seen in a while, and he was saying, like most of you, that I should invest in a system that had a subwoofer in it, and thats what I will do.

He mentioned that the Creative Audio brand speakers tend to die if they're turned up really loud for a long time, but using it for general listening they should do just fine.

I think I'm going to go with the 2.1 setup because, I don't think I really need the whole surround sound experience (even if it is amazing:)). If anyone else has any other ideas please share them, I like learning all I can about different avenues of computers.

[Neo]

Feel free to ask anything else =P

But yeah, after going from a 2 speaker setup to a 5.1 surround (although most of the time I have it set to 2.1) is amazing. So much stuff "comes alive" as it were.

Even while playing games.

Ever heard Archimonde say "DOOM AS COME TO THIS WORLD?" with a subwoofer?

Sweet. Music sounds better to.

-Neo

[tzzA]

Ohh, how I wish for speakers.

But I got a lappie.

FAIL NOISES.

Anyway, yeah, if you listen to music or watch movies on your comp, then definitely get something up higher on the price range, and definitely get a subwoofer. Personally, my (crappy) desktop has, like, 5 year old speakers and etc, but still sounds decent; it's a lot to do with the sub. Also, if you have a stereo system that you use for music, you may want to think about upgrading that and hooking up your computer (I know that I'd like to hook this laptop up to my sexeh $200 each speakers [x2] and $250 subwoofer) if you can get it to work; plus, you might even be able to save on a monitor if you have a new tv and can just plug everything together-stereo+speakers+comp+tv.