Best powered desktop speakers?

[BrokeDown]

Right now I have Creative 5.1 surround, forgot what model, no center being used right now.

I'm kinda getting bored of all the speakers on my desk, and would like to move to a powered monitor setup.

Anyone have some reccomendations? Heres a few of what I've been looking at:

Creative Gigaworks T40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836116036

Creative PM5
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=237&subcategory=565&product=14280

M-Audio AV40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836127004

M-Audio DX4
http://www.realproaudio.com/product_info.php/products_id/2460

Behringer MS40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836196002

Roland MA-15D
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381548-REG/Edirol_Roland_MA_15D_MA_15D_Desktop_Monitors.html

[kodiak kid]

If you have the cash...go to a BOSE store or their website...they have AWESOME sounding speakers that are pretty small, but put out full sound!

[Kobalt]

If you have the cash...go to a BOSE store or their website...they have AWESOME sounding speakers that are pretty small, but put out full sound!

Ummmm... no. No highs, no lows - must be Bose!

Klipsch makes some good desktop speakers.

[[cTx]Raptor22]

Edifier is also pretty good if you go that route, but I recommend old hi-fi speakers instead...

Oh... btw... Bose = Blows IMHO

[Kobalt]

Raptor22;2756557']Edifier is also pretty good if you go that route, but I recommend old hi-fi speakers instead...


Yea... computer speakers aren't hi-fi at all. For some reason everyone thinks you have to have 7 speakers built by logitech or creative to have good sound from your computer. Hint: if logitech's and creative's speakers were so good, they would be marketed to the home theater niche as well. But they're not because they're overpriced and are outperformed by a nice pair of $50 1980s speakers from craigslist. As far as surround sound for gaming, just use headphones.

[[cTx]Raptor22]

Yea... computer speakers aren't hi-fi at all. For some reason everyone thinks you have to have 7 speakers built by logitech or creative to have good sound from your computer. Hint: if logitech's and creative's speakers were so good, they would be marketed to the home theater niche as well. But they're not because they're overpriced and are outperformed by a nice pair of $50 1980s speakers from craigslist. As far as surround sound for gaming, just use headphones.

Definitely, I recommend these: http://spokane.craigslist.org/ele/564552313.html
http://rockford.craigslist.org/ele/552162576.html

Info: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=334086

[mikecdm]

I'd recommend some studio monitors. I heard that mackies are good but a bit pricey. Maybe go down to guitar center or something similar and give them a listen. I'd say that most decent studio monitors will be better than anything creative or logitech.

[EvilBellyLint]

Edirol MA-15D (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Edirol-MA15D-Digital-Stereo-Micro-Monitor-Pair?sku=603678)'s are decent for 180-bucks.


EBL

[Jowy Atreides]

I'd recommend some studio monitors. I heard that mackies are good but a bit pricey. Maybe go down to guitar center or something similar and give them a listen. I'd say that most decent studio monitors will be better than anything creative or logitech.

now we're in my interest area :)

if you have money to burn; Alesis make kickass monitors.
(check the Alesis M1 Active MkII)

if you're on more of a budget then get a pair of Wharfedale diamond 8.1 actives

- http://www.prosound-dj.com/wharfedale-diamond-active-p-1695.html?manufacturers_id=64

they're what I use for my audio mixing, sweet monitors for the price ;)
they'll be a lot heavier than conventional pc speakers though (but they're just toys lulz) :)

Edit: in fact the probably combined weigh half my weight LOL (although i'm pretty light for a tall guy)

[ROBSCIX]

Many people won't like the sound of true studio monitors especially if they are using lower grade PC soundcards. They don't have the "coloration" many speakers have and many guys love about speakers. Studio monitors are great BUT go and listen to them first if you never have becasue you may be somewhat dissapointed when you get home by their "truth" telling.

[Miwo]

I agree with Rob about Studio Monitors. The goal of Studio Monitors is to have as flat reference response as possible because if you are recording / mixing, you want to hear exactly what you are recording and not something that is going to sound different out of your speakers. Many Purists go for Studio Monitors, but some may find them boring to listen to

Some other suggestions:

Audioengine A5 - http://audioengineusa.com/store/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=76&osCsid=7616994ef2738b539226e8da68c4e573

NHT M00 - http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NHTM00

[EvilBellyLint]

the new Mackie MR5 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MR5/) looks pretty incredible for $300/pair.
I just may pick up a set of these for myself :cool:

EBL


Edited to Add: An A/B comparison to those Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 actives Jowy mentioned
would be quite interesting. Wharfdale has a pretty good product there at this pricepoint.

[Donnie27]

Right now I have Creative 5.1 surround, forgot what model, no center being used right now.

I'm kinda getting bored of all the speakers on my desk, and would like to move to a powered monitor setup.

Anyone have some reccomendations? Heres a few of what I've been looking at:

Creative Gigaworks T40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836116036

Creative PM5
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=237&subcategory=565&product=14280

M-Audio AV40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836127004

M-Audio DX4
http://www.realproaudio.com/product_info.php/products_id/2460

Behringer MS40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836196002

Roland MA-15D
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381548-REG/Edirol_Roland_MA_15D_MA_15D_Desktop_Monitors.html

These get my vote.

http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=364

[EvilBellyLint]

Also in the pro audio category, and at the same $300 pricepoint
as the Mackie MR5 & Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 is the Event Alp5 (http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan07/articles/eventalp5.htm).

Any of the three would be a good choice, if you're going for
"real" sound and not hyped-up colored bookshelf speakers. :p:

EBL

[EvilBellyLint]

These get my vote.

http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=364

HiVi certainly wins the award for product design. Every one of their Swan
speakers is gorgeous. But several models I've listened to were not in the
same ballpark as true nearfield monitors. Hopefully the new M200II's will
sound better, and not sacrifice quality internals for beautiful exteriors --

Apparently when the first M200 came out (hence the roman numeral "II"
for this new pair) Newegg actually carried them, and like a dozen customers
had their amps burn up on them in a day's time. Now you can only get the
M200II from The Audio Insider...


EBL

[icon57]

i have some old altec lansing speakers that i think are the best!!!

[BrokeDown]

I'm considering getting the Edirol speakers. They have an SPDIF connection and seem like they would be the easiest to setup; they also have a subwoofer connection if I ever wanted to add one, and for the price its hard to beat.

[Donnie27]

HiVi certainly wins the award for product design. Every one of their Swan
speakers is gorgeous. But several models I've listened to were not in the
same ballpark as true nearfield monitors. Hopefully the new M200II's will
sound better, and not sacrifice quality internals for beautiful exteriors --

Apparently when the first M200 came out (hence the roman numeral "II"
for this new pair) Newegg actually carried them, and like a dozen customers
had their amps burn up on them in a day's time. Now you can only get the
M200II from The Audio Insider...


EBL

Yes, these are the new and improved model.

[ROBSCIX]

I'm considering getting the Edirol speakers. They have an SPDIF connection and seem like they would be the easiest to setup; they also have a subwoofer connection if I ever wanted to add one, and for the price its hard to beat.


What audio interface will you be using with them? I noticed you mention SPDIF so are you going digital from a onboard or add/in soundcard? I hope you like the sound of them...monitors are very different from speakers. Good Luck on your hunt.

[ColonelCain]

I personally prefer the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers. Best ones that I have ever owned.

[BrokeDown]

Yes, these are the new and improved model.

How would the M200II hook up to my computer? I looked at the "Audio Insider" and the pictures make it look like I would need a receiver to run them through.

What audio interface will you be using with them? I noticed you mention SPDIF so are you going digital from a onboard or add/in soundcard? I hope you like the sound of them...monitors are very different from speakers. Good Luck on your hunt.

SPDIF out from my soundcard.

I personally prefer the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers. Best ones that I have ever owned.

I looked at those too, considering them as well.

[Donnie27]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882203024

With one of these connected to the Front Speaker out on the sound card to the CD-In on the receiver for stereo receiver. Use 3 for 5.1 Analog In on a 5.1 receiver per their instructions. Most Receivers are now color coded for easy installation.

[cabbspapp]

I personally prefer the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers. Best ones that I have ever owned.

I have them too, and I love mine. The only thing I can compare them to is the Altec Lansing XA3021, which blows that out of the water.

[Donnie27]

I have them too, and I love mine. The only thing I can compare them to is the Altec Lansing XA3021, which blows that out of the water.

But once you hear fuller range speakers and a better AMP, you'll never go back to computer multi-media speakers again.

[tbone8ty]

those creative t40 looks sweet