Great sounding, CHEAP computer speakers?

[Jim Leach]

I did a quick search but didn't see what I wanted...

I have an older lap-top as a music server (iTunes machine) here at work.

we are currently using an old iPod dock (UFO looking thing) which sounds, well, bad. (it does sound better/louder than the internal lap top speakers)

Since it is a rather large room, and we are cheap, we were hoping someone might chime in with a comment like "Buy these cheap things from _______. I did and they sound pretty good!"

So, that's it. Basically powered computer speakers to make some more pleasant noise in the shop for us is what we are looking for. We do not need 'audiophile' grade sound; however if we can have that for under 50 bucks, I'm listening!!

Thanks!

[rvrazvan]

For the amp ...buy a class d amp. Something like Lepai (tripath chips)
for the speakers....build or buy?

[blue934]

if you can find a cheap amp as per above post, i've built the Overnight Sensations. great sound, amazing bass for a 4" and ~$80 in parts. i am currently building, but haven't heard yet, the Nano Neos. also supossed to sound much larger than one would expect from a 4" ~$60 design.

http://sites.google.com/site/undefin...ightsensations
on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO) - Techtalk Speaker Building, Audio, Video, and Electronics Customer Discussion Forum From Parts-Express.com

david

[pinkmouse]

Jim, look here:

Computer Speakers - what you can get for 25 USD or 15GBP

[blue934]

Originally Posted by pinkmouse

Jim, look here:

Computer Speakers - what you can get for 25 USD or 15GBP

good idea, but since the OP claims to be filling a large room w/sound these might not suffice as the link clearly claims they are 'ok' for nearfield but load up quite easily. so it depends on the desired output, but they might not go very loud.

david

[Jim Leach]

Thanks for the replies!

I am not interested in building up a small separates system- which is why I asked for 'computer speakers'. I do realize that would sound quite a bit better than what we have now...

In on of the other labs here, they have some sort of 2.1 system, which, aside from the over bloated boomy bass of the (10" I think) sub it sounds OK. That is a smaller area, but we don't need it deafening either.

I found one 2.1 system at geeks.com for $20.00 that was (if I remember) 80 watts total- 50 watt sub and two 15 watt satellites. No idea on the sound quality, which is why I was hoping for some first hand experience.

With the volumes (of production) so high, for some products (computer memory for example) 'cheap' and 'good' can be had in the same product.

That is what I am looking for.

Thanks again!

[Jim Griffin]

Jim, if you are truly looking for good sound then consider the small monitors found at your local Pro Sound stores (Guitar Center, Musician Friend, Sam Ashe, on-line retailers, and such). I like the Alesis M1Active USB 320 monitors which are active speakers small enough to sit on your desk. You can connect via a USB port or via analog jacks. The Alesis 320's cost less than $100 per pair. Other brands are available for more money and even better sound.

Alesis M1 Active 320 USB | Sweetwater.com

[djn]

Hi Jim, I use a Proton 930 amp and Best Buy Insignia speakers on my desktop. Sounds great.

[Jim Leach]

Originally Posted by Jim Griffin

Jim, if you are truly looking for good sound then consider the small monitors found at your local Pro Sound stores (Guitar Center, Musician Friend, Sam Ashe, on-line retailers, and such). I like the Alesis M1Active USB 320 monitors which are active speakers small enough to sit on your desk. You can connect via a USB port or via analog jacks. The Alesis 320's cost less than $100 per pair. Other brands are available for more money and even better sound.

Alesis M1 Active 320 USB | Sweetwater.com

Those are cool- but for a different possible need- nearfield monitors.

I was going to look for used ones, but maybe these sound OK?

I have been doing some tape dubbing to CD lately (through, interestingly enough, another Alesis product: the 9600 Master Recorder). It has some cool features for the task at hand... Using headphones and my OLD computer monitors now.