pc speakers

[Indian pc builder]

need good value pc speaker with good sound, used for high def music. also needs to be good for video calls. Bluetooth connectivity needs to be an option, but it will be connected to the pc by wire

[Dedayog]

5 minutes ago, Indian pc builder said:

need good value pc speaker with good sound, used for high def music. also needs to be good for video calls. Bluetooth connectivity needs to be an option, but it will be connected to the pc by wire

Budget?  Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 for under $100 or powered studio monitors if you have $200.

 

Isn't all music high def? 

[Indian pc builder]

1 minute ago, Dedayog said:

Budget?  Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 for under $100 or powered studio monitors if you have $200.

 

Isn't all music high def? 

budget = not audiophile gear, i mean high quality apple music stuff with dolby atmos

[Dedayog]

10 minutes ago, Indian pc builder said:

budget = not audiophile gear, i mean high quality apple music stuff with dolby atmos

You want Dolby Atmos?  Do you understand what that is?

 

Budget means a dollar amount.  Do you have a dollar limit?

[Indian pc builder]

2 hours ago, Dedayog said:

You want Dolby Atmos?  Do you understand what that is?

 

Budget means a dollar amount.  Do you have a dollar limit?

Under 30000inr, yes I know that Dolby atmosphere is not that useful on a sound bar or something similar for a pc, but I am

mentioning it as I use Apple Music 

[Indian pc builder]

can someone pls help?

 

[Dedayog]

39 minutes ago, Indian pc builder said:

can someone pls help?

 

I'm not seeing computer speakers being Dolby Atmos compatible.  So lose that and your options greatly open up.

 

What speakers have caught your eye? We can discuss (I mean we as in LLT forum people).

 

I run a pair of powered studio monitors, they have their own amp and crossovers, sound great across al volumes and media.  They're Bluetooth as well.  $210 USD or so.

 

Speakers are incredibly subjective, so post a few you have seen and let's talk.

 

My speakers:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR-Studio-Monitor-CR5-XBT/dp/B083N92T5G/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=mackie+cr5&qid=1677153966&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb

 

Mackie's soundbar:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-StealthBar-Desktop-Soundbar-Bluetooth/dp/B09CZFK33K/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3S3VTWH9CUCRF&keywords=mackie&qid=1677153923&s=electronics&sprefix=mackie%2Celectronics%2C100&sr=1-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb

 

 

[Indian pc builder]

1 hour ago, Dedayog said:

I'm not seeing computer speakers being Dolby Atmos compatible.  So lose that and your options greatly open up.

 

What speakers have caught your eye? We can discuss (I mean we as in LLT forum people).

 

I run a pair of powered studio monitors, they have their own amp and crossovers, sound great across al volumes and media.  They're Bluetooth as well.  $210 USD or so.

 

Speakers are incredibly subjective, so post a few you have seen and let's talk.

 

My speakers:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR-Studio-Monitor-CR5-XBT/dp/B083N92T5G/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=mackie+cr5&qid=1677153966&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb

 

Mackie's soundbar:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-StealthBar-Desktop-Soundbar-Bluetooth/dp/B09CZFK33K/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3S3VTWH9CUCRF&keywords=mackie&qid=1677153923&s=electronics&sprefix=mackie%2Celectronics%2C100&sr=1-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb

 

 

I don’t have that much space on my desk and am willing to give up the atmos option, do I need the speakers or will the sound bar do?

[cmndr]

At least in the US I'd probably be looking at something like an on sale JBL 530/KEF Q150/Polk ES15(can be wall mounted) + Fosi BT30d

As an FYI, you're NOT getting atmos (which requires a bunch of different sound sources) and "not bad" sound quality for $300ish USD. 

As someone with a 13 speaker atmos set up that cost 10x what you're looking to spend... start with 2 good speakers and you're probably fine. Two good speakers, each of them angled towards your ears (or at least the tweaters at ear level), will work WONDERS. 

[Dedayog]

4 hours ago, Indian pc builder said:

I don’t have that much space on my desk and am willing to give up the atmos option, do I need the speakers or will the sound bar do?

It all depends on how sensitive your ears are.  As above, a 13 speaker setup works for some, not others.  

 

No one can say 2 speakers or 13 is what YOU need.  It's not like frames in a game, we can't say what sounds good to you.

 

I am fine with a pair of 5" Mackies. I also have a full home theatre for my living room. Some use their PC as their movie watching station.

 

A good soundbar can't touch good separates though.  But it may be enough for you, only you can say.

 

19 minutes ago, cmndr said:

At least in the US I'd probably be looking at something like an on sale JBL 530/KEF Q150/Polk ES15(can be wall mounted) + Fosi BT30d

As an FYI, you're NOT getting atmos (which requires a bunch of different sound sources) and "not bad" sound quality for $300ish USD. 

As someone with a 13 speaker atmos set up that cost 10x what you're looking to spend... start with 2 good speakers and you're probably fine. Two good speakers, each of them angled towards your ears (or at least the tweaters at ear level), will work WONDERS. 

You're being humble, I know you spent a lot more than 10x ($3500).  Hell, my 5.1 Denon/Mirage living room cost 10x.

 

I agree though, start with 2 and see.  

[cmndr]

2 hours ago, Dedayog said:

It all depends on how sensitive your ears are.  As above, a 13 speaker setup works for some, not others.  

 

No one can say 2 speakers or 13 is what YOU need.  It's not like frames in a game, we can't say what sounds good to you.

 

I am fine with a pair of 5" Mackies. I also have a full home theatre for my living room. Some use their PC as their movie watching station.

 

A good soundbar can't touch good separates though.  But it may be enough for you, only you can say.

 

You're being humble, I know you spent a lot more than 10x ($3500).  Hell, my 5.1 Denon/Mirage living room cost 10x.

 

I agree though, start with 2 and see.  

For most people a 2.0 or 2.1 set up is the sweet spot and extra $$$ isn't fully appreciated. It's easier to set up and getting two GOOD speakers goes pretty far.

As far as my own gear:
Factory refurbished 5 year old AVR - $900
Polk R200 - $550 on sale
Emotiva B1+ $210
ELAC OW 4.2 - $240
2x used subwoofers - $700
4x used Klipsch satellite speakers - $100
Mounting hardware $15
Misc wires - $50
Aiyima A07 amp - $70
Tactile transducer set up - $300ish
Speaker stands $44

It's a bit under 10x. I avoided buying tower speakers (2-3x the price and minimal benefit if you have a subwoofer) and new (used stuff is often 2-3x cheaper and will still last another 10-30 years) wherever I could. I could've easily more than 2Xed my costs if I bought towers (an extra $1500), new subs ($500 more) a new AVR ($700 more) and spent an extra $1000 on overhead speakers that pretty much only do sound effects. It wouldn't be THAT much better. I'm mostly limited by my room anyway since my main battle is dealing with room reflections.

 

[Dedayog]

1 hour ago, cmndr said:

For most people a 2.0 or 2.1 set up is the sweet spot and extra $$$ isn't fully appreciated. It's easier to set up and getting two GOOD speakers goes pretty far.

As far as my own gear:
Factory refurbished 5 year old AVR - $900
Polk R200 - $550 on sale
Emotiva B1+ $210
ELAC OW 4.2 - $240
2x used subwoofers - $700
4x used Klipsch satellite speakers - $100
Mounting hardware $15
Misc wires - $50
Aiyima A07 amp - $70
Tactile transducer set up - $300ish
Speaker stands $44

It's around 10x. I avoided buying tower speakers (2-3x the price and minimal benefit if you have a subwoofer) and new (used stuff is often 2-3x cheaper and will still last another 10-30 years) wherever I could. I could've easily more than 2Xed my costs if I bought towers (an extra $1500), new subs ($500 more) a new AVR ($700 more) and spent an extra $1000 on overhead speakers that pretty much only do sound effects. It wouldn't be THAT much better. I'm mostly limited by my room anyway since my main battle is dealing with room reflections.

 

100% agreed.  2 is where I like it, the 5" Mackies have a satisfying low end for their size.  Clarity and performance that Logitech can't touch. Only 2.1 I can recommend as a set is Klipsch ProMedia.

 

I even went so far as to remove my rear speakers from my HT.  I run a 3.1 now, and honestly can't say I miss the rears. They're nice in some movies like Fifth Element or Behind Enemy Lines, but for the most part I just found running wires and placement to be an issue I just grew annoyed with.

 

Really nice setup for very good pricing, well done.

 

Hope it shows the OP that it can be done without big expense and that you don't NEED it, but if you do it right it can definitely add to your enjoyment.

[cmndr]

38 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

100% agreed.  2 is where I like it, the 5" Mackies have a satisfying low end for their size.  Clarity and performance that Logitech can't touch. Only 2.1 I can recommend as a set is Klipsch ProMedia.

 

I even went so far as to remove my rear speakers from my HT.  I run a 3.1 now, and honestly can't say I miss the rears. They're nice in some movies like Fifth Element or Behind Enemy Lines, but for the most part I just found running wires and placement to be an issue I just grew annoyed with.

 

Really nice setup for very good pricing, well done.

 

Hope it shows the OP that it can be done without big expense and that you don't NEED it, but if you do it right it can definitely add to your enjoyment.

I'm usually one to recommend more than the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 if there's budget for it. At around $70ish on sale it's not bad - definitely better than what most people use. Similar story for the mackies (though there's probably a few choices from edifier which make more sense when on sale). 2x JBL m305p mkII is about the point where most people are just wowed. 

[Dedayog]

2 hours ago, cmndr said:

I'm usually one to recommend more than the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 if there's budget for it. At around $70ish on sale it's not bad - definitely better than what most people use. Similar story for the mackies (though there's probably a few choices from edifier which make more sense when on sale). 2x JBL m305p mkII is about the point where most people are just wowed. 

I'll have to give them a look at.  I had put a $150 limit on speakers when I looked at studio monitors, and stretched for the Mackies.  At $300 for a pair, I never lookedat the JBL.  I will do that.  Nice thing about good audio is there is always a market for used, so I can find a home for the Mackies easily I bet.

[cmndr]

I haven't had a chance to look at the CR5 but the CR3 gets absolutely torn apart on Erins + ASR
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/mackie_cr3x/
 

[Dedayog]

1 hour ago, cmndr said:

I haven't had a chance to look at the CR5 but the CR3 gets absolutely torn apart on Erins + ASR
https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/mackie_cr3x/
 

Interesting. While I see the graphs and his text, I think it's difficult for laymen to really translate that to what we gear.

 

I'm basically tone deaf so I don't hear what my friends hear as differences.  I know what I like but as long as it's within my range, well built with good reviews  and price...

 

The mackies got good reviews and had the green esthetic .  My other PC was green accented.

 

I don't need super good PC speakers, I've got my living room for that.

 

 

[cmndr]

On 2/23/2023 at 5:26 PM, Dedayog said:

Interesting. While I see the graphs and his text, I think it's difficult for laymen to really translate that to what we gear.

 

I know what I like but as long as it's within my range, well built with good reviews  and price...

That's why he includes written descriptions. 

Most people have "questionable" standards when it comes to product reviews. Few people are able to discern what is actually good and what isn't. 

There's definitely truth to "comparison is the thief of joy" - now that I've listened to good stuff, I'm a lot less happy with more common gear (I'd like it played 3dB softer with MUCH less distortion). 
 

[Indian pc builder]

On 2/24/2023 at 2:00 AM, Dedayog said:

100% agreed.  2 is where I like it, the 5" Mackies have a satisfying low end for their size.  Clarity and performance that Logitech can't touch. Only 2.1 I can recommend as a set is Klipsch ProMedia.

 

I even went so far as to remove my rear speakers from my HT.  I run a 3.1 now, and honestly can't say I miss the rears. They're nice in some movies like Fifth Element or Behind Enemy Lines, but for the most part I just found running wires and placement to be an issue I just grew annoyed with.

 

Really nice setup for very good pricing, well done.

 

Hope it shows the OP that it can be done without big expense and that you don't NEED it, but if you do it right it can definitely add to your enjoyment.

Space constraints limit me from getting speakers this big, any smaller 2 channel set I can look at?

 

also 30000inr is roughly 350 usd

[Dedayog]

2 hours ago, Indian pc builder said:

Space constraints limit me from getting speakers this big, any smaller 2 channel set I can look at?

 

also 30000inr is roughly 350 usd

Everything  I mentioned was too big?  The Klipsch set is too big?

 

You may need a soundbar then.  I have no experience with them at all, so cannot comment.

 

@cmndr may be able to.

[cmndr]

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 is about the smallest it gets, assuming the subwoofer on the ground under the desk isn't a problem. 

Also be aware that you can wall mount the Polk ES15s with a single screw per speaker so in theory it's no desk space. 
Older S15 pictured
 

 

[Indian pc builder]

On 3/2/2023 at 11:40 PM, cmndr said:

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 is about the smallest it gets, assuming the subwoofer on the ground under the desk isn't a problem. 

Also be aware that you can wall mount the Polk ES15s with a single screw per speaker so in theory it's no desk space. 
Older S15 pictured
 

 

i can't wall mount stuff due the design of the desk and the wall behind it, even then there is no space to wall mount, on second thought the klipsch set is just about small enough to fit, but its still too big as when i sit at my desk, my head would be 2 feet away from them and also i dont have space underneath for the subwoofer

 

 

a soundbar can work but it can't be wider than a foot and a half as i don't want it to take up very much space on my desk. 

 

 

 

currently i have been making do with a bose soundlink mini bluetooth speaker and am looking for an upgrade with 2 speakers of similar size as that is what i have space for

 

note: if they are vertical and not horizontal mini soundbars like the Bose then they can be idk, 7 inches tall?(i'm going of the size of the original amazon Alexa echo speaker 2nd generation thar sits on my desk)

[Dedayog]

17 minutes ago, Indian pc builder said:

i can't wall mount stuff due the design of the desk and the wall behind it, even then there is no space to wall mount, on second thought the klipsch set is just about small enough to fit, but its still too big as when i sit at my desk, my head would be 2 feet away from them and also i dont have space underneath for the subwoofer

 

 

a soundbar can work but it can't be wider than a foot and a half as i don't want it to take up very much space on my desk. 

 

 

 

currently i have been making do with a bose soundlink mini bluetooth speaker and am looking for an upgrade with 2 speakers of similar size as that is what i have space for

 

note: if they are vertical and not horizontal mini soundbars like the Bose then they can be idk, 7 inches tall?(i'm going of the size of the original amazon Alexa echo speaker 2nd generation thar sits on my desk)

How about some 3" studio monitors?

 

https://www.amazon.com/PreSonus-Eris-E3-5-Professional-Multimedia/dp/B075QVMBT9/ref=sr_1_5?crid=DNZ0H0G89V6O&keywords=3"%2Bstudio%2Bmonitors&qid=1678115611&sprefix=3%2Bstudio%2Bmonitors%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&th=1

 

These are 8 inches call.  Otherwise you're too restrictive on your size to get decent speakers.

 

Get a small soundbar then, about all you have room for.

[Indian pc builder]

2 hours ago, Dedayog said:

How about some 3" studio monitors?

 

https://www.amazon.com/PreSonus-Eris-E3-5-Professional-Multimedia/dp/B075QVMBT9/ref=sr_1_5?crid=DNZ0H0G89V6O&keywords=3"%2Bstudio%2Bmonitors&qid=1678115611&sprefix=3%2Bstudio%2Bmonitors%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&th=1

 

These are 8 inches call.  Otherwise you're too restrictive on your size to get decent speakers.

 

Get a small soundbar then, about all you have room for.

Perfect size, these any good?

[Dedayog]

3 minutes ago, Indian pc builder said:

Perfect size, these any good?

I've listened to them and like them, but I also liked the Mackie 3" set that @cmndr pointed out were lacking.

 

I'd check some reviews but Amazon has 22k 4.7 star reviews.  Regardless of the techincal aspects, seems a lot of people like them  

[cmndr]

I'd try to figure out the maximum dimensions that would work with a small wedge underneath (angling the tweeter of the speakers at your ears). 


as a matter of fact you won't really get much bass with small speakers. If you want bass, and small speakers, consider a subwoofer under the desk. E.g. klipsch promedia 2.1.