Budget, small/medium sized speakers (and some misc. questions)

[s4spencer]

Recently had a slight accident involving cat claws and one of my speakers drivers that has left me with mono sound. The speakers I have are genius SP-HF1800A 2.0 speakers.

 

 My current speakers have been great, but I've done little exploring and have minimal knowledge of brands and qualities to look for.

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/pc-speakers/genius-sp-hf1800a-2-0-speakers-black/10077107-a.html (would happily get these again if there's no better option)

 

I've never been to big of a buff on audio, so I was hoping for some specific help with my next speaker choice.

 

What I need from a new pair of speakers

 

• <$100 CAD (about $90 US) closer to $50 the better -EDIT (up to $130 US is an option if its truly worth it)
• decent audio (ears aren't audiophile grade, running onboard Z87-D3HP if that's relevant)
• no wattage requirements (current individual speakers at 25W, 85dB signal-to-noise, i've never maxed these out)
• adjustable treble/bass
• 2.# (unless a surround system is capable of good audio with no excessive price)
• small base, under 8" by 8" (unless the positioning of any larger parts can be put above on a shelf or on floor level)
• preferably no blindingly bright LED, granted I do have duct-tape.

Again, sorry for the generic question and not having a narrowed down list, I really am starting from square one.

 

Before anyone suggests I switch to headphones, I do have a pair of steelseries 7H analog headphones.

 

Thanks!

 

Misc questions/points, yes I've checked the FAQ, just in-case there's anything that might be specific?

 

I am hoping of getting a mid-tier AMP/DAC in a few months (is it worth it for speakers in my budget range?)

Current room is 12'x9', sitting area is in corner with large desk obstructing most of the way to ceiling (in-case this completely makes surround pointless?)

[Stagea]

It is best that you hear your options first, as we all have different sonic preferences.

 

There are powered monitors that have bass and treble controls like the one below:

http://www.amazon.com/Numark-NPM5-Studio-Monitor-System/dp/B0038YX39A/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411229058&sr=1-3&keywords=powered+monitor+speakers

Being lightweight plastic, the NPM5 cabinets aren't so dead however. They'd benefit from being isolated with soft rubber feet or foam.

 

The thing with tone controls is that you can always do the equalization in software (if your PC is your only source). Removing the tone controls from your non-negotiable list can give you more options for your price range. Here are examples:

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-MediaOne-Active-Monitors-Bluetooth/dp/B00E4YLJ3U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411232806&sr=8-1&keywords=samson+bt4

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411231968&sr=1-1&keywords=m-audio+av40

 

You can also build an amplifier + passive speakers set...

http://www.amazon.com/SMSL-TDA7492-Integrated-Tripath-Amplifier/dp/B00F0H8TOC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411233626&sr=8-2&keywords=tripath+amplifier

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411233707&sr=8-2&keywords=micca+speaker

 

 

 

 

I am hoping of getting a mid-tier AMP/DAC in a few months (is it worth it for speakers in my budget range?)

Current room is 12'x9', sitting area is in corner with large desk obstructing most of the way to ceiling (in-case this completely makes surround pointless?)

 

 

My opinion: It may make sense to lump together your budget to get a nicer pair of speakers. 

[s4spencer]

It is best that you hear your options first, as we all have different sonic preferences.

 

There are powered monitors that have bass and treble controls like the one below:

http://www.amazon.com/Numark-NPM5-Studio-Monitor-System/dp/B0038YX39A/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411229058&sr=1-3&keywords=powered+monitor+speakers

Being lightweight plastic, the NPM5 cabinets aren't so dead however. They'd benefit from being isolated with soft rubber feet or foam.

 

The thing with tone controls is that you can always do the equalization in software (if your PC is your only source). Removing the tone controls from your non-negotiable list can give you more options for your price range. Here are examples:

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-MediaOne-Active-Monitors-Bluetooth/dp/B00E4YLJ3U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411232806&sr=8-1&keywords=samson+bt4

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Active-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B0051WAM64/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411231968&sr=1-1&keywords=m-audio+av40

 

You can also build an amplifier + passive speakers set...

http://www.amazon.com/SMSL-TDA7492-Integrated-Tripath-Amplifier/dp/B00F0H8TOC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411233626&sr=8-2&keywords=tripath+amplifier

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411233707&sr=8-2&keywords=micca+speaker

 

 

 

My opinion: It may make sense to lump together your budget to get a nicer pair of speakers. 

Thanks for the info.

 I can make the tone adjustments optional, feet or rubber for a base is also possible.

 Is there any serious benefit to having a separated driver for mid range sound, or is that something to worry about only in higher-end speakers?

Do speakers have any equivelant of "Beats" for headphones that I should avoid?

 

 A few of the choices I'm looking at right now

http://www.amazon.ca/Eagle-Tech--AR504LR-BK-Soundstage-Subwoofer/dp/B0029Z9UNW/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411235380&sr=1-6

http://www.amazon.ca/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B009DHERIW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411235951&sr=8-1&keywords=m-audio+av40

http://www.amazon.ca/Eagle-Tech-ET-AR506-BK-Soundstage-Subwoofers/dp/B0039NM52Q/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_17?ie=UTF8&refRID=0VTKMZHRQ7MJ563K733C

 

edit-If the AMP/DAC is pointless for lower-priced speakers I can move my budget closer to $200

[ShearMe]

Do speakers have any equivelant of "Beats" for headphones that I should avoid?

 

Anything from a peripheral company or that comes with a whole system in a single box.

[Stagea]

 Is there any serious benefit to having a separated driver for mid range sound, or is that something to worry about only in higher-end speakers?

 

It has advantages and disadvantages. At this price point, I'd rather put what I'm spending on higher quality drivers and a proper crossover for a good 2-way system than to spread it too thin on too many components (given that they didn't skimp on the enclosure or the amplifier).

 

Do speakers have any equivelant of "Beats" for headphones that I should avoid?

 

Bose is generally regarded as the "Beats" of speaker systems. It is a very popular brand but their domestic products generally deliver poor price:performance ratio. This is also quite true for Bang & Olufsen, Nakamichi, and other "lifestyle" brands. 

 

edit-If the AMP/DAC is pointless for lower-priced speakers I can move my budget closer to $200

 

This might be worth a look too, as it comes with its own USB interface DAC/ADC (in case you plan on connecting instruments or a good microphone later on):

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Studio-Active-Monitors-Interface/dp/B003ZWETMU/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1411237902&sr=1-1&keywords=samson+studio+gt

[t0wer]

look for a direct replacement for the broken side. the company might sell individual drivers. if not measure the drivers and replace them all in both speakers.

should be cheaper than buying new speakers, unless you want an upgrade or a completely different sound signature.

[s4spencer]

Thanks for the replies everyone, especially Stagea. I'm going to go with t0wer's suggestion and get my current ones fixed and wait until I can bump up my budget for something in a nicer price range