Desktop speaker advice?

[plowmannn]

Hello all, 

 

I've decided it's time to get rid of the speakers i currently own (Logitech Z313's) and replace them with some *far* better quality ones. The two main priorities I have are: 

1. sound quality
2. Ascetics 

After reading various reviews, I have (sort of) decided upon the Audioengine A2+ (or A5's if i can justify spending more) as they look good and from what I've read they're pretty decent quality. I'm going to be using these predominantly for music (always listening to something!) but I'l probably have these hooked up to my TV as well so the occasional film/tv show as well. The questions I have for all of you however, are;

 

1. Are there better speakers for this price range (that look good as well)?
2. As I'm trying to get the best quality possible, is there a specific way I should connect my speakers I.E will the 3.5mm jack suffice or am I supposed to use another port? 
3. In the event that I hook the setup to a chrome cast audio or a similar device, is the sound quality going to suffer?

 

Hope you're able to help me, thank you

[IMPERIUS]

@SSL helped me a lot, which speakers did you recomend again?

 

The A2+ are definitely good for their size but would benefit greately from a sub. And they only get beaten out by the speakers I can't remember how their name was but I do remember ssl recomendet them. So check those out, see if you like how they look and go on from there

 

edit: yes you will be fine with a 3.5mm jack

and yes, cuz the chromecast isnt an audiphile level device but for the average ear you won't be able to tell the difference

[DaltonM]

The sound quality difference between the 3.5mm and digital output will be inaudible through anything under like $1000. 

 

I would suggest getting some bookshelf speakers and wiring them yourself. You'll have to get an amp, and do some trickery, but that's seriously the best solution to PC sound. PC speakers are good, but cost so much because they come ready to use with your PC. 

 

Assembling a set up yourself using studio monitors or bookshelf speakers will take more effort, but cost far less than a superb set of PC speakers.

[jond1122]

Hi, i am currently using the Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z506, which are on sale on amazon for a great deal. I am using them with my tv, and they sound amazing. I would definitely recommend. I am also using the Altec Lansing VS2621 speakers with my computer setup.   

 

Edit: great for gaming and movies, since they are surround sound.   

[Enderman]

audioengine seems to make very good speakers, and they look great too

[SSL]

@SSL helped me a lot, which speakers did you recomend again?

 

The A2+ are definitely good for their size but would benefit greately from a sub. And they only get beaten out by the speakers I can't remember how their name was but I do remember ssl recomendet them. So check those out, see if you like how they look and go on from there

 

edit: yes you will be fine with a 3.5mm jack

and yes, cuz the chromecast isnt an audiphile level device but for the average ear you won't be able to tell the difference

 

The A2+ is beaten by a lot of speakers. The one thing they have going for them is their size. Other than that, the price and performance is middling.

 

For the pricerange, the only thing worth considering is the JBL LSR305, as long as size footprint isn't critical. However, the OP probably won't like their "Ascetics" so I can't help.

[plowmannn]

The A2+ is beaten by a lot of speakers. The one thing they have going for them is their size. Other than that, the price and performance is middling.

 

For the pricerange, the only thing worth considering is the JBL LSR305, as long as size footprint isn't critical. However, the OP probably won't like their "Ascetics" so I can't help.

What other desktop speakers would you suggest, if price was not especially an issue then? They don't look awful, just the setup I have currently looks good (in my opinion at least and if i can, I'd prefer to keep it that way. 

Thank you for your help @ everyone who commented.

[plowmannn]

@SSL helped me a lot, which speakers did you recomend again?

 

The A2+ are definitely good for their size but would benefit greately from a sub. And they only get beaten out by the speakers I can't remember how their name was but I do remember ssl recomendet them. So check those out, see if you like how they look and go on from there

 

edit: yes you will be fine with a 3.5mm jack

and yes, cuz the chromecast isnt an audiphile level device but for the average ear you won't be able to tell the difference

is there an audiophile level device that does the same thing?

[SSL]

What other desktop speakers would you suggest, if price was not especially an issue then? They don't look awful, just the setup I have currently looks good (in my opinion at least and if i can, I'd prefer to keep it that way. 

Thank you for your help @ everyone who commented.

 

The same ones.

[dylan43270]

The same ones.

Or the LSR308s.  The LSR305s do come in black, white, and now red if that helps with aesthetics.

[IMPERIUS]

snip

  

Ah yes, it was the jbls. Maybe will buy them one day.

is there an audiophile level device that does the same thing?

None that I know of but really the audio is good enough. Not like its shitty mp3s. But you can't expect flac file quality from a s freaking service or such a small device.

If you don't like the jbls get the a2s and a sub or the a5s and maybe a sub with those, its personal preference

[SSL]

Or the LSR308s.  The LSR305s do come in black, white, and now red if that helps with aesthetics.

 

For desktop, nah.

[Pomfinator]

If you're going to get an Audioengine product, just look at the A5+, the A2+ is meh IMO.  Needs a sub, and by that point you'll be spending around the same money as an A5+.

[fishymamba]

Try to find some used speakers!! I bought a old set of Mission speakers for $45 and they sound amazing! I bought the speakers for $45, a cheap 2.1 amp for $60, and a subwoofer for $20(used, kinda old but also sounds amazing).

 

For only $125 I got a kick ass setup and don't see a reason to upgrade. 

having listened to a lot of old and new speakers, I just don't see a way I can justify the prices of newer ones. The older speakers still sound amazing. 

[SSL]

Try to find some used speakers!! I bought a old set of Mission speakers for $45 and they sound amazing! I bought the speakers for $45, a cheap 2.1 amp for $60, and a subwoofer for $20(used, kinda old but also sounds amazing).

 

For only $125 I got a kick ass setup and don't see a reason to upgrade. 

having listened to a lot of old and new speakers, I just don't see a way I can justify the prices of newer ones. The older speakers still sound amazing. 

 

Maybe everything just sounds amazing to you, e.g. if you've never heard a good system before. Seems possible if you spent $20 on a sub.

[fishymamba]

Maybe everything just sounds amazing to you, e.g. if you've never heard a good system before. Seems possible if you spent $20 on a sub.

 

Oh I have definitely heard a high end system before. I just got a good deal used on the sub. It was $450 when new. Its a Mission MS-10.

[SSL]

Oh I have definitely heard a high end system before. I just got a good deal used on the sub. It was $450 when new. Its a Mission MS-10.

 

Not necessarilly high end.

[fishymamba]

Not necessarilly high end.

 

Well we aren't talking about top end audiophile systems in this thread are we?