A new set of 2.0 or 2.1 speakers that wont break the bank?

[Arghuin]

As per the thread title really. My old and trusted Z-10s are starting to show their age (getting a bit of static from the right speaker and it also gets substantially hot).
Any suggestions?

[Swiftdeathz]

I've heard good things about the Klipsch ProMedia's.

[Omega53]

Ask for 2.1 speakers that wont break the bank, swiftdeathz post about $150 speakers

[Ryoko]

Originally Posted by Omega53

Ask for 2.1 speakers that wont break the bank, swiftdeathz post about $150 speakers

to be fair, Arghuin didn't specify a budget. $150 isn't breaking the bank to some people.

[Blín D'ñero]

Originally Posted by Swiftdeathz

I've heard good things about the Klipsch ProMedia's.

I can confirm: they are the best. I have Logitech Z-2300 (and Z-5500) (i have three computers in a row on my desk) and Klipsch Promedia 2.1 so i can compare. The Klipsch is VERY much better than the other two mainly the definition in the midsection (the biggest part of most music). If you only care about gaming,. go for the cheaper Logitech: it is fully capable for the EAX gaming effects in all glory. But if music quality full range has any importance for you you must take Klipsch.

That Logitech (2.1) today is upgraded with the Z623 model, if you can get it at a bargain i'd say get it (you'll get THX for cheaps). But if you demand fullrange music quality go for the Klipsch. You won't easily find a bargain price for a Klipsch set, sadly that company doesn't stunt with prices and it isn't widely available either, two qualities that Logitech marketing does much better (because they're cheaper products to begin with)!...

[DaJMasta]

I went with the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 set after years of them being the recommendation for a good 2.1 speaker set. Got mine for just about $90 shipped - open box stock. There's not many deals on new ones, but open box and top quality used can be easily found for a substantial discount.

[Arghuin]

Originally Posted by Ryoko

to be fair, Arghuin didn't specify a budget. $150 isn't breaking the bank to some people.

indeed, though I would consider it as the maximum I'd shell out on a new pair (+1) of speakers at this point

An issue however; the Promedia are no longer available in Greece it seems. Scratch that. Apparently they are no longer available with a European 230V power supply.

Any other suggestions?

[badboy]

Harman kardon soundsticks III

[Arghuin]

Originally Posted by badboy

Harman kardon soundsticks III

Stunning looks + availability but relatively over what I'm willing/able to spend at this moment

[Blín D'ñero]

Then go Logitech Z623 and you won't regret it.

[Zero]

Bought some Edifier S330Ds a few weeks ago. Sound quality is pretty good, reviews say comparable to Z-2300s. Don't sound as good as my 10+ yr old Z-560 satellites but they're close.

[kakarot]

I picked these up as a gift for someone and they are quite nice for the price ($80). I'm still rocking the original klipsch promedia's 2.1's so I can vouch for their durability if you can consider them

[Qualitier]

I like 2.0's more than 2.1's. Maybe it's no more like time ago when the only valid speaker from a 2.1 set was the .1, and the others a joke . But still, 2.0 means 2 authentic and "complete" speakers as good as your money can buy, instead of only one.

My candidates would be (first spec is the "minimum bass" freq):

Creative GigaWorks T20 Series II (50Hz, 2x14W RMS, 88x230x143mm, 65€)
Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II (50Hz, 2x16W RMS, 88x313x143mm, 108€)
Hercules XPS 2.0 60 (50Hz, 2x15W RMS, 105x210x130mm, 73€)

I've also looked at the Logitech Z623 proposed above, that is a 2.1 set (35Hz, 2x35W + 130W RMS, 126x195x135mm + 303x282x264mm, 120€ or maybe 169€ as suggested at Logitech Spanish web -rest of prices are from www.alternate.es -). It seems to have two decent satellites but I haven't got frequency response for them (the "35Hz" mark is likely from the huge subwoofer, that weights 6.5 kg!). I'd take the satellites wattage with a grain of salt though, I guess it's "PMPO\double RMS class", what would set the RMS power in line with the 2.0 sets above (that have similar size).

With room, 120€ and use for its large subwoofer, the Logitech could be the best choice, unless its satellites are worse than they look (like if they go down to only 100-150Hz with the bass). At 169€ it isn't that great deal compared to the economic, light and still powerful 2.0 sets, imo, just a better set at higher price.

I haven't listened at any of these sets though.

[BababooeyHTJ]

I really like my M-audio AV40.

[Blín D'ñero]

Originally Posted by Qualitier

I like 2.0's more than 2.1's. Maybe it's no more like time ago when the only valid speaker from a 2.1 set was the .1, and the others a joke . [...]

And then....... In came Klipsch Promedia 2.1. And everyone stopped reading your post.

[DaJMasta]

Well if you're looking for two speakers that still cover most of the range, you could look at cheaper studio monitors. The frequency response is designed to be flat across the board, so they will sound neutral, but it will be accurate. I know most of the good ones are more than the Klipsch pair for a single monitor, but you can probably find a pair of decent ones for a similar price.

[Arghuin]

I had a closer look at the Z623s and I liked what I saw (and heard...). Sadly, the model was display only (not for sale) and new delivery was going to take a good while.

So I grabbed a set of S220s on the extremely cheap because I got tired of hearing my mouse movements from my right Z-10 speaker. Extremely pleasantly surprised at the sound quality these puppies push out, all for the price for eating out once or something.

That said, I'll have a closer look-see in the market over the next couple months, but from what I can tell in terms of available brands here, the final choice will likely need to be between Logitech and Edifier. The rest are either non-existant or rather difficult to find...

[jjyiz28]

Originally Posted by DaJMasta

I went with the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 set after years of them being the recommendation for a good 2.1 speaker set. Got mine for just about $90 shipped - open box stock. There's not many deals on new ones, but open box and top quality used can be easily found for a substantial discount.

i read that those speakers have a common issue where the DIN plug gets "broken off", something of that nature. have you heard of this? how often does this happen? im seriously considering these speakers, my 15 year old monsoon mm-700 keeps cracking the connection wire between the woofer speaker and my sound card