Thread: High Quality Computer Speakers

I'm in the market for some high-end computer speakers and wondered if anyone here had some advice.

I have been using JBL Creature II Speakers for some time now and recently had the chance to compare them to a pair of Bose Companion 5 Speakers on loan.

I have been upgrading most of my music to lossless formats and 90% of the new music I add is lossless too. A long discussion about this can be found under Music Bitrate in the Entertainment forums.

The result of which is that I'm noticing the difference the sound output makes more and more. Lossless music on my Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5Pro monitors sounds considerably better than any lossy compression format, especially when there is little background noise.

Which brings me to my trusty old JBLs. They're just not cutting it at medium volumes. They seem to sound fine at low volume and even at high volume, but it's at the mid level that the music seems to get kind of tinny, when I know it has much more depth after listening to it on my in-ear monitors. The Bose Companion 5s do sound a lot better, but I don't know if they sound $400 better. I don't mind spending the cash, but these guys just don't seem to deliver bang for buck. I'd happily spend $600 if I knew the speakers did my music justice, but I don't feel even the Bose speakers do.

Aside from me going and testing a bunch of speakers, does anyone have any advice?

http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/product...-4-1-overview/

That is what I currently use on my PC. I've had them for 8 years or so and have been pleased with the speakers. Unfortunately, they were discontinued long ago.

http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/product...-2-1-overview/

If you are only interested in the 2.1 version. I know the satellites are the same but the sub is smaller.

I don't have much advice to offer on new products because I haven't been in the market for such a long time. I will say that Bose is generally considered overpriced shit in the audio community. It's not that the sound is HORRIBLE but there are way, way, better products in the price categories Bose tries to market themselves in. Plus they make the sound presentation overly warm as the laymen often thinks more bass = good.

Originally Posted by BHack

http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/product...-4-1-overview/

That is what I currently use on my PC. I've had them for 8 years or so and have been pleased with the speakers. Unfortunately, they were discontinued long ago.

http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/product...-2-1-overview/

If you are only interested in the 2.1 version. I know the satellites are the same but the sub is smaller.

I don't have much advice to offer on new products because I haven't been in the market for such a long time. I will say that Bose is generally considered overpriced shit in the audio community. It's not that the sound is HORRIBLE but there are way, way, better products in the price categories Bose tries to market themselves in. Plus they make the sound presentation overly warm as the laymen often thinks more bass = good.

Yeah, this was my general impression of the Bose products that I have encountered. They sound good, but not great and certainly not as good as their price would suggest. Less offensive than B&O, but in a similar league.

My old gym had a Klipsch system and it rocked.

The system you linked looks reasonably priced, so I'll check it out in store. I only need 2.1 since it's only for music while I work, not for movies or the like.

I've used the Klipsch 2.1 for several years.

I'm no audiophile, but to me they kick ass.

I have an older Klipsch 2.1 set of speakers and they are fantastic.

Originally Posted by BHack

.... they make the sound presentation overly warm as the laymen often thinks more bass = good.

Because the typical person turns the bass all the way up on the EQ... "We gots ta be bumpin!"



I agree with jaymind... Bom, as anal about music as you are :P , buy a real amp and speakers.
You cant go wrong with Klipsch. But my personal preference is JBL and Kenwood, but I like it LOUD!

EDIT: like mentioned above, EVERYONE stay the fuck away from Bose

I agree with Jolly on the exaggerated bass of Logitech. I have a X230 that I got for 30 bucks somewhere just to replace my Cambridge system that didn't match my color scheme. I think if you want awesome surround sound buy an amp... make use of that optical or digital out you probably have on the back of that mobo.