Speakers for Computer

[Solitary Wanderer]

I currently have these Cambridge Soundworks with 4 speakers:



The volume keeps fluctuating so I think the speakers/volume control are stuffed - they're about 6 years old. I've tried different playback software on my PC but the problem persists.

1. Any suggestions on what might be causing the volume problems?

2. Any suggestions for a replacement decent 2 speaker setup?

[Mark]

Chris, I have the Creative Gigaworks T40s for use with the laptop. A little under-powered at low volume, but surprising good once you jack the volume dial beyond half way.

[Solitary Wanderer]

Thanks Mark, they look good 

So do these Logitech Z-2300



Thing is, my current speakers sound fine...when the volume isn't going up and down 

[Don]

I use an Altec/Lansing speaker system.  Don't know how it supposedly stacks up to others, but I think it sounds very good and has never given me any problems.

[Solitary Wanderer]

Thanks Mark, they look good 

So do these Logitech Z-2300



Thing is, my current speakers sound fine...when the volume isn't going up and down 

Well, I bought these 

Just hooked them up and I am VERY happy with the sound. Night and day difference to those crappy ones I've been using for the past few years.

Makes me wonder what I've been missing...

[Papageno]

I intend to buy a pair of speakers for listening to music on my Mac, what do you recommend... up to £200.

[71 dB]

I intend to buy a pair of speakers for listening to music on my Mac, what do you recommend... up to £200.

I recommend to save your money since £200 isn't enough for good speakers and amplifier or active speakers. Actually, if you are lucky, you could find used speakers and amplifier for £200.

When it comes to active speakers, Genelec blows others out of the water. You could consider the smallest model that is optimal for computer use, Genelec 6010A.

[DavidW]

That seems like a huge waste to buy expensive computer speakers, it seems like a contradiction in terms.

Ignore that junk, optical out to your hifi and call it a day.

[drogulus]

That seems like a huge waste to buy expensive computer speakers, it seems like a contradiction in terms.

Ignore that junk, optical out to your hifi and call it a day.

     Yup. I disconnected my PC speakers. Go digital to your receiver/proc. If your stereo is in another room it would be worthwhile to get a budget receiver, like this one:

     

     Onkyo TX-SR506


     You can find it for less than $200 (click the pic to see). That will open up all the speaker options you might want.
     

[Papageno]

Is the TV good for streaming music from my Mac to my Stereo System in the lounge?

[drogulus]

Is the TV good for streaming music from my Mac to my Stereo System in the lounge?

     It looks like it will do what you want.

    Audio formats supported

   * AAC (16 to 320 Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; Apple Lossless; AIFF; WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound pass-through

      If you use high quality formats you should get good results.

[Papageno]

Roland Edirol MA-15D

• Bass Enhancer
• 24-bit/192kHz support, S/PDIF optical & coaxial input
• Subwoofer output port for bass boost
• 15 watts per channel
• 3 independent source inputs: 1/8" line, RCA pin line (L/R), and S/PDIF (optical & coaxial)
• Front-controlled bass, treble, and 2 independent volume controls
• 100 mm (4") woofer + 50 mm (2") tweeter, 2 way bass-reflex enclosure
• 1/4" headphones port
• Magnetically shielded

Are these any good for £160 (£120 on Amazon)?

[Papageno]

hump!

[drogulus]

Are these any good for £160 (£120 on Amazon)?

    I don't think so.

   

    Alesis M1Active 520 USB  £199 at  
                                                    _{(click on dolphin........either one!)}

    This is much better if you want a powered monitor with digital input. There are many excellent monitors out there if you're willing to go passive and use a receiver like I recommended but nooooo.....
   

[Papageno]

    I don't think so.

   

    Alesis M1Active 520 USB  £199 at  
                                                    _{(click on dolphin........either one!)}

    This is much better if you want a powered monitor with digital input. There are many excellent monitors out there if you're willing to go passive and use a receiver like I recommended but nooooo.....
   

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alesis-M1-520-Active-Monitors-pair/dp/B000EJTXZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1251652144&sr=8-1 ?

[drogulus]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alesis-M1-520-Active-Monitors-pair/dp/B000EJTXZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1251652144&sr=8-1 ?

     These are active but not digital, so you need a good clean analog source to drive them. Is your computer an excellent source? If so these would be fine. If not use a digital connection to either a receiver/processor or active speakers with digital input. The receiver/proc gives you maximum flexibility for an upgrade path. Digital speakers with a USB connection means you can use them even if you have no digital out or no sound card at all.

[DavidRoss]

Audition http://www.audioengineusa.com/a2_home.php direct from manufacturer -- $200, self-powered.  Money back in 30 days if not satisfied.

[Papageno]

Cambridge Audio A1 MK3 SE  (Amplifier) - £120

Kef C1 (Speaker) - £120


Are these good?

[drogulus]

     If you don't mind the volume limitation these will be fine. The amp is 25w and the speaker sensitivity is 87 dB.

     
     

     

[Papageno]

    If you don't mind the volume limitation these will be fine. The amp is 25w and the speaker sensitivity is 87 dB.

What do you recommend with up to £300?