Suggestions for a 4.1 system...

Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

I'm looking to find the best 4.1 PC speaker system I can get for $100 or less. I know a lot about hardware but not much at all about speakers and I haven't found anything promising so far.

any suggestions would be highly appreciated...

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Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

sorry i wasn't clear - these speakers are intended for gaming (and lots of it), and of course some music too, but gaming performance is the top concern

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

4.1 or 5.1?

For the quality you get, just go 5.1, most games are encoded for surround sound these days, and those that aren't are an easy fix........set your soundcard mixer and speakers to 2/4 channel.

Under $100 is the key factor there. I know of several killer 2.1 speakers in that range, but only mediochre 4/5 channel speaker setups, none of which will give you the quality of sound you're looking for.

If I were you, and couldn't afford 5.1 speakers, I'd go for a killer set of 2.1 speakers. I really think you'd be unhappy with the multi-speaker setups in your budget.

As it is, I'd listen to various different 2.1 speaker setups anyway, even some of those under 100 clams sound pretty shoddy. Listen for clarity in the high end (positional sound for gaming) and tight bass (makes the grenades and explosions rattle your dangly bits). Look toward Logitech, Klipsch, and the new Tascams that just came out. I'm very impressed with them, but you'll probably have to hit up a musical instrument shop to find them, they're technically studio monitors.
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Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

Thanks.

Hmm... maybe I should have named this topic simply "speaker suggestions" since it's true that surround sound isn't essential to me, I just need a nice speaker system that cost optimally less than $100 but definitely no more than $150. I did indeed intend 4.1, I know they're kind of rare (6.1 is the same way), but know that you mention it, 2.1 would probably give me much more quality for my money as compared to 4.1 or 5.1.

Going around and listening to the speakers isn't really an option for me for a variety of reasons. I'm just trying to find some sort of consensus on what the best 2.1 speakers are in my price range. Anyway, you said you know of several killer 2.1 speaker in my price range, maybe you could give me some suggestions.

i really wish i could get an moderator to change the 4 to a 2 in the topic title...

Spiegel · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:31 am Post subject:

http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/z2200/ is a good example of a quality 2.1 system from Logitech. I'm sure FnF knows some others to suggest to you.

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Spiegel · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:34 am Post subject:

Bah, it won't let me delete my post, even though no one has replied yet?

Anyway, the Z-2200s seem to no longer be for sale, so http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=4215519/search=Logitech+2.1
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2old2care · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:38 am Post subject:

Well, the Logitech X-530's are under $100 US and they ain't too awful a 5.1 setup.
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Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

Took a look over at the Logitech site, their speaker set at the price I'm looking for is the Logitech® Z-3e, tell me what you think. I also checked out what Klipsch has to offer, their stuff looks really nice but they don't really have anything in my price range. Also looked at what Creative had.

The Logitech set doesn't seem half bad, it's what I'm leaning towards at the moment.

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Don't bother with Creative. Their lower-end speakers kindof suck.

I had a chance to check these out, and I'm really impressed with them. I think they sound better than the Logitechs. Not quite as much low end, and extremely efficient.........they get LOUD.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VLS21/

I'd pick those for myself.
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Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

So you would definitely recommend the TASCAM VL-S21 over the Logitech Z-3e? The Tascam set is pricier and going by watts not as powerful... but you say you've heard them they're what you would pick if you were buying a 2.1 system?

Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

I think I like the Logitech Z-3e setup better - they're $20 cheaper and the description for the Tascams it says:

Ham_fisT · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 4:17 pm Post subject:

I would recomend Logitech's Z-5300 set, 5.1, THX certification, plenty of power, and the price is better than ever

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php?page_id=77&form_keyword=z-5300&rd=1

I have first hand experience with these, they sound great, and can get LOUD Very Happy

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Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

OK, I've made my decision.

I'm going to go with the THX certified Logitech® Z-2300 2.1 speakers at 149.99. CNET gave them a 9 and said

Ham_fisT · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 4:35 pm Post subject:

I think you owe it to yourself to read up on the Z-5300's they're a 5.1 set for right around $100.00

^^^^^^^^
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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

I still don't know what "flat frequency response" means in terms of sound quality. I assumed it would make the highs and lows sound less defined and vibrant and more "flat" or "equalized". If this is not the case, please clarify how these studio monitors are different than conventional multimedia speakers in terms of sound quality.

The Tascams very well might be great speakers, but I don't think I'll get a chance to listen to them and I know I absolutely can't go wrong with the Logitech Z-2300s. According to CNET, these are absolutely fantastic speakers, and at Newegg they are selling for $120.