any really clear speakers out there????

[khanhhuynh4u]

hey guys im gonna be buying new speaker system pretty soon cause i dont like how my logitech z640 sounds anymore like its not clear or shape enough for me and also its because im using the onboard sound of the dfi lanparty 250gb....

but i want something just for playing music like mp3 and ogg files...i want something that has really really really clear sounds..no big bass or really loud sound is needed i just want something that i can get really good sound quality out of...

im thinking about that BOSE COMPANION 3 but i dunno how that will sound but i heard its pretty good with clear sounds...what other ones do you guys recommend? also im getting a audigy card too but dunno which kind fits me correctly with just music listening so i need some help on that too...thanks in advance for the help guys

[Google]

[khanhhuynh4u]

hmm did some more research and saw that the Klipsh speakers sounds really good too...dont really need like 6.1 or 7.1 because im not gonna play alot of games or dont really care if the games have sound just want good sounds for my music

[fussnfeathers]

Some suggestions, depending on your budget.

You're going to want something with two-way satellites. While Logitech's phase-plug setup is alright, it loses some high-end definition. Klipsch will remedy that, with the two-way satellites.

If you're really looking for clear, studio quality sound, I'd look at the M-Audio LX-4's. They're technically studio monitors, with a sub, that have a very smooth overall response, and don't color the sound much. For relatively low-powered speakers, they can rattle windows when cranked, though. They're 2.1 speakers, though, so going to 5.1 requires another $200 add-on pack. Well worth it, in my book, but almost double the cost of Logitech's 680's.

If subs aren't a concern, and you just want the clarity, look for powered two-way studio monitors, like M-Audio BX-8's, or Mackie's line of powered monitors. Keep in mind, though, these are near-field monitors, so as you move away from the speakers, the sound gets less powerful.

If you want a houseful of sound, you might want to look into a decent stereo reciever with an optical input, and a good set of home stereo speakers.
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[khanhhuynh4u]

thanks alot for the advice fussnfeathers but i dunno the price on those m-audio seens a little high for me sooo my finalist for my next speakers are

5.1
logitech 5500 $280
klipsh promedia ultra 5.1 $350

2.1
Logitech Z-2300 $120
bose companion 3 $250
klipsh promedia 2.1 $120

ok need more info from you guys if possible

A. 5.1 are not that much better than 2.1 because the sub speakers are not that much better since most of the sound is coming out of the main ones??? so 2.1 its perfect if your in a small room like myself?

B. which one is better for clarity? 2.1 or 5.1

C. does THX matters for watching dvds?

D. which one will make my music sound the clearest and crisp

E. has anyone listen between the logitech and klipsh and which one they think is better for music like clarity (not for gaming or super loud music)

F. lastly any of them will work great with the Audigy 2ZS right? dont need the platinum or pro version since im only hooking the speaker into it.....but if the platinum or pro had something that is complety better than the regular zs please confirm

[fussnfeathers]

For either 5.1 or 2.1, look at the Klipsh, read here......
http://www.tweaknews.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4674
Discussed pretty throrougly.

Which is better depends on your needs. If you watch alot of movies, obviously surround sound is better, and with any of these, you don't need to use the surrounds for music. I'd go with them, just for the flexibility later on. Remember, with 5.1, the rear speakers do the sound effects, not dialogue or so forth. The sub still works exclusively with the main speakers, as far as sound seperation.

THX makes a difference, yes. Read up on the specs for THX here:
http://www.thx.com/mod/techlib/speakers.html
Basically, it's a spec designed by Lucasfilm to more faithfully reproduce movie sound. THX certified speakers sound better, for sure.

And yes, any and all speakers will work with the Audigy 2, the only main difference between the different models is the included bundles (ZS Gold has games with it, Platinum includes the silly breakout box for the front of your machine). The cards are identical.
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[[KoG]^weaZel]

^^^^^^ again FnF with some good advice in the sound area!
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I tweaked and it tweaked back! So I Tweaked some more!

"Barney is like the Michael Jackson of PBS." - James Tybeerious

[drumguy]

I might be wrong, but the Klipsch Promedia Ultra's aren't THX certified...the original Promedia 5.1s (non ultra) were, however.

I think they didn't go with THX certification because of the costs...the Ultras were upgraded and improved from the THX certified Promedias, so there's no reason they shouldn't be THX certified (unless Klipsch didn't feel the need).

[fussnfeathers]

THX is notoriously hard to get, it's not just a matter of money. If the stereo spread was off by even an inch, they'd get turned down. Likewise with crossover points (1hz in the wrong place is enough to have LucasFilms send you packing). You could be right, though, and they chose not to pursue it.
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[khanhhuynh4u]

well i think i have my decision made since my new room is kind of little i dont need a 5.1 system cause it would look right in a small room so....i think im going with the altec lansing fx6021 they sounded really good at comp usa...i also tried the logitech z2300 and its also really really but i thought the altec lansing sounded more clear at comp usa at least....but if you think other wise cause i dunno if they used a good sound card or not but it might sound different when i used it with the audigy 2zs but i dunno...

i got about another week to decise so still doing some finding on the best 2.1 speaker i could find..

out of these 2.1 speakers which one do you guy think would have the clearest sound and what do you guys think the best 2.1 speaker is out there:
altec lansing fx6021/ mx5021
logitech z2300/z2200
klipsch promedia 2.1
Creative MegaWorks 250D-THX

also about the sound card i know the audigy 2zs is better than the audigy 2 but what does the zs do that the regular one cant??? im just using it for sound for games, movies, and music so if it does help in any of those then ill get it but if there no benefit then i wouldnt

[khanhhuynh4u]

also did CNET.com made a pack with Logitech? cause all their speakers is rated a little higher than everyone elses....also i wanna ask something off topic but who do you think is gonna win the SUPER BOWL......PATS or EAGLES???? haha all i know is that is gonna be one hell of a game

[khanhhuynh4u]

sorry but i got another question....does digital input sound alot better than regular analog??? like its it worth it for extra money

[drumguy]

Some will argue that it is, but I don't think most people will notice a difference (I was asking the same question), especially with computer speakers.

AFAIK, Creative and Klipsch's high end multimedia speakers aren't digital, and reviews say they have some of the best sound. The nice thing about digital is the connections that can be made to console systems.

[Sally]

One thing I notice between digital and analog is that with digital you have zero background noise if you crank up the volume to a mute signal. I have a high end jvc micro desktop system *(FS-V9MD) hooked optical to my computer and analog to my TV. Sound from the computer is definitely better.
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[fussnfeathers]

That really depends on the amps at the other end, though. Hook a pure digital signal into a noisy amp, you'll get noise, no matter how good the preamp signal. Preamp signals are so low anyway, that noise is generally introduced outside of them. Even cheapie preamps can be very quiet.

I would use optical if you have a ton of stuff around your computer, like lamps, two monitors, etc etc, as an optical cable won't pick up power interference.

But as far as sound (frequency range or clarity), no, you won't notice a difference. A 10khz signal is 10khz, no matter how it's transmitted.
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[Sally]

yeah, the fact that I am in a tiny dorm room and my audio cables run parallel with my s-vid and ethernet under my carpet and are 25' in length probably has something to do w/ that. Can't much afford good sheilded cables so I deal with it.
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[khanhhuynh4u]

will my audio quality improve if i use a audigy 2zs on older model speaker such as logitech z640 instead of the onboard sound from the DFI lanparty 250gb??? if so how much

also what are the black and orange colored wire jack on the z640 for?? because the speaker still works in surround without them being plugged in

[-=Pyro-Psycho=-]

[khanhhuynh4u]

no they are hooked up i just cant tell the different when theyre not plugged..so thanks for the info -=Pyro-Psycho=- ......man this picking out speaker is killing so many hours and still couldnt decide which one is the clearest cause some says its better and some not so this sucks....so im just going to pick blindly out of the ones i decided or if you guys vote which ones the best then ill pick that since i just you guys

ok so my finals ones are:
altec lansing fx6021/ mx5021
logitech z2300/z2200
klipsch promedia 2.1
Creative MegaWorks 250D-THX

[fussnfeathers]

Well, on my old soundcard/speaker setup, the plugs were:

Green: Front (or four-channel, if not surround sound, like a console)
Black: Rear
Orange: Center and Sub

Check your speakers, on the sub. Most have a switch to select 2/4 or 5.1 speaker setups, if that switch is set to 2/4, then plugging in the surround jacks won't make a difference. What that does is route the signal from the green front-channel jack to all four sattelites and the sub, it's just splitting the two-channel signal. For surround, you need to make sure that switch is set to 5.1. Also, in your speaker properties in either your volume or Sound and Audio properties (in the Control Panel), make sure that your soundcard is set to 5.1. Most have settings for 2, 4, 5.1, or headphones. If it's set to 2 channel, you won't get true surround, no matter what the speakers themselves are set for.

AND, check in whatver program you're using for movies and music. Sometimes they have a setting in the program itself for speaker setups. All three have to be on 5.1 for surround sound.

For the speakers, I suggest the Klipsch. Better by a touch than the Altecs, and better by more than a touch than the Logitechs.......and don't even give a second glance to Creative speakers. They stink for clarity.
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[khanhhuynh4u]

thanks fussnfeathers but cant find anything on the logitech z640 to switch it to true 5.1 surround but in control panel and everywhere else its set to 5.1 so i guess that the best it could do but if there any other ways please tell me...

as for the speakers im just gonna wait till dell.com has the klipsch promedia ultra 5.1 for around $250 so i can have good surround also cause im still kinda happy but ill think ill get the audigy 2 zs sound card probably this week to see if it has better performance then ill definitly get the klipsch speakers...newegg has these card for $100 bucks but if anyone know of a lower price please tell me...and as always thanks for everyone's help i hope the new speaker will blows my head off when i get them because i put alot of time into reading all these review and crap so i hope its worth it and made the right decision

[fussnfeathers]

You might be waiting awhile, then, bro.......I'd just suck up the extra $65 and get them. $315 for those speakers is an awesome deal already. It took over two years for the price to drop from the original $450, after all. Speakers of that caliber don't often drop much in price, until they discontinue them, and that only happens every few years, unlike cheaper systems.
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[lolos]

Hi khanhhuynh4u,

I read all your posts about choosing the "best" 2.1 speakers. I also spent a heck of time searching and reading reviews for the best 2.1 speakers. I dont want any more than 2.1 because I don think I would be able to be surrounded by 5 speakers!!

Well, I am exactly like you don't care much for the bass, but want it smoothly playing with the satellites and not be over powering and suck the power from the satellites.

I mainly use my speakers to listen to music - vocals, acoustics, and instumental. However, I listen to all kinds of music.

I bought the creative L3500 and they sounded like crap they even sounded worst than my Logitech x-230 speakers that costs $30 !! I dont know why is that. But the Creative specifications are better in every aspect except the SNR was 80 db and the logitech x-230 was >96 db.

After all, I bought the Creative Audiby 2 NX (external USB 2 sound card) from ebay and waiting for its arrival. I also want to buy a new pair of speakers to complement it and as music is really my passion.

Now khanhhuynh4u, I come to my question :)
What conclusion did u make? I am in between these speakers:

Logitech z-2300 or Logitech z-2200 (I dont know really the difference!)
BOSE COMPANION 3
klipsch promedia 2.1
Altec Lansing fx6021 / mx5021
Creative MegaWorks 250D-THX

I really appreciate your help and advice, because I believe you were after the same thing I am after right now.

Last point to mention, price is not an issue, because I can wait for a sale/ online discount coupon or even buy from ebay. I just want the best music performance. Do you think that tweekers really make any difference? Because there is a pair of speakers Creative T3000 that are very cheap in price and have large satellites and tweekers. I just dont get it!!

Please khanhhuynh4u, tell me what did u do? I didnt go to best buy and listen to each of them so I just will depend on your final recommendations.

Thanks again and really appreciate your help here.

[lolos]

Hi guys,

I forgot to mention, I like listening to low volumes as well. In my creative L3500 speakers I tried, there is no sound until the volum dial is turned like 40 degrees up. However, you have to raise the volume much more in order to listen to every note in the song. Do you how can I know if the speaker I will buy will perform well at low sound levels or not? I mean I want to listen to all the details and notes in the song with high crisp quality at all levels, especially low levels because this how I study.

Thanks again

[fussnfeathers]

Tweeters, you mean?

I'll answer that question first: Yes, seperate tweeters and mid/bass speakers in a satellite make a huge difference. The crossover inside directs the proper frequencies to the speakers, so each produces what it's supposed to, unlike phase-plug speakers (like Logitechs). While Logi's idea works well, it's still not as smooth as seperate drivers.

I'll give you the same advice I have the original guy. You're looking for more of a studio monitor than a "multimedia" speaker. Studio monitors have a smoother crossover range, more efficient power delivery, and tight musical response. They sortof have to, that's what they're designed for.

That said, I can rule out 4 of your 5 choices. Creative MegaWorks speakers are ok, but more geared for gaming and loud movie-watching than music. I also think the satellites don't sound very good, too harsh at the high end, and a distinct crossover "notch" between the drivers.

Similarly, the Logitechs are great for gaming, but not as great for music, at least not for what you're looking for. Don't get me wrong, they're great speakers, but really more geared toward gaming than music. The Z-2300 is the updated version of the 2200's, and not as good, IMO.

The Bose Companions are honestly overprices pieces of junk. I know you said you don't want alot of low end, but you do want SOME, and these don't give that to you. Avoid them like the plague.

The Altec Lansings are also disappointing, considering they used to make killer speakers. They distort easily, the soundfield from the satellites is very narrow, and the sub is paifully quiet........again, you want SOME low end. Move two feet, and the low end from that sub disappears. I don't suggest them for anybody.

That leaves the Klipsch. Of the five you picked, that would be my suggestion for you.

Others you can look at, more geared toward what you're looking for:

M-Audio's LX-4's. I have 'em, I love 'em. As with most studio monitors, don't let the low power rating fool you, these get LOUD. I've never had to turn them up more than halfway, and that rattles my windows. Efficient speaker design will do that. Nice thing about these, too, is that if you decide later on you want 5.1, an add-on pack is available with the other three sats, for about $120, give or take.

Tascam's new VLS21's would also be a good choice. Again, low-ish power, but loud, very musical, and 0 distortion at full volume. I tried a set out for a friend, I really like them.

If you don't mind size, then have a look at the Behringer TRUTH B2031 monitors. They're big, powerful, pro-level speakers. I'm planning on picking up a set for myself.
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[lolos]

Thank you lots fussnfeathers, you really changed my mind and made me think in some alternatives.

But I got some questions that make me wonder. Now I am looking at the M-Audio LX-4 2.1 speakers
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/LX421System-focus.html

and there SNR is 82 db, frequency response (satellites and sub): 40Hz–20kHz, etc. I just don't get it, what makes some speakers stand above the rest. I should better say, some speakers claim they have new tech. and give some impressive "facts" about their speakers but yet they sound worse than other high brand speakers with less specifications. Am I looking at the wrong information in a speaker? What should I be looking at? I hope I explained well what I am trying to say here.

Regarding the Klipsh, why does reviews.cnet.com give them low ratings and give logitech all much better ratings. I just feel it is a marketing thing, but in most places I found that they are praising Kilpsh slightly better than logitech. Howevr, at Amazon.com I found some reviewrs complaining about Klipsh reliability, Is this true from your experience?

Last, what about the creative T3000, it has tweeTers and 3'' driver, and yet very cheap in price. Do you have any exprience with it? Also, what makes Creative L3500 (just hypotheically) much more expenisive than the Creative T300 (Personally, I think high priced items are better )

After all, I live overseas, in which we have 220 Voltage not 110, Do u know if any of these speakers are capable of that?

Thanks again fussnfeathers, I can't tell how much I appreciate your replies.