any really clear speakers out there????

[lolos]

The Tascam VL-S21 speakers look very very very thin and 5 watt per channel. I thought the speakers shoul look deep. How these fit what I want more?

I am a total newbie at these audio things. I just don't know what is the difference between monitors and the speakers I was mentioning before!

Thanks

[Google]

[fussnfeathers]

The Tascams don't use a traditional cone, they use an NXT ribbon transducer sandwiched between two thick pieces of aluminum. More effiecient than a standard cone driver, wider soundfield, and no need for two or more drivers to reproduce the sound. They're not as loud at max volume as, say, the ProMedia's but they're clearer through the whole volume range. At low volumes, you can hear every little bit of the song.

Wattage isn't always a determining factor, the efficiency and design of the speakers is. Take a look at all the stupid-high powerered amps available that sound like cheese, big super-powerful speakers that sound like mush......a good set of lower powered speakers will not only sound better, but get as loud dB-wise as a higher powered set. My LX-4's are only 15w a channel, 45w for the sub, but they get just as loud as Logi's Z680's on the dB meter.

For you, you kindof need to make a trade-off. High powered speakers don't perform as well at very low volumes (like you want) because the amp requires a certain amount of power to start reproducing all the frequency range. For you, you're going to want a lower-powered setup with good speakers..........these will sound very, very nice at low volumes, since the amp doesn't have to get as loud to get all the circuits humming.

Go check out some of the musical instrument stores in your area, most should carry the speakers I recommend, have a listen to them.
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[lolos]

Thanks fussnfeathers

Do u if I will be able to find the speakers you recommended at any computer store?

You understood everything I really want

So now I am looking at:

klipsch promedia 2.1

M-Audio LX-4

Tascam VLS21

Behringer TRUTH B2031 ( I found many versions of this one, like the B2031A/B) Do you know what is the difference, or what should I be looking at?

Could you give me a price estimate for each of these seakers so I know what I am looking at is over priced or reasonably priced.

Also, does the warrany really matter? I mean if I have the chance to buy the speakers for less at ebay (used let's say), is this a bad idea considering I will loose the warrany option if anything may happen. Is there a high chance of getting any of these speakers break-down? As I mentioned before in my post, reviewers at Amazon.com complaining about the Klipsh reliability.

Do you think of your M-Audio LX-4 is a well built and warranty is not that important if I can get it for a cheaper price (used)?

Also, Do you if any of these speakers is dual voltage (110/220)? On their website they don't mention the voltage

Thank you fussnfeathers

[fussnfeathers]

[lolos]

okay now for the price - I am in between the Tascam VLS2, M-Audio LX-4, and the klipsch promedia 2.1.

What do you recommend about each of them in according to musical performance, loudness, excellent low level volume, and a decen well accompanied smooth bass?

Last, what is the difference between passive monitor speakers and active mointor speakers?

What do you think of the three speakers that will fit my needs as I listen to music always 24/7 and sometimes I like to watch some DVDs as well.

Thanks for your continuing help and really impressive fast reply!

[fussnfeathers]

[lolos]

Okay, what do u recommend as a second choice?

Aslo, I found some website sell the speakers refurbished. Do you you if it is a good idea to buy refurbished? Are they the same? if they are, so you are the difference of the price!!

[FreeTheRock [banned]]

are these good Fuss why are they so damn expencive?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836136102

[fussnfeathers]

Yeah, those are amazing. I would love to have a set for near-field monitoring. The only thing they lack is any serious bass response. There's some, but not enough for the average user. I want a pair for doing acoustic guitar/vocal mixes. For that sortof music, they're simply amazing.........I got to try a set out for a week. For everything else, they're lacking a bit....with a matched sub, they'd be astounding.

Something you just have to hear, really.
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[fussnfeathers]

Since you mentioned them, I still want these.

http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=193

All I can say is *orgasm*.
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[[KoG]^weaZel]

also Klipsch just came out with their ProMedia Ultra 2.0s and they sound great!
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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

[lolos]

But isn't the bass will be very low compared to decent 2.1 speakers?

Is it important to look at the SNR while purchasing a speakers? Because some very good speakers like M-Audio have lower SNR than let's say all of the logitech's line!

[lolos]

"What do you think of buying the speakers individually (to excel in the mid and high range) and getting a separate sub? "

I think It would offer many more options !!

[fussnfeathers]

It's a mixed bag.

Matched sets of sats and subs have optimal crossover points, so each doesn't interfere with the other. Using a seperate sub and different brand speakers can introduce phase problems.....say, for example, pairing JBL sats up with another brand of sub. JBL wires their speakers in reverse, out of phase with other brands.

You're best off getting a matched set.
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[fussnfeathers]

Oh, and as a side note........if you mix and match, you won't have even volume control, either.
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[lolos]

Thanks for the feedback FnF.

I am spending too much time researching for good speakers and come here to post my questions, you really have the best responses.

In every other forum, I found some are so in love with their speakers and recommend them over the others without even listening to them !!

However, I'm confused about the difference between Klipsch Promedia 2.1 THX and the Promedia GMX. Which is better? I read that the GMX is from cheaper quality, but aren't they from the same brand!!

I really liked the M-Audio LX-4, but my budget is $200. I thought to get it used but then FnF recommended not to do that and I like his reasonings.

I want the best 2.1 speakers under $200.

Again, I like little bass I feel it gives warm to the music and also it is fun when working out/playing games to turn up the bass a little. Mainly, I listen to istrumental music and vocals. I have the Audigy 2 NX external sound card.

I don't really crank up the volume up to its maximum; I live in a apartment and so can't do that. But ofcourse I like the ability of cranking up the volume without distortion.

I sleep while listening to music. I study while listening to music. So listening to very detailed clear music at low volumes is pretty important as well.

I can't go the stores and listen to the speakers, like the Tascam VL-S21. FnF mentioned it is better than Klipsch and logitech for listening to music. But I can't find any other reviews about it. Also, the only review about it was saying that it is the worst monitor speakers. I think it is better to get the best 2.1 multimedia speakers than the worst monitor PC speakers, or What do you think FnF?

In fact, I am wasting too much time about this thing and just want someone who has the experience and listened to all (Logitech z-2200, Klipsch Ultra 2.0 and Klipsch 2.1, Altec Lansing FX6021 and Altec Lansing MX5021, and hopefully the Tascam VL-S21) to tell me what to buy and I will.

Any other recommendations are greatly appreciated but please don't mention some speakers that are being sold only in Europe (i.e AEGO2) !!

[fussnfeathers]

The GMX is the previous version of the ProMedia speakers. They're made by Klipsch, just a generation older. Those would be just fine for you.

Not sure what review you read on the Tascams, they're excellent. I think the problem with those, and other "studio-geared" monitors is most reviewers expect them to sound huge and thumpy, and that's not what they're designed for. They're for detailed listening, not for maximum thumpage. Even MaximumPC (which is known for disliking any speakers but the two top modelds) gave them a 9 rating. Kindof surprised me, since they generally trash anything under $300. It all depends on what you want.

I haven't listened to the Klipsch Ultras, nobody here carries them, but I'd be a little concerned that all the bass is coming from two 2.5" speakers, seems that they'd be a bit light on the low end, so I can't really say anything about them.
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[lolos]

Here are the only reviews I found about Tascam VL-S21 (I tried to look for normal users not senior editors because I dont believe everything they say, IMO (i.e. CNET editors). Howerver, these are the links

http://tascamforums.com/index.php?showtopic=6977&hl=vl-s21

http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--TASVLS21

Well, let me get this straight...

FnF, you recommend these speakers (that match my needs) in this order,

1) M-Audio LX-4 (If I can afford its price)

2) Tascam VL-S21

3) Promedia 2.1 (THX)

4) Promedia 2.1 (GMX)

5) Logitech Z-2200, (if I can't find it then the Z-2300)

6) Altec Lansing MX5021

7) Altec Lansing FX6021

...........................Correct?

There is a question I am trying to find its answer, does the SNR make a difference between the speakers? Because some very high quality speakers like the M-Audio have significant lower SNR than any cheap logitech speaker!!

I will take your advice even if it opt the Tascam VL-S21, since you have listened to these speakers, have much better experience than I do, and understood exactly what I am looking for .

[[KoG]^weaZel]

for the record the GMX came out after the ProMedia series. The GMX doesnt sound as good as the ProMedia (to me at least).
If someone is reviewing a studio monitor speaker and comparing them to multimedia speakers, then they have no clue what they are talking about. As it would an apples to oranges comparison, kinda like saying this apple is a really good tasting apple. But this orange is the worst apple I have ever eaten, and would not suggest anyone ever eat one.

What FnF is saying is that a monitor speaker will be alot more musical than any but the most expensive multimedia speakers. And even then it might be a close race. For all intents and purposes I would go with the M-Audio or Tascam and then on to the Klipsch 2.1 THX.
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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

[fussnfeathers]

Agreed with Weaz. That's the order I'd go in as well.
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[lolos]

I just went to a computer store today and purchased the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 THX. And after I returned home, I compared it side by side with the Creative L3500 and the Logitech x-230 on two different computers (desktop and laptop).

So I thought I would share with you my experience of each...

BASS:
The best companion bass is from the sub woofer of the Klipsch, however I didn't like the way the sub sounds but it was the best among the three because it has the best matching performance (good response) with the various songs I played.
Logitech’s bass was deep and I liked it the best among the three but very boomy that it sucked the power of the speakers. Creative's sub is the worst and I just hated it.

Movies
The best speaker for listening to movies was the creative L3500, I almost felt like I was sitting in a movie theatre, (I know it is not a surround sound) but the sound coming out of the speakers in all the movies I played was the most realistic voice of the three speakers.
The other two, I didn’t have compare them among each other since I got a headache by that time

Note: I think this superior sound for creative L3500 speakers in movies is due to the new “LFT” technology they have on the speakers (which is the extra "windows" on the side of the speakers) Sorry, I don't know whats its name is

Music
The best musical performance really varies. It depends what kind of music I am listening to, but I can say that in general I like the Logitech x-230 the best for its deepest uniform sound!!
However, the Creative L3500 was the worst among the three.
In rap kind of songs, the logitech was better than the Klipsch due to its deep bass. In classical songs, the Klipsch was better. However, the bass of the Klipsch has better response with any song played than the logitech. But I liked SO MUCH the deep voice of the logitech.
Oh! here is the something I want to add. I felt that the Klipsch was the highest quality among the three, even though it is made in china! But has the highest quality in sound as well.
I felt like it has wider frequency and is able to listen to different tunes but I didn't like the pitch of the sound, IMO. I just can't describe it. To me, I like deep uniform sound more.

It is like when the volume is low at the Klipsch, I can’t feel satisfied even though I hear almost all the notes in the song but yet I have to turn the volume up to get satisfied with the results, I think this has to do with my love of deep sound so turning the speakers up gives me the louder sound gives me the illusion of full deep sound!!

On the other hand, when I listen to the Logitech at low volumes (which I usually do) I miss some of the notes in the song. !!
Creative just has the lowest musical performance in the three, IMO again.

In essence, I LOVE the deep uniform sound of the Logitech x-230. It is great to have this depth while listening. But I don’t like its sub that sucks/drains the power out of the speakers even at the lowest levels. I also don’t like the fact that at low levels I can’t listen to all the notes like I do with the Klipsch’s. However, I like the Klipsch’s highest best matching bass with the beats of the songs and its loud free distortion sound.

I also loved the creative L3500 realistic sounds while watching movies.
After all, I’m going to return the Klipsch to the store tom. And give my brother the creative L3500 and keep myself the Logitech till I find what really suits me.
I know I wrote a lot and thanks for who of you who read all this!!

But after you reading this topic and knew exactly what I want and after my last review of the speakers can you recommend to me a suitable 2.1 speakers that perfectly suits my needs since I am very picky as you see.

I know you have recommended the M-Audio LX-4 and the Tascam VL-S21, but do you still recommend it after my review. I mean do you think they still match my needs?

I think if the answer is yes, I will go with the Tascam VL-S21 since it is much cheaper than the M-Audio, but if there is a great difference and worth me saving for it, please let me know.

I appreciate your help a lot, and hope all these posts help other people like me !!

[mojo1340]

These speakers are very clear.
http://www.xoxide.com/logisys.html

[fussnfeathers]

In all honesty, your review points out what I usually find out......what you thought you wanted, wasn't what you really wanted.

I think you made a good choice, myself. Those are one of the few "mutimedia" speakers I would choose for myself. I think you'll be happy with them.
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[lolos]

you know, FnF, the problem is that I picked some of the best choices (as you said) in "multimedia" speakers, but I'm not satisfied with the results.

On the other hand, I have absolutely no experience with monitor speakers and so annoyed about the money I spent on those multimedia speakers because while I'm listening to different kind of audio (i.e. movies, classical songs, all other kinds) I require different pair of what I have mentioned. And I can't switch every time!!

I didnt yet find a pair of speakers that give me the full warm deep detail voice I am looking for. I'm afraid to find this speaker will cost much more than I can afford (I'm an international college student), but I'm sure it is out there.

People are REALLY different. I dont know the problem is in me or what, when I see others recommend the speakers I listened to be 10 out of 10 in every aspect. I believe, the problem is mine .

Since I trust your opinions, FnF, and read many of them, I think my next purchase will be the M-Audio if I can afford it or the Tascam. I just want to stop spending money on speakers. If I spent the money on the three speakers I purchased, I would have gotten a perfect speaker by now, hehee I hope!

[fussnfeathers]

Yup, it's all in the ear.

There's a huge difference between monitors and multimedia. I can put it this way..............

Multimedia (and almost all consumer speakers) are designed with a specific frequency range, for the most part. In all but a few, there's a "boost" at the extreme high and low range, typically because that's what consumers want to hear. Also figure that most action movies have a lot of low end requirements for explosions and such. Anyway, they're not a "flat" sound, there's coloration to the sound you hear.

Studio monitors are designed to have as close to a "flat" response as possible. For me, if I used a set of consumer speakers to monitor a mix for a CD, the resulting recording would be horrible. What I want to hear is exactly what the musicians are playing, no boost or cut to any of the frequencies.

Keep in mind, also, that no speaker, no matter how expensive, will give you a full frequency response at very low volumes. The drivers (speakers) require a certain amount of power to move, and woofers need the most, an average of double the power of the rest of the drivers in a speaker setup. As the power goes down, the bass is the first thing to go.

I think you're gonna have to make some compromises. A high-powered set of speakers won't give you the quiet listening you want, and a low-powered set won't necessarily give you the boom you want for movies. You can't have both in the same set of speakers.

Find a set that gives you a decent mix of what you want, and go with those.
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