any really clear speakers out there????

[lolos]

Will this set be better a monitor speakers?

I noticed that when I turn up the volume in creative speakers, it distorts very easily. While Logitech and Klipsch dont distort as much. Especially Klipsch, I noticed very very very low distortion, is this has to do with the SNR? Because I noticed Creative's SNR is the lowest and Klipsch's SNR >103

I dont understand in the numbers though. Could you give me some range to consider while looking. I mean like:

1) Not to get speakers less than X SNR.
2) Get flat frequency speakers (In other words monitor speakers)
3) Get flat frequency speakers with the widest frequency range! (Will this be better?)
4) Does the dimensions of the speakers make any difference?
5) There are sub woofers that are long-throw and others are wood something! What is better?
6) In my preferences for my "dream" speaker, should I prefer a sub that requires high watts or will it drain the power from the speakers? How can I know if it will suck the power of the speakers on low-mid volumes or not compared to other subs?
7) etc.

My point is, what should I be looking at? Ofcourse, others opinions give great deal of satisfaction and trust. But I want also to be informed to be able to look at what suits my needs among those high rated speakers.

Thank you so much

[Google]

[fussnfeathers]

I don't want to get into too much detail, and I really can't. If you really want to know everything there is to know about speakers, impedance, SnR and so on, get Yamaha's Sound Reinforcement Handbook. It's about 500 pages, but it'll have every bit of info you want.

There's no "set" guidelines that I can give you. You're asking for a boatload of info that only years of study can give you, I can't give it to you in a nutshell here, there's too many variables. Wood, compsite, aluminum, fossilized Martian poop.........it depends on how it's used, and where.

Signal to noise, in a nutshell......the lower the number, the worse the speakers will be for hiss. It doesn't affect the overall SOUND, but you'll hear it when there's dead silence between tracks. Higher is better.

Long-throw woofers typically produce more bass, but that's subjective to the design of the cone, the cabinet, the materials of each.

When you're talking quality multimedia (or any speaker, for that matter) the sub's power requirements will NOT affect the mid/high amps. Each has a seperate amp......for example, the LX4's I suggest actually have 6 seperate, dedicated amps in the sub. One for the sub, and 5 for each speaker attached. Cheaper speakers (like Creative) use one amp, and split via a crossover, so in that case, yes, the sub can "rob" the sats of power, as it needs more under heavy load.

As far as frequency ranges go, while a wider range is better for power handling, the human ear doesn't hear anything above 22kHz. Some speakers advertise higher, but you'll never hear the difference.

Also factor in the quality of the amps, cabs, and wiring, and you start to get a major headache.

You're asking for a very high quality speaker, at a very low budget. You're not going to find the "perfect" speaker that way..........case in point, the studio I do contract work for has two sets of JBL monitors that cost $10,000 PER SPEAKER. They'll blow your mind, they're so good......but you can't afford $40,000 to get your dream speaker, can you? If you can, I'll point you in the right direction.

Bottom line..........you're not going to get everything you want in a $200 speaker rig. Period. I don't care about brand, model, size, material, SnR, frequency range, or color. It simply ain't gonna happen.

My suggestion is to take what you can afford, compare all of them, and pick the one that fits your needs best, and live with the compromises. You want a decent 2.1 rig for under $200, the suggestions given to you are about all that's available. Try them, buy locally, listen for a few days, return them, try again.
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[lolos]

You are right, I just realized that it can't be given in a nutshell as many variables come to play. But I learned a great deal from what you said.
At least, I got some of the basics and much better off than before


BTW, how can I know if the speaker has separat amps for every driver? You said your M-Audio does, and when I was checking their website it says integrated corssover, could u explain please?

What do you think in the M-Audio StudioPro 4 http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudioPro4-main.html

When they say 18 watts, does it mean 18 watts per speaker?

[lolos]

OH! THANKS

[lolos]

*Correction*

[[KoG]^weaZel]

[ToggleHead]

per channel..is not necessarily per speaker....

that would mean 18watts on left channel...and right channel (or more if indicated)

Some peakers a re full ranges...meaning many actuall speakers per enclosure. Like my home theater speakers have a tweetwer, a mid, and a sub....they are 250 watt enclosures....not perspeaker.....that wattage is distributed to each speaker based on internal components

a Crossover will cut off frequencies either above, or below a specified frequency....some alloe you to set the frq yourself...some dont.....personally i like to set my own cross over.

An example of this.... is if youd like to run with a separate subwoofer....you dont want all the 80Hz and below stuff being pumped into your mid/high ranges....it will distort them....so your corssover (if set at 80Hz) would drive the sub with 80 and below, and all the others at full range 81 and above

get it?
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[lolos]

Yes, I got it. You made it sound like a peace of cake

[fussnfeathers]

I think Toggle was referring more to car stereos, not home systems. Creative has a "crossover" thingy in their control applet, but it doesn't really work all that well.

Let's see if I can explain this........

Monitor speakers have a "flat" response, meaning that what goes in is what comes out. For example, if I were recording kick drum, I'll hear exactly what the mic is picking up, with no "coloration" of the sound. No bass boost, no high-end boost, just plain and pure what my mic is picking up off of that drum.

Multi-media speakers are end-user speakers, and are designed to "enhance" the best-loved sound, i.e. heavy bass or super-crystal hights and a "scoop" in the midrange, where most feedback would occur. It's not the "true" sound of the recording or game you're hearing, it's what the speaker company decided you'd like to hear.

Multi-media monitor speakers are sortof what I have, the LX-4's. Flatter, cleaner response with no coloration, but the added sub gives some oomph to the sound, if I want it. They're not strictly studio monitors, but they're also not multimedia speakers......they're sortof in-between.

How do you tell if you have a sub-standard power converter? There's no real way to tell, except my trying. Logitech's Z680's, for example, had a major problem with hiss that could be traced back to the quality of the amps. The new 5500's don't have that hiss, they upgraded the amps.

Do I think purely monitor speakers give warm sound? Hells yeah! (always wanted to say that, so don't call me an asshat ) Granted, a set of monitors won't have the bass to blow your hair off, but it's clean, consistent, and solid, and much closer to the actual recording than a set of purely home theater type speakers.
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Big enough to scare you

[[KoG]^weaZel]

[ToggleHead]

i was reffering to home theater....jerk.....just drunk...=P

i agree with weaz though...well said
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[lolos]

Hi fnf,

I just sent u a msg but my pc freezed and not sure if the msg went through,

However, do u remember our topic "any really clear speakers out there????"

You were helping me to find good speakers.

Now, I have an offer to buy the M-Audio LX4 2.1 brand new from a major audio store for $210 including shipping. do u think it is a good deal and deserve the money.

I bought Klipsch Promedia 2.1 THX and not satisfied with it, it is like I am eating and not yet full. The sound is not deep or satisfying enough,

I even like my logitech x-230 ($30 speakers) more than the klipsch because the logitech has deeper sound.

Well, I am going to sell both on ebay to and add extra to buy the M-Audio LX4 2.1, but I never listened to it before. Do u think it is worth it.

$210 (free shipping) is a great price online. But I wanted to ask u first, please reply ASAP, as the offer is pending. By the way, I am not planning to expand them to 5.1. SO it is not a big deal to me, and I dont mix or edit songs either. I just want an excellent speaker to live with me and hear all kind of music and watch movies and play little games. But my budget was $200, I just raised it to $210. Please any advice will be appreciated because I dont think I would be able to buy any more speakers after this one, it will be my last hope and chance. Thanks lots and waiting ur response,

my email is alali85 @ yahoo.com

[fussnfeathers]

I'll respond here, I'm having trouble with my email........dang dialup.......

Yeah, I think you'll be happy with them. And at $210, I wouldn't pass 'em up.
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Big enough to scare you

[lolos]

Hi FnF,

I just recieved the M-Audio LX-4 speakers today, they look great. I really can;t wait to try them but they are missing the cables and connectors between my sound card and the subwoofer.

Since you have them, I thought you may know what I am misisng and should buy. I use Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX (external soundcard) and I think it has 1/8 inch out puts. The M-Audio subwoofer I think it has 1/4 inch outputs, right?

What should I buy? I tried to look on cables I found they range from $3 to $100 !! I have no clue or experience before with cables, I read somewhere that cables may affect sound quality. I want decent way to connect the speakers to my external sound card.

BTW, how do you the left speaker from the right one?

Thanks lots FnF for your help from the beginning through our my purchase of the speakers, I have a feeling they will sound great. I will let you know once I recieve your reply and buy the missing items.

[explorer]

Hi lolos.. I really want to know how the result of your testing on lx4.. because I also interested on that speaker..
Please describe your review in detail...

thank you..

[lolos]

Ofcourse, But I am waiting to buy a cable to connect my speakers to my sound card. The speakers doesn't come with that cable, which is an extra cost. But I think it will be worth it.

I will let you know once I listen to its first song.

Also, I recommend you to wait and don't buy any speakers till I till you what I found out. It may be helpful.

My Best,

THANKS to FnF

[explorer]

for cable, if you still haven't got one, I recommend canare cable (visit http://www.canare.com ), I use it myself and so far very satisfied with the result... the price is not expensive too..
goodluck.. I'm waiting for your review..

[lolos]

HI explorer,

I want a cable that has stereo mini from one end (1/8'') to dual mono (1/4'')

From my sound card to the sub.

There are not many brands that I could find, and the only brand I can find is Monster, but they are very expensive to me. However, they are out of stock from many stores. I dont want to use any connectors, I just want it plan ans simple.

About the link you gave to me, I can't find 1/8 to 2 1/4 cable. If you can find one and send me the link, I will very much appreciate that.

There is a store that has monster cable but the very short one .75 meter and will probably be able to recieve it by monday.

I know it may take like 4 days to know my feedback, but I think it is worthy though waiting. And again, once I will get it playing I will let u know :)

Best,

Ali!

[explorer]

Basically, you can make it on your own.. So, u just buy the cable, then buy the 1/8 n 1/4 heads, and ensemble them on your own or just ask the store to do it...

looking forward to the review..

[lolos]

Well here is my review of the M-Audio LX-4 2.1 monitor-multimedia speakers...

To whom it may concern

I bought the monster cable .75 meter (DON't DO THAT) it is damn short, it is shorter than my arm, I had to replace my sound card on top of the sub so I would be able to connect them. But that is all I could afford as the 2 meter cable costs $50 before shipping!!!! Yes, there were cheaper options but I prefered to get the top quality so I wont have any execuses if the speakers sounded bad.

I use external sound card (Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX USB 2).

First, I noticed that when I play high quality audio (I mean by that original Audio CDs not the DVD audio). The music I heard is much better than any other speakers I have tried before, which were (Logitech x-230, Klipsch Promedia 2.1 THX, Creative L3500) . On the other hand, when I listened to normal mp3 encoded songs (especially 128 kb), the songs sounded worst than some of the previous speakers I have mentioned. the reason of that, I am not sure about, but I guess it is because I can hear more detail in the songs which is not good for low quality mp3's, which I mostly listen to

I from Egypt, and the only way to listen to egyptian songs is to download them online (It is legal in my country )

Well, dont get me wrong, I did my review on many kind of types, I listen to almost all kinds of songs and with different languages, (English, French, Arabic, and Spanish).

I am happy with the speakers, but not blown away. Trust, I like everything, but when it came to picking up speakers, all of what I have listened to didn't satisfy me. The M-Audio speakers, IMO, needs very high quality songs to show it justice, but my regular mp3s weren't the best thing to test these speakers on. So, if you one of those who listen to very high quality songs, these speakers are perfect!

It is bad with mp3. but it not that good, which doesn't deserve the extra $$$. For vocals, the M-Audio LX4 is outstanding among the other speakers I have mentioned. You almost feel that the singer is singing near you. I just closed my eyes and was singing to Gosh Groban (a new singer to me, but has a beautiful voice) If you watched the movie "Troy", he was the one who singing its song. Whatever, The vocals are simply great.

The Bass, is not very powerful, but good enough for me. I like decent bass. and the bass also is tight and not boomy like in Logitech's, but between me and you, I liked the boomy bass in rap songs, but I dont listen to rap actually, so it is up to u.

For instrumental music, I didn't like the way the speakers handled certain drums' sounds. Yes, I am talking about the satellites not the sub. It felt like a hammer knocking up & down, which wasn't really good to my ears. Again, the speaker has more detail, I think other will disagree with me in this, but I am not an audiphile or a producing music for living, I'm just a normal listener. However, I thought detail and brightness should be good while listening to any kind of music, but the speakers were too bright in listening to my mp3s.

Explorer, I know you are waiting my full opinion of the speakers, but I gotta go now. I will come back and continue my review very soon. Also, it will give me a chance to hear the speakers more and give you more depth review as much as I can.

THE MAIN THING I WANNA SAY IS THIS, I HAVE THE LEAST EXPERIENCE THAN WHO SHARED IN THIS FORUM, BUT LISTENING TO MUSIC IS SUBJECTIVE. WHAT I LIKE YOU MAY NOT LIKE. IF I HAD A CAR I WOULD GO TO EVERY STORE AND LISTEN TO THE AVAILABLE SPEAKRS BEFORE I BUY THEM, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I DON'T. MY POINT, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND LISTEN BEFORE YOU SPEND YOUR BUCKS. INDEED IT IS GOOD TO HEAR OTHER'S OPINIONS. BUT YOU OWN OPINION IS WHAT MOST MATTERS.

Good luck "I will complete my review soon..."

Ali!

[explorer]

thank you for the review lolos...
untill this part, the speaker sounds perfect for me.. just need a little more review on how this LX4 stands for playing some DVDs...

[fussnfeathers]

You've discovered the joys of monitor speakers.........and the one pitfall. MP3's can sound bad, because of the compression used. It also depends on the bitrate.........higher is better.

For DVD's or other "uncompressed" media, they're awesome. If you've previously ripped your CD collection to mp3, re-rip them using lossless codecs....I use iTunes (so shoot me, it's really good, and free) so I use AAC lossless. FLAC is the other good codec. They're more true to life, since they don't throw any info out.
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[explorer]

Hi FnF..
I live in Singapore and want to take a close look on that LX-4.. But I can't find any store that sell that product. Still, I believe that there should be a store here that sell it. Do you know any store that maybe sell M-audio product in Singapore?

Thanks..

[fussnfeathers]

Not a clue.........try going to their website, they have a dealer list, I think.
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[explorer]

lolos.. where're u.. i'm still waitin for the full review..