Computer speakers

After listening to my friend's computers, I plan on getting some myself.

I currently have:
-a HP Spectre, which has Beats Audio Speakers
-Bose QC 15 headphones, which were well worth the money. The only flaw with them is that they don't have great bass.


But, which should I get?

He has the Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1. They have great bass, but their sound quality isn't the best. I posted a picture of them below. It's the second picture; see-through speakers and a bass centerpiece.

I'm looking for a combination of great bass and sound quality.

I would prefer to spend under $350 (can go up to $400). I'm mostly looking for set that has 2 speakers. It could possibly have the bass center piece also.

Here's some examples:

 

I currently use Bose companion 20s which are 2.1 system. They sound really great and I love them. The bass isn't too booming but the sound sounds natural not like a fake bass. They cost $225

You can get a nice pair of klipsch pro media 2.1 also for about 150$

 

I used to run Bose Companion 5 series while they lasted for me (about a year - I bought it used)... Not sure if the board in my base imploded, but something stopped working on them. The base was not extremely intense, but it did the job for me.

I would assume you mean desk-speakers (2) as opposed to a surround system (5.1-7.1) for the computer. If you're referring to surround as well, there is a logitech set my brother uses - Z906 maybe? ... Anyways, the sound quality on it is amazing and the base can shake the whole house. He plays battlefield 3 in his room and I can hear the base downstairs half way through the house (30+ ft away). Z906 can be acquired on Amazon for $349.99 (Prime = Free 2day shipping)

I honestly switched to one of the higher-end headphones (uses a 1/4inch jack [same as guitars/amps]) and I prefer it to speakers.

 

Bowers & Wilkins. I have nothing more to say. beats is piss poor, bose is almost as poor, klipsch is not bad..but bowers is the creme de la creme.

 

@ SASRT8, im assuming you are just hating on other brands. i will bose is not poor because currently im using one of the higher end models.

more importantly, read the OPs post. 350-400 price range. Bowers and Wilkins MM1 2.1 speakers are 500 plus. sure those speakers are great but they are out of the price range.

 

What kind of setup are you looking for? 2.0? 2.1? 5.1? 7.1?

 

There is little reason to spending more than £80 on a set of speakers if you are only planning on using on-board audio, purely because the sound quality of the speakers will be bottlenecked by your system.

 

This is such shit, not all on board audio is created equally.

Your best bet for best sound quality would be to go the receiver route. This I think allows the best customization and the most amount of options when it comes to speaker selection and hookups. Plus you're not spending more money on something just because they're "computer" speakers.
I personally use the analog Yamaha RX-800 with modified insignia speakers and my system sounds absolutely amazing. Do some research into various speakers and refer to audiophile forums to get the best bang for your buck.

PS. There is very little difference between a 5.1 system and a 7.1 system, so don't spend extra money where you don't have to if you want these options.

 

That is exactly the point that I was addressing. Though many on-board systems provide an overall good quality experience, their dynamic ranges can seem rather flat and lifeless. This is not to mention the numerous issues regarding EMI and general static feedback. No audio junkie in their right mind wants to splash out a hunk of cash on a serious set of speakers, just to find that their on-board audio has malfunctioned and they cannot afford the upgrade costs for a dedicated sound card.

 

Equalizers help with this, which is why I recommended the receiver setup. It does make a world of difference.

The best would be to go with both, UNLESS you're using a digital receiver (expensive).

 

Those are a little bit out of my price range. I've never heard of the brand, but I'll look into it. Bose headphones are pretty decent, I own a pair of their QC 15s.

I'm not sure what the difference is. But anything that sounds great will do.

Ok sounds good.

Thanks for the advice everybody!

 

Well, I'm not an audiophile, but 2.0 means you have two speakers.
2.1, two speaker and a subwoofer
5.1, five speakers and a subwoofer
7.1, seven speakers and a subwoofer.
I'd say 2.1/5.1 is the way to go, some 5.1's are cheap, even in Israel( where everything is supposed to be way more expensive) there are 5.1's that go on sale for $50 sometimes.

 

I have Logitech Z906 and I really like them.

You can get them on Amazon for $350 http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Surround-Speaker-System-980-000467/dp/B004M18O60