Computer Speakers 2012

[time]

I'm looking for a decent 2.1 system (or a sensational 2.0 system with really good bass ).

It's for my daughter; she's fussy but hates wasting money. Apart from music, she watches a lot of movies and obscure TV shows.

I'm thinking either Corsair SP2500 (~$230 here) or Logitech Z523 / Z623 ($80/$135).

 

[CougTek]

No idea if they are available in Australia or how easy they are to connect to a computer, but at ~250$, the best sounding speakers I've read about are the Paradigm Atom v.5.

I bought the previous generation of Logitech Z-series speakers and there was way too much bass compared to what the satellites were able to push. I've read a few positive reviews about the Corsair, but I've never listen to those myself.

 

[fb]

Is the absolute budget roof $230?

Otherwise, if she really enjoys listening to music and hates wasting money, take a look at a small music system with a pair of mini monitors + integrated amp.

 

[MaxBurn]

Get away from commodity computer appliance speakers?

Topping TP30 Class T Digital Mini Amplifier with USB-DAC 15 WPC $108.98
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-312

Polk Audio TSi100 (should be lower to $150 or less, maybe something newer out but these are what I got)
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi100-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00192KF12

OR maybe better: Pioneer SP-BS41-LR $124.99
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS41-LR-Watt-2-Way-Speakers/dp/B0045US6DE
Wirecutter highly rated these and had some other suggestions. I kinda wish I did these, I generally like their suggestions.
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/a-great-pair-of-bookshelf-speakers/

Total of $240 and you can plug any phone or ipod in and have a decent stereo, not just computer speakers.


They also like these.
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-computer-speakers-audyssey-media-speakers/
Audyssey Lower East Side Media Speaker $139
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005FLG3OQ/thewire06-20

 

[Mercutio]

My go-to speaker set at this point is the butt ugly but marvelous-sounding Genius SW-G2.1 set. They're inexpensive but sound better than other sets that cost three times as much.

Unfortunately, they ARE butt ugly.

 

[snowhiker]

I have the Logitech Z623's hooked up to my TV and they sound pretty good to me.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121048

The right speaker has an aux input jack for MP3 players and whatknot and a headphone jack as well. And they don't look nearly as bad as the setup suggested by Mercutio, but cost 2.5x as much.

 

[time]

Inspired by Mercutio's recommendation, I looked at the Genius range, but settled on the SW-HF5.1 5050 instead of the obviously higher-fidelity SW-G2.1 1250 that he suggested. Yes, I know I said 2.1, but:
* The subwoofer driver is 6.5" instead of 5.25", with a suitably humongous 20L wooden box to house it.
* It looks an awful lot more impressive as a present
* It only cost me $100 ...

We haven't bothered with the rear speakers so far, but the center is useful to balance out the overpowering bass from everywhere - even the satellites have bass reflex ports, something I'll be rectifying when I get a chance. As it stands, it needs some equalization to limit the booming and, surprisingly, lift the midrange.

So definitely not Hi-Fi, but great value for money.