PC Speakers... recommendations?

[SSK]

I would personally pick up a second-hand AV receiver (Yamaha, Pioneer, Okyo etc) for around £75 and some decent shelf speakers from richer sounds or 2nd hand.

You could possibly get a 2.1 system for £200 that would knock your socks off compared to that Philips set you mentioned. Plus it has multiple inputs and is easily added to.

Otherwise, get a really nice set of headphones, even with a £2k sound system I still use my headphones more then my sound system when gaming.

I agree...altho i personally dont know how good the phillips are i do know that buying dedicated amps and speakers seperatly is the ultimate way to go...

AV reciever may possibly not be the best option with regards to music tho i do agree they have tones of inputs so u can connect any other equipment to it such as a dvd player, xbox 360 etc...an amp such as cambridge audio with 2 speakers and if u like ur bass include a decent sub would be the best option for music...

if you interested in going thru this route let me know and i happily guide u through it

[TooNice]

As far as PC speakers go, I favour the Gigaworks (S-series). The Logitech are good for movies and games, but the Gigaworks are more 'well rounded' in my opinion, better for music without really losing on the gaming/movies either (I find Logitech subwoofer to be too 'boomy'). The only thing the Gigaworks lose is on connectivity: there is no optical in. This is not necessarily a disadvantage from a sound quality perspective (it can even be an advantage), it just mean that you need to pick your sound card/DAC more carefully. However, you would need to deal with more cables. As Zak33 mentioned, don't overlook headphones either if you want something for yourself only and want the best sound quality for buck.

[Ciber]

Are there many games that support ambx? An important point to consider, great hardware is pointless without the right software.

[Zhaoman]

the Ambilight on my TV changes colour according to the 2 most predominant colours on the screen, one on the right and one on the left. I should think the ambx works the same way without the need for software optimisation.

[seanooo]

The software supports all the latest games and unofficially works with quite a few old games, and Philips are constantly updating their software to support older and all the upcoming titles, such as Far Cry 2 etc etc.

[Ciber]

Cool, well let us know how you get on

[wicker_man]

Tor if your budget allows you can buy a seperate amp and speakers if you are a serious audiophile like me

I agree, after years of using a Logitech 2.1 setup, I tried my old Panasonic micro hi-fi and was surprised at how much better it sounded!

I currently have a Nad C370 connected to some big old Mitsubishi speakers and it sounds great pumping out heavy metal in Apple Lossless! Totally blows away 2.1 sets!

Although, I am looking to buy some new smaller speakers (probably B&W 686) because my room in my new house at Uni this year is quite small.

[Mick84]

I'm using Creative Gigaworks T40 2.0 speakers which I think is really good. They are maybe a bit too cheap for your budget, but I thought I'd just throw them in there if you were thinking about a good 2.0 setup.

To me 2.1 always sounds a bit strange but it might be because I've only heard cheaper models where the bass is always too loud.

[cubiter]

I currently use the Acoustic Energy Aego M series, picked them up a few years ago for £90, but I think they dearer now. I rate these highly, sound good, and are inconspicuous. 2.1 only, but sound good with music.

[rob4001]

What's wrong with an amp and some good quality hi-fi speakers?

[nutter998]

I'm using Creative Gigaworks T40 2.0 speakers which I think is really good. They are maybe a bit too cheap for your budget, but I thought I'd just throw them in there if you were thinking about a good 2.0 setup.

To me 2.1 always sounds a bit strange but it might be because I've only heard cheaper models where the bass is always too loud.

For PC use, try the Creative T20 speakers which are the cheaper brothers of the T40's. They give excellent sound from both PC and mp3 players.

[Ciber]

What's wrong with an amp and some good quality hi-fi speakers?

Well, nothing for playing music, in fact for that it's the best option. I used to have my PC hooked up to my amp and speakers and it sounded nice. But I wanted to move my PC away from the hifi plus I just wanted the Z5500. In games and films, 5.1 is a revelation. Mind you if you can afford a good av reciever and 5.1 speakers just for your PC then that of course will be better still.