Speakers - Which ones?

[davethechamp]

Looking to get some decent speakers for my PC so I can get rid of my old HiFi.

Found these 2 which are around my buget. Which ones do you guys reccomend?

Speed-Link SL-8237 Full Metal Silver 5.1 Speaker System with a Ear Deafening 75W RMS !! - £64.16

or

Logitech X530 5.1 Speaker System 71W RMS - PC/DVD/PS2/XBox Ready - £44.23
These are tempting as I can get them from my local PC world for £44.99 if I order online and collect in store.

All sugestions welcomed!

Cheers.

Dave

[djglenn]

I personally like creative speakers, they look the part and pack a hefty punch in terms of sound. In work so dont have the time to look for the best deals on creative speakers, however amazon is usually competitive in pricing for speakers, especially with the free delivery.

[oshta]

Mate has the speedlinks, and we have the 2.1 version of the X530 at home (and i have the alteclansing 2100's here)

The logitechs are all right, they carry a good bassline, and the midrange is good. Although i find they do lack clarity at the top end.
- Ive not been left along with the speedlinks, to carry out a dencet test, but they quality seams good, posably a little beter? Dont lose the remote!!
- Also, for what its worth, the altecs are nok too, the base isnt bad, and the topend is cristal clear. Although the midrange is a little lacking, although if you possition the base unit to face yourself its better, as much of the midrange comes out of it.


Daniel

[davethechamp]

cheers for the input!
The remote control (not wired) is one of the reasons I'm looking at these 2 sets.

These speakers will be used for watching TV / dvd's and listening to music mainly. I tend to use mt ear phoes when gaming.

Dave

[oshta]

Yeah, just dont loose it tho!
- My mate lost his two weeks ago (after having them a week) and now cant change any of the bass/volume/power settings, and has all but given up trying to get a replacment.


Daniel

[EtheAv8r]

I don't know what HiFi you are replacing, but you might be rather disappointed at the sound quality if it really is HiFi rather than a music system that is being replaced. With these two sets you are getting 5 speakers plus base unit for only £45 / £65 or £7.50 / £10.83 per speaker.... not a lot of money... and hence there will be compromises on sound quality.

You might like to consider instead the Altec Lancing MX5021 2.1 system, THX certified and way better sound quality, with a wireless remote which even if you lose you can still fully control from the wired remote (it they have both!). Slightly more expensive at £95 delivered, but worth it!

[jamena]

logitech used to have a good rep for their cheapo 5.1 setup. dunno if it still holds true. But as the above guy said you need to pay quite a bit more to get "good" audio. Out of the logitech or the speedlink though I'd get the logitech as they're likely to be about as good and are cheaper and you say you can get them easily

Just unpack them very carefully, and if you *hate* the way they sound you might be able to take them straight back the next day for a no questions asked refund/credit? check the stores returns policy first though.

[dave87]

Yup, I would agree with EtheAv8r & Jamena here, if you are replacing any sort of HiFi quality gear then you will need to pay significantly more for a 5.1 set. My recommendation would be to get a decent 2.1 set, unless your budget stretches dramatically

[davethechamp]

I appreciate the ideas and input! There isn't really a specific reason for a 5.1 setup I don't think? As with any new purchase or upgrade trying to keep to a buget is tricky!

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Aiwa_NSX_S555_...Review_5318155
This is the HiFi I'll be replacing. I've had it for years and the CD player/changer doesn't work! so most of my music listening comes through some cheap PC speakers!!
I do like feeling the sound track to films through my HiFi, thats what I want to re-create I guess!

Dave

[jamena]

I would guess you will be fine with the Logitechs, and if the shop has a half-decent returns policy you can get it home, try it out, and if it's not to your liking, take it back again to swap it for something else. Like Dave said, if you don't really think you'll use 5.1 (remember you need software that will do the decoding and this is not usually free) then the same money on a better set of 2.1 speakers would probably get better sound?

[oshta]

Why dont you just wire the PC to the aux in of that sterio?
- Ive used it before, the the sound output is very good, and if deskspace isnt an issue, that deffornatly what i would be doing!


Daniel

[davethechamp]

Thats the thing! I am planning to create more space in my already cluttered room by replacing the TV, DVD player and HiFi with my PC!

I do like the idea of the 2.1 system (though more expensive) purely for simplicity!

Dave

[charleski]

If '3D' surround sound isn't that important (or if you don't have space to put the rear speakers) then I wouldn't bother with a 5.1 set. If you want to feel the soundtrack, then you need decent bass, and that's usually the hardest thing for a speaker to do. The Altec Lancings will probably sound a lot better than your Aiwa, and will definitely go louder.

[dave87]

I'd still take the THX Certified Logitechs over the Altec Lancings - they are more compact, more powerful, and if anything like the set I heard, crisp to boot

[EtheAv8r]

This is clearly a question of 'ear taste'. I like HiFi - my main sound system has Monitor Audio speakers at £200 each - but for the computer I was not going to go anywhere near that. I checked out reviews (lots of 'em) and I listened to Creative, Logitec and Altec Lancing, and for me the Altecs won easily.

Forget 5.1, go for better quality 2.1 - you will not regret it! I think the THX Certified Altec Lancing MX5121 sound much nicer that the THX Certified Logitech 2.1 Z3200, and they definitely look much better, and the two stereo units can be easily wall mounted to get them out of the way and in a great position.

[davethechamp]

I think I'm convinced! the 2.1 sounds like it will fit my requirements much better, especially after reading some more about them.

Just wish scan had them in stock!!!!!

Cheers.

Dave