Searching for Speakers, what to look for?

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Jamiemydearx3

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#1 Jamiemydearx3
Member since 2008 • 4062 Posts

I am looking to buy new speakers, what should I look for in the specs?

Like, is a Frequency Response of 35Hz - 20kHz better then 45Hz - 20kHz?

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Spybot_9

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#2 Spybot_9
Member since 2008 • 2592 Posts
Duh look for reviews.What is your budget and what configuration do you want like 2.1 or 5.1?
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Jamiemydearx3

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#3 Jamiemydearx3
Member since 2008 • 4062 Posts

Duh look for reviews.What is your budget and what configuration do you want like 2.1 or 5.1?Spybot_9

Either would be good, good speakers for less then $120. I was looking at the e2300s. I currently have x-530s.

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Spybot_9

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#4 Spybot_9
Member since 2008 • 2592 Posts

You mean the Z2300??

Ya they are your best bet in $120.But you will lose surround sound from your current speakers so bear that in mind.But no doubt the sound quality on the 2300 will blow away the X-530.

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Marfoo

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#5 Marfoo
Member since 2004 • 6006 Posts
True, I have the z-2300s they are awesome for 2.1. I wouldn't recommend getting a 5.1 unless you can actually put them in 5.1 surround placement, as the 2.1s will offer more power for virtually the same effect.
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Lehman

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#6 Lehman
Member since 2005 • 2512 Posts
are the Z-10s good

i saw them for 100 at teh computer shop and they look cool aswell

and Maxishine has em!!
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Jamiemydearx3

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#7 Jamiemydearx3
Member since 2008 • 4062 Posts
True, I have the z-2300s they are awesome for 2.1. I wouldn't recommend getting a 5.1 unless you can actually put them in 5.1 surround placement, as the 2.1s will offer more power for virtually the same effect.Marfoo
Hows the sound quality compared to X-530s and x-540s?
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#8 Marfoo
Member since 2004 • 6006 Posts

The X-530's and X-540's aren't meant to compete with the Z-series in quality. Although it's 5.1, the X-530's and X-540's only have 70W rated power, whereas with the Z-2300's you have 200W rated power with a 400W peak. More power for speakers usually means bigger drivers, and big drivers usually translate to better sound. Not to mention the Z-2300's are THX certified, if that means anything to you. The Z-2300's also have a better frequency response.

The 5.1 variant of in the Z-series is the Z-5500, it's 3 times the price, but it would the equal experience in a 5.1 arrangement. I would recommend the X-530's and X-540's if you want the surround experience and can place them accordingly, otherwise you'll get much more power and quality from the Z-2300 in a 2.1 config.

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Jamiemydearx3

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#9 Jamiemydearx3
Member since 2008 • 4062 Posts

The X-530's and X-540's aren't meant to compete with the Z-series in quality. Although it's 5.1, the X-530's and X-540's only have 70W rated power, whereas with the Z-2300's you have 200W rated power with a 400W peak. More power for speakers usually means bigger drivers, and big drivers usually translate to better sound. Not to mention the Z-2300's are THX certified, if that means anything to you. The Z-2300's also have a better frequency response.

The 5.1 variant of in the Z-series is the Z-5500, it's 3 times the price, but it would the equal experience in a 5.1 arrangement. I would recommend the X-530's and X-540's if you want the surround experience and can place them accordingly, otherwise you'll get much more power and quality from the Z-2300 in a 2.1 config.

Marfoo
I currently own X-530's, would it be worth upgrading to Z-2300s?
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musclesforcier

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#10 musclesforcier
Member since 2004 • 2894 Posts
[QUOTE="Marfoo"]

The X-530's and X-540's aren't meant to compete with the Z-series in quality. Although it's 5.1, the X-530's and X-540's only have 70W rated power, whereas with the Z-2300's you have 200W rated power with a 400W peak. More power for speakers usually means bigger drivers, and big drivers usually translate to better sound. Not to mention the Z-2300's are THX certified, if that means anything to you. The Z-2300's also have a better frequency response.

The 5.1 variant of in the Z-series is the Z-5500, it's 3 times the price, but it would the equal experience in a 5.1 arrangement. I would recommend the X-530's and X-540's if you want the surround experience and can place them accordingly, otherwise you'll get much more power and quality from the Z-2300 in a 2.1 config.

Jamiemydearx3

I currently own X-530's, would it be worth upgrading to Z-2300s?

I personally would keep my money for something else.

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Jamiemydearx3

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#11 Jamiemydearx3
Member since 2008 • 4062 Posts
Hmm..Whats a really good set of headphones? lol, I need some new ones... :x
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musclesforcier

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#12 musclesforcier
Member since 2004 • 2894 Posts
[QUOTE="Jamiemydearx3"][QUOTE="Marfoo"]

The X-530's and X-540's aren't meant to compete with the Z-series in quality. Although it's 5.1, the X-530's and X-540's only have 70W rated power, whereas with the Z-2300's you have 200W rated power with a 400W peak. More power for speakers usually means bigger drivers, and big drivers usually translate to better sound. Not to mention the Z-2300's are THX certified, if that means anything to you. The Z-2300's also have a better frequency response.

The 5.1 variant of in the Z-series is the Z-5500, it's 3 times the price, but it would the equal experience in a 5.1 arrangement. I would recommend the X-530's and X-540's if you want the surround experience and can place them accordingly, otherwise you'll get much more power and quality from the Z-2300 in a 2.1 config.

musclesforcier

I currently own X-530's, would it be worth upgrading to Z-2300s?

I personally would keep my money for something else.

If your willing to spend a little more, the Z-5500s are on sale at Dell for $210.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Video_Conferencing/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0405790

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musclesforcier

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#13 musclesforcier
Member since 2004 • 2894 Posts

Hmm..Whats a really good set of headphones? lol, I need some new ones... :xJamiemydearx3

My brother has the Sen 555's, they are really nice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106392&Tpk=hd%2b555

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Jamiemydearx3

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#14 Jamiemydearx3
Member since 2008 • 4062 Posts

[QUOTE="Jamiemydearx3"]Hmm..Whats a really good set of headphones? lol, I need some new ones... :xmusclesforcier

My brother has the Sen 555's, they are really nice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106392&Tpk=hd%2b555

Thanks. ;)
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#15 musclesforcier
Member since 2004 • 2894 Posts
[QUOTE="musclesforcier"]

[QUOTE="Jamiemydearx3"]Hmm..Whats a really good set of headphones? lol, I need some new ones... :xJamiemydearx3

My brother has the Sen 555's, they are really nice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106392&Tpk=hd%2b555

Thanks. ;)

But take note that those are open ear, if you prefer closed ear check these out.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106328

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#16 cmdrmonkey
Member since 2004 • 994 Posts

Computer speakers blow. They all sound tin-foily and cheap to me, even the "good" ones from Logitech and Klipsch. I think your money would be better spent on a good pair of headphones (eg Sennheisers) and maybe a headphone amp depending on the impedance of the headphones. I would suggest Sennheiser HD 600s, or if you have the money, the 650s. They will sound better than any computer speakers.

I have a set of Sennheiser HD 570s and a Zero DAC/Amp with upgraded opamp chips, and I think it's a setup that blows computer speakers out of the water, and sounds as good or better than most home theater setups I've listened to. I've owned Klipsch Promedia Ultras and GMXs (generally considered to be the best computer audio) and these sound much better.

The other argument in favor of headphones is that if you are in a typical living situation (like an apartment), you probably can't crank a set of speakers up to full volume and really enjoy them without really pissing someone off (roommate, neighbor, etc).

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X360PS3AMD05

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#17 X360PS3AMD05
Member since 2005 • 36320 Posts
Don't you mean, "what to listen for" ;) Other good brands of headphones, AKG, Koss, Beyerdynamic.
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#18 Spybot_9
Member since 2008 • 2592 Posts

Computer speakers blow. They all sound tin-foily and cheap to me, even the "good" ones from Logitech and Klipsch. I think your money would be better spent on a good pair of headphones (eg Sennheisers) and maybe a headphone amp depending on the impedance of the headphones. I would suggest Sennheiser HD 600s, or if you have the money, the 650s. They will sound better than any computer speakers.

I have a set of Sennheiser HD 570s and a Zero DAC/Amp with upgraded opamp chips, and I think it's a setup that blows computer speakers out of the water, and sounds as good or better than most home theater setups I've listened to. I've owned Klipsch Promedia Ultras and GMXs (generally considered to be the best computer audio) and these sound much better.

The other argument in favor of headphones is that if you are in a typical living situation (like an apartment), you probably can't crank a set of speakers up to full volume and really enjoy them without really pissing someone off (roommate, neighbor, etc).

cmdrmonkey

But headphones is something you have to wear and it's certainly noway near as comfortable as listening through speakers.:|

And you just cant compare sound quality between speakers and headphones.It just doesnt work.Both are "different" experiences.

And ya you obviously arent going to get the best by having small satellite speakers.You pay the price of them being small enough to fit on a computer desk.

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cmdrmonkey

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#19 cmdrmonkey
Member since 2004 • 994 Posts
Try some of the high end sennheisers and tell me they aren't comfortable. Cheap headphones are uncomfortable.
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Spybot_9

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#20 Spybot_9
Member since 2008 • 2592 Posts
Try some of the high end sennheisers and tell me they aren't comfortable. Cheap headphones are uncomfortable. cmdrmonkey
I have the bose triports.Generally considered one of the most comfortable headphones around.
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Spybot_9

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#21 Spybot_9
Member since 2008 • 2592 Posts
I also LOVE to listen to music while roaming around in my room.But make no mistake I do use my headphones alot for listening to music but I just dont feel comfortable enough when playing games and yes the detail in the sound you get in games through a quality headphone is quite superb.
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rikjiallen

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#22 rikjiallen
Member since 2008 • 58 Posts
the Logitech z 5500's are the best for under $1000, i got mine for mid 300 range 4 years ago and its literally the best single thing ive bought for my entertainment setup, absolutley GREAT
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#23 gp556by45
Member since 2005 • 3375 Posts

the Logitech z 5500's are the best for under $1000, i got mine for mid 300 range 4 years ago and its literally the best single thing ive bought for my entertainment setup, absolutley GREATrikjiallen
$1000? Thats a bit much just for speakers. I am persoanlly happy with my klipsh 2.1s. I woulnt spend more thant $200 for any speaker setup, thats just to much in my opinion. Then again, I dont build/want a htpc. I prefer pc's for gaming.

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#24 rikjiallen
Member since 2008 • 58 Posts
no, no i mean they are the best speakers in the 0-1000 range.
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#25 gp556by45
Member since 2005 • 3375 Posts
no, no i mean they are the best speakers in the 0-1000 range.rikjiallen
Oh lol ok i got ya.
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Spybot_9

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#26 Spybot_9
Member since 2008 • 2592 Posts

LMAO there are speakers under $1000 that would absolutely destroy the Z-5500.:|

The Z-5500 are pretty much the best satelite desk speakers you can buy but full tower speakers within $700-800 would be in a league of their own.The problem with any desk speakers is that they dont have their own bass thus relieing on the sub all the time.You gotta listen to some music through quality full range speakers with the sub-woofer turned off to know what you are missing out.

And another huge issue with desk speakers is their poor sound stage.As long as you are sitting facing them then it's fine but when you are not,then you would know what I am saying.

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#27 Spybot_9
Member since 2008 • 2592 Posts

[QUOTE="rikjiallen"]the Logitech z 5500's are the best for under $1000, i got mine for mid 300 range 4 years ago and its literally the best single thing ive bought for my entertainment setup, absolutley GREATgp556by45

$1000? Thats a bit much just for speakers. I am persoanlly happy with my klipsh 2.1s. I woulnt spend more thant $200 for any speaker setup, thats just to much in my opinion. Then again, I dont build/want a htpc. I prefer pc's for gaming.

Ya and it's worth spending $500 on a graphics card which may get outclassed within 6 months??

Buying speakers is a one time cost and your speakers are always with you in your gaming experience no matter what game you maybe playing.Regardless of whether you are an audiophile or not,better sound will always make your gaming experience better and it's gonna last you as long as the speakers dont malfunction which under most cases would be 5+ years.