Speakers to use with computer?

coffeehound

What sort of speakers or audio system do you use with your computer, laptop, mobile devices etc, please?

My old faithful Harman Kardon twin speakers have been great for the past 15 years, but now require an elaborate arrangement of elastic bands to work. I use them for music and for DVDs and Youtube videos etc.

What is the best way to go for this sort of thing now? A soundbar, or a BlueTooth speaker perhaps? Or maybe the old-fashioned wired speakers are still the best sound for the money? Are proper hifi active speakers worth the extra? Thanks for any info and opinions :beer:

esuhl

I have "proper hi-fi speakers", but they're not active. I have a separate amp. I also have some active desktop speakers -- Altec Lansing ones branded with the "Gateway 2000" logo -- still going strong.

The desktop ones have more detail in the treble, while the hi-fi speakers have better bass and mid-range, so they work together pretty well.

Chrishazle

I'm lucky enough to live near a Bose outlet shop, so that's what I've had on my PC for a few years now - their computer speakers.

RobTang

I use Bose companion 20s


https://www.bose.co.uk/en_gb/products/speakers/stereo_speakers/companion-20-multimedia-speaker-system.html


They are extremely good, the sound quality outshines a good few separates' systems I've had and they don't need a sub to deliver decent bass so their space footprint is tiny.


Honestly these days I don't think its worth the hassle for a Hi-Fi separate's' setup for a computer.

RumRat

Logitech Z333 2.1 speakers....Excellent sound for the price.
I bought another set and put them upstairs with a chromecast audio connected and have wireless speakers at a fraction of the cost of Sonos etc.;)

forgotmyname

Anything but bluetooth ones.

My 4 +1 speakers are about 20 years old and still work well. Bought from Jungle.com who used to be just around the corner.

securityguy

I have a pair of the ubiquitous M-Audio BX5 D2 active monitors in my office. They're hooked to a good outboard DAC, but only because the audio output on Mac Minis is less than great. They are brutally revealing, as they are meant for near-field monitoring by people doing mixdown rather than for casual listening. But provided you don't mind hearing the problems in what you are listening to they are stunningly good.

coffeehound

Thanks a lot, folks, very helpful info and new options to investigate there. I didn't realise chromecast could be used as a general wifi connection like that!

securityguy wrote: »

I have a pair of the ubiquitous M-Audio BX5 D2 active monitors in my office. They're hooked to a good outboard DAC, but only because the audio output on Mac Minis is less than great.

That's an interesting set-up. Can I ask which DAC you recommend and what interface it uses on the mac? I would often be using the speakers with a mac mini too, so if the 3.5 mm output is carp I might well follow that output option even not with studio quality speakers.

markfj

I actually was about to suggest Harmon Kardon, I hav some and love them, but then I read your post properly.

I was torn myself between the Harmon Kardon and these creative ones, that are well reviewed Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II

Cisco001

Audioengine A2

i love my old aego m, but change it to audioengine A2 due to lack of space for subwoofer

alexisonfire123

If the budget allows, go for the amazing Soundsticks III - they look cool and the sound is fantastic