So I have a laptop, and while the speakers on it are relatively good for a laptop, I've really missed having good quality audio. Plus this machine is kind of old so I think the speakers might slowly be dying.

I'm going to have my own room next school year so I think it's a good time to purchase one.

Please recommend me good computer speakers for less than $50. Cheaper is better, assuming it doesn't sacrifice sound quality too much. I won't be blasting my music so they don't have to be amazing speakers. Having a subwoofer would be nice too!

Links to Amazon about said product are appreciated.

Thanks!

GTR

51411 Posts

July 17 2008 05:43 GMT

why not just get a really good headset.

LosingID8

CA10825 Posts

July 17 2008 05:48 GMT

@GTR:
i don't really like having headphones on unless i have to. i'm in southern california and i won't have AC in my dorm room. i'd rather not be sweating all the time with them on. also, i don't really think they're good for your hearing if you wear them constantly.

i'm looking at this for now:
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Inspire-T3100-2-1-Speakers/dp/B000IVL3DE/ref=dp_cp_ob_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1216273397&sr=1-13

what do people think of it?

BottleAbuser

Korea (South)1888 Posts

July 17 2008 05:49 GMT

I'd recommend a set of headphones or earphones. They're less likely to disturb roommates, and let you hear smaller sounds (like footsteps in FPSs!) without turning up the volume way high. I find that they typically have better sound quality also for any given price bracket. You can stick them on your MP3 player and use them for that, too.

Earphones can be said to be less damaging to your ears because as they are much closer to your ears, you can put the volume a lot lower. Of course, depends on how you actually end up using them.

As for standalone speakers, I've never felt any difference between any of the 4 or so sets of $30 generic brand 2.1 channel speakers I've owned. Usually the variable resistor in the volume control starts to degrade after a few years, and that gets annoying, but I don't think chipping in $10 more will add gold-plated contacts.

Ancestral

United States3230 Posts

July 17 2008 06:25 GMT

I would also recommend a good (comfortable / decent sounding) pair of earbuds. Those Bose earbuds are pretty good, but also $100.00. I'm sure there's something in between the crappy over priced iPod earbuds and those though.

But if you really want speakers, BottleAbuser is right, most 2.1 speakers in that price range are going to be pretty much the same in quality. The one you linked to would be a fine choice I'm sure.

Sky101

United States1758 Posts

July 17 2008 06:35 GMT

On July 17 2008 14:49 BottleAbuser wrote:

Earphones can be said to be less damaging to your ears because as they are much closer to your ears, you can put the volume a lot lower. Of course, depends on how you actually end up using them.

What the hell? Earphone/headphones less damaging to your ears compared to speakers?

Unless you constantly blast your speakers, maybe.

It's a known fact that headphones are MOST damaging to your ears.

Ancestral

United States3230 Posts

July 17 2008 06:45 GMT

On July 17 2008 15:35 Sky101 wrote:

Show nested quote +

What the hell? Earphone/headphones less damaging to your ears compared to speakers?

Unless you constantly blast your speakers, maybe.

It's a known fact that headphones are MOST damaging to your ears.

I think neither one is damaging enough to worry about in the hands of a sensible and moderate consumer.

BottleAbuser

Korea (South)1888 Posts

July 17 2008 06:48 GMT

I'd say that's because headphones are much easier to abuse than speakers.

Turn on speakers just loud enough to hear footsteps in CS. Try the same with headphones. The energy imparted to your ear will be lower for the headphones. I think.

Of course, if you're really concerned about the health aspects, I'd say go consult a professional.

Hypnosis

United States2061 Posts

July 17 2008 06:48 GMT

Im deaf for listening to too much music for too long too loudly. then blasting drums and amps all day then waking up and repeating it.

johnmaster

125 Posts

July 17 2008 08:57 GMT

#10

razer mako or the altech lansing fx6021 . i like 2.1 more than 5.1

alffla

Hong Kong20321 Posts

July 17 2008 09:08 GMT

#11

hey losingid8 lol i have the exact set of speakers at uni in the UK hahah they're really good for their price i say get them now gogogo!!! really damn good bass subwoofer <3

alffla

Hong Kong20321 Posts

July 17 2008 09:09 GMT

#12

er i menat the amazon link u posted about the creative system ITS A GOOD DEAL i say go for it!! 2.1 systems are WAaay differnet to headhpones and shit its like so awesome when ..yea. just do it.

LosingID8

CA10825 Posts

July 17 2008 09:13 GMT

#13

lol alfred have you been drinking again hahaha

alffla

Hong Kong20321 Posts

July 17 2008 09:16 GMT

#14

no no no i haven't im just lazy ..

and im telling the truth about the speakers T_T TRUST ME LOSINGID8 shit i forgot ur real name >_> joseph right.

Ancestral

United States3230 Posts

July 17 2008 09:17 GMT

#15

On July 17 2008 18:09 alffla wrote:
er i menat the amazon link u posted about the creative system ITS A GOOD DEAL i say go for it!! 2.1 systems are WAaay differnet to headhpones and shit its like so awesome when ..yea. just do it.

As far as stereo separation, I think a pair of high quality headphones far exceeds a fairly inexpensive 2.1 speakers. Unless you have enough space to space the speakers such that you get a good stereo effect. But in a dorm that's probably not the case.

For SC it doesn't really matter at all, maybe a little more for FPS, and a lot more for music. There's no better way to experience panned harmonies than with a good set of headphones, the sound is wide open and clear.

Of course, with lots of room and money you could do better with speakers, but headphones are a cheap and convenient alternative. If you're comparing cheap headphones or earbuds and a cheap 2.1 though, I guess the 2.1 is better since cheap headphones are usually uncomfortable and sound like crap anyway.

LosingID8

CA10825 Posts

July 17 2008 09:26 GMT

#16

On July 17 2008 18:16 alffla wrote:
no no no i haven't im just lazy ..

and im telling the truth about the speakers T_T TRUST ME LOSINGID8 shit i forgot ur real name >_> joseph right.

correct!

and yeah i just went ahead and bought those speakers

thanks for the advice people

maybe i'll get some nice headphones when i'm not stuck in 90-100F weather everyday without AC...

Ancestral

United States3230 Posts

July 17 2008 09:27 GMT

#17

On July 17 2008 18:26 LosingID8 wrote:

Show nested quote +

correct!

and yeah i just went ahead and bought those speakers

thanks for the advice people

maybe i'll get some nice headphones when i'm not stuck in 90-100F weather everyday without AC...

I've used headphones when it's hot, and mine are the big around the ear type. And yeah your ears sweat, and you'll want to take them off once every hour or so, but it's not all that bad. You're already sweating all over so what's a little more? Hope your new system fulfills all your desires!

DamageControL

United States4222 Posts

July 17 2008 16:37 GMT

#18

On July 17 2008 18:26 LosingID8 wrote:

Show nested quote +

correct!

and yeah i just went ahead and bought those speakers

thanks for the advice people

maybe i'll get some nice headphones when i'm not stuck in 90-100F weather everyday without AC...

Both my brothers have nice headphones im using these 30 dollah skullcandy thingys. T_T