best 2.1 sound quality computer speakers for music under $150

Razer Mako THX 2.1 System (over-budget)

Edifier S330D 2.1 Digital System

Check these and other sets out HERE

ashbrown -- The Klipsch Promedia 2.1 system is the best you can buy, IMHO. I have an older 4.1 channel version of the Promedia's and they just cannot be beat for sound quality (and the subwoofer really improves the low end).

swan m10, great 2.1 for the price.. i think they sound better than the promedia to be honest, ive owned both

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/produ...products_id/89

You definitely haven't heard many of the new brands out in the past few years. The Klipsch Promedia are good but there are other equally good or better sounding speakers available. Of course it's all subjective...but if you go by popular opinion there are better speakers around.

It looks like the Swans are only "temporarily" out of stock. If you really want them, pre-order them and just be patient for a month or so, they will be shipping again in Feb.

M-Audio AV 40. 147 bucks from amazon.

edit: Sorry, forgot you wanted 2.1

A vote against the Klipsch Promedias: I've owned the 2.1, 4.1, and 5.1 sets, and the crossovers on all three broke.

Now I just use home theatre audio equipment for my computer speakers.

This is what I'm thinking of doing for my computer setup. Just get a pair of passive speakers, a cheap refurb receiver or digital T-amp, and whatever powered subwoofer I want.

It just seems to me like all these powered desktop speaker solutions are more about looks and convenience than performance.

Just as another data point, my Klipsch 2.1s have survived for 7 years so far, following me through 6 addresses.

ashbrown - Speaker systems for computer audio are an interesting audio "problem" and how you solve it depends on many things. You have to make some compromises to find the best speakers for your needs. There is no "one computer speaker best for all" solution.

Will the speakers be placed on a desktop with a laptop or monitor? Do you have much room for speakers and therefore will speaker size be an important consideration? Will you be listening mainly at the desk with your laptop or "in the room". For desktop listening you will probably be better off with a 2.0 rather than 2.1 system. The smaller the enclosure the more difficult to get solid bottom end, in general, which is why you were probably asking about 2.1 so you could add a sub. Just don't mistake noticable booming bass for quality. For smallish desktop speakers I like the audioengine A2 (a bit high for your budget) and Behringer ??40 at about $130 because they are front ported products from respectable manufacturers. The m-audio AV40 is nice too, especially if you have a little more space and give them some room behind. The small Swans are great if you can find them - they have a 1080?? a little below your budget and a MKII? a little above. If you want to save some $for later look at the funky little Swan S3W - about $60 from Parts Express. All of these are great for desktop listening. A separate tweeter will not necessarily give you better sound than a well made single driver.

If you want to optimize the "in room listening" at the expense of desktop listening then 2.1 can make some sense. Again putting the $$$ into better quality 2.0 would be my preference, if you have room for larger speakers on the desk. Maybe you find two good desktop speakers for now and add a sub later if you feel you need it.

Will you only be playing files on the computer or will you want to be able to connect an ipod or other mp3 or portable music player? Is it important for you to have a real simple "clean" wiring and component arrangement or can you tolerate a little more mess if there is a gain in quality. For your budget it is hard to beat a used receiver and a couple of passive monitors, but you need to have room and may need to set the receiver where it is not on the desk.

Totally disagree. They're junk compared to Swans M200s.

If you want to save space and still get great sound, check out ZVOX

I second this motion. My amp in the sub blew on the 5.1.

I am actually looking to go from 2.1 to 2.0, because of where I'm moving my workstation (home to new office). I currently have the M10's, and they're great little speakers, and would be willing to sell mine.

I just PM'd you.

If I have an old Yamaha receiver, how exactly would I hook it up to my computer??
Output computer, to input on the old Yamaha. What type of cable?

Thanks.

Mini-jack to rca. Unless both your computer and receiver have optical.

Since it's a bedroom, I'd assume you also have a TV.
So I would go with "home theater in a box".

If you have a desktop PC, you can get a motherboard or sound card with optical out, digital out, hdmi out, etc.

If you have a laptop, well, you shouldnt be expecting much so a 2.0 system should be fine... ;-)

I recently upgraded to a Razor Mako 2.1 system for an office.

Thanks to ChrisWiggles, and koven for recommending swan. i purchased the swan m50w from theaudioinsider they are best speakers for quality and sound i have ever seen in my life, for a computer. I really appreciate the posts so much i registered on this forum just to let you know how much i appreciate your knowledge on the subject. You are both true audiophiles.

My vote is Klipsch Pro Media 2.1. There was a hearing test on line. I have my db meter and when the tones for higher Hz then my old ears could hear the meter moved. Great sound and bass for a small system.

Received my Swan M10s (black) today and I am blown away by the musicality of them. Admittedly I am not an audiophile but they sure sound better than my Klipsch Promedia 2.1s!

$119 from Audioinsider.com.

Update: Sadly, the M10s developed a hum in the left channel and were returned for credit.

Received my Swan M10s (black) today and I am blown away by the musicality of them. Admittedly I am not an audiophile but they sure send better than my Klipsch Promedia 2.1s!
Edited by WSZsr - 7/11/12 at 4:53pm

They look nice and a good deal. I have never heard of them. My Pro Media 2.1 is over two years old now and still sounds great. I use to worry about how warm the amp in the sub gets as I have mine at my feet under the desk. Time will tell for both of us.