Looking for decent low-noise 2.1 (or similar) setup

Subwoofer of my old logitech 2.1 setup is developing buzzing problems and it's time for a new set. I'm having trouble finding speakers with low ambient noise levels.

Requirements:
Cost: <$250, under 200 would be better
Connection: 3.5mm jack from my computer onboard sound, though it does have an optical out as well
Need surround: No, would rather have better 2.1 setup
Need headphone support: No
Room size: small (~150 sq. ft.)
Usage: Music at low volume, occasional movies at low-mid volume
Manufacturer: not Logitech

Have a new Klipsch Promedia 2.1 sitting in front of me that will probably be returned soon because the noise levels are much higher than my old crappy set even when audio input is unplugged. By noise I mean a static hiss like white-noise (no single-frequency problems). Hiss is audible from 2-3 ft away.

I apparently have better than average hearing (volume-wise), and finding a setup without this hissing is a problem. To give an idea of the volume levels I use, I have windows volume set to 50%, Klipsch speakers set to ~15%, and another external gain control set to 50%. Noise is unaffected by Klipsch volume knob below about 50%, and increases above this. Speakers are 2-3 ft away on my desk, and noise is still audible.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a speaker set with decent quality that is useful at low volumes, or know what to look for in specs to find one with really low hiss noise?

Thanks for the suggestion Dave. After looking online it seems some people complain about these speakers hissing as well though (all 3 versions).

Jim:
Actually I'm trying to avoid Logitech. Everything I've bought from them from speakers to mice have all developed annoying buzzing of one kind or another.

What I'd like to know is if there is something in speaker specifications I can look for that will let me tell what the ambient noise (hiss) levels are. The Promedias I have now are fine quality-wise except for the noise levels.

The M50W is more than I wanted to spend, but if there is something that indicates is will have much lower noise I'll save up for a little longer. I will keep the other companies in mind.

The amp for the Klipsch speakers is in the subwoofer, so no easy way to change that.

Will definitely look into the Audioengine 2s. I only have a sub integrated into the 2.1 system right now, and that's the failing component. Suggestions for components if I go the 2.0 + subwoofer route? I've not really done an audio setup myself before, but I would need some kind or receiver/dac to connect the 2 Audioengines and subwoofer to right? Or can I just split a 3.5mm line out jack into multiple RCA cables?

Would I need to look at the power use as well? In other words, would a 60W speaker have twice the noise level of a 30W speaker, both using the same amplifier?

I mean would the absolute noise level be twice as high, and the SNR the same for both?

As stated in the OP, the hiss remains even when not connected to any input. I plugged in the speakers on the other side of my apartment (with no input) and had the same results. Most people would probably not be bothered by noise at this level (especially if sitting more than 5-6 feet away), but I'm running a nearly silent PC because regular buzzing/clicking/hissing noises really annoy me.


I guess I'm describing this poorly. Say I have 2 powered speakers: One that uses 30W at max volume and another that uses 60W at max volume. An amplifier with an SNR of 100 outputs the same signal to both. Doesn't speaker 1 now produce (ideally) 60W of sound plus 0.6W of noise, and speaker 2 30W of sound plus 0.3W of noise? Maybe the amplifier/power are more closely tied than this?

Thanks for your help BTW.