I am looking for speakers for a small bedroom system, and am a bit
stuck. I will mainly be using a computer for the source, and the
speakers will be on my desk, so they should be magnetically shielded. I
don't want anything too big, and am looking to spend around $300 or
less. I started out looking at budget active studio monitors, designed
for hobby musicians, but now am considering passive speakers with a
compact integrated amp. These are some of my options so far:


Edirol MA-20D - This is the budget solution. A bit of a cross between
computer speakers and studio monitors, with controls on the front, and
a digital input. 4.75" woofer. $200.

Event TR5 - Many people seem to like this one. The woofer's a big
bigger (5.25"). $300.

Tannoy Reveal with Pioneer Elite A-35R Integrated Amplifier - The
Reveals seem to have a great reputation. They're shielded, but not
active speakers. This means the addition of an amplifier. The A-35R is
rated at 45 wpc. I'd end up spending a bit more if I went this route:
$200 or so for used Reveals, $150 for a B-stock A-35R.

Another interesting amp I found is the Parasound Zamp. It's a bit of
an odd beast - 30 wpc, nice and compact. Not an integrated, so it
only has one input and no volume control, but that would probably work
for me. It does have a headphone jack though. I'm not sure how much
I'd have to pay for this, but my guess is $150 on ebay.

If I don't get active speakers, I'd also consider a used NAD or
vintage Marantz integrated.


So which way do you think I should go? The active monitors appeal to me
because I wouldn't have an amp taking up space, but I'm still not
sure how good they are. I might be able to get a bit of a deal on the
Edirol's or the Reveals, but probably not the Events. I'm also very
open to any other options.

I look forward to any advice you would be willing to give.

-Greg

Greg wrote:

I am looking for speakers for a small bedroom system, and am a bit
stuck. I will mainly be using a computer for the source, and the
speakers will be on my desk, so they should be magnetically shielded. I
don't want anything too big, and am looking to spend around $300 or
less. I started out looking at budget active studio monitors, designed
for hobby musicians, but now am considering passive speakers with a
compact integrated amp.

I don't have much specific advice, but I'd go with some of the better
powered PC speakers. If you use an integrated amp or receiver, I think
you'll wind up with a clumsy-to-use system that may also be prone to
noise and hum problems. Been there, done that!

So I'd go with some powered speakers. Klipsch has some nice powered PC
speakers and they're very easy to find on eBay. A brand that I've used
and never had a problem with noise or hum is (hear come the flames from
other readers) Bose. They used to make a powered version of the
Acoustimass-3 system that worked very well and never had any noise
problems, no matter what it was connected to. Altec offers some
THX-certified PC speakers.

Because the market is so competitive for PC peripherals such as
speakers, you may be surprised how low the prices are for some pretty
good speakers.

Some PC speakers have extra features, such as headphone outputs, so if
that matters, look for features such as that.

For reviews from owners, here are a few sites you can try:

Google.com

Amazon.com

Circuitcity.com

Epinions.com

audioreview.com

But I suggest you buy only speakers that you can try before you buy.
Speaker preference can be highly subjective and the only way to find
speakers you like is to go out and listen to them. Unfortunately, you
may also find that PC speakers are often sold in stores with poor
listening conditions, so try to get return/refund privileges also.

(snip)

Thank you for your reply!

Being in college, most of my friends listen to music using computer
speakers, so I've heard quite a few of them. I've heard some Klipsch
computer speakers, and they were better than many of the others, but
still computer speakers, if you know what I mean. Recently, I heard
some Edirol monitors being used as computer speakers, and was pretty
impressed. That's why I started looking at budget studio monitors.
Right now I have my computer hooked up to my receiver, and have
absolutely no problem with the sound. The only problem is, I'm going to
be moving to a smaller room, so my big receiver and speakers will have
to go into storage for a while. I really can't stand computer speakers
though (at least the many I've heard), so that's why I'm looking at
other options.

-Greg

On 27 May 2005 04:52:32 -0700, "Greg" wrote:

I am looking for speakers for a small bedroom system, and am a bit
stuck. I will mainly be using a computer for the source, and the
speakers will be on my desk, so they should be magnetically shielded. I
don't want anything too big, and am looking to spend around $300 or
less. I started out looking at budget active studio monitors, designed
for hobby musicians, but now am considering passive speakers with a
compact integrated amp. These are some of my options so far:


Edirol MA-20D - This is the budget solution. A bit of a cross between
computer speakers and studio monitors, with controls on the front, and
a digital input. 4.75" woofer. $200.

Event TR5 - Many people seem to like this one. The woofer's a big
bigger (5.25"). $300.

Tannoy Reveal with Pioneer Elite A-35R Integrated Amplifier - The
Reveals seem to have a great reputation. They're shielded, but not
active speakers. This means the addition of an amplifier. The A-35R is
rated at 45 wpc. I'd end up spending a bit more if I went this route:
$200 or so for used Reveals, $150 for a B-stock A-35R.

Another interesting amp I found is the Parasound Zamp. It's a bit of
an odd beast - 30 wpc, nice and compact. Not an integrated, so it
only has one input and no volume control, but that would probably work
for me. It does have a headphone jack though. I'm not sure how much
I'd have to pay for this, but my guess is $150 on ebay.

If I don't get active speakers, I'd also consider a used NAD or
vintage Marantz integrated.


So which way do you think I should go? The active monitors appeal to me
because I wouldn't have an amp taking up space, but I'm still not
sure how good they are. I might be able to get a bit of a deal on the
Edirol's or the Reveals, but probably not the Events. I'm also very
open to any other options.

I look forward to any advice you would be willing to give.

-Greg

I had these when they are AR branded back in the late 80s/early 90s.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=12881

Remarkably good sounding speakers for the size. Great for taking with
you on the road as well. You used to be able to order 12v adapters and
clamp mounts as well. I was always surprised how balanced they
sounded, as well as the level and quality of bass out of such a small
setup.

I don't know how many changes have been made to them since those days,
so you should actually check them out first if possible. But they are
great because, being wedged shaped, they will easily fit in a fairly
small carryon bag.

Just mentioning an option that hasn't been yet mentioned.

In article .com,
says...

Greg,

while I haven't heard them myself, NHT powered speakers have a good
reputation. Oh, and I've heard some fabulous things about Mackie
monitors: http://www.mackie.com/products/studiomonitors/

Cheers,

Bill

"Greg" wrote in message
oups.com...
I am looking for speakers for a small bedroom system, and am a bit
stuck. I will mainly be using a computer for the source, and the
speakers will be on my desk, so they should be magnetically shielded. I
don't want anything too big, and am looking to spend around $300 or
less. I started out looking at budget active studio monitors, designed
for hobby musicians, but now am considering passive speakers with a
compact integrated amp. These are some of my options so far:

Buy a second-hand hi-fi system for $50, and spend the rest on a TFT screen.

Tim

Greg a écrit :


[snip]

I *read* some enthusiastic comments about this :
http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
USD 410.00

You should check that.
Good luck.

While I could use a TFT screen, I don't think I could get by with a $50
system. I am looking at the second-hand market though.

-Greg

I've also heard a lot of good things about Mackies, but the ones people
talk about are out of my budget ($300 or so). I'm not familiar with NHT
powered speakers. Which models are you referring to?

-Greg

I read some enthusiastic comments too. I also read about some quality
issues though. Behringer doesn't exactly have the best reputation. I do
get the impression that they can sound quite good, though not reliably.

-Greg

In .com, Greg wrote :

I read some enthusiastic comments too. I also read about some quality
issues though. Behringer doesn't exactly have the best reputation. I do
get the impression that they can sound quite good, though not reliably.

Even if you are right... ;-)
How many time per day do you spend in your bedroom ?

:-D

In article .com,
"Greg" wrote:

I've also heard a lot of good things about Mackies, but the ones people
talk about are out of my budget ($300 or so). I'm not familiar with NHT
powered speakers. Which models are you referring to?


Look he

http://www.nhthifi.com/p-pchifi.html

Stephen

Just build a pair of Gainclones and round up a pair of bookshelfs from
a yard sale.

Again, we're out of my price range, unless I could find a really good
deal on them.

-Greg

On Sat, 28 May 2005 00:00:59 +0200, Lionel
wrote:

In .com, Greg wrote :

I read some enthusiastic comments too. I also read about some quality
issues though. Behringer doesn't exactly have the best reputation. I do
get the impression that they can sound quite good, though not reliably.

Even if you are right... ;-)
How many time per day do you spend in your bedroom ?

For you, that would apparently be...zero.

dave weil a écrit :
On Sat, 28 May 2005 00:00:59 +0200, Lionel
wrote:


In .com, Greg wrote :


I read some enthusiastic comments too. I also read about some quality
issues though. Behringer doesn't exactly have the best reputation. I do
get the impression that they can sound quite good, though not reliably.

Even if you are right... ;-)
How many time per day do you spend in your bedroom ?


For you, that would apparently be...zero.

I use to sleep about 6 hours per day in my bedroom.

Oh I see *what* you are meaning... If I start to give you
more details you will need an *complete* packet of kleenex.

:-D

On Sat, 28 May 2005 10:04:17 +0200, Lionel
wrote:

dave weil a écrit :
On Sat, 28 May 2005 00:00:59 +0200, Lionel
wrote:


In .com, Greg wrote :


I read some enthusiastic comments too. I also read about some quality
issues though. Behringer doesn't exactly have the best reputation. I do
get the impression that they can sound quite good, though not reliably.

Even if you are right... ;-)
How many time per day do you spend in your bedroom ?


For you, that would apparently be...zero.

I use to sleep about 6 hours per day in my bedroom.

Oh I see *what* you are meaning...

No wonder the wife's so frustrated.

dave weil a écrit :

No wonder the wife's so frustrated.

Does your kleenex often asks for more ? ;-)

Signal said:

Are you a pervert?

Supposedly, he's French. Doesn't that answer your question?

Signal a écrit :
"Lionel" emitted :


I use to sleep about 6 hours per day in my bedroom.


Where did you spend the rest of the time sleeping?


At job. You don't ?


Oh I see *what* you are meaning... If I start to give you
more details you will need an *complete* packet of kleenex.

:-D


Are you a pervert?

:-D

Not really I guess... But we will note that the standards of
this activity are a little bit... elastic, no ? ;-)

In fact Dave Weil tries to drag me into this salacious
conversation in order to feed his starving moribund libido.
He is the pervert.

:-D

George M. Middius a écrit :

Signal said:


Are you a pervert?


Supposedly, he's French. Doesn't that answer your question?

A little access of xenophobia George ?

Signal a écrit :
"Lionel" emitted :


No wonder the wife's so frustrated.

Does your kleenex often asks for more ? ;-)


Does your flange beg for a regular pummelling? ;-)

Oh no, caresses are our catalyst. What about you ?

dave weil wrote:
On 27 May 2005 04:52:32 -0700, "Greg" wrote:

(snip)

I had these when they are AR branded back in the late 80s/early 90s.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=12881

Remarkably good sounding speakers for the size. Great for taking with
you on the road as well. You used to be able to order 12v adapters and
clamp mounts as well. I was always surprised how balanced they
sounded, as well as the level and quality of bass out of such a small
setup.

Good tip. Didn't know these were still available.

BTW, there have been some smaller versions that looked about the same
from AR and/or Advent, so anyone who wants these should make sure they
get the full-size versions shown at the above URL. I don't know if the
smaller versions sound as good.

On 30 May 2005 12:24:33 -0700, wrote:



dave weil wrote:
On 27 May 2005 04:52:32 -0700, "Greg" wrote:

(snip)

I had these when they are AR branded back in the late 80s/early 90s.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=12881

Remarkably good sounding speakers for the size. Great for taking with
you on the road as well. You used to be able to order 12v adapters and
clamp mounts as well. I was always surprised how balanced they
sounded, as well as the level and quality of bass out of such a small
setup.

Good tip. Didn't know these were still available.

BTW, there have been some smaller versions that looked about the same
from AR and/or Advent, so anyone who wants these should make sure they
get the full-size versions shown at the above URL. I don't know if the
smaller versions sound as good.

These are quite solidly built as well. Shipping wieght is 22lb and
each one feels like it's made of lead.

I've never seen the others that you mention.

The wedge shape alsohelps if you have to put them on the floor instead
of on a tabletop. You can have them projecting at 45 degrees and get
some additional bass reinforcement.

I would recommend the JBL LSR 6325P. Thses should go for about $300
a pair and include 100W amplifiers. Much better than the Edirols
and sound much better than most other speakers in your price range.

"fathom" wrote in message
...
"Greg" wrote in
oups.com:

I am looking for speakers for a small bedroom system, and
am a bit stuck. I will mainly be using a computer for the
source, and the speakers will be on my desk, so they should
be magnetically shielded. I don't want anything too big,
and am looking to spend around $300 or less. I started out
looking at budget active studio monitors, designed for
hobby musicians, but now am considering passive speakers
with a compact integrated amp. These are some of my options
so far:


Edirol MA-20D - This is the budget solution. A bit of a
cross between computer speakers and studio monitors, with
controls on the front, and a digital input. 4.75" woofer.
$200.

Event TR5 - Many people seem to like this one. The woofer's
a big bigger (5.25"). $300.

Tannoy Reveal with Pioneer Elite A-35R Integrated Amplifier
- The Reveals seem to have a great reputation. They're
shielded, but not active speakers. This means the addition
of an amplifier. The A-35R is rated at 45 wpc. I'd end up
spending a bit more if I went this route: $200 or so for
used Reveals, $150 for a B-stock A-35R.

Another interesting amp I found is the Parasound Zamp. It's
a bit of an odd beast - 30 wpc, nice and compact. Not an
integrated, so it only has one input and no volume control,
but that would probably work for me. It does have a
headphone jack though. I'm not sure how much I'd have to
pay for this, but my guess is $150 on ebay.

If I don't get active speakers, I'd also consider a used
NAD or vintage Marantz integrated.


So which way do you think I should go? The active monitors
appeal to me because I wouldn't have an amp taking up
space, but I'm still not sure how good they are. I might be
able to get a bit of a deal on the Edirol's or the Reveals,
but probably not the Events. I'm also very open to any
other options.

I look forward to any advice you would be willing to give.

-Greg


AEGO2 from Acoustic Energy if you can find them. They are
easy to find in the UK, impossible to find in the States.
Maybe you can order form a UK dealer. They run about $200.
Absolutely superb, and the sats are so tiny they'll fit
anywhere.


Best Buy in San Antonio had a shelf full of them in Feb-Mar of 2005. 30 day
NQA return policy. Doesn't get much easier than that.

Cheers,

Margaret

"Greg" wrote in
oups.com:

I am looking for speakers for a small bedroom system, and
am a bit stuck. I will mainly be using a computer for the
source, and the speakers will be on my desk, so they
should
be magnetically shielded. I don't want anything too big,
and am looking to spend around $300 or less. I started out
looking at budget active studio monitors, designed for
hobby musicians, but now am considering passive speakers
with a compact integrated amp.

Consider the Behringer B2031 .

Margaret von B. wrote:
"fathom" wrote in message
...
"Greg" wrote in
oups.com:

(snip)

AEGO2 from Acoustic Energy if you can find them. They are
easy to find in the UK, impossible to find in the States.

That's another speaker I've read about, wanted to try, but have never
seen in my part of the US.

Maybe you can order form a UK dealer.

Don't know if the UK version could be adapted to run on AC power.

They run about $200.
Absolutely superb, and the sats are so tiny they'll fit
anywhere.


Best Buy in San Antonio had a shelf full of them in Feb-Mar of 2005. 30 day
NQA return policy. Doesn't get much easier than that.

Thanks. Too bad I've never seen them in my local Best Buy stores. But
I'll keep my eye out for them, now that you've mentioned it and I'm
aware that it could turn up at BB.