Hi,

I am currently looking for high quality, high fidelity speakers to listen to music on my PC. External extra amp is not an option, so I am looking for something self-powerd.

I keep reading about the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and how good they are, but I also read that they have sort of a boxed in sound!? Any alternatives to this system?

I am used to very good, audiophile speakers (Dynaudio Contour 1.3 MKii) on my normal stereo system so naturally I want something very good for the PC too.

Any recommendations? I was also considering nearfield studio monitors like the m-audio LX4.

Oh, and I don't need the mega boom to impress my neighbor. I am really more interested in very good sound.

So what's the best right now? :-)

Thanks,
Sascha

(Powered) Studio monitors are probably as good as you're going to find in the self-powered category. The LX4 set can be found for a good price and will probably be more neutral than the Klipsch promedia system.

You might want to cruise to guitar center and audition powered monitors, then buy them online, or check out the Swans powered systems as well.

the now removed link is actually to the LX4 expansion system with three unpowered satellites, the company has swapped the pictures. The LX4 is actually $250.

Thanks. I already looked into the Swans but they seem to be pretty expensive. Plus it is hard to find good reviews about them. As for buying studio monitors: My concern about that is that I sort of fear the "unrefined" truth of such speakers. While it is crucial to have such a perfect recreation of sound if you are making music, it might be a little bit too much and "in the face" for the normal music listetning pleasure. I am not sure about that though. Coming from a professional/audiophile point of view I should appreciate studio monitors though.

If I would consider a set of so called "multimedia PC speakers" like the Klipsch, what set would be my best bet? Is there anyhing out there that beats the Klipsch (which is sort of old, so maybe others have released better gear)?

Sascha

Multimedia speaker choice is a very contentious issue

In my opinion, the Klipsch (ProMedia, not the GMX) 2.1 set is still on top of the heap, along with the no longer availible larger Monsoon PM11 system, the Altec Lansing MX5021, and a number of the more expensive Cambridge 2.1 systems.

Since you are accustomed to high quality speakers I'd strenuously suggest a personal audition before you buy. Personally I would choose a small monitoring system like the LX4 over the MX5021 and comparable systems, but there is necessarily a great degree of personal taste involved. The MX5021 is probably the best bet for anyone who doesnt really want a monitoring system, but a very well balanced experience nonetheless.

hi and thanks for your input.

actually the LX4 is/was already high on my list but I just have no idea how they sound and especially how they compare to something like the Klipsch PM2.1 or the Altec Lansing MX5021. And if I'd go the monitor route, I am wondering if I wouldn't have better options than the LX4 for about the same money.

My list to choose from right now:

Swans M200 (hard to find here in Germany, very expensive here too)
Altec Lansing MX5021
Klipsch PM2.1
m-audio LX4

anyone seen the new m-audio DX4 (not LX4!) yet?

I think the Swans would probably best suit my needs but since I hace limited space I would have to place them very close to the wall (something like 2-3 inches). I am worried that this would make the bass go bad or boomy. The distance between the speaker and my ears is also very short, maybe 3 feet.

Any more thought on that?

Thanks,
Sascha

The DX4's appear to be extremely similar to the LX4 satellites with the amplification stowed in the speaker cabinets rather than put in the subwoofer. They also have front panel volume adjustment and headphone output. I would be inclined to pay the extra money for the LX4 and get a nice little subwoofer with the potential to add 3 more satellites for a tiny computer theater system.

I would not be inclined to pay what the DX4's cost in retail by themselves, even assuming M-audios claim of extension to 60Hz with a 4" woofer in that size cabinet is accurate under non-ideal conditions. I'd suggest you examine BX5 set instead, as it is biamplified (with more power), has more adjustment possibilities to tune it for your placement and also features a larger low frequency driver for better low end extension. On the downside, you will need an XLR (or 1/4") to RCA converter, which should be found at music stores, to connect the BX5 most sound cards. Also, the volume control is on the rear of the speaker.
The Swan M200, the BX5 and the LX4/DX4 satellites are all rear ported and as I'm sure you know, you will want several inches between the rear of the speakers and the closest wall. Since the M200 has front panel bass level adjustment, I would assume it would not be difficult to place given it's size. The Swans are quite a bit larger than the LX4 and they also look more stylish. Here is a review of the M200.

If you do not like the idea of a separate subwoofer for such a near field application, I'd suggest the BX5 or M200 systems. If you don't mind, examine the LX4 and MX5021 systems carefully. You should be able to audition similar studio monitors to the M-audios at nearby music stores, and the MX5021 and Klipsch systems at a computer chain retailer.

ok. now, would you say that the MX5021 play in the same league as a pair of LX4 or BX5 in terms if music quality? Because then I would take the cost of these sets into account and have the MX5021 come out as the clear winner. Why spend money on the way more expensive studio monitors if the MX5021 can deliver equally good sound? Same question arises on the Swans...

Sascha

Not having heard the smallest Midiman monitors I cannot really say. Judging by the BX5, the monitors will be revealing, but somewhat "flat" sounding (although I did not play with the adjustments).
If budget is an issue I would take a hard look at the MX5021 set, which sounds very good to me and should be availible for impromptu listening tests at many chain computer retail stores.
Since taste in speakers is wildly subjective I cannot make the decision for you.

Check out Acoustic Energy Aego2 2.1 system if its available at your place. Great sound.