Im not an audio expert by any stretch and I need some help deciding on a speaker system for a PC. I decided to order a new computer from ibuypower after my dell bombed out on me, and the logitech z640s seemed like a good choice for a new speaker system. I do not necessarily need top of the line stuff like the the z680, and want to keep the price down. Besides the z640s, are there any other speaker sets you would recommend in a similar price range? I dont even necessarily need 5.1, and would settle for a 2.1 set if the sound quality is very good. I would rather spend money a small set of really nice speakers then a set of 5 mediocre ones, which is why Im having second thoughts about the z640s. Ive never heard the sound quality of the z640, but I have heard the incredible z680 set. Is the z640 set anywhere near the 680 in sound quality? Also, any sound card reccomendations would be helpful too.

Besides the speakers and sound card, is there anything else I would need?

i was asking the same question a few months ago and found these threads:

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....wtopic=15899&hl
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....wtopic=15003&hl
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....wtopic=13708&hl

Those Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers seem really nice. I think they have just taken position as my first choice, unless someone convinces me otherwise.

I picked up some Logitech Z-5300s after reading around. Basically 95% of what you get in the Z-640s at an incredibly good price. Biggest thing is that you loose the offboard decoder, meaning that you need to have a soundcard with 5.1 analog outputs (Audigy2 for instance). I couldn't have cared less - in fact you can't listen to DVD-audio for instance over digital out anyhow... so I don't see the loss unless you want to hook up a video game machine with 5.1 digi out to it as well.

Z-5300 review here

Or, if you really want the quality of the Z-640s but don't mind a 2.1 setup, try the Z-2200 which are the same speakers minues the rear channels and digital decoder.

Z-2200 review here

I honostly dont expect do do any heavy audio besides music and sometimes dvds. Because of that I decided that its really going to be too much of a hassle to deal with a 5.1 system (my wiring is cluttered enough already).

see my other suggestion above in the modified post then.

hmm...the 2200s seem pretty nice too.
So now its a toss up between the klipsch promedia 2.1 and the logitech Z-2200.

I have read some of the threads in twostar's post, and it seems that people agree that the logitechs are good on the strong bass and volume while klipsch is best with treble and general crispness.

I dont need huge booming bass and volume anyway. I am more concerned about audio clarity.

i think you'll need to listen to them yourself to decide.

Acoustic Energy Aego2.

http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/aego2/intro/framset.html

What Stereophile says about the Aego2:



You can buy the Aego2 for $199 now, at least where I live it's selling for around $199.

If you can find Aego2 around, its the best for music. Far ahead of other peasee speakers. Even stereophile likes it very much...

I dont know where you guys are finding the aego2 for $199. I can't even find them on ebay. Thats ok, though; I think I would be very happy with the klipsch 2.1 set.

I am now starting to lean towards the z2200 but I cant make up my mind. From the reviews, it seems that the klipsch promedia speakers have better sound quality, but have connection problems because of wiring clip system they use. I am slightly put off by the sheer size of the logitech system. I barely have any desk space for the wired remote or foot room for the huge subwoofer.
Of course then there is price. The klipsch generally cost around $150 while the logitechs can be had for just over $100.

Overall, its hard to decide with all of these tradeoffs. Have any of you owned both systems and can recommend one over the other?

I heard that AEGO2 sub is not good. The driver is only 4.5" and it uses somekind of producing harmony technique to produce LF. For example, 40 Hz ok kick-drum will sound at 80Hz and 160Hz to make fake effect that people think it sounds good.

However, the satellite driver is exceptionally good. It features KOI patented technology (pear-shaped driver and application of mica).

The cheapest price is £79.98 http://www.unbeatable.co.uk

I suggest you go listen to it personally then make your judgement.
For me, I am extremely satisfied with the performance of the sub.
It gives me solid and tight bass that I like.
Frequency response is good to about 45Hz. Although it emphasize just a bit too much at about 50Hz.

Overall, the whole system, sats and sub is extremely well matched and is a joy to listen.

Well, I'm quite sure that I cannot find it in my country (Netherlands). If you own it, perhaps you could do a THD test (especially in LF area). I read about this (harmony) in other audio forum thus I cannot prove it to be correct.

Thanks guys, I decided to just go for the klisch promedia. It should be arriving soon, so ill try to post my opinions on the system once I break it in a bit.

Btw, I also ordered some monster cable for it. I know its probably overkill, but I just want to be sure I get the most out of these speakers.