I'm looking for a set of 2.1 computer speakers in the sub-$100 range, and I was wondering if there are any models that are particularly good relative to the competition. They are going to be a gift for someone who is not into high-end audio. They will be mainly used for casual music listening (definitely no ABX'ing!).

For example, for those familiar with headphones, the Koss KSC50's sound great for only $20. In other words I am looking for the Koss KSC50 of computer speakers.

Alternatively, does anyone know any good sites that might have a guide to the best speakers for different price ranges, similar to the way head-fi.org has guides for the best headphones in different budget ranges?

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Labs-Multim...7423&sr=1-2

seem to have good reviews, id say any speaker by creative or logitech or any other pc peripheral company would fit the bill

Thanks for the input, but to be fair it's impossible for "any speaker by creative or logitech or any other pc peripheral company" to be "particularly good relative to the competition." Just like it's impossible for everyone in the world to be above average.

Does $99 count as sub-$100? I have an Altec Lansing system that I love the sound of. Here's a link to a similar system to what I have.

http://www.alteclansing.com/index.php?file...oduct_id=vs4221

I second that. I’ve been using Altec Lansing 2.1 (in the sub-$250 range, not available anymore) since about 8 years, and I’m still just happy with these. That time, it was really best value for the money.

I have had the Logitech Z-2300 for about a year and I'm really pleased. They cost $92 + tax at amazon.com.

I think you might have this the wrong way round. The only companies that will manufacturer on a large enough scale to be able to offer good value in the sub $100 range for the parameters you consider important are likely to be the companies that are "mass producing in China". Whether they choose to do so will depend on how many people they judge have a similar set of tastes.

It is not clear what is going to determine good or bad in your case since all sub-woofers in very cheap 2.1 systems are not going to sound good. If sound quality is an issue then you are almost certainly going to be better off with a 2.0 system with a 5" or so mid/woofer.

If ugly is not a problem, then a Behringer MS20 offers quite a lot (if it is the right lot for your needs) for around $100 or so:

http://www.jr.com/behringer-ms20-digital-s...rs/pe/BEH_MS20/

There a number of other similar products at this price point from other music companies (the innards of which may well be all produced in the same Chinese factory). They are perhaps a step up in terms of sound quality but a step down in terms of looks compared to typical offerings from computer companies.

I'll vouch for Cambridge Soundworks. However, I am not a speaker person, at least not compared to alot of people on this forum, but I have this model attached to my PC and I think it delivers.

I have these, and they are absolutely amazing for the price:

Creative M80

a very balanced sound, and a lot of bass too, considering it's only a 2.0 system. imho, 2.0 is better for music than 2.1 anyway.

I've owned a set of Cambridge Soundworks for longer than five years and I'd also recommend them. In fact, my next PC speakers most likely will be the MicroWorks II

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.