Need help choosing computer speakers

[Lewguitar]

My wife has a Dell laptop. It's an older model...nothing fancy.

The built in speakers sound horrible. Weak. Tinny. No bass.

Her birthday's coming up and I want to get her something simple but good sounding. $100 or much less if possible.

She doesn't like loud powerful sound. It's sometimes a source of marital stress for us because I like to feel it.

(Sound I mean! )

I've seen some wireless speakers at Costco but the computer needs to be equipped with Bluetooth. I'm not even sure what that is but I'm sure her's isn't.

Any recommendations?

I love the made in France Focal Chorus 715 floor standing speakers that I bought after they were recommended to me here on the TGP. Thanks again for those!

 

[cottonmike]

Just received Logitech z313 as a gift along with a Toshiba laptop. 2 externals and a floor woofer. Quite astounded as to how good they sound, and, feel, as you say.

Around 150$, I think.

 

[Lewguitar]

Just received Logitech z313 as a gift along with a Toshiba laptop. 2 externals and a floor woofer. Quite astounded as to how good they sound, and, feel, as you say.

Around 150$, I think.

The Logitech stuff seems to get good reviews. And that unit is only $35 at Target. Thanks!

 

[Cuthbert]

KRK powered monitors for me.

 

[Jp2558]

For about double your budget, look at Audio Engine A2 desktop speakers. She will like them, and (bonus) so will you. Hands down the best bang for the buck.

 

[Crimson Queen]

I used to have a 2.1 system, but never like the way music sounded. I recently got M-Audio AV40. I love them. The stereo field is amazing. They are much more robust than computer speakers and less expensive than a lot of them.

http://www.m-audio.ca/products/en_us/StudiophileAV40.html

There is slightly smaller version as well (AV30), which offers the same construction, but with a smaller woofer.

They are technically powered studio monitors, but who cares.

 

[oldschoolguy]

Not fancy, really (I mean this is the Gear Page). OK, you might want to give the Alexis monitors a look. The 3 inch ones are inexpensive and put out a good sound.

 

[neoprimitive]

Musicians friend has alesis elevate 3 monitors on sale for $59. They are amazing little speakers for the money. They are called studio monitors but they're more or less really nice computer speakers. They sound great at very low volumes, and can get pretty loud if you want them too. They're very clean sounding with really good frequency response. I was using them to play my guitar modeler through, as well as watch videos off my laptop and plugged my MP3 player into them, Super versatile speakers for almost anything. Decent bass but over the top like a lot if sub systems.. fully recommended.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/alesis-elevate-3-studio-monitors

 

[parts]

I also have the M Audio AV..but I use them more as reference/mix speakers. If she likes a more colored sound with adjustments..perhaps these are not the best choice.
I have a old Altec set with sub..that I rather listen to. However mixing on them is difficult.

 

[SamN]

HK Soundsticks are my favorites for clarity, but their looks may not be for everyone. As mentioned in a previous post the Klipsch are very good as well.

http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/SoundSticks-III/SOUNDSTICKS%20III_HK_US?skuId=SOUNDSTICKS3AM-A_HK_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly?device=c&network=g&matchtype=b&creative=34458044342?device=c&network=g&matchtype=b&gclid=CIi5ib36vrwCFWIV7Aod43QA3Q

 

[fredgarvin]

Pioneer SP-BS21-LR 4" 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers:
Frequency Response: 65Hz - 20kHz
Impedance: 6 ohms
Maximum Input Power: 80W
Superior crossover design for full-spectrum clarity
Curved cabinet construction designed to reduce vibration
1" soft dome tweeter for crisp, accurate high frequencies
4" woofer

Pionner closed them out for a new model and they can be found discounted at
Walmart, Newegg and others for $60, best deal in speakers in ages. Rave reviews everywhere.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405

 

[Lewguitar]

Wow! Some great choices here. Thanks guys - I'm going to look into all of them.

 

[jmoose]

I have a set of the Klipsch posted above... no question, if you want something serious & have the bread they're absolutely killer. Sounds great at low volumes but can also crank as needed and completely hold together.

 

[jefesq]

2nd on this

Audio Engine A2 desktop speakers
or you could try these 299.

Get there quick

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/audioengine-a5plus

 

[steven.rogers]

I also have the Klipsch 2.1 set, highly recommended.

 

[telelion]

Another vote for the A2 plus-(latest upgrade). No contest. They haven't receieved the accolades and tons of awards without delivering bigtime. Read the reviews on Amazon of the earlier version(A2) as I doubt there are many of the upgraded model. Audiophile sound for your computer. Extremely well "voiced' and forgiving as well, so everything sounds good.

http://audioengineusa.com/

 

[magdream]

If you're looking for something small but a definite upgrade over the laptop speakers, check these out. They're also cheap and portable.

https://www.google.com/search?espv=210&es_sm=122&biw=1280&bih=873&output=search&tbm=shop&q=iHome+IHM60+Speaker&oq=iHome+IHM60+Speaker&gs_l=products-cc.12...39620.39620.0.40799.1.1.0.0.0.0.35.35.1.1.0....0...1ac.2.35.products-cc..1.0.0.xYWxJl0GjQQ