Looking for some (home) audio advice

"BaconSandwich is tasty." (baconsandwich) 09/03/2018 at 16:42 • Filed to: Audiolopnik, Audio, I wish Caimbridge Soundworks still made audio equipment

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I currently have my computer in the living room, and hooked up to it is a 5.1 pair of Altec Lansing computer speakers that are pushing 13 years old . Unfortunately the speakers are slowly dying. There’s some sort of loose connection in the headphone jack that makes the speakers think they are plugged in (when they aren’t), so the sound cuts out. I’ve taken the unit apart before, but haven’t been able to diagnose the exact cause. I think it might be time for some new audio equipment.

I’ve got a few options :
1. A nother set of computer speakers
2. A pair of bookshelf speakers and an amp.
3. A pair of powered speakers
4. Replace the existing Sony “home theatre in a box” that we have hooked up to our TV, then use that as a set of speakers for the computer/living room.

Right now I’m leaning toward option #3. Monoprice has a pair of 5" or 8" monitor speakers that could work well, and the price is quite reasonable. There’s also a few Edifier branded ones on Amazon that have reasonable reviews, and again, the price is decent. It’s not like I need anything super-loud or with a ton of bass, but I would like something that has at least equivalent volume and sound quality to what I already have.

Anyone have any thoughts/recommendations here?

(I do intend on trying to fix the loose connection in the current speakers, and then put them up in the garage. I enjoy listening to a bit of music when I’m in there woodworking or fixing stuff ).

horizonsofkhaos > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/03/2018 at 17:31

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HTIB and computer speakers tend to be meh. I’d opt for decent bookshelfs and an amp myself. I have some Klipsch R-14's at my desk along with a basic Polk 10 inch sub to fill out the low end.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/03/2018 at 17:32

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I have a Mediabridge Concerto 60w powered speaker I bought off Amazon that I've loved so far.  It’s got Bluetooth or wired connectivity, the sound quality is great, and it looks like it costs a lot more than the $80 I spent on it.

Chariotoflove > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/03/2018 at 17:35

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I tend toward 3, although 4 is more fun, of course. You know, you could also get Bluetooth while you’re at it and lose the speaker cords from the desk. Whatever your level of audiophile-ness, there are lots of inexpensive options. I usually jump onto amazon and see what gets the most stars and intelligent reviews in my price range. 

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/03/2018 at 19:25

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If these are in budget then they are well worth a listen

https://audioengineusa.com/shop/poweredspeakers/a5-plus-powered-speakers/

...as are their smaller and cheaper brethren, the 2+

Nom De Plume > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/03/2018 at 19:39

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If you listen to rap, metal, and noise forget these. If you don’t have somewhere all three cabinets can sit equidistant apart at the same level, forget these. If you really want an adult stereo pair + amplifier these can’t quite do that. What you will get is more than you expect and just the right amount of (non-boomy) bass.

Swans M10

BaconSandwich is tasty. > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/03/2018 at 20:51

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Huh, interesting option. I can't say that I've seen a unit quite like that before. 

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Chariotoflove 09/03/2018 at 20:52

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My desk is a giant rat's nest, so plus or minus a few cords isn't going to make much of a difference. :P

BaconSandwich is tasty. > horizonsofkhaos 09/03/2018 at 20:53

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What do you use for an amp/receiver, if you don't mind me asking?

horizonsofkhaos > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/03/2018 at 21:11

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I bought a cheap Denon receiver from accessories4less.com. They’re refurbs but have a pretty good repuatation. I’ve had mine for a few years now without issue.

Chariotoflove > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/03/2018 at 22:34

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Alas, I am no stranger to that scenario.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Nom De Plume 09/03/2018 at 23:26

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Amazon.com: $80, give or take

Amazon.ca: $280. :(

Nom De Plume > BaconSandwich is tasty. 09/04/2018 at 00:10

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Yeouch, I had no idea.  I mean the typical exchange rate, sure.  That certainly makes suggestions tough.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Nom De Plume 09/04/2018 at 08:28

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In that case, it isn't so much the exchange rate, more so the seller. Amazon.ca can be frustrating that way. Find the thing you are looking for, then compare the price to .com, and realize the price on .com is way lower and there is a ton more selection.