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HELP! Ugh... I need a SMALL 2.1 System - Recommendations?

hi*ball

hi*ball

Records & Coffee
Because of space constraints and accoustics (can't put decent sized speakers where they will sound good), I need to use a 2.1 system.

Does anyone know of something that I can plug into the computer that sounds GOOD?

I realize this is about the opposite of what most on this site like to talk about, but I am stuck!:sigh:
 
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Spend $90 on a NuForce DAC, run it through a cheap amp or receiver (used good stuff) buy cheap (again, good used stuff) bookshelf speakers. For $200 you have a nice system with way more options than powered speakers or monitors.
 
I use a Denon POA-2200 connected directly to my computer's soundcard and use the volume controls on the back of the amp. Set the amp at the max volume wanted and adjust with the computer. Never need to worry about clipping.

The speakers are Ashcraft floor standers beside my computer desk. Very decent sound and can play louder than anyone can stand (200W/ch with speakers 2' away). Great for watching youtube videos.
 
carcrazy said:
I use a Denon POA-2200 connected directly to my computer's soundcard and use the volume controls on the back of the amp. Set the amp at the max volume wanted and adjust with the computer. Never need to worry about clipping.

The speakers are Ashcraft floor standers beside my computer desk. Very decent sound and can play louder than anyone can stand (200W/ch with speakers 2' away). Great for watching youtube videos.
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This is the type of system that I was planning on, but because of accoustics, (and space) I need very small speakers that can go on top of my desk.
 
Use a small integrated amp or receiver and some decent "real" speakers. Plug the sound card into the Aux or Tape in connections. I started out with a little Kenwood 2002A and a pair of Infinity bookshelves. The computer speakers are at the electrodump.
 
Use a small integrated amp or receiver and some decent "real" speakers.
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I had a small Sony TA-F40 that I used like this with some Polk Monitor 30's. Smaller bookshelves like the Polks come up for sale on sites like Newegg a lot. The local CL has a decent pair of Klipsch Synergy B2's pretty cheap. Bookshelves pop up on CL frequently too.

This little Sony amp and tuner was a nice little system for an office. There are many but I agree about using an amp and speakers rather than powered pc speakers.

edit...If space is really limited a decent T-amp will get you started too but you will need efficient speakers.

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I have a Cambridge SoundWorks 2.1 computer system that sounds surprisingly good for it's size. I used to use it in my office for music and was pretty happy with it.
 
The Klipsch I-fi (http://www.klipsch.com/ifi-ipod-speaker-system) is the best computer speaker system I've heard, although it was marketed as an Ipod system. It's much better than the Klipsch ProMedia. It's not made anymore though, and it has reliability problems, so it might be hard to find a working system.

The sub is an 8-inch in a bigger cabinet than most computer speakers, so be aware of that.

ETA: There are a few on Craigslist: http://www.google.com/search?i&rls=en&q=klipsch+ifi+site:craigslist.org&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 but none seem to be in your area, so you would have to convince them to ship it. One is in NJ for only $75: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/ele/2627905068.html
 
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If you can come across a Monsoon Planar 9 or 14 system cheap you should give it a shot. I have had one for years and it sounds great. I saw one for sale locally for $20 recently.
 
hi*ball said:
Do you think these will sound better than the Bose 2.1 Companion computer type speakers?
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The Klipsch Promedia system is going to be a jillion times better then the Bose Companion.

I don't have the whole system but I used a pair of the speakers with a different subwoofer for awhile. I was shocked at how much they don't suck. They aren't bad little things.
 
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