Suggestions for SMALL self powered speakers

[Mark W.]

I'm looking to add a pair of self powered or USB powered speaker to the Laptop that I am working at setting up as a Music server. One of the things I want to be able to do with this laptop is use it as a travel stereo and DVD player for when we are on the road. But the one thing I don't have and find SUPER confusing is the world of self powered speakers.

So if I put a limit of $100.00 for new and $50.00 for used. Looking only for 2 or maybe if the subwoofer is small a 2.1 outfit. My Sound processor can do 2, 2.1, 4, and 4.1 setups.

The more compact the better tall thin would be better then short and fat.

I'm planning on packing all of this in an Aluminum suitcase I bought for some of my camera gear and near used once. It's brand new and except for screaming PLEASE STEEL ME it's perfect. I nice OD green paint job will solve some of the steel me look. Plus then it will match my Lg Halliburton suitcase I use for cloths and things I want to protect when traveling.

SO computer speakers any experiance guys????

[soundmotor]

My "on the road" system is this -

Boston Acoustics MR110 satellites (~$200)
Sonic Impact SI-5066 ($25 shipped)
Turtle Beach Audio Advantage USB soundcard ($30)
IBM 16V switching supply for SI-5066 (eBay $12 shipped)
2x 4' 16G speaker cable (free)
1x 3.5mm stereo to 3.5mm stereo interconnect (free)
AC triple-tap wall socket extender ($1)
HD vinyl zipper bag from luggage store to hold all except speakers ($6)

Total - $272

The speakers are smaller than ADS L200's by ~25% and don't weigh much. Everything all in occupies about as much space as a pair of dress shoes.

Most powered multimedia speakers that are listed as "full-range" (chuckle) are fairly large. When I looked at this last year when I put the rig together, a set of Boston Acoustics BA265's would occupy the same volume as my set. (Don't forget, you will have a wall wart too with powered speakers.) The BA was the only 2-pc I found with reasonable sound quality. Everything else was a 3-way with outboard subwoofer and even more cabling. I went with passive speakers & the SI-5066 for some semblance of fidelity without a great deal of complication.

As far as pricing goes, my rig is more expensive than the amount you are looking at. You could however substitute different speakers (Minimus-7, ADS L200, NHT Super Zeros, etc.) which pop-up on that auction site on a frequent basis and I think you could hit your price. However, if you don't go that route, I can recommend these -

Auction site BA265 (http://search.ebay.com/ba265_W0QQfromZR40)

If you don't like them, you won't angst over the price. They have no bass from 5' away but nearfield they are passable.

If you want to go the 3-pc route, I heartily recommend these -

Auction site BA635 (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=ba635)

Look for the Gateway version which was available in black and craigslist is great for this. The BA635 really slams but as with nearly all the 3-pc. systems, it is a cord tangle nightmare.






I'm looking to add a pair of self powered or USB powered speaker to the Laptop that I am working at setting up as a Music server. One of the things I want to be able to do with this laptop is use it as a travel stereo and DVD player for when we are on the road. But the one thing I don't have and find SUPER confusing is the world of self powered speakers.

So if I put a limit of $100.00 for new and $50.00 for used. Looking only for 2 or maybe if the subwoofer is small a 2.1 outfit. My Sound processor can do 2, 2.1, 4, and 4.1 setups.

The more compact the better tall thin would be better then short and fat.

I'm planning on packing all of this in an Aluminum suitcase I bought for some of my camera gear and near used once. It's brand new and except for screaming PLEASE STEEL ME it's perfect. I nice OD green paint job will solve some of the steel me look. Plus then it will match my Lg Halliburton suitcase I use for cloths and things I want to protect when traveling.

SO computer speakers any experiance guys????

[Duffinator]

I've had these for over a year now and really like them. These are by far and away better than any of the half dozen PC speakers I've owned in the past including some with a sub. You can find them on sale for $79. Check them out at the Klipsch site and goggle them. They have favorable reviews plus have a aux and headphone input. I have mine hooked up to my PC and added a Yamaha yst-sw215 sub for added bass. You can get the sub at BB for $99. The combo will blow the doors off of most PC systems I've seen for a grand total of $200.

[Strawman]

I've heard good things about the Klipsch, A friend who is an avid gamer loves his. I use a pair of Roland MA-8's

[maildude1960]

Check out Cambridge Soundworks. They have something for any budget. I'm using an older 4.1 system and it sounds incredible. Got it at Walmart on closeout for $70.00

[outlawmws]

I AB'd all the computer speaker I had around a year ago, and the Altecs won easily, however the competition was not exactly stellar. :no: the strongest 2nd were Sony's. No Klipsch or anything like other audio company speakers other than sony.

I'd think about adding a T-amp and some small "real" speakers rather than use the computer speakers...