Best Computer Speakers - Need Help


I'm an avid computer user. I have a dual 19" LCD monitor display, a soundblaster Audigy 2, an ATI All-In-Wonder TV tuner card, and currently a Cambridge Soundworks 215 - 8" subwoofer with integrated BASH amp for the speakers (60 watts x 2) and sub (150 watts) using Cambridge Soundworks Newton M50 speakers for a total of 270 watts. I listen to DVD-audio, CD audio, TV, radio, and mp3's alike on my computer. I have the speakers hooked up to the sub-amp using some cheap Monster XPMS wire with Monster Quick Lock Flexipin connectors. The main limitation of the speakers is that my wire connecting the source to the sub-amp is just a standard 1/8" miniplug to my soundcard.

My biggest problem, right now, is the setup of my speakers. The sub is underneath my desk by my feet and completely surrounded by the 3 walls of my desk (3 feet width, 2 feet depth, and 2 1/2 feet height). The speakers are placed in a horrible location on top of the bookshelf on my desk. The speakers (when sitting down) sit at the height of the top of my head. The left speaker is about centered to my head, wile the right speaker is about 2 feet to the right of the left speaker.

I'm on a quest to get the best possible sound from my computer within reason. I've actually debated upgrading the 5 1/4" woofered 2-way M50's to Ascend Acoustic CBM-170's. My main reasoning is that I've heard the 6 1/2" woofer of the CBM-170's can accomodate the bulk of the music (down to the lowest note of a bass guitar) without reverting to my rather weak and ill-placed sub.

So my main question is can a 6 1/2" woofered bookshelf vs. a 5 1/4" woofered bookshelf speaker make a considerable difference? And would it even be worth upgrading to the CBM-170's considering all the above-mentioned weaknesses of the rest of the system?
hendro

Showing 2 responses by cwlondon

I would start by eliminating anything described as "computer speakers". Part of the mass downfall in the quality of reproduced music - in addition to the obvious culprit of MP-3 -- is the idea that you can get "great" "amazing" etc sound from a pair of $59 speakers at CompUSA. You cant.

Once you get past that hurdle, you can pretty much have whatever you like and only the sky is the limit.

For a nearfield application like sitting at your desk in front of a screen, you might also consider powered studio monitors. Then, you could run a line level out from a good sound card straight into the speakers.

There are many manufacturers in this space. For sitting on top of my piano, I have a pair of Genelec 1029 A's (?) which have an amazing amount of punch and detail in a nearfield set up and they are built like tanks.

Good luck.
Sedona

Their was a bit of a cult like buzz on the Monsoon speakers, I think after they were reviewed in one of the high end audio journals.

Despite this praise, the company went out of business or moved on to automotive markets or something, so I went into a bit of a frenzy buying a few pairs on ebay.

They sound pretty good for < $100 but I wouldnt say the subwoofer is very good.

Also there are several different models of the Monsoon panel -- which one are you referring to?

hcho

I would still stay away from "computer" speakers and just get the real thing - either audiophile gear or nearfield monitors.