Best 2.0 speakers for movies/gaming PC desktop usage?

AdladUK

AdladUK

AdladUK

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Joined
6 Jan 2007
Posts
1,509
Hi there,

I'm looking to replace my Logitech Z906 system as it just takes up too much space. I like the sound it produces, but with having all 5 speakers and the sub on my desk it's just too much. Plus it's kinda missing the point not having them properly positioned.

In the past I've tried the Creative GigaWorks T40, but for whatever reason didn't like the overall sound and just switched back to the Z906.

Does anyone have any suggestions please for a good set of 2.0 speakers? Budget would be around £100

Thank you
 
Edifier R1600T III would be a good choice. Their predecessor the R1600T plus, were a very popular recommendation. Friend of mine has a pair of those and I thought they were very good.

An alternative would be passive speakers and a small T amp. Wharfedale 9.0 and maybe a SMSL SA36.
 
They're the Bluetooth variant. If the OP doesn't need or want that, then there's a standard 1280T version for £30 less. Good to hear Edifier has improved on the older 1600 plus.

I don't think the OP can go far wrong with either the 1600 III or the 1280.
 
Thank you for the recommendations, I'll take a look at those now.

How would you say something like the Bose Companion 20 compare? The Bose are more expensive at around £180, but I've heard good things about them
 
Bose divide opinions. People who have less experience with audio gear tend to find their products better than those with more experience; most of which have the opinion that they are overpriced for the sound quality you're getting. Some people think they're not that bad, while others think they are terrible.

One area where they do excel, is their noise cancelling headphone technology.

If smaller speakers are more appealing, then Audioengine A2+ or Kanto YU2 are worth a look.
 
Thank you Marsman for all the info, it helped a lot. I'll certainly take a look at those 2 other options you mentioned as they seem the type of thing I'm looking for.

One final side question if you wouldn't mind... I'm going to be purchasing a ZOTAC MAGNUS EN1080K (https://www.zotac.com/product/mini_pcs/magnus-en1080k), which from what I can tell has very limited input audio options and probably a sound card that isn't very good. Would you recommend some sort of external hardware sound card option that would go between the PC and these new speakers?

Thanks again for your help
 
Both the A2+ and YU2 have a built in DAC. Means they have their own on-board sound processing and don't need to use that of the PC. No need to consider an external one.

There are some other good speakers, such as Q Acoustics BT3 and Steljes NS1 and NS3. They might not be the ideal choices here though, as none have USB input. All three have Bluetooth, but only the BT3 has wired input as well for access to it's DAC. That's optical though, which the Zotac doesn't have. Without spending more money on a separate DAC, you'd have to use Bluetooth. Audioengine A2+ and Kanto YU2 both have USB input, so can be just plugged straight into the PC.

Size wise, Steljes NS1 is smaller and about the same size as the A2+ and YU2, whereas NS3 and QA BT3 are a bit larger and similar size to the Edifier speakers mentioned previously.

Edifier 1600 are on offer this week for £85, which is great value. They don't have a DAC, but a FiiO E10K is a good choice. Less than £150 for both.
 
I got the Microlab solo 9c speakers over a year ago and im so happy with them. Amazing sound and if I want to party they can rock the house with their amazing power.
 
What about some Roth RA1's paired with a t amp, some open box ones on the big Prime store, look really nice in white.

Have you had a look on AVF's classifieds?
 
I have the Edifier r1600T III and they sound amazing, plugged directly into my laptops 3.5mm jack they were not lively or loud enough in games but after i got an amp you can hear the thump in your gunshots.
 
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