Best speakers under $75?

I’m looking at some speaker setups over at IBM up to $167. I was thinking about grabbing a 2.1 system, but honestly, I’m second-guessing myself. What's the move here? I want a decent subwoofer and actual quality sound—something that won't sound like absolute garbage compared to what I'm using right now. =)

The issue is these 2.1 speaker setups; the options out there just suck... I still think going with a 2.0 system is way more cost-effective. Take something like the Genius 1800A, for example—you get two 25W drivers built into actual wood, rather than some cheap 2.1 mess with a pathetic 10W sub and tiny 5W satellites. That kind of hardware just doesn't inspire any confidence in me..

Those Genius speakers pushing 50W RMS can actually move a decent amount of air and fill a room pretty well. Now, how much you can tweak the bass using the built-in filter and whether that’ll actually satisfy you... well, you really just have to go listen to them to know..

I picked up a Labtec Pulse 485 back when it was available; it had a 12W sub and 8W satellites, totaling 28W RMS, or about 56W peak power. In my opinion, those satellites are right on the edge of being enough. The sub is decent, but the overall sound profile is lacking a bit in the highs. That's why I say they're borderline; they'll pump up a small room (around 200 sq ft) well enough, and the only thing the neighbors will hear is the sub... 😁

That's why I think those Genius speakers with the beefy 50W output—which probably hits close to 100W peak—would be a better call for a computer setup. But then, obviously, you've got to consider your sound card... if you're just using an onboard chip, the whole soundstage is just going to sound like garbage..

Grab something like this—you aren't going to find anything better for $167 unless you want some crappy 5.1 setup or a basic 2.0 system: http://www.losangeles.com/index.php?option...kl=100.503.197

Logitech gear usually ends up being cheaper at Los Angeles than over at IBM.

👍 An 18W sub paired with Logitech quality? That’s already sounding pretty promising... 😁

Actually... NOPE.

This specific Logitech model just sounds super thin... (I was actually at their speaker presentation over at the headquarters recently).

If you’re dead set on going with a 2.1 setup, you really ought to bump up the budget for $67 and grab one of those models starting with a five, like the Z323 2.1... though, honestly, even then? I’d still rather go with a 2.0 system like the Z-520.

It’s a real shame. I was really eyeing those Z-523s, but they’re completely sold out everywhere. Honestly, I don't have any interest in buying anything else. I already picked up the GTX560ti Hawk to go along with them, so pairing it $723 with this Z323 2.1 makes sense—plus, I don't have to deal with shipping costs =) . If I had to pay for delivery, it would $67 cost way too much and put me way over my budget
.

Alright, check this out:

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http://www.elgrad.com/index.php?cont...=&proizvod=892

That amp used to go for about $167, honestly. No idea why they're letting it go for such a steal, but you might as well grab it while you can 😁.

Well, my speakers finally arrived. They're here. I just wanted to check in and drop a few thoughts regarding the Z323 2.1 system.
The sound quality is remarkably superior compared to my old $33 setup (it certainly isn't an upgrade in the wrong direction, is it? 😛). I haven't even dared to push them to their limits yet; I haven't touched the max or min settings. The subwoofer is unexpectedly powerful. To be honest, I actually got a little startled when I cranked it up—the bass hits you right in the chest. It felt like being at a live concert!
In short, the audio is extremely high-quality and incredibly loud. Truthfully, I have no idea what else constitutes a technical review. This is my first time ever doing this, so I’m just rambling about what I like. xD
After using them for a few weeks now, I have zero complaints. In fact, I've hosted two parties where the whole house was practically vibrating. That’s about it!

Dammit, I missed this earlier...

We were testing the Z323 2.1 and the Creative T3130 at the office...
Once I heard how that Creative setup actually sounds—that punchy bass and crystal-clear audio—it was game over. Logitech’s sound is just garbage. I mean, sure, if you keep the bass at zero on the Logitech, it’s fine. But the second you crank up the bass? It completely trashes the rest of the audio. Everything gets muddy and muffled; all you hear is the thudding and zero high end. That's when it hit me: Logitech is total trash and Creative is incredible. Plus, Creative is actually cheaper... it might be a tiny bit weaker, but it's totally worth it.

I’ve got a Z313, and honestly, the sound quality is trash. It’s not clear at all—once you crank the volume up, you start hearing this annoying crackling noise.🙄The bass is only 15W, so it doesn't hit nearly hard enough.🙄