Need good 2.1 speakers for about $150

We all have to start somewhere, but your budget is a little light for the gear recommendations normally thrown around here. Having said that here are my 2 suggestions. First, no matter what you decide to buy have a look on audiogon or maybe ebay and see if you can get it for less, used. Audiogon especially is a great way to get gear you might not be able to afford otherwise as audiophiles are always getting the upgrade itch.

As for a specific recommendation, though I have not heard them myself, many good things have been said of the Audioengine speakers. They have good connection options and seem to be quite solid. They aren't however a 2.1 system, lacking a sub, but are rather active monitors. Reviews have commented that they go pretty low, however, despite their size. The A2 are $200 retail.

You might also look at the klipsch promedia series which also fits your budget. Simple 2.1 setup and klipsch is a pretty solid speaker co. Good luck.

With more expensive speakers, there are detailedd reviews in magazine websites, magazines and other forums to establish soun quality at different levels of volume, musical genres and bass, midranfge and treble etc.

Speakers at the basic consumer level don't get the same level of analysis or advice by sales person.

Having said that, I have a pair of Harman Kardon Sondsticks II for external speakers for my PSP (handheld) because the cost versus the sound quality (only so much a PSP can do).

For portable laptops (travellign for work), I have a Meir USB portable amplifier and some Koss headphones.

With office, there is a headphone system.

At home it is a full blown audiophile system.

It's buying what is appropriate according to your environment and circumstances.

I took a look at the Klipsch 2.1 system just now at Best Buy. Sounded like the highs overpowered the lows a little too much, but that was just a floor model, so I'm not sure how it was set up.

Would not having a sub-woofer affect the sound in a noticeably negative way? I've heard good things about the Audioengine speakers, but the lack of a sub makes me wonder if they will be worth getting alone.

I don't want to tell you not to trust your ears, but for sure best buy is not the ideal listening scenario. I didn't really look, but does it have bass and treble control (my old logitechs did and seems like this could have easily been toyed with)? As for not having a sub this is going to be a personal preference, but might be somewhat dependent on whether you use the system more for music or games. 2.1 systems generally give up some coherence for extended bottom range. If games are your focus you might miss that really low bass. If you mostly listen to music you might not. I went from a logitech system with a sub to a set of monitors without and I don't regret it. Would I add a sub if I could, yes, but I don't feel like I'm missing anything huge.

I haven't heard any 2.1 speakers I liked at that price. The only speakers I enjoyed at that price point are the 2.0 M-Audio Studiophile AV30 actives : http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileAV30.html

Before i even read what other people said i already to put together a short list for you... I pleasantly surprised to see many of the speakers i thought of were already mentioned from others... but hear they are from what i think is best to worst...

Just as others said, i think the **Audioengine A2** should be your first choice even though they dont have a sub... You can down the road buy a tiny sub for it later if thats an option...

LINK http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-White-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B000VK...

Best Bang for your buck and best entry level computer 2.1 speakers system made if you can find them (next to impossible, but still possible to find them in north america ) would be the **Acoustic Energy Aego M** If your not aware Acoustic Energy is a british speaker maker that makes some of the best speakers in the world. They are based on the $600 Aego2 satellite speaker...These are the BEST 2.1 computer speakers on the market in the $200 range and if you can find them, then you are one lucky dude.

LINK http://www.macworld.com/product/ipod/795/detail.html

The next 2.1 system i think you should look at is a Bose system.. I personally am not a fan of bose home stereo systems, but there technology seems to fit well in this market (computer satellite speakers). I found a site that is selling the Bose Companion 3 Speakers at a below market value of $225. I believe these normally go for around 300.

LINK http://www.shopping.com/xPO-Bose-Companion-3-Multimedia-Speaker-System-3...

Next would be another system already brought up, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 2 Speakers. These speakers got a wide known recognition for being great sounding at there price point. I personally would regard them as a top qualifier and put on your short list...

LINK http://www.shopping.com/xPO-Promedia-2-1

The last speakers system you should consider was also brought up already and thats the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II. The style is not for everyone, but they sound great for what they are meant to do, and for the price point they are at... better than any logitec, altec, creative etc etc

LINK http://store.apple.com/ca/product/T9078LL/A

I hope this help....

i put them in order from best to worse for sound quality and value

I think the one that fits you best is the Acoustic Energy's.... but like i said they are hard to come by in north america... but if you look hard enough, im 100% positive you will LOVE THEM!

Thanks for the replies.

Audioengine A2: There was a "one star" review on that page that kind of put a red flag up for me on these speakers. A lot of people comment that they experience, "listening fatigue"? Not sure what that means though. The lack of a convenient volume control is what I'm worried about. I know it is probably a stupid thing to be concerned about, but I am constantly adjusting my volume on my speakers at my computer. Putting the knob in the back might be a deal breaker for me. Also, I hear people commenting that the bass is kind of overpowering sometimes. Here is the link to the review:
http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-White-Powered-Speaker-System/product-r...

Acoustic Energy Aego M: Like you mentioned, impossible to find. I couldn't find any after searching online, but they are a little out of the price range anyways so I'm not too worried about it.

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1: They did not have a treble control, just a bass knob and I did adjust that one when listening to it.

Might take a look at the Boss speakers. If you have any more opinions, keep them coming. Sill researching a ton right now.

For what it's worth I have the basic Logitech surround sound speakers that look exactly the same as the 2.1 setup. And the bass is extremely loud. I have the sub volume turned all the way down and it's not even close to a flat frequency response. I only use it with the tv for movies anyway so in this setup it is fine. The point is- if you are used to that sound (assuming your's are the same) then these other speakers you are trying out will sound lacking in bass.

You should look for something that is easy to adjust the tone because what sounds good on movies probably won't sound good on music and vice versa.

You should check out CNET they do a lot of good reviews for all kinds of electronics. Here is their top 5 computer speakers which will probably be useful to you.

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-pc-speakers/?tag=rb_content;contentNav

I just got the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 system for Christmas. One question I had was about the power button. It is located on the back of the sub-woofer, so am I supposed to crawl under my desk and reach around there to turn it off every night, or am I supposed to leave it on all the time?

that would totally be your call... Most audiophiles leave there equipment on or in standby mode, it has an audible effect on most equipment when its kept warm, some pieces more than others... Im not sure if an entry level product like the Klipsch will show much audible change thou...

So like i said its your call... it will keep drawing power while its on, and if your ok with that, then leave it on... But if you dont want the added cost to your power bill then turn it off... you could find another way to switch it off with a power cord with a switch you can place closer to your reach...

by the way, congrats on your new toy. I like the Klipsch myself for what they do... Im sure you will enjoy them aswell

So having it powered all the time won't make too much of a difference in terms of shortening its life span or anything?