sirfelgar

Thanks for the response. I went with the Mackie CR3 over the M-Audio AV32, but mainly because I could listen to the Mackies in person. A very important and increasingly difficult proposition these days!

I ended up getting the Mackie CR3s. I managed to listen to them at a Sam Ash store near me. Also heard the Samson BT3s, but the Mackies were clearly superior in all aspects. Thanks for the response, even with the 'tude!

My old 15 year old Monsoon 2.1 MH-500 system finally has given up the ghost and has turned into a static mess. Really liked those speakers, too. Wish there were a way to keep them... In any case, I'm in the market for a 2.0 or 2.1 system for my Mac Pro with a pretty hard limit of $100. Also, space constraints basically dictate either small satellites and a small sub or two bookshelf speakers with a 3" main driver. I mainly watch videos and listen to music, indie rock, pop, dance and a lot of classical. My headphones are Sony MDR-7506. Here are the candidates: 1. Go cheap and easy with the Cyber Acoustics CA-3602 2.1 system that seem to have decent ratings ($39.95): http://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustics-Subwoofer-Frustration-CA-3602FFP/dp/B00BXF5HQ8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8 2. Go with the one system I've actually been able to hear at Best Buy, the brand new Logitech Z533 2.1 system. Thought they sounded pretty decent even with all the ambient noise around, and I have about $40 in Best Buy gift certificates ($99-$40): Logitech Z533 Multimedia Speaker System with subwoofer 3. Go with the Monoprice 3" powered bookshelf speakers. Many good reviews ($78): 3-inch Powered Portable Monitor Speakers with Protective Grill (pair) - Monoprice.com 4. Go with the M-Audio AV32 bookshelf speakers, although the reviews are only decent ($99): Amazon.com: M-Audio AV32 Professional Studio Monitor Speakers (Pair): Musical Instruments 5. Go with the highly regarded Micca PB42X powered bookshelf speakers, though the price for the powered version is a bit too high and the size is a bit too large ($119): http://www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC 6. Last but definitely not least are the Mackie CR3 3" Bookshelf speakers- seem to have very good ratings ($99): http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Limited-Edition-Multimedia-Monitors/dp/B015ACLOJS/ref=pd_cp_267_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=17GFQT8Y96EXB31QMNJD Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.