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October 21, 2011 - 2:40pm
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Help on speaker selection 2.0/2.1 ! Edifier R1600Τ/ M-Audio Studiophile Av40/ Audioengine 2
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Just to make things even more challenging I have to add Edifier R2000T speakers to the list as well as Q Acoustics 2020, which if I am not mistaken is a pair so I will have to get some decent amp along with them!
There is nothing special about computer speakers, other than they are usually made of plastic and have terrible built in amplifiers.
I'm going to suggest you just hook up any old stereo receiver and a set of normal speakers.
You probably already have this stuff sitting around your house.
Even an old 70s receiver and a pair of bookshelf speakers is going to sound better than 99% of the "computer" speakers out there.
You will need this cable to hook your computer to your receiver:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=5598&seq=1&format=2
of the speakers you mention I've just heard two. I like the AudioEngine 2's. I heard the M-Audios in a different setting and didn't like them as much, tho it was not a direct comparison. The A2's also have an upgrade path, you can add their matching subwoofer later if you want.
You should listen to your candidate speakers, if at all possible, before making a commitment. This is especially true for speaker selection. Many dealers offer free trial periods; so even if you pay return shipping, it is worth it to get something you like. First read reviews and online forums (fori?) to get an idea what the differences others hear amoungst the most popular models.
There is difference though for "computer" speakers as opposed to "normal" listening room speakers. In this situation you will be listening closer, in the near field. And the ear position is well defined in terms of directionality requirements. For high quality sound this puts you in the domain of desktop studio monitors. And for computer use a built in amp is convenient, and such speakers are usually biamped for two drivers, and also well matched to the particular drivers. Also, these type monitors often have adjustable boost filters to help compensate for the "desk bounce" that normally creates a dip in the spectrum.
I hope this provides a little guidance.