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April 30, 2012 - 6:16am
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Audioengine A2 vs Swan D1080MKII 08vs Logitech Z623 vs Altec Lansing MX6021
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For the ones generous enough to help, U'll paste an unanswered thread I posted on some other forum...
Hello all, First things - I live in a part of the world where I don't really have "testing" as a realistic option. All I can do is do my homework and order it online. The apprehension of this blind shopping is obvious; so I just wanna keep all corners covered and not regret later. As the title says I need a nice pair of 2.0/2.1 speakers for my computer and 200$ (10,000 rs) is all I can manage. I've been looking all over the internet, posting in forums, yet still in a dilemma. So I turn to this forum as it never seem to disappoint. Here're my considerations -
Audioengine A2 - The one I'm leaning heavily on; heard a lot about; and luckily we have n official online vendor over here. Some of the expert reviews have been really tempting. The only dark-spot being it doesn't have a sub-woofer (but they still say the bass is satisfying).
Logitech Z623 - Seems impressive but not as delicious as the Audioengine.
Swans D1080MKII 08 - Another option; can't really put my finger on something.
Altec Lansing MX6021 - Just to complete the list and reinforce the dilemma!
Just to complete the query; let me tell you I live in a hostel and my room is well, like any dorm room is. What I'm looking for is quality sound (not raw volume or bass.) I don't really crave for bass. I believe it's just meant to fill up a song from the background and not overthrow it! My personal musical tastes are varied but mostly confined to Rock and Metal genres. Awaiting your wise responses, Cheers...
I recommend the AudioEngine 2's highly. Am very very happy with mine. The quality of construction and design is excellent, and the treble/imaging/soundstage is amazing for my computer system.They do have surprisingly good bass for their size, however, they are still small speakers. AudioEngine does sell a matching subwoofer for $349 (Rs. 17,500). That can be added later if you like. They also work with any other subwoofer - I have mine set up with a different brand subwoofer (Earthquake) and it makes it a nice full range system. In my opinion, you will enjoy rock and metal much more if you have strong bass capabilities.
The AudioEngine 5 is a larger version of the 2's, with more power and deeper bass.
I haven't heard the Swans, sorry, no help there.
I've never heard good sound from computer speakers by Altec Lansing or Logitech, although I don't know what the model numbers are for the (bad) ones I have heard.
Hiya Bill, you just made my day! I had almost made up my mind in buying the A2s. That's what they say - logitech and altec don't quite belong to the same league here. I just had to make a choice with the swans - heard some raving reviews. But you gotto choose one right. My gut goes with the Audioengines (boy I love how gorgeously petite they are; my desk would love 'em.) The subs are out of budget right now; maybe they'll be my next upgrade.
Just one more question though, about the sound card. I'm using the stock onboard one. Would you think a budget sound card (30$ and no more!) would be worth spent on?
Thanks...
I am using the Audioengine A2 and can recommend them to you; they sound great.
I am just feeding them the output from the audio output jack on my motherboard; it works fine.
I spent $70 on a Sony SAW2500 sub that I have under my computer table and that has enough bass for the volume levels involved.
My not-very-helpful advice on soundcard - mine sounded fine too. But I then I got an outboard DAC anyway and it sounds a little better.
Nah that was helpful, indeed. So it doesn't make a drastic difference I guess. I'll rather invest on the sub, some other time.