Best 2.0 Active Speakers for Computer.
- Thread starter deba
- Start date
Thad E Ginathom
Well-Known Member
Any short list?
Why don't you audition M-Audio - AV 40
I have these speakers. The clarity is amazing but can't tell you how they compare with AE 5. These speakers do not have thumping\boomy bass but it is punchy ( as you will be sitting close to your comp ) and there is no room for connecting subwoofer. But I guess with AE 5 this can be done.
But the clarity is high . You can listen to difference between 128,256 and 320 KBPS mp3. So to get more bass I have merged these two speakers with my old 5.1 Creative Speaker setup . I have Creative X-FI soundcard and so for front channel I have connected M-Audio AV 40 and for the rest I have creative 5.1. This way I have subwoofer with M-Audio and this gives me enough bass.
M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Separate Speaker reviews - CNET Reviews.
I have these speakers. The clarity is amazing but can't tell you how they compare with AE 5. These speakers do not have thumping\boomy bass but it is punchy ( as you will be sitting close to your comp ) and there is no room for connecting subwoofer. But I guess with AE 5 this can be done.
But the clarity is high . You can listen to difference between 128,256 and 320 KBPS mp3. So to get more bass I have merged these two speakers with my old 5.1 Creative Speaker setup . I have Creative X-FI soundcard and so for front channel I have connected M-Audio AV 40 and for the rest I have creative 5.1. This way I have subwoofer with M-Audio and this gives me enough bass.
M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Separate Speaker reviews - CNET Reviews.
Last edited:
Thad E Ginathom
Well-Known Member
I have not seen a disappointed review of A5.
Here's a happy review of AV40 (thank you) --- to make sure I stay confused.
Here's a happy review of AV40 (thank you) --- to make sure I stay confused.
Thad E Ginathom
Well-Known Member
The Outcome! (for me, that is...)
And the result, for reasons, logical and illogical, that I would find hard to tabulate, is that I sit here now in front of a pair of M-Audio AV-40s
Having previously had a 2.1 setup, Mission NXT, that was very remarkable for its Richer Sounds (UK) clearance price of around 50, it is different having the base on the desk. I need something more than the thin isolation pads supplied with the speakers to keep the base coming through my ears and not through my hands! I need to raise them about three or four inches, tweeters up to ear level, anyway.
I guess they are, indeed, monitor speakers. I suspect that they are both accurate and unforgiving. It is taking me a while (especially as I don't turn them on that much!) to get used to their sound. I need to do something (move house?) about my dreadful alcove listening position, with a wall twelve inches behind the speaker, and another one twelve inches behind my head (the room opens out directly on my left, with another wall about three feet to the right).
I have just been listening to The 5,000 Spirits by Brit folk-rock band The Incredible String Band (WAV files extracted from CD) --- and I am feeling smugly impressed with the speakers. They play the acoustic string instruments (from guitar to sitar!) with great clarity, giving a wonderful performance of the subtlety of the fingerwork. The vocals are wonderful, with very gentle backing parts clearly audible. Despite the positioning (even I think the speakers are too close together at the moment) I feel that I am getting stereo out of my PC for the first time in ages: the sound stage is excellent. I've known this album for over forty years: these speakers managed to give me a couple of those magical Wow, I never heard that before moments
First time in ages, because my poor NXTs were on the way out, one channel working only after shorting out a worn volume control, and then only when it felt like it!
There is no scale on the volume switch, but, if there were, I am listening on only 2 or 3. No shortage of volume here, although the full range of the switch is entering the world of distortion.
Despite checking the specifications carefuly, these speakers still surprised me with their size. Even alongside much bigger and more "pro" studio monitors, in the shop, they looked bigger than I expected. There must be many a pair of "bookshelf" speakers that are no bigger than this!
I am listening to the output of my RME DIGI96/8 PST sound card. Notwithstanding problems I have had with this card, of late, I rate it better than any separate CD player I have ever owned.
And the result, for reasons, logical and illogical, that I would find hard to tabulate, is that I sit here now in front of a pair of M-Audio AV-40s
Having previously had a 2.1 setup, Mission NXT, that was very remarkable for its Richer Sounds (UK) clearance price of around 50, it is different having the base on the desk. I need something more than the thin isolation pads supplied with the speakers to keep the base coming through my ears and not through my hands! I need to raise them about three or four inches, tweeters up to ear level, anyway.
I guess they are, indeed, monitor speakers. I suspect that they are both accurate and unforgiving. It is taking me a while (especially as I don't turn them on that much!) to get used to their sound. I need to do something (move house?
) about my dreadful alcove listening position, with a wall twelve inches behind the speaker, and another one twelve inches behind my head (the room opens out directly on my left, with another wall about three feet to the right).I have just been listening to The 5,000 Spirits by Brit folk-rock band The Incredible String Band (WAV files extracted from CD) --- and I am feeling smugly impressed with the speakers
. They play the acoustic string instruments (from guitar to sitar!) with great clarity, giving a wonderful performance of the subtlety of the fingerwork. The vocals are wonderful, with very gentle backing parts clearly audible. Despite the positioning (even I think the speakers are too close together at the moment) I feel that I am getting stereo out of my PC for the first time in ages: the sound stage is excellent. I've known this album for over forty years: these speakers managed to give me a couple of those magical Wow, I never heard that before moments First time in ages, because my poor NXTs were on the way out, one channel working only after shorting out a worn volume control, and then only when it felt like it!
There is no scale on the volume switch, but, if there were, I am listening on only 2 or 3. No shortage of volume here, although the full range of the switch is entering the world of distortion.
Despite checking the specifications carefuly, these speakers still surprised me with their size. Even alongside much bigger and more "pro" studio monitors, in the shop, they looked bigger than I expected. There must be many a pair of "bookshelf" speakers that are no bigger than this!
I am listening to the output of my RME DIGI96/8 PST sound card. Notwithstanding problems I have had with this card, of late, I rate it better than any separate CD player I have ever owned.
Thad E Ginathom
Well-Known Member
Further Experience ...
Moving away from the mostly acoustic to the more electric, next up was Pink Floyd's Relics, and The Grateful Dead's pair of albums, American Beauty and Workingman's Dead.
I think I have to change my position. Although I do not like sitting with my back to the room, for music listening, I think it is going to be necessary. The effect, otherwise, is going to be more like sitting inside a speaker than listening to them! Sure, this is pretty elementary stuff about speaker positioning, but here I am learning about it the hard way.
Still getting a big kick out of the definition of these speakers. Another great pleasure was listening to a Greatful Dead Base-guitar melody line, so clear and musical --- even though I was hearing it from the bedroom!
Moving away from the mostly acoustic to the more electric, next up was Pink Floyd's Relics, and The Grateful Dead's pair of albums, American Beauty and Workingman's Dead.
I think I have to change my position. Although I do not like sitting with my back to the room, for music listening, I think it is going to be necessary. The effect, otherwise, is going to be more like sitting inside a speaker than listening to them! Sure, this is pretty elementary stuff about speaker positioning, but here I am learning about it the hard way.
Still getting a big kick out of the definition of these speakers. Another great pleasure was listening to a Greatful Dead Base-guitar melody line, so clear and musical --- even though I was hearing it from the bedroom!
Checking this thread, I was in you shoes a month ago, with confusing between A2 and AV40, I wanted to stay on a tight budget around 12k, so I can get a decent DAC since my sound card (XFI) died. As always before buying anything, I do tons of research, I personally tested the AV40 and Roland MA 15D, I am not at all a bass freak (even though I was a Logitech Z5500 user), but they felt a bit bass shy to me, maybe it was cause of their placement at the demo room (there was actually no demo room, just 2 speakers placed on each other), the highs and mids were convincing on the AV40, and bass was pretty decent for the size, and they are quite affordable, while I was more tempted by the A2 I was worried that it might just not be able to fill up my room (13'x17), so I was looking forward to increase the budget a bit and get a A5, I have heard only great things about this set, they are quite sturdy and reliable (A2 Indian batch had reliability issue, with people complaining it dies within a few months and had to RMA twice or thrice in a year, although the new batch seemed to be okay), it had that Ipod dock + Charger point, which would be of great use to me, they looked gorgeous (white glossy finish) and had a front volume dial, apart of how amazing they sound, I have only heard fabulous things about them, however I heard a bad source will make it sound worse then desktop multimedia speakers, now I was already way higher then my budget, I would not be able to get a DAC at that time.
During that time I had my eyes on the wharfedale 9.1s, according to user opinions, they sounded more musical and refined then the A5/BX5a studio monitors and less warm. I saw a guy on Overclock.net using a wharfedale 9.6 on onboard soundcard, so I PMed him since I was in the same dilemma on how well this set will sound with onboard sound. He said the wharfedales are very forgiving of the source, so you will enjoy the sound. So i took the risk and got a pair of wharfedales 9.1s and i feel its the best investment I did alongside my DSLR body, this thing totally blows amazing sound, the bass is enough, very tight and fast, the details are where they are supposed to be, not at all bright as well as warm, its very neutral, and I am on stock card (Realtek ALC885), they fill my room completely and I aint even at 40% volume, this set gets pretty loud, with fine tuning the EQ they sound better and better. I am curious how well this set sounds with a DAC, soon will add a DAC.
Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 - 13.5 - 14k
Norge 2060 - 7.5k
This is what I recommend,. I know this is high on budget, but its totally worth it. Since I feel you are in the same boat as I was a month ago.
During that time I had my eyes on the wharfedale 9.1s, according to user opinions, they sounded more musical and refined then the A5/BX5a studio monitors and less warm. I saw a guy on Overclock.net using a wharfedale 9.6 on onboard soundcard, so I PMed him since I was in the same dilemma on how well this set will sound with onboard sound. He said the wharfedales are very forgiving of the source, so you will enjoy the sound. So i took the risk and got a pair of wharfedales 9.1s and i feel its the best investment I did alongside my DSLR body, this thing totally blows amazing sound, the bass is enough, very tight and fast, the details are where they are supposed to be, not at all bright as well as warm, its very neutral, and I am on stock card (Realtek ALC885), they fill my room completely and I aint even at 40% volume, this set gets pretty loud, with fine tuning the EQ they sound better and better. I am curious how well this set sounds with a DAC, soon will add a DAC.
Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 - 13.5 - 14k
Norge 2060 - 7.5k
This is what I recommend,
. I know this is high on budget, but its totally worth it. Since I feel you are in the same boat as I was a month ago.
Last edited:
shaizada
Active Member
If I may suggest, look into a Peachtree Nova and Harbeth Compact 7ES-3
Harbeth UK
MUSICDIRECT - PEACHTREE AUDIO - NOVA INTEGRATED HYBRID AMPLIFIER IN CHERRY
That would be my computer system setup if I was looking for one.
Harbeth UK
MUSICDIRECT - PEACHTREE AUDIO - NOVA INTEGRATED HYBRID AMPLIFIER IN CHERRY
That would be my computer system setup if I was looking for one.
unleash_me
Well-Known Member
Thad E Ginathom
Well-Known Member
Whilst I've known that the purpose of studio monitor speakers is to reproduce the source sound truly, it has been this forum that has educated me about near-field speakers.
In the light of this, I would say that you should not expect the AV40s to make a bad recording sound better; they will not. As to source device, I am not so sure: for want of a tuner, at one time I used to connect the headphone socket of a cheap radio alarm clock into my hifi. Of course it was mono, but, but yes, it sounded heaps better than its own tiny speaker!
As to the nearfield thing: when I was listening to the AV40s in the shop, the sales guy (who seemed very straight; no bull!) told me that these were not speakers to fill a room. He also told me, expect accurate bass, not booming bass. It is a refreshing experience to buy speakers from someone who does not spout about how loud they go because of how many watts they have! This was the M-Audio dealer in Singapore, by the way, a specialist studio/guitar/music shop.
So... For the AV40s, I would say
-- do not expect them to be room fillers (although you might be surprised how much room they can fill).
-- do not expect them to be complementary to your music (their purpose is to play it as it is).
This is my first experience with nearfield speakers. If it is typical, I'd say that the experience, when one's head finds the sweet spot, is more like the positive aspects of headphones.
I do think that the guy who sold me these was straight (for a start, he didn't try to sell me anything more expensive!) and he said that there is nothing to compare at this price. Mind you; it may be cheap in studio terms, but it is far from it for a pair of computer speakers!
There was a pair of KRK speakers playing when I entered the shop, to which I could only say "wow!". Such clarity, such clean sound, if only... I could have afforded the S$1,000! (about Rs.33,000). Thankfully, they would have been too big for me to carry home, anyway --- so there there was no real danger of me doing anything really silly with the credit card
In the light of this, I would say that you should not expect the AV40s to make a bad recording sound better; they will not. As to source device, I am not so sure: for want of a tuner, at one time I used to connect the headphone socket of a cheap radio alarm clock into my hifi. Of course it was mono, but, but yes, it sounded heaps better than its own tiny speaker!
As to the nearfield thing: when I was listening to the AV40s in the shop, the sales guy (who seemed very straight; no bull!) told me that these were not speakers to fill a room. He also told me, expect accurate bass, not booming bass. It is a refreshing experience to buy speakers from someone who does not spout about how loud they go because of how many watts they have! This was the M-Audio dealer in Singapore, by the way, a specialist studio/guitar/music shop.
So... For the AV40s, I would say
-- do not expect them to be room fillers (although you might be surprised how much room they can fill).
-- do not expect them to be complementary to your music (their purpose is to play it as it is).
This is my first experience with nearfield speakers. If it is typical, I'd say that the experience, when one's head finds the sweet spot, is more like the positive aspects of headphones.
I do think that the guy who sold me these was straight (for a start, he didn't try to sell me anything more expensive!) and he said that there is nothing to compare at this price. Mind you; it may be cheap in studio terms, but it is far from it for a pair of computer speakers!
There was a pair of KRK speakers playing when I entered the shop, to which I could only say "wow!". Such clarity, such clean sound, if only... I could have afforded the S$1,000! (about Rs.33,000). Thankfully, they would have been too big for me to carry home, anyway --- so there there was no real danger of me doing anything really silly with the credit card
Last edited:
humblebee
Active Member
Hi all,
I am in the same shoes right now. Im a newbie to professional sound world.
Just blew my Altec Lansing 2.1 due to a short circuit!
I dont have a big budget either. Basically aiming at the absolute entry point in professional sound speakers (to see if spending like this on speakers is for me at all). So I shortlisted Norge Nano. What abt them? Also will I be able to play them directly without buying any amps? (from a laptop headphone output jack)
Thanks in advance
Manish
I am in the same shoes right now. Im a newbie to professional sound world.
Just blew my Altec Lansing 2.1 due to a short circuit!
I dont have a big budget either. Basically aiming at the absolute entry point in professional sound speakers (to see if spending like this on speakers is for me at all). So I shortlisted Norge Nano. What abt them? Also will I be able to play them directly without buying any amps? (from a laptop headphone output jack)
Thanks in advance
Manish
humblebee
Active Member
Forgot to mention...
I have another option of getting one from UK as my cousin is arriving from there...
Wharfedale 9.1 is going for 99 pounds on amazon UK. Link
Will i be able to play them as is or will there be some electrical adjustments to be done? (maybe some different electrical standards there)
Thanks
Manish
I have another option of getting one from UK as my cousin is arriving from there...
Wharfedale 9.1 is going for 99 pounds on amazon UK. Link
Will i be able to play them as is or will there be some electrical adjustments to be done? (maybe some different electrical standards there)
Thanks
Manish
Thad E Ginathom
Well-Known Member
Anything from UK will work fine here; their voltage is (about ) the same as ours.
) the same as ours.
humblebee
Active Member
Thanks magma & Thad..
But what abt the Norge Nano? Is it good? Can i connect it to my headfone out of laptop through some adapter ? Without amps?
AudioEngine is a computer speaker manufacturer to me & im looking to go towards a sound company (im in the field of computers & i wanna try something different!)
But what abt the Norge Nano? Is it good? Can i connect it to my headfone out of laptop through some adapter ? Without amps?
AudioEngine is a computer speaker manufacturer to me & im looking to go towards a sound company (im in the field of computers & i wanna try something different!)
Thad E Ginathom
Well-Known Member
AudioEngine, if the reviews, both here and elsewhere, are correct, is something different --- as "computer speakers" go.
My choice was between AudioEngine and M-Audio. I heard nothing negative about the A2/A5 anywhere, and will always wonder how I would have found them. I'm sure I'd have been happy.
My choice was between AudioEngine and M-Audio. I heard nothing negative about the A2/A5 anywhere, and will always wonder how I would have found them. I'm sure I'd have been happy.
theironhorse
Well-Known Member
how much is you budget deba ?????
the norge nano is not a powered speaker
you require an external amp to play with it
The norge 1515 amp is recommended
speaker an amp would cost you 7000 and 3000 rs maybe a bit more if prices have increased post budget
if you are ok with an external amp then yes this is a better choice
you require an external amp to play with it
The norge 1515 amp is recommended
speaker an amp would cost you 7000 and 3000 rs maybe a bit more if prices have increased post budget
if you are ok with an external amp then yes this is a better choice
spirovious
Well-Known Member
M audio studiophile AV20 for 4k.(av max)-
M-Audio Studiophile AV20 Separate Speaker reviews - CNET Reviews
M-Audio Studiophile AV 20 Reviews
M-Audio Studiophile AV20 Separate Speaker reviews - CNET Reviews
M-Audio Studiophile AV 20 Reviews
Get the Wharfedale EVO 4.2 3-Way Standmount Speakers at a Special Offer Price.
