Indecision to Buy New Speakers

[Spielwurfel]

Hello guys

Just giving a quick background, I've been using a 2.1 system for many years from an unknown chinese manufacturer. It was really cheap at that time, but for my luck I ended up really loving the sound of it. But now it has some electrical problems that bothers me, and although I still like the way it sounds, I want to get something new and better. Take a look on it. Notice that the "tweeters" are actually only painted, they are not real. Also, don't mind the ridiculous illuminated peacock at the sub... :lol:

The problem is that I have absolutely no idea of the specs of this system in order to compare, and at least where I live it's very hard to find a place where I can go and effectively listen to a different speaker and compare. I remember I heard in a store some Logitech 2.1 system which sounded like shit to me, mainly due to the poor bass. This made me afraid of buying something just looking at the specs instead of listening effectively.

My budget is around 400 USD, and I want good speakers to listen loud to music on my PC. I enjoy a good bass, but it doesn't need to be a ton of it. This 2.1 system I have now as I said satisfy my needs. So I was looking at the Audioengine A5+, which I read some great reviews on the internet, but I saw at the same time many people in this forum talking about adding a subwoofer to the A5. The question: is the A5 good enough in order that I don't require using a subwoofer, considering the speakers I have today? Will I be disappointed with the A5?

 

[ThePopeinater]

I'll throw Mackie CR3 or 4 for an alternative if you want a good value, comes with everything you need for hookup, and with isolation pads too.

 

[Spielwurfel]

I'll throw Mackie CR3 or 4 for an alternative if you want a good value, comes with everything you need for hookup, and with isolation pads too.

Thanks Pope! But a question still remains, can a good pair of speakers like this or the A5 provide a good bass, of what you could expect from cheap 2.1 system like the one I have? I know it's hard to say, but a feeling only could be enough.

Also, these really comes in a good value, 150 USD. Can these be good as 400 USD speakers like the A5?

 

[13thmonkey]

I suspect at $400, anything will sound better with the painted on tweeters.

 

[ThePopeinater]

I'll throw Mackie CR3 or 4 for an alternative if you want a good value, comes with everything you need for hookup, and with isolation pads too.

Thanks Pope! But a question still remains, can a good pair of speakers like this or the A5 provide a good bass, of what you could expect from cheap 2.1 system like the one I have? I know it's hard to say, but a feeling only could be enough.

Also, these really comes in a good value, 150 USD. Can these be good as 400 USD speakers like the A5?

With Mackie, I would recommend a cheap subwoofer like monoprice to complete the sound. A5+ sounds great from what I've heard, but you'll still need a subwoofer to fill in that bass, and at that price ($400) I'm against it.

 

[Spielwurfel]

I suspect at $400, anything will sound better with the painted on tweeters.

Yeah, I guess you have a good point... hahaha

 

[Spielwurfel]

I'll throw Mackie CR3 or 4 for an alternative if you want a good value, comes with everything you need for hookup, and with isolation pads too.

Thanks Pope! But a question still remains, can a good pair of speakers like this or the A5 provide a good bass, of what you could expect from cheap 2.1 system like the one I have? I know it's hard to say, but a feeling only could be enough.

Also, these really comes in a good value, 150 USD. Can these be good as 400 USD speakers like the A5?

With Mackie, I would recommend a cheap subwoofer like monoprice to complete the sound. A5+ sounds better, but you'll still need a subwoofer anyways, and at that price ($400) I wouldn't recommend it.

Got it, thanks!

Just for consideration, the subwoofer my 2.1 has satisfy me, but it's not like a subwoofer that makes me feel my body shaking with it. Also, I got a Golf MK7 with factory speakers and tweeters. No subwoofer. The sound of the car satisfy me as well.

 

[ien2222]

Another alternative would be a pair of JBL LSR305's with a Dayton SUB-1000.

 

[Spielwurfel]

Another alternative would be a pair of JBL LSR305's with a Dayton SUB-1000.

Thanks, seems a good alternative. Do you believe the JBL LSR305 are similar in sound quality to the A5?

Also, with the A5 can I basically usr any sub that fits the A5 connectors?

 

[Spielwurfel]

I saw some excellent reviews on the JBLs, but what would be an easy way to connect them to my PC?

 

[ien2222]

Thanks, seems a good alternative. Do you believe the JBL LSR305 are similar in sound quality to the A5?

Also, with the A5 can I basically usr any sub that fits the A5 connectors?

They are better speakers, however your preference is your preference. Usually you can find them in like a Guitar Center type store and you should be able to give them a listen too.

With the A5's, any powered sub should work though it's easiest to do if the sub accepts RCA inputs.

I saw some excellent reviews on the JBLs, but what would be an easy way to connect them to my PC?

Using a stereo 3.5mm to dual mono 1/4" (TS) adapter should work. Something like this:
https/www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-159-Stereo-Breakout-Cable/dp/B005HGM1D6

Though there other ways to do it.

 

[Spielwurfel]

Thanks, seems a good alternative. Do you believe the JBL LSR305 are similar in sound quality to the A5?

Also, with the A5 can I basically usr any sub that fits the A5 connectors?

They are better speakers, however your preference is your preference. Usually you can find them in like a Guitar Center type store and you should be able to give them a listen too.

With the A5's, any powered sub should work though it's easiest to do if the sub accepts RCA inputs.

I saw some excellent reviews on the JBLs, but what would be an easy way to connect them to my PC?

Using a stereo 3.5mm to dual mono 1/4" (TS) adapter should work. Something like this:
https/www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-159-Stereo-Breakout-Cable/dp/B005HGM1D6

Though there other ways to do it.

Thanks for the answer. If I use one en of the TRS in one speaker, the other end on the 2nd speaker and connect the 3.5mm adapter on my PC, will it work? Will I have stereo sound and the stereo imaging on the speakers?

Thanks! =)

 

[ien2222]

Yes, but make sure the adapter you get actually separates the stereo 3.5mm to left/right 1/4" and is not just a splitter.

 

[Spielwurfel]

Yes, but make sure the adapter you get actually separates the stereo 3.5mm to left/right 1/4" and is not just a splitter.

Thanks!