my mother got a pair of these with her computer:
http/cgi.ebay.com/New-Dell-HK395-Multimedia-Computer-Speakers-System-NIB-/310288199205?pt=PCA_Speakers&hash=item483e9e2e25
they definetely dont sound like cheap fleamarket stuff.
and they lose their charming sound if you turn them up real high.
but they have a unique sound that fits well inbetween the usual junk and something considered high-end by bose.
they are dull.. but not lifeless.
or maybe its lifeless, but not dull.
its been like four years since i have heard them, and i am going on memory.
i know that i would choose them over a random pair of headphones.
they have an elegant sound that makes them higher class than the majority of other products that are built simply for the function of having audio .. and/or simply for the function of playing loud .. and/or simply for the function of having 4.1/5.1 speakers.
there were a lot of these 'fill a void' speakers from the early 2000 - 2005 era.
but these speakers sound better.
i mean.. i have gone to electronics stores and listened to some of the computer speakers they have on display.
and i like these speakers better because they have a refined sound.
the stuff on display doesnt have anything crisp to them.
they are loud and obnoxious with no detail.
the speakers i linked to are soft and detailed.
maybe its hard and detailed.. and because they are hard, you cant turn them up without losing the sound quality.
but anyways.. i said if you turn them up, you lose sound quality.
obviously there was some sound quality there to lose.
other speakers distort and crackle when you turn them up.
i really think the other speakers try to emphasize pushing air with the speaker cone.
the speakers i linked to dont try to push air at all.
and there is nothing left for them to do except produce a quality sound.
the subwoofer in the speaker set work.
it doesnt get down to subwoofer levels.. but it does provide the bass that the main stereo speakers cannot reproduce.
the overall listening experience is pleasant.
and that is a whole lot better than listening to speakers simply for the sake of having audio.
i figure that because they dont make these speakers anymore, you should be able to find some used.. which will knock down the price considerably.
and aside from that, they are made by a company known for sound quality.
harmon kardon has their name on these.. and that should mean a lot more than something with 'creative' or 'logitech' on the box.
good luck finding a pair for sale.. but if you do find some, they shouldnt go for more than $30 - $40
but i would consider that cost to be a fair price for the speakers alone.. and you would be well invested to pay additionally for shipping.
just read the fantastic review at amazon.com:
http/www.amazon.com/Dell-HK395-3-Piece-Speakers-Subwoofer/dp/B003AP5Y9Y
another review on this amazon page:
http/www.amazon.com/Dell-COMPUTER-SPEAKERS-SUBWOOFER-HK395/dp/B001PM4KT4
ebay has quite a few of these speakers for sale at the time of this post.