Which 2.1 or 2.0 Computer Speaker System for under $100?

[sirfelgar]

My old 15 year old Monsoon 2.1 MH-500 system finally has given up the ghost and has turned into a static mess. Really liked those speakers, too. Wish there were a way to keep them...

In any case, I'm in the market for a 2.0 or 2.1 system for my Mac Pro with a pretty hard limit of $100. Also, space constraints basically dictate either small satellites and a small sub or two bookshelf speakers with a 3" main driver. I mainly watch videos and listen to music, indie rock, pop, dance and a lot of classical. My headphones are Sony MDR-7506. Here are the candidates:

1. Go cheap and easy with the Cyber Acoustics CA-3602 2.1 system that seem to have decent ratings ($39.95):
http/www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustics-Subwoofer-Frustration-CA-3602FFP/dp/B00BXF5HQ8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

2. Go with the one system I've actually been able to hear at Best Buy, the brand new Logitech Z533 2.1 system. Thought they sounded pretty decent even with all the ambient noise around, and I have about $40 in Best Buy gift certificates ($99-$40):
http/www.logitech.com/en-us/product/multimedia-speakers-z533

3. Go with the Monoprice 3" powered bookshelf speakers. Many good reviews ($78):
http/www.monoprice.com/product?pg_no2=3&c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150402&p_id=605300&sortby=&period=&rating=&seq=1&format=4#feedback

4. Go with the M-Audio AV32 bookshelf speakers, although the reviews are only decent ($99):
http/www.amazon.com/M-Audio-AV32-Professional-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B00X741TKG

5. Go with the highly regarded Micca PB42X powered bookshelf speakers, though the price for the powered version is a bit too high and the size is a bit too large ($119):
http/www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC

6. Last but definitely not least are the Mackie CR3 3" Bookshelf speakers- seem to have very good ratings ($99):
http/www.amazon.com/Mackie-Limited-Edition-Multimedia-Monitors/dp/B015ACLOJS/ref=pd_cp_267_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=17GFQT8Y96EXB31QMNJD

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[ssddx]

the pb42x should be a good choice. i believe its the same as or similar to the mb42 unpowered which is a good speaker for the price. if you can get an amplifier for a good price you could always go with the unpowered mb42 and use an amplifier with them.

the z523 is typical of logitech speakers - decent value, decent sound, loud, bloated boomy bass. nothing stellar but not terrible either. i would not say it is the same quality as hifi speaker options though but you generally pay a bit more for them.

 

[sirfelgar]

the pb42x should be a good choice. i believe its the same as or similar to the mb42 unpowered which is a good speaker for the price. if you can get an amplifier for a good price you could always go with the unpowered mb42 and use an amplifier with them.

the z523 is typical of logitech speakers - decent value, decent sound, loud, bloated boomy bass. nothing stellar but not terrible either. i would not say it is the same quality as hifi speaker options though but you generally pay a bit more for them.

Thanks for your response. I don't really want to deal with an external amp with all the extra power and wires it requires, even if it's the "purest" option. The Miccas might be a bit large for my space requirements. I'm leaning toward the Mackie and Monoprice 3" speakers right now...

 

[hang-the-9]

I have a pair of Logitech THX speakers and an older version of the M-Audio speakers. I really like the M-Audio speakers over the Logitech set. The Z560 set would be very similar to that Z533 you were looking at. I think for music, especially classical, you'd be happy with the M-Audio, although I don't have any direct experience with anything else on your list. The M-Audio speakers sound very balanced and clean, they are not muddy like many Bose speakers, or have a sharp cut through the range like Infinity or a heavy lean like the Logitech THX sets.

 

[sirfelgar]

I ended up getting the Mackie CR3s. I managed to listen to them at a Sam Ash store near me. Also heard the Samson BT3s, but the Mackies were clearly superior in all aspects. Thanks for the responses!

 

[adram]

And what would you say about Bose Companion 2 Series III? They have great reviews.