(AU) Help me choose desktop speakers

[ThaiTaffy]

Aka, transmission line; never actually heard them called labyrinth or maze before so I did have to Google it, lol. I'm all about DIY but probably not what the OP is looking for but yeah thats the one way to get way more low-end response from a diver that is otherwise not possible.

Not to derail the thread but what drivers did you use?

Yes transmission line but your likely to get better results as far as a small desktop speakers if you Google maze/Labyrinth as it's mostly massive subwoofers that use the theory and I used an ancient set of wharfdale drivers I had laying about from like the 60s or 70s.

To Op there is some science involved and getting a set of drivers that have the resonance frequency in the specifications is a must if your a DIYer as you need to know this to work out the length of the maze.

 

[Liquid Cool]

If the Klipsch Promedia 2.1's are available where you are, perhaps they're worth a look?

When my old set of Klipsch Promedia 2.1's blew the sub, I thought it might be time to finally upgrade to something newer. In my search....I too noticed the Edifier's, so I picked up a pair off Amazon. I gave them a test run and quickly returned them.

A long story short...I ended up picking up a new sub and keeping the old speakers. Even after all these years, they're the best bang for the buck set of 2.1's on the market. I absolutely love them.

Why did I return the Edifier's? I'm no audiophile, but here is my simple take. I started getting distortion quite early in the mid-range(about 1/2 way is where they started to sound muddled) and to me, more importantly the sound of the speakers without a sub didn't have enough oomph to fill the room with sound. Not to mention...there was a slight buzz emanating from the speakers when in bluetooth mode. They also cut out several times...very annoying. I realize they have excellent reviews....but I didn't like them compared to what I already have.

When it comes to sound, they simply felt like a downgrade.

Best,

Liquid Cool

 

[Deleted member 202104]

Klipsch Promedia 2.1's
...
Even after all these years, they're the best bang for the buck set of 2.1's on the market. I absolutely love them.

Wholeheartedly agree. If you can find them, be sure to check them out.

 

[Operandi]

Why did I return the Edifier's? I'm no audiophile, but here is my simple take. I started getting distortion quite early in the mid-range(about 1/2 way is where they started to sound muddled) and to me, more importantly the sound of the speakers without a sub didn't have enough oomph to fill the room with sound. Not to mention...there was a slight buzz emanating from the speakers when in bluetooth mode. They also cut out several times...very annoying. I realize they have excellent reviews....but I didn't like them compared to what I already have.

When it comes to sound, they simply felt like a downgrade.

I think people have to keep their exceptions in line when it comes to cheapish stuff those Edifiers. $150 isn't a lot for a two pair of speakers with built in amps, and a DAC so the quality is going to reflect that (they shouldn't be cutting out though). They are also really small and it looks like the response goes into the 70s (Hz) which is going to sound pretty weak. So yeah, maybe a bit better a tiny bit better in terms of sound quality but no bass and I can see why that would be a downgrade.

I'm sure the more expensive Edifiers are a lot better in terms of quality but unless they are bigger (5"+) they are going to be lacking on the low end of the response, clever transmission line designs aside, there is no getting around physics.

 

[TheLostSwede]

I think people have to keep their exceptions in line when it comes to cheapish stuff those Edifiers. $150 isn't a lot for a two pair of speakers with built in amps, and a DAC so the quality is going to reflect that (they shouldn't be cutting out though). They are also really small and it looks like the response goes into the 70s (Hz) which is going to sound pretty weak. So yeah, maybe a bit better a tiny bit better in terms of sound quality but no bass and I can see why that would be a downgrade.

I'm sure the more expensive Edifiers are a lot better in terms of quality but unless they are bigger (5"+) they are going to be lacking on the low end of the response, clever transmission line designs aside, there is no getting around physics.

Yeah, I was looking at the 1280's, but the price difference was only US$7 when I got my 1855's, so it was a pretty simple choice.
As I said, the build quality isn't amazing, but for ~US$150, you can't be too picky I guess.

 

[Operandi]

Yeah, I was looking at the 1280's, but the price difference was only US$7 when I got my 1855's, so it was a pretty simple choice.
As I said, the build quality isn't amazing, but for ~US$150, you can't be too picky I guess.

1280s list 75Hz the 1855 list 60Hz for the same 4" size driver. 15Hz might not sound like much but every few Hz below 100Hz is big deal in terms of response. 60Hz will cover most music pretty decently, 75Hz is going to sound anemic. That tells me there is pretty huge difference in quality going on between those two (60Hz from a 4" driver is pretty impressive for that price), and not that you can tell everything by looks but the 1280 drivers look very cheap.

 

[Frizz]

If the Klipsch Promedia 2.1's are available where you are, perhaps they're worth a look?

When my old set of Klipsch Promedia 2.1's blew the sub, I thought it might be time to finally upgrade to something newer. In my search....I too noticed the Edifier's, so I picked up a pair off Amazon. I gave them a test run and quickly returned them.

A long story short...I ended up picking up a new sub and keeping the old speakers. Even after all these years, they're the best bang for the buck set of 2.1's on the market. I absolutely love them.

Why did I return the Edifier's? I'm no audiophile, but here is my simple take. I started getting distortion quite early in the mid-range(about 1/2 way is where they started to sound muddled) and to me, more importantly the sound of the speakers without a sub didn't have enough oomph to fill the room with sound. Not to mention...there was a slight buzz emanating from the speakers when in bluetooth mode. They also cut out several times...very annoying. I realize they have excellent reviews....but I didn't like them compared to what I already have.

When it comes to sound, they simply felt like a downgrade.

Best,

Liquid Cool

Wholeheartedly agree. If you can find them, be sure to check them out.

I think people have to keep their exceptions in line when it comes to cheapish stuff those Edifiers. $150 isn't a lot for a two pair of speakers with built in amps, and a DAC so the quality is going to reflect that (they shouldn't be cutting out though). They are also really small and it looks like the response goes into the 70s (Hz) which is going to sound pretty weak. So yeah, maybe a bit better a tiny bit better in terms of sound quality but no bass and I can see why that would be a downgrade.

I'm sure the more expensive Edifiers are a lot better in terms of quality but unless they are bigger (5"+) they are going to be lacking on the low end of the response, clever transmission line designs aside, there is no getting around physics.

Yeah, I was looking at the 1280's, but the price difference was only US$7 when I got my 1855's, so it was a pretty simple choice.
As I said, the build quality isn't amazing, but for ~US$150, you can't be too picky I guess.

I've got my own DAC Scarlett Solo 212 and a Schiit Magni amplifier mainly for my headphones but based on this the Klipsch looking quite good... just need to find a supplier..

After professionally reading reviews (since I work from home and am a bludger) I've decided to get the Logitech Z623. I've looked everywhere for the Klipsch 2.1 Pro Medias but unfortunately cannot find them in any AU stores while the Z623 is still widely available.

Based on reviews the battle seems to be between the Z623 vs the Klipsch 2.1 ProMedia.

I still would have preferred the Klipsch but I'm sure with some EQ the Z623 will sound just a good (hopefully) ... ordered same day delivery as I'm sick of using my laptop speakers!! Thank you to those genuine helpers

 

[Frizz]

Perfect fit for the setup

 

[Hyderz]

Perfect fit for the setup

oh very nice you happy with the sounds?

 

[AsRock]

i think the logitech z625 is a solid choice, a 2.1 setup and the subwoofer is pretty beefy.
i wouldnt mind having this setup but quite a few people also like a 2.1 soundbar under their monitors
creative labs have some decent ones as well.

Sorry but thats funny as hell, PC speaker and any thing logitech does is not all that great there just a little better than nothing. better off buying secondhand stuff over time and have 10 fold the experience.

 

[Liquid Cool]

Perfect fit for the setup

Looks nice Frizz, glad everything worked out for you!

I also like the way you have your monitor attached to your desk. The first desk I owned back in 1988 or so, was a corner desk I had saved up for to buy at the local office supply my sister worked at. I really loved that desk. Although...in my case...I had mine turned out into the room and "sat behind it" so to speak.

After a few years of ownership, I was moving out of an apartment and no one showed up to help. Ended up leaving it for someone else.

30 years later! I'm still kicking myself for not taking the time to break it down and take it with me.

Best,

Liquid Cool

 

[Frizz]

oh very nice you happy with the sounds?

Sure am . Have my DAC set to 100% volume / Magni on about 10-15% and speakers on 25-30% and Bass dial on 40% fills the room nicely!

Sorry but thats funny as hell, PC speaker and any thing logitech does is not all that great there just a little better than nothing. better off buying secondhand stuff over time and have 10 fold the experience.

Definitely day and night when compared to my laptop speakers lol, unfortunately cannot justify anything more than this right now otherwise I'd be looking at some Rokits for some recording/mixing juicyness https://djcity.com.au/product/krk-r...7D10-l_OUlMiOtHaifKpO8lk_JqC5G3BoC7bYQAvD_BwE

Looks nice Frizz, glad everything worked out for you!

I also like the way you have your monitor attached to your desk. The first desk I owned back in 1988 or so, was a corner desk I had saved up for to buy at the local office supply my sister worked at. I really loved that desk. Although...in my case...I had mine turned out into the room and "sat behind it" so to speak.

After a few years of ownership, I was moving out of an apartment and no one showed up to help. Ended up leaving it for someone else.

30 years later! I'm still kicking myself for not taking the time to break it down and take it with me.

Best,

Liquid Cool

Thanks mate appreciate it, ive recently moved and am finally able to live my corner desk dream was on a smaller straight desk setup before without much real estate so a bit spoilt in desk space now. Hope youve at least got a better setup now than back then.

Heres a better photo of everything. (Work monitor on left hand side hehe)

 

[AsRock]

Sure am . Have my DAC set to 100% volume / Magni on about 10-15% and speakers on 25-30% and Bass dial on 40% fills the room nicely!



Definitely day and night when compared to my laptop speakers lol, unfortunately cannot justify anything more than this right now otherwise I'd be looking at some Rokits for some recording/mixing juicyness https://djcity.com.au/product/krk-r...7D10-l_OUlMiOtHaifKpO8lk_JqC5G3BoC7bYQAvD_BwE




Thanks mate appreciate it, ive recently moved and am finally able to live my corner desk dream was on a smaller straight desk setup before without much real estate so a bit spoilt in desk space now. Hope youve at least got a better setup now than back then.

Heres a better photo of everything. (Work monitor on left hand side hehe)

Don't know if you have them in AU but iif you do keep your eye on the thrift stores.

Well gotta start some were .

 

[maxfly]

Ive got the 623s hooked up to my back up rig on one side of my office and the klipsch 2.1s on the other side connected to my main rig. You would have done just as well with either ime.

 

[eidairaman1]

Sorry but thats funny as hell, PC speaker and any thing logitech does is not all that great there just a little better than nothing. better off buying secondhand stuff over time and have 10 fold the experience.

Idk bro, I still have a X230 set and they have plenty of oompf.

 

[Ferather]

I have Logitech Z906 and previously Z5500, while they have been superseded by other brands and models, they still hold their value, something to note at least.
I suggest if possible, you try for multichannel speakers (5.1, 7.1), which can also be used in stereo mode, Z906 will downmix DTS-DDL to headphones.

I cant say I suggest Z906, and that's because I have not tested all the units going, I can only suggest based on ownership.

Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System

 

[Operandi]

Sorry but thats funny as hell, PC speaker and any thing logitech does is not all that great there just a little better than nothing. better off buying secondhand stuff over time and have 10 fold the experience.

Not really, the top-end Logitech stuff is actually pretty good. I have KRK monitors and JBL studio sub sitting in a corner ready to go (I just need to get my desk / office in order) but right now I have the 4.1 version of the Z906 linked above (I forget the model name). Those speakers both use Tangband 4" full range drivers and 8" sub which are quality drivers. The Z623 looks like it uses TB drivers too but maybe they use something else now, idk.

I've heard the Klipsch 2.1 and its not really any better in my opinion.

Definitely day and night when compared to my laptop speakers lol, unfortunately cannot justify anything more than this right now otherwise I'd be looking at some Rokits for some recording/mixing juicyness https://djcity.com.au/product/krk-r...7D10-l_OUlMiOtHaifKpO8lk_JqC5G3BoC7bYQAvD_BwE

Yeah, I would suggest not moving to something bigger like monitors till you have the room and time to set them up properly. Like I said I have some KRKs sitting in corner ready to go but setup and positioning is a pretty big deal if you are going to get the most out of them. I would also suggest getting smaller 4-5" monitors and just count on getting a sub, big monitors are just that much harder to setup and unless you go with an 8" you'll still be missing out the lower end.

Also consider JBL if you do start looking at monitors, those are supposed to be some of the better ones you can get for the price. Though honestly most of them are pretty good as its a pretty competitive market.

 

[Ferather]

It would also be worth considering connectivity, SPDIF and HDMI would be a good idea in addition to analogue, and HDMI 2+ for better support of current formats.

Edit: I am using an HDMI extractor, that has HDMI SPDIF and 3.5mm Stereo out, I use the SPDIF for my older Z906 (no HDMI).

 

[ThaiTaffy]

I might be wrong as this was many years ago I was told but you said your dac is 100% I was told by a sound engineer that you should never raise an amplifier above 75% anything above apparently creates distortion. On a side note I seem to have latency issues with spdif( toslink) compared to hdmi/phono or is that just my onboard sound being crappy.

 

[Ferather]

Not sure, I don't have any latency issues with SPDIF. Z906 has two SPDIF inputs, and between my 889 and AMD GPU (R7), there is 10% quality difference in favour of AMD, but its newer.
The latency and everything else is identical, they both have the same APO's in the same order, and switching between them is just a switch.

 

[ThaiTaffy]

Not sure then but when I have spdif from my tv to my amp and hdmi from my pc to my tv there is an obvious latency issue when the TV and amp are turned up, though that might be the TV's sound encoder rather than the pc. Anyway glad op got what he wanted but it's got my cogs turning now and I'm thinking about trying my new palm router out and making some speakers for myself.

 

[Operandi]

Anyway glad op got what he wanted but it's got my cogs turning now and I'm thinking about trying my new palm router out and making some speakers for myself.

Not sure where you are located and driver availability differs per region but full range is a good place to start and works really well for desktop use since its nearfield and the bad off axis response isn't really an issue, you can also sink all your budget into one really good driver vs. two and the associated crossover components. Otherwise for two ways and larger stand mounts and towers its advised to stick with kits and well veted published designs.

 

[ThaiTaffy]

I'm currently in SEAsia so everything is available I'm currently looking at the icepower 200asc board they use in most of the top amplifiers ATM building my own £3000 amp for less than £100 seems like a good place to start I'm thinking basing the cabinet on a 6.5 inch Kevlar sub running on neodymium magnets no idea what brand uses it but I'll be buying it directly from the factory for around £50 and have some high quality 3 inch midrange speakers in my shed so I'd just need to get some tweeters. It's not the first transmission line speakers I have made but 2nd time around I'm hoping i have more experience and will hopefully have less teething problems. Only problem I think I will have is learning to use hornresp again.

 

[Operandi]

I'm currently in SEAsia so everything is available I'm currently looking at the icepower 200asc board they use in most of the top amplifiers ATM building my own £3000 amp for less than £100 seems like a good place to start I'm thinking basing the cabinet on a 6.5 inch Kevlar sub running on neodymium magnets no idea what brand uses it but I'll be buying it directly from the factory for around £50 and have some high quality 3 inch midrange speakers in my shed so I'd just need to get some tweeters. It's not the first transmission line speakers I have made but 2nd time around I'm hoping i have more experience and will hopefully have less teething problems. Only problem I think I will have is learning to use hornresp again.

Oh, didn't recognize your name for the earlier posts, you know more about than I do, lol.

The Icepower boards are available here (North America) but are pretty expensive but also supposed to be really nice. I've never done anything with amplifier boards before, just (passive crossover networks) but it sounds like a cool project.

 

[Ferather]

Not sure then but when I have spdif from my tv to my amp and hdmi from my pc to my tv there is an obvious latency issue when the TV and amp are turned up, though that might be the TV's sound encoder rather than the pc. Anyway glad op got what he wanted but it's got my cogs turning now and I'm thinking about trying my new palm router out and making some speakers for myself.

Just checked everything again, and even with Realtek and DTS fully populating SFX, MFX, EFX, and final encoding to DTS Surround, response is instant.
Both HDMI to SPDIF (AMD R7) to Z906, and SPDIF direct (889) to Z906, same APO's on both, different devices, instant with Z906.

I would guess the TV is doing some sort of processing if you output PCM, if you send encoded audio it might speed up, I don't know.
You might also want to look through the TV's settings to see if it has any enhancers of its own, which can delay audio.