Powered monitors speakers buying advice?

[mechtech]

Hello

im looking for a set of powered speakers with preferably optical input in addition to analog. Price range $300 ish Canadian pesos.

soundchip is Realtek on-board 1220. Listen to everything generally but perhaps some preference towards piano.

there are some Edifier R2000db for 30% off so $200 cnd.

R2000DB Bookshelf Speaker With Bluetooth, Optical and RCA Inputs

Edifier's R2000DB bookshelf speakers are designed to look stylish and minimize sound distortion. Connect through Bluetooth, Optical or RCA input.

www.edifier.com

Just wondering if there are some equivalent MAudios or others out there in the budget. Size not really a concern.

thanks

 

[sam_86314]

Haven't used these personally, but I've heard good things about this brand. They have a USB input in addition to analog.

Kanto 2 Channel Powered PC Gaming Desktop Speakers – 3" Composite Drivers 3/4" Silk Dome Tweeter – Class D Amplifier - 100 Watts - Built-In USB DAC - Subwoofer Output - YU2BAMBOO (Bamboo) : Amazon.ca: Electronics

Kanto 2 Channel Powered PC Gaming Desktop Speakers – 3" Composite Drivers 3/4" Silk Dome Tweeter – Class D Amplifier - 100 Watts - Built-In USB DAC - Subwoofer Output - YU2BAMBOO (Bamboo) : Amazon.ca: Electronics

www.amazon.ca

My speakers are Klipsch ProMedia's. They aren't monitors, and they don't have a built-in DAC, but I think they sound great. Piano music sounds good through them.

Klipsch PROMEDIA21 Pro Media 2.1 iPod,Computer Speaker System, Black : Amazon.ca: Electronics

Klipsch PROMEDIA21 Pro Media 2.1 iPod,Computer Speaker System, Black : Amazon.ca: Electronics

www.amazon.ca

I got mine at a thrift store for $40USD. If you're willing to go used, I'm sure you can find something great for reasonably cheap.

 

[Decryptor009]

Creative T20 II are amazing for their size.

 

[Jetster]

JBL has a set for about the same price. LSR 305 I got mine on sale for $100 each. They are only 1/4 and three prong inputs
You are probably just looking for powered speakers

 

[Decryptor009]

JBL has a set for about the same price. LSR 305 I got mine on sale for $100 each. They are only 1/4 and three prong inputs
You are probably just looking for powered speakers

305P

JBL 305P MKII Active Studio Reference Monitors : Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ

Buy JBL 305P MKII Active Studio Reference Monitors. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Jetster]

305P

JBL 305P MKII Active Studio Reference Monitors : Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ

Buy JBL 305P MKII Active Studio Reference Monitors. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

Those aren't mine. There is no P. Not sure the difference

Anyway if you want to use Optical just get powered speakers. If you just want them for music or gaming the monitors will sound flat. I just use these for my guitar

Look st this, but they still don't have optical, but they do have 1/8 inch

M-Audio AV42 4 inch Powered Studio Monitors

Powered 2-way Desktop Speakers with 4" LF Driver, 1" Silk-dome HF Driver, and Bass-reflux-ported MDF Cabinets (pair)

www.sweetwater.com

 

[mechtech]

Thanks for the feedback.

My reasoning for the optical is because when I do game, I get some static in my headset through the 1/8" jack, I added a filter which helped. Not sure if from power supply pushing out extra power for video card or cause onboard audio or both. I would assume optical would prevent this?

Those aren't mine. There is no P

Anyway if you want to use Optical just get powered speakers. If you just want them for music or gaming the monitors will sound flat. I just use these for my guitar

Look st this, but they still don't have optical, but they do have 1/8 inch

M-Audio AV42 4 inch Powered Studio Monitors

Powered 2-way Desktop Speakers with 4" LF Driver, 1" Silk-dome HF Driver, and Bass-reflux-ported MDF Cabinets (pair)

www.sweetwater.com

So for music, gaming, etc. regular powered speakers are better than monitors?

 

[Jetster]

Thanks for the feedback.

My reasoning for the optical is because when I do game, I get some static in my headset through the 1/8" jack, I added a filter which helped. Not sure if from power supply pushing out extra power for video card or cause onboard audio or both. I would assume optical would prevent this?

So for music, gaming, etc. regular powered speakers are better than monitors?

Yes

A digital signal might alleviate that interference, but a couple of things to think about. I have never seen a monitor speaker with optical. So a powered speaker would do if you can find one with optical. Optical is also an old interface. Replaced by USB and HDMI. Both digital. So you night end up with a DAC or amp

One thing about "monitor" speakers. They are not meant to be a main speaker. The only way I can explain this is like is if I listen to music with my monitors its sounds flat. Its a pure sound with nothing added. A speaker set like Klipsch Pro Audio 2.1 adds bass and highs and sound much better with music. But with an instrument, a monitor speakers give you exactly what is being played. Its why they are called monitors. And why they are not sold in pairs. Now you can use them as regular speakers fine. Hope that makes sense

How about this? $169
It has optical

Logitech Z625 2.1 Gaming Speaker System - THX Certified

Shop Z625 Speakers. Features THX certified speakers, optical audio, 3.5mm, RAC inputs, easy controls, 200 watts RMS, headphone jack, bass controls, and more

www.logitech.com

This has USB input $200
These look really nice

Logitech G560 RGB PC Gaming Speakers with Game-Driven Lighting

Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC gaming speakers immerse you in the action with automatic, game-driven RGB lighting effects that react to many popular games.

www.logitechg.com

 

[bubbleawsome]

As far as I know optical is still a digital only format, nothing analogue about it. I imagine anything that uses a digital input will eliminate hiss, unless it is also powered by the digital connection. (Some low end USB DACs have this issue)

As for the speakers you want, I’d agree with everyone else saying true monitors are probably not the way to go. Lots of more ‘hipster’ lifestyle brands like to advertise their normal bookshelf speakers as ‘monitors’ when they have nothing near a flat response though. My personal preference for something that’s fun but doesn’t sound obviously exaggerated is the Harmon curve. I think that one is branded though, and there is another one that has similar emphases but under a different name. Sorry though that I don’t have any specific speaker recommendations, I only use headphones.