I haven’t bought computer speaker setup in well over a decade, but getting back into gaming, any suggestions?
I ask, due to the fact it looks like the old brands are all over the place in quality these days, like the Logitech G560 Speaker System, whose required software is messy. https://a.co/d/00gehZRS
Which is really making me wish I kept up to date, as Amazons current “recommendations system” can’t be trusted for quality with so many being cheapo speakers and SEO ruining result searches. 
Thanks in advance, as I feel like I’ve awaken in a speaker dystopia. 😧
Honestly just keep your old ones.
Speaker technology hasn’t exactly advanced by leaps and bounds like graphics. The greatest innovations have mainly been adding RGB lights and manufacturing then more cheaply.
Not an audiophile but I’ve been using Eltax Monitor III speakers with a SMSL Q5 Pro amp for years. I believe it’s a nice 2.0 setup for around 250€.
Assuming you have at least a 5.1 capable sound card, the Edifier S760D is the best powered surround set up I’ve been able to find. There really doesn’t seem to be a lot of options anymore but for gaming and movies/tv the surround is definitely worth it.
Edit: Though looking around it seems like they’re basically impossible to find atm
Your budget will play a role. I 100% agree with people saying don’t get computer speakers if you’re looking for quality, but the catch is they need to be powered.
I did a bunch of research and got the below on sale after a few reccos and agonizing over specs. For reference, previously I have used spreadsheets to tune a room to a flat frequency response with my own custom crossover designs, so… I’m picky.
I’ve been happy with my choice. And since they are fairly portable, they are versatile. Also used them with a Midi keyboard and a portable projector.
Edifier R1280DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers - Optical Input - Wireless Studio Monitors - 4 Inch Near Field Speaker - 42W RMS - Wood Grain (Black) https://a.co/d/0cpcTsI0
Im no audiophile but here are my takes
For powered bookshelf speakers : either presonus eris 4.5 (with or without bt) or edifier r1700bt but mostly leaning to presonus, i went with edifier since presonus was priced almost double in my country.
Here’s a good sample of these speakers
I bought a Fosi BT20A and connected regular speakers to it
There is no AUDIOPHILE speakers for computer. Period.
… just buy audiophile speakers and use a dac and amp? what do you mean?
I don’t know that I’d consider myself an audiophile, but I am a musician. I run a pair of powered studio monitors out of the back of a Focusrite Scarlett usb audio interface for recording, and it’s way better than any computer speakers I’ve ever owned in terms of sound quality and fidelity. Of course, I’m also not trying to have a dance club setup that’s going to rattle the windows on my nextdoor neighbor’s house with super-ultra-mega bass, but it’s an avenue to consider.
I use an audio interface with bookshelf speakers… mostly overkill for people who don’t make music because they have xlr and line level inputs for using a professional mic.
Do you have room in your computer setup for two bookshelf speakers at ear height? Because otherwise, I’d recommend a sound bar type of deal.
Klipsch has been a consistently good brand for a long time. I checked on ebay and there’s some great ones for $200 to $300. Only 2.0 setups for that price, though.
You will need an amp for those unless it’s got a built-in amp (some models have that).
You might consider the Mackie Crx Cubes. They use bmr drivers that allow a wider Soundstage without needing as much physical space and can be had at a pretty reasonable price. Bass is lacking though, so allocate funding for a small woofer if you want the absolute best experience.
Don’t search for computer speakers, just look for normal speakers on which I can’t help out too much on. Unless you want to invest into an expensive sound card, you probably should go for an AV-Receiver which transmits the audio through HDMI as this will give you the maximum quality depending on the supported formats. I have a sound card -> old school amplifier -> speaker setup. Basically it is your choice where the digital to analogue transformation happens, whether through a receiver or sound card. A sound card does have the massive advantage of providing virtual headphone surround sound (yes on stereo headphones, and no, this is really working) which receivers typically don’t have, because reasons and it will provide you with a massive immersion boost. And no onboard sound is not comparable, even the best one is a clear step down.
Interesting direction, any recommendations? As I feel like I’m starting all over again these days lol.
I feel that. Every time I need to upgrade a PC part, it’s like going back to the town I grew up in, but 50 years have passed.
External sound cards have the advantage of less electrical interference, but usually the internal ones have external power not coming from the PCIe slot so it isn’t a big problem. Asus left the market leaving you with good old Creative Sound Blaster again. Choose whatever your budget allows, the two upper tier ones just differ in accessories, but that might have changed. And AV receivers the same, I am not the up to date audio guy what is a good deal. Just try to stay >120 dB SNR on sound cards for high end.
The most important parts are missing from your question.
How much money are you willing to spend? Do you just want small 2 way speakers or small + subwoofer or 3 way speakers?
As someone else mentioned, KRK can be pretty good value but decent active studio monitors start around the 200$ area at the minimum. This site is my go to for audio stuff https://www.thomannmusic.com/active_nearfield_monitors.html
I have been happily using a pair of Fostex PM0.4C that i got on sale for 250€ but i dont know how availability is wherever you are.
This Focusrite Scarlett Solo is THE standard audio interface you will find in many budget or mobile audio studios, but this is not really needed for most people. https://www.thomannmusic.com/focusrite_scarlett_solo_4th_gen.htm
Hate to jump in on someone else’s question and ask for advice, but what would you suggest for around or under $100? On a budget but getting back into gaming. TIA.
I mean for gaming, headphones are always better imo, but if you want speakers then personally i would go for used ones at that price range.
You will just get much more value for you money, but you will need to have a bit of patience to get a good deal.
Honestly even a mini amp with some random passive speakers will be a better experience than whatever active speakers you can get for 100$.
I once installed this type of thing for someone that found some passive speakers in the trash and was really strapped on money.
I run a pair of Audioengine combined with a 24bit DAC of the same brand and they sound great without breaking the bank too much.
A friend of mine who owns a music studio recommended Edifiers to me, and they sound great. He was originally looking for a cheap temporary studio monitor and bought a pair and ended up liking them just as well as his expensive studio monitors. My wife and I have 3 pairs of them for 3 different computer systems and have been really happy with them.
I see Edifiers go on sale all the time here in Australia and they always get recommended. The reputation seems to be good value for and they have plenty of models to pick from
When I researched and tested some, I found the Presonus Eris E3.5 to be the best bang for the buck. The other close one was Mackie CR3, but the Presonus is better.
I’ve had the Eros E3.5s for a few years and they’ve not let me down on quality, especially at the price point.
I also considered those Mackie’s.
