Good 2 piece speaker system?

[johnet]

I want to upgrade my PC speakers mostly for listening to mp3's. I'm trying to avoid a subwoofer since I really don't have the space for one. Does anyone know a good 2 piece shielded, powered speaker system I could try? I want some decent tight bass and accuracy. I don't need a lot of volume. I was checking out the Bose MediaMate and Yamaha YST-M100. They both got pretty good reviews but I haven't been able to hear them play. If you have tried these speakers or know of something better please let me know. Thanks

[crazyray]

The laws of physics apply to audio. You just can't have any real bass without cone size and power. That generally means a "subwoofer" on PC systems. Realize that most of these systems use a 6.5 inch woofer in the sub. If you want bass without the third box, look for speakers with larger woofers in them (and realize that they are going to take up some room on your desktop). Most PC speakers have 2.5 to 4 inch cones. I picked up an Atlantic Technology "Bass Toaster" on closeout for $30, added it to my Sony VAIO speakers, and ended up with pretty listenable sound. The sub is on the floor. Similar systems from Altec Lansing are on sale at www.mcmelectronics.com (http://www.mcmelectronics.com) Good luck.

[Graham]

Try the Logitech range, they have some good sounding speakers with a small subwoofer.

G

[TMC123]

I bought a 3 piece Labtec at Staples for $50. It has two small speakers that sit next to the monitor and the sub I put on the floor at my feet. For the money they sound real good.

[BDAWBTP]

I have a nice set of Boston Accoustics. The sub-woofer is small and can be tucked out of the way easily. The speakers are small, 4x4 cubes, but sound quality is excellent.

I got mine for around $70 US

Bill

[johnet]

Thanks for the advice. I see the general consensus is that there is no way to get decent small size sound without the subwoofer, and you are probably right.
I'll just have to make some space for one. I appreciate the suggestions.

[waferdog]

I highly recommend the Altec Lansing ACS-33 if you are willing to go with the subwoofer. It looks nice, sounds good and is relatively inexpensive.

[rowan]

I have those same boston acoustics mentioned above and I find the sound to be of very high quality. A friend has had the same three piece set for about 2 years and has had no trouble. They're built to last and they sound good doing it!

r.

[Underclocked]

I have to second the Altec 33 recommendation. Got a set of those for my wife (20 bucks shipped, what a deal!! - it's over though) and they sound unbelievably good for their size and the size of the little sub. Highly recommend!

[johnet]

Hey Underclocked, where did you get that $20 deal? Shipping included? Even if it's over maybe they'll run it again. If you've got the link let me know. I saw some ACS-33X for $28 but it didn't include the shipping. I'm not sure if this is the same as the ACS-33 anyway. Thanks.

[Underclocked]

It was at zones.com in the clearance section a couple of months ago. Didn't last long. They occasionally post some great deals, like Creative Ensoniq sound cards for 10 apiece. Just have to catch them as they don't stay around long.

[SithLord075]

MP3's (properly encoded ofcourse) sound excellent on the Yamaha YST-MS50 3-speaker rig. The set is relatively expensive, but totally worth your hard earned green. At the time, I paid around $120 for mine. Not too sure how much they are these days (probably a bit cheaper). Just my 2 cents...