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. 😧

  • tankplanker@lemmy.world
    6·
    6 days ago

    Normal hifi gear, particularly second hand can sound way way better than generic computer crap. However normal hi-fi speakers are designed to work best a certain distance from the wall **and ** a certain distance from you. These distances vary between speakers but it is important to check this before spending any cash as some speakers need to be many feet from you, which isn’t always remotely practical for most pc setups.

    I went with Dali Minutes for this reason, so they can be right on the wall and really close to me. I paired mine with a Rega Brio amp and RME ADI 2 USB DAC, then added a monitor audio sub later.

    Most proper studio monitors are designed for near field listening they also make a good choice although they can be a little clean for some people’s taste.

  • Mostly_Gristle@lemmy.world
    15·
    7 days ago

    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.

  • weew@lemmy.ca
    9·
    6 days ago

    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.

  • CRUMBGRABBER@lemm.eeEnglish
    9·
    7 days ago

    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.

    • tombruzzo@lemm.ee
      3·
      6 days ago

      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

  • Raverbunny@aussie.zone
    5·
    6 days ago

    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.

  • MaximilianKohler@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    7 days ago

    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.

    • Zectivi@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      4·
      7 days ago

      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.

  • arin@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    6 days ago

    Vanatoo transparent zeros, you can use optical input if your motherboard has optical out (mine did and I didn’t select for it intentionally) cleanest audio ever and you can tell the difference in HD audio compared to mp3/Spotify

    They have other speakers but these are the best for Desktop use. They also support USB for audio! https://vanatoo.com/shop/speakers/transparent-zero-plus/

  • Lantier@jlai.luEnglish
    4·
    7 days ago

    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€.

  • seth@lemmy.world
    2·
    6 days ago

    Still haven’t heard better computer speakers than the standard Klipsch $100-150 stereo speakers with the sub that have been around for 25 years with minor aesthetic changes.

  • stoy@lemmy.zip
    1·
    6 days ago

    I have been using a pair of Roth Audio OLi-RA1 speakers with my computer, they are real stereo speakers and require an amplifier to wire them up and power them.

    The are excellent speakers, good general speakers, and not that expensive.

    I don’t use a subwoofer, but it isn’t really needed for me, I do miss some sub bass, but that never bothered me.

    I am currently running them with a no brand Chinese analog amp, from the soubd out on my monitor that is connected to my computer with DisplayPort.

    Works great.

    I sm considering getting a Dennon RCD-M41 tl replace my amp, but have not had any need to do so in the last eight years.

  • Chronographs@lemmy.zipEnglish
    3·
    7 days ago

    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