Speakers

[ksmalk08]

Hi all,

I've been a fan of Logitech for a while now - and at one point I even had two sets of Z-5500's running in tandem in my small dorm room. Needless to say I was very happy with them.  Ive had a wide array of other Logitechs as well that I have all been happy with.

Within the past two years, however I have sold them all to fund my professional audio business. I'm using high-end (and high SPL) QSC K-Series gear loaded with Celestion drivers. But - I am now interested in getting back into the computer speaker market. here is my dilemma:

I am a college student who will be traveling abroad next semester. I need a set of ultra-portable speakers that I wouldn't mind losing (aka don't cost much). I also want a pair that has a relatively high SPL (think loudness) and could satisfy my big taste for music while I study in another country. They would need to be transported easily and quite durable.

So recap: High durability (covered grills), high portability (small form-factor), low-cost (under $100), decent SPL (95dB+)

Options I'm considering: A set of X-540's operating in 2.1 with the rear and center channels removed. They don't fulfill my durability requirement too well since the sub has an unprotected driver. They wouldn't be too good for traveling. They have the loudness and cost though.

Set of X-530's with the rear and center channels removed. I like the covered grills. They seem to be perfect what I need at this point.

used set of Z-2300's. They are a bit pricey for something I may lose, have damaged, or leave behind in another country. But if I can find a use price I know their SPL is great for computer speakers. They arent portable however, and the sub would be a major obstacle to move. They arent very practical for me.

What do you guys think?

[dz302]

Personally I think smaller subs sound like garbage, I'd just invest in some really good 2.0 speakers unless you can spend a lot to get a rather large subwoofer, which wouldn't really be portable.

It depends on the kind of music you listen to but if you listen to any rock/metal stuff I find smaller subwoofers (anything below 10") just picks up too much low end bass guitar when all you would really want it for is the bass drum it self.

I would really recommend the Z520...Z5 is slightly cheaper, but it's USB and I wouldn't really go for that.

[ksmalk08]

I think small subs sound like garbage as well - to be honest I wouldn't even call anything under 10" in diameter a true "sub"woofer anyway. Ive never seen a professional sub use anything under a 10" sub - ive got to admit there are some sweet 12" subs like the Danley TH-Mini though haha.

Anyway - going the 2.0 route might be a good idea - it would possibly save some space as well.  The type of music I listen to on these speakers is really going to be everything - if I was DJing for a live event I think thats more of a factor - but for something like computer speakers I don't think it matters as much. In general I play electronic music with a decent amount of sub-80Hz content. But like you said - no cheap set of computer speakers will ever go into that range anyway.

Ive looked at the Z520  and I think its going to be too expensive for a set of speakers that is basically disposable. I might as well just buy used Z-2300's and ship them to Trinidad!

I like the Z5's - and normally the USB audio would be a deal breaker for me - but I wont be bringing my sound cards anyway - so heck I might as well use USB audio instead of Realtek garbage. I am definately going to check them out more.

Does anyone have comments on the SPL(loudness) of the Z5's?  How much low-end do they get? Can USB power really get enough power to them before they clip?