Speakers: where do I start?

[iStyle]

Anyone have a good reference site where I could possibly learn about speakers? I know it is time to pick up a new pair for my computer and I don't know where to start. I don't know what is good and what is not, what surround sound and 5.1 is, what the difference between 2.1 and 5.1 is, what all of this wattage and khz mean, etc..I've been looking for awhile and no luck.

I was trying to find a good pair for my computer under 100 bucks. Anyone have a good site I could use? Feel free to explain it here if you want :]

[Polkster13]

First, what sounds good to one person may not sound good to another as everyone's ears "hears" a little differently. I am a founding member of the Austin Home Theater Forum in Austin Texas and can speak of the technical aspects of the different sound formats.

The difference between the 2.1 and 5.1 formats is as follows. It is describing the number of speakers in the system. The 2 means the front left and right speakers found in a stereo system. The ".1" means a dedicated sub woofer that is used to get the really low frequencies that the main left and right speaker may not be able to produce. This is especially true if you have book-shelf size speakers or smaller.

The 5, 6 and 7 channel systems is when you get into the "surround" sound systems. The 5 channel has the left and right main speakers but adds to that a center front speaker and two rear surround speakers. The 6 channel adds a rear center speaker and the 7 channel adds 2 rear surround speakers in the place of the rear center channel. Confusing isn't it.

Well, all of these sound formats are being driven by the movie industry and these formats are leaking into the audio-only realm in the form of SACD and DVD-Audio, DTS DVD's and such.

If you are planning on only playing regular CD's in a stereo format, then a 2.1 speaker system is all you need. If you are planning on listening to the other formats, MY RECOMMENDATION is to get a dedicated home audio system specific to the types of formats you will be using.

Now back to the second part of your question. Go to someplace like Frys or CompUSA or Guitar Center, et cetera and audition the speaker systems that are available. Find what sounds good to you. However, in a store full of noise it may be difficult to get a good reading on the speakers so be sure to ask about returning the system if you get it home and you don't like them.

Good luck and let us know what you picked and why.

If you want additional specific information regarding any of the above, please feel free to email me or PM me.

[altcountryman]

Polkster's info looks great. If you decide a 2.1 system is what you want, one setup that I've seen tons of recommendations for is the Klipsch 2.1 system. They have some factory refurbs on their website for $99 + shipping, so they might fit your budget.

Haven't heard them, but I'm considering a set based on the reputation and price.

[RenaissanceGirl]

I also heard many great things about Klipsch speakers (personal recommendations and online reviews) and I just bought one moments ago. They're $121 at Newegg.com - I shopped around and this is the best price for a brand, new set.

[altcountryman]

Cool - let me know how you like them!