What are a Good Pair of Speakers / a Sound Card?

[CreepyBobo346]

I want to upgrade my speaker system (I use a pair of Logitech X140s right now) but I have no idea what to get.

I use earphones (RHA MA750i) and I'm not sure if I should get a DAC / sound card, I don't even know if I need one for better sound.

I just need a good pair of speakers (preferably 2 channel) that I can plug my headphones into (that's how I listen to music on my X140s) for around $100 or less, or $150 if I don't need a sound card / DAC.

 

[madmatt30]

You certainly don't need a DAC to power inner ear phones mate , only good quality proper cans may need that.

Assuming you don't want a sub setup

T20/t30 series 2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s?k=Creative+Gigaworks+T20

Bose companion 2 series 3

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CD1PTF0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483345869&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bose+companion+2&dpPl=1&dpID=41Msfl5WSZL&ref=plSrch

Mackie CR3

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KVEIY4E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483346151&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=mackie+cr3&dpPl=1&dpID=41lIje7ibdL&ref=plSrch

 

[The Paladin]

I second the T30 from creative labs. very nice and very good

 

[madmatt30]

Forgot the t40s

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001S14DYO/ref=mp_s_a_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483346416&sr=8-1-spell&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=t40+speakwrs

Not sure they're worth an extra $40 though , depends how you like the volume -28w RMS is massive for a pair of PC speakers.

 

[CreepyBobo346]

Do the T40s sound better than the T20s or is it just louder?

If it is just louder, I'll go with either the Mackie CR3 or the T20s.

 

[madmatt30]

T40, louder , much wider sound field than the t20, better tighter bass - bigger cabinet, extra midrange speaker .

The mackies are more akin to HiFi speakers , you get much more direct front facing sound from them so they need angling towards you more (if that makes sense)

 

[CreepyBobo346]

Is there any difference for music through headphones?

 

[madmatt30]

No , zero difference.