GameBanshee Forums

In case you've been over to the Banshee Classifieds, you've noticed that I'm looking for a new set of speakers for my new computer. I have been checking out some of the available products and I was wondering if people had some recommendations or warnings.

I have a Creative Live! 5.1 sound card and am looking for good, inexpensive sound (but not necessarily THX or theater-quality). It seems to me that the three leading names in speakers are Creative, Altec Lansing and Logitech. However, I've also seen some other brands (ie-Benwin, Monsoon, Cyber Acousitcs, Labtec, Harman, etc.) and I was wondering if the three brands that I mentioned are qualitatively better or if you're paying 30-100% more for the badges on the front.

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by Weasel
I can name one brand to stay away from..at least from my experience.

Cambridge Soundworks.

What was the problem? Poor sound? Shoddy manufacturing quailty? Crappy technical support? No bang for the buck?

Originally posted by HighLordDave


Poor sound? Shoddy manufacturing quailty? ?

Both of these were the problem. But this was a gateway and I personally believe they cut corners on somethings to keep the price low.

First I could never keep the static of of my music..(Could be the sound card...but it is a Soundblaster 128..I believe a decent brand)

Second, balance control was always off, finally leading to one side completely quiting playing. In the end, I spliced the wires and took out balancing.

If I was going to buy new right now... I would choose the name brands you selected.. "Creative, Altec Lansing and Logitech", mainly because of the name brand. Creative, IMHO, because I like matching parts...(To the soundcard)

The Cambridge Soundworks high-end speaker systems are IMO very good. I've recently had a chance to play with the 5.1 Desktop Theatre system and I WANT ONE!!!!!

@Weasel, what model do you have? Some of the lower end systems from CSW were basically crap.

For now, I'm still happy with my Sony 3-piece set up. Would happily buy another set if I had to replace these.

Originally posted by Mr Flibble


@Weasel, what model do you have? Some of the lower end systems from CSW were basically crap.

SBS52 is on the back...(I believe this is the model) and I agree they are crap

Sadly this has turned me against the brand. I call it a case of don't build shabby low cost equipment or you might ruin your good Company name.

What about low-end Altec Lansing products? I found a 5-piece set of AVS500 speakers for $39 on the internet and was wondering if they are low-quality or just low in price.

I have no complaints about Altec Lansing speakers. That looks like a good deal @HLD.

@Weasel, yep, those are defiintely very simple crappy speakers and a blight on the good name of CSW. You should have a look at some of their 4.1 and 5.1 systems. Much nicer.

Well if you really want a real kick and you got some fundings you can always merge Bose sound system into your sound card

BTW I've tried a Toshiba Note book 2 months ago which got Harman Kardon sound system on it - the sounds are real nice !

As for Altec Lansing speakers, Their performa are good with acceptable price

Dell machines these days are shipping with harmon kardon speakers. We've got an abundance of them at work and they sound pretty good. I'm not certain if HK is selling computer speakers on the retail market or not, but if they are, they are worth checking out.

At home, I've stuck with Altec Lansing. I don't think there is much better bang for the buck. It is pretty amazing what good sound will do for you though. On a unrelated note, I first had the chance to play on an xbox with a few friends last december. We rented halo and a couple of other titles. It didn't take me long to pick up an xbox of my own. When I got it connected via component video and running it through my behemoth of a stereo, the difference was night and day for game quality. The sound was amazing and yielded lots of new effects and background voice overs I hadn't heard previously.

That said, I'm pretty happy with the altec lansing 5 piece setup I've got at home. Can't remember the model number though. Finally, keep your cats away from the speakers cables if you go for a five piece. My animals simply feel the need to abuse these speakers and chew the cables whenever the opportunity presents itself. I have had to splice the wires for all four speakers and resolder the connectors back to the drivers from them being knocked off the table.