Looking for a 2.0 / 2.1 system for iMac

[admin_exported]

Hello

I'm looking for a new audio system to connect to my iMac (alu). Currently, I have the Harmon/Kardon Soundsticks 2 but I believe there are better options on the market. Because I'm not that informed concerning audio equipment (I bought the soundstick rather for the looks than for the sound quality) I'm hoping that somebody can point me into the right direction or even recommends some systems.

I bought a 2.1 system because the speakers themselves didn't have much bass. I'm willing to buy a 2.0 speakerset if the bass is acceptable for the kind of music I listen to. After some research I've found the following speakersets but I really don't know anything if these are what I'm really looking for:

* B&W 685

* AudioEngine A5

* Acoustic Energy Aego M (It's the only 2.1 system, it seems these are kind of rare to find).

* Monitor Audio BR2

* Wharfedale Diamond 9.1

* AudioPro Evo 10 DC

* Tannoy Mercury F1

* Acoustic Energy 109

The choice is not limited to the above speakersets, I just don't know enough to say "this is what I want and this is what I don't want".

I listen to all kinds of music: dance, house, rock, pop, classical (for example music of "The Transformer" soundtrack), R&B, Hip-Hop,... I think this influences the choices that need to be made? The budget I have is about 200 - 300 Euro's (= 150 - 230 pounds). The set will be attached to my iMac (alu) because I only listen to music that's on it (I listen to Flac files). I think that my iMac has an optical SPDIF. Becaus they will sit next to the pc and printer, shouldn't they be shielded? And what about polyswitch and RMS?

Someone willing to give some good advice?

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

It seems that the text is cluttered although I didn't type it that way... how do I fix it? I don't seem to be able to do it.

 

[John Duncan]

Between paragraphs, you need to type <p></p>.

 

[John Duncan]

But to answer your original question, I quite like the soundsticks - much better sound than I was expecting, I'd have a set and be quite happy (for non-discerning listening). For a step up thoug, you're right, there are better on the market, but you need to be awae that you will need amplification - either separate or built-in.

Your budget, however, kind of precludes separates, so you just need to try and find the best active speakers you can - and that probably means the Audioengines.

Shielding shouldn't be an issue, certainly not for the screen, because only CRTs are affected by the magnets in speakers. The hard disk, not so sure whether there's an issue or not.......

 

[Anonymous]

AVI ADM9.

 

[John Duncan]

"The budget I have is about 200 - 300 Euros "

 

[Anonymous]

That is indeed a *bit* excessive...
Are the AudioEngine A5 the only speakers that fit my needs? What about the bass?

 

[John Duncan]

Don't know definitively, my idea of enough bass is certainly different from yours. Listen before purchasing.......

 

[John Duncan]

But for £230 maximum, they are certainly one of the best bets - other options are Tannoy Mercury F1s (great) with whatever amp you can get with what's left (s/h perhaps?)