Well-balanced cheap PC speakers

[Folktale]

I am searching for good speakers for games and Movies. I cannot accommodate satellite units more than 7 inches in height because my monitor gets in the way. There is also not much room for the width of these either.

I am currently using F&D f203g ($10) since 2014 for my desktop and Edifier 1280DB for my TV. I am looking for an upgrade.

My only options are Edifier r33bt ($67), Audio Array AM-S2 ($76.88), pebbles plus ($40), Edifier M1360 ($57), JBL 104 BT ($102) and Edifier MR3 ($103). I reside in India so we are extremely limited to options. For example, Z623 from Logitech costs us something close to $155 and I have heard they are only good for bass lovers. They are also way beyond my budget, which is max till $60.

I want to strictly use them for Games and Movies. (no songs or podcast) that deliver good overall sound and somewhat balanced. So the highs and lows are not overpowering the mids. Bass needs to be present but I am more interested in natural bass rather than cracking my house windows. Something that gives good depth but also deep notes. So which of these should be best option for me? It's all very confusing as some praise pebble plus, and some cuss it for how bad they are. I have heard JBL are good only for recording mixes.

I do not understand any sound charts or graphs so I did look at reviews and followed up comments but couldn't make much sense from it.

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Folktale! Welcome to ASR.

Edifier makes great speakers for a low price:

Edifier M60 Desktop Speaker Review

Edifier M60 Review

erinsaudiocorner.com

Edifier MR3 Desktop Speaker Review

Edifier MR3 Desktop Speaker Review

erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[Folktale]

Hi @Folktale! Welcome to ASR.

Edifier makes great speakers for a low price:

Edifier M60 Desktop Speaker Review

Edifier M60 Review

erinsaudiocorner.com

Edifier MR3 Desktop Speaker Review

Edifier MR3 Desktop Speaker Review

erinsaudiocorner.com

Thanks!

The M60 is not available at right price I guess. IT costs almost $200 and it's like three times of my budget. So you conclude MR3 will be the best of the lot I mentioned? And better than JBL 104BT?
I am surprised no one has reviewed M1360, like, is it only in asian market?

 

[wwenze]

The decision-making logic is simple

Start from $10, as you increase your budget, get as big woofers as possible
Once woofer size reaches around 3-inch, get one with a tweeter
As budget continues increasing, get one with a proper-looking tweeter - Cloth dome or proper metal dome.
As your budget increases further, get tweeter with proper crossover
And at this point you'd have reached a 4 to 6 inch speaker with proper components. From here on the end product design matters more than the components.

 

[Folktale]

The decision-making logic is simple

Start from $10, as you increase your budget, get as big woofers as possible
Once woofer size reaches around 3-inch, get one with a tweeter
As budget continues increasing, get one with a proper-looking tweeter - Cloth dome or proper metal dome.
As your budget increases further, get tweeter with proper crossover
And at this point you'd have reached a 4 to 6 inch speaker with proper components. From here on the end product design matters more than the components.

The cheapest Subwoofer I found costs $72

This custom speaker is not possible here with my budget.

 

[Apesbrain]

I replaced an old setup that died with a Creative Pebble V2 and it's better than I expected. Not good for big volume, but fine otherwise. If I were doing it now, I'd get the V3 as it has double the output power.

Again, these won't rock the house, but fine at reasonable volume.

 

[Vladimir Filevski]

I am searching for good speakers for games and Movies. I cannot accommodate satellite units more than 7 inches in height because my monitor gets in the way. There is also not much room for the width of these either.

I am currently using F&D f203g ($10) since 2014 for my desktop and Edifier 1280DB for my TV. I am looking for an upgrade.

My only options are Edifier r33bt ($67), Audio Array AM-S2 ($76.88), pebbles plus ($40), Edifier M1360 ($57), JBL 104 BT ($102) and Edifier MR3 ($103). I reside in India so we are extremely limited to options. For example, Z623 from Logitech costs us something close to $155 and I have heard they are only good for bass lovers. They are also way beyond my budget, which is max till $60.

Why are you don't using Edifier 1280DB with your PC? It is much better than F&D F203G. Maybe you don't need an upgrade at all?
Of all other speakers you mentioned, Edifier MR3 is the best.

 

[whazzup]

I am searching for good speakers for games and Movies. I cannot accommodate satellite units more than 7 inches in height because my monitor gets in the way. There is also not much room for the width of these either.

I am currently using F&D f203g ($10) since 2014 for my desktop and Edifier 1280DB for my TV. I am looking for an upgrade.

My only options are Edifier r33bt ($67), Audio Array AM-S2 ($76.88), pebbles plus ($40), Edifier M1360 ($57), JBL 104 BT ($102) and Edifier MR3 ($103). I reside in India so we are extremely limited to options. For example, Z623 from Logitech costs us something close to $155 and I have heard they are only good for bass lovers. They are also way beyond my budget, which is max till $60.

I want to strictly use them for Games and Movies. (no songs or podcast) that deliver good overall sound and somewhat balanced. So the highs and lows are not overpowering the mids. Bass needs to be present but I am more interested in natural bass rather than cracking my house windows. Something that gives good depth but also deep notes. So which of these should be best option for me? It's all very confusing as some praise pebble plus, and some cuss it for how bad they are. I have heard JBL are good only for recording mixes.

I do not understand any sound charts or graphs so I did look at reviews and followed up comments but couldn't make much sense from it.

Hi @Folktale,

You mentioned you want it for games and movies. And you're working with a tight budget. My suggestions:

1. You said your monitor will get in the way, so I assume you intend to replace your f203g. Your 1280DB speakers are actually decent for the price. You can consider moving them to your PC, but because they're taller than 7", I suggest just laying them on their sides, and stack some rubber feet to point them at an angle towards you. Don't worry, they will not be damaged.

2. I will also suggest that you get the Edifier T5s subwoofer to go with your 1280db speakers. Yes, it's out of your expected budget so you'll need to save a bit more for it, but I can almost guarantee that it'll be the audio item that makes you believe you are in the room with the singer and his band, or feel like someone is really shooting bullets at you. It will give you way more bang for the buck, and actually save you money in the long run. Get a subwoofer FIRST, then after a while if you still feel the itch, get new speakers to replace your 1280db (which will still work with your subwoofer).

I am not sure what your ecommerce options are in India besides Amazon, but I think Edifier does do frequent sales if you are willing to do some hunting and or wait a bit. Can take the time to save some money.

Edifier T5s - 8 Inches Powered Subwoofer

Free Shipping (India) Brand New Unit(s) Price Includes GST Official Manufacturers Warranty EMI Payment Option Available

avshack.in

3. Since you are using them on your PC, you can take advantage of free equalizer software to tune the speakers (and subwoofer) properly to suit your room. You'll need to learn some audio concepts, but it should not be harder than learning the games that you currently play. And you can easily acquire that knowledge in this forum. A lot of people think that subwoofers are 'too boomy', but that's just because you need some knowledge to adjust their response indoors.

Have fun!

 

[Folktale]

@whazzup @Vladimir Filevski This is why I cannot use Edifier 1280 DB (even with lying on its side). I also looked at edifier sale and there is onyl 1080BT on sale which is way bigger.

I cannot use subwoofer with edifier because you can only attach a subwoofer with the DBS model. Basically, D stansd for DIgital output, B for bluetooth and S for subwoofer. 1280 comes in D, DB, and DBS. Mine is DB.

 

[whazzup]

@whazzup @Vladimir Filevski This is why I cannot use Edifier 1280 DB (even with lying on its side). I also looked at edifier sale and there is onyl 1080BT on sale which is way bigger.

View attachment 547201

I cannot use subwoofer with edifier because you can only attach a subwoofer with the DBS model. Basically, D stansd for DIgital output, B for bluetooth and S for subwoofer. 1280 comes in D, DB, and DBS. Mine is DB.

For the T5s subwoofer, it has a pair of RCA inputs, as well as a pair of RCA passthrough output. Meaning 2 scenarios: you can run the cable from your PC to the T5s first, then another cable from T5s to your speakers. Or, if your soundcard is multi channel capable, you can leave your speakers connected to your PC while connecting the T5s to the other channel output and enable that as your subwoofer channel.

For your table layout, if the goal is to help you save money, I see 3 possibilities. Obviously not to scale, and whether your monitor stand is vertically adjustable will also affect your options. Option A assumes you can find some plank and adjust your monitor as low as possible on your stand, Option B assumes you can find some sturdy box to move your monitor slightly higher for speaker clearance, while Option C assumes you can move the woofer unit to serve as the base for your monitor. In all 3 scenarios you can then combine with the T5s subwoofer. And like what I mentioned earlier, use eq software to tune the speakers and subwoofer properly, and you'll have a kickass system that can rival way more expensive setups.

Your F203G's 'subwoofer' is a 4 inch woofer, there's no real way it can produce reasonable bass. It's mainly there for the midrange. So if you intend to try Option C, based on the dimensions of 24.2D x 22.7W x 28.9H, you can also lay the woofer sideways so that it's lower, but again, dependent on whether your monitor stand is adjustable vertically.

And I have a feeling you'll run into the same problem anyways with other 'proper' speakers that you are looking at. Consider moving your PC onto the floor maybe?

 

[Folktale]

I replaced an old setup that died with a Creative Pebble V2 and it's better than I expected. Not good for big volume, but fine otherwise. If I were doing it now, I'd get the V3 as it has double the output power.

Again, these won't rock the house, but fine at reasonable volume.

So V2 is better than the Pebble Plus?

 

[Folktale]

For the T5s subwoofer, it has a pair of RCA inputs, as well as a pair of RCA passthrough output. Meaning 2 scenarios: you can run the cable from your PC to the T5s first, then another cable from T5s to your speakers. Or, if your soundcard is multi channel capable, you can leave your speakers connected to your PC while connecting the T5s to the other channel output and enable that as your subwoofer channel.

For your table layout, if the goal is to help you save money, I see 3 possibilities. Obviously not to scale, and whether your monitor stand is vertically adjustable will also affect your options. Option A assumes you can find some plank and adjust your monitor as low as possible on your stand, Option B assumes you can find some sturdy box to move your monitor slightly higher for speaker clearance, while Option C assumes you can move the woofer unit to serve as the base for your monitor. In all 3 scenarios you can then combine with the T5s subwoofer. And like what I mentioned earlier, use eq software to tune the speakers and subwoofer properly, and you'll have a kickass system that can rival way more expensive setups.

View attachment 547290

None of the options are practical. The current monitor sits at my eye level. So either of these options will not be ergonomical. That's why I am interested to know of those speakers which can be best cause with them I can do some workaround. THe 1280 DB are too big for this.

 

[whazzup]

None of the options are practical. The current monitor sits at my eye level. So either of these options will not be ergonomical. That's why I am interested to know of those speakers which can be best cause with them I can do some workaround. THe 1280 DB are too big for this.

Noted. So I suppose your monitor stand is not vertically adjustable as well? Yah in that case, Pebble is about your only choice, unless you consider moving your PC onto the floor.

 

[Folktale]

Noted. So I suppose your monitor stand is not vertically adjustable as well? Yah in that case, Pebble is about your only choice, unless you consider moving your PC onto the floor.

Yes, My monitor is on a tiny wooden table which I got custom-made according to my seating height. I can somehow accommodate 104 JBL BT, MR 3 by placing them behind the monitor so the tweeter can be left exposed.

Pebble plus was my first choice cause they SHOULD be better than a chinese F&D brand. But the information on Pebbles is so undecided. Some call it the best bang for buck, some say they are horrible and only for aesthetics. TBH I don't find that big of a difference from 1280DB and my cheap chinese speakers if I compare the price. Now it will be a real setback for me if I find them on par or inferior to F&D. That's why I upped my budget and was consider other options.

 

[whazzup]

Yes, My monitor is on a tiny wooden table which I got custom-made according to my seating height. I can somehow accommodate 104 JBL BT, MR 3 by placing them behind the monitor so the tweeter can be left exposed.

Pebble plus was my first choice cause they SHOULD be better than a chinese F&D brand. But the information on Pebbles is so undecided. Some call it the best bang for buck, some say they are horrible and only for aesthetics. TBH I don't find that big of a difference from 1280DB and my cheap chinese speakers if I compare the price. Now it will be a real setback for me if I find them on par or inferior to F&D. That's why I upped my budget and was consider other options.

I'm unclear on your true budget vs desire for good audio (which includes proper bass). MR3 / 104BT are still tall at 22/24cm. You generally don't want to hide the tweeter behind the monitor, you'll get muffled audio. The tweeter for the 104BT is lower since it's a coaxial (tweeter inside a woofer design), so that might be better.

I do remember reading of reviews here on the Pebble speakers. Here's one. Yes you mentioned that you don't understand the frequency response charts. But generally, the charts for the Pebbles show that the speakers will sound 'brighter'. Ideally the graphs should be trending downwards as the frequencies go up to 20khz on the right. And they also show that they do not have bass (frequencies below 100hz). Which means you'll still need a sub. You'll spend more this way (for example, Pebbles Pro + dedicated subwoofer), but you'll get a better sound system that fits your table space.

Creative Pebbles V2, V3, Pro, X and Nova

Hello, everyone. My name is Kostya I'm working at company that manufactures professional acoustic systems in position of acoustic engineer for 6 years. For my PC I wanted to buy small speakers that will have decent audio quality and Creative was one of the brands familiar for me for their sound...

www.audiosciencereview.com

There's also a review here for Pebble Plus:

Any proper reviews/measurements of $45 Creative pebble plus?

These probably don't sound better than 8361A or Salon 2, But since this is audio SCIENCE review, we are obligated to ignore the our intuition & test it our selves Because if they are even slightly above terrible, they would be a steal. 45$ for a pair of "full-range" mains (more like headphone...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The graph shows there's a peak at around 150hz, which is 'roughly' where male voices can sound deeper, but not much below 100hz (which is where you want more of to get the good explosion rumble or car engine vrrooom).
The Pebble Plus set comes with a '4-inch subwoofer'. Performance may be slightly better than your current f203g just based on the fact that they're charging more and using better components, but probably not by much since both are 4 inchers. Though I haven't heard both.

Edifier T5 (T5s is also 8 inch but is upright and more space saving, audio performance should be similar)

https://www.amazon.in/Edifier-T5-Powered-Subwoofer-Active/dp/B07Z58GD12/

In terms of sound performance versus price and considering your table space:
Best sound quality, most expensive (in this roundup): MR3 / 104BT + Edifier T5 / T5s
'Best' sound quality but bass probably comparable/lesser than Pebble Plus, more affordable but less space saving: 104BT or MR3 alone.
Slightly worse sound quality, more affordable (than the most expensive option) and space saving: Pebble Pro or V3 + T5 / T5s
Likely to be better than your current ones, even more affordable and space saving, but bass not as good: Pebble Plus

So it really boils down to how eager you are for better audio / good bass vs how much is your ultimate budget.

 

[whazzup]

Sorry my bad.... The JBL 104BT will probably sound bright as well.

JBL One Series 104 Powered Monitor Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the JBL 104 Powered Monitor (speaker). I purchased this recently for just US $90 including free shipping from Amazon. JBL shows the list price as US $129. These are hefty, egg-shaped speakers: That's the master speaker that houses the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The MR3 should sound the best, most balanced for music / movies (except for the lack of bass which requires the subwoofer, and the tweeter will probably be partly hidden by your monitor)

Edifier MR3 Desktop Speaker Review

Edifier MR3 Desktop Speaker Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

Note that whether you are keen to download software to eq the speakers will also change things.

Finally, it's also important to note: You may prefer brighter speakers because it may help you to pinpoint sounds better in games.

 

[Tio]

From your options, I'll choose MR3.

If you put it on the desk, make sure you point the tweeter to your ear.
Set to monitor mode, adjust treble knob down 1 step from the center position.
Then tackle the room mode using equalizerAPO.
Test with music and movies, and adjust the bass & treble knob to your liking.
After that, enjoy it.

I have it myself for my working desk.

 

[JSmith]

I'd also consider Audioengine possibly;

Computer Speakers - Audioengine

At Audioengine, we are music lovers and all around sound nerds, and we wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing our speakers didn’t sound amazing in every living room, pool house, and man cave across the world.

audioengine.com

The smaller A1's might do the job, the larger A5+ measured here some time ago;

Audioengine A5+ Powered Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Audioengine A5+ powered bookshelf speaker. It is the one without the bluetooth which seems to have slightly different design (centered tweeter versus not). It was kindly loaned to me by a member and costs US $399 including Prime shipping from...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[Folktale]

I'd also consider Audioengine possibly;

Computer Speakers - Audioengine

At Audioengine, we are music lovers and all around sound nerds, and we wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing our speakers didn’t sound amazing in every living room, pool house, and man cave across the world.

audioengine.com

The smaller A1's might do the job, the larger A5+ measured here some time ago;

Audioengine A5+ Powered Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Audioengine A5+ powered bookshelf speaker. It is the one without the bluetooth which seems to have slightly different design (centered tweeter versus not). It was kindly loaned to me by a member and costs US $399 including Prime shipping from...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

Not available in India

 

[Folktale]

Sorry my bad.... The JBL 104BT will probably sound bright as well.

JBL One Series 104 Powered Monitor Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the JBL 104 Powered Monitor (speaker). I purchased this recently for just US $90 including free shipping from Amazon. JBL shows the list price as US $129. These are hefty, egg-shaped speakers: That's the master speaker that houses the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The MR3 should sound the best, most balanced for music / movies (except for the lack of bass which requires the subwoofer, and the tweeter will probably be partly hidden by your monitor)

Edifier MR3 Desktop Speaker Review

Edifier MR3 Desktop Speaker Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

Note that whether you are keen to download software to eq the speakers will also change things.

Finally, it's also important to note: You may prefer brighter speakers because it may help you to pinpoint sounds better in games.

My budget: $60 but I can stretch max to $100 if the audio quality jump will be worth while for someone who is satisfied with his cheap $10 speakers.

By bass, I mean, I don't want the bass to give me vibrations, but the kind of bass the edifier 1280 can produce? That Kind of bass. Not something that makes the floor or windows shake.



No, I think I can hide the side of the tweeter leaving the tweeter exposed. Like this:

Seems like Edifier MR3 should be my top priority followed by 104BT.

So it really boils down to how eager you are for better audio / good bass vs how much is your ultimate budget.

Just want an upgrade from current setup. I kinda sit in the middle. Not crazy about sound but not a bare layman either. Something that just sits in the middle. My problem is I cannot gauge how good my current speakers are otherwise I would have gotten a pebble plus (they don't do returns from amazon here). But considering Pebble plus costs $40, I thought maybe a little but extra and I can even get better sound?

None of the folks recommended edifier M1360 so I guess that's out of the picture.