Ahoy!
I have a tiny budget for some new computer speakers. My Klipsch set is good, but the sub is kinda fried, and its giving up the ghost. Desk space is limited and the current ones are maybe 6-7" tall each, and maybe 4" deep at most. I have been looking for a replacement that doesn't necessarily need a sub just something decent for mixing home recordings, and basic computer work.
My top dollar is let's say $200-$250, and I've been looking at some genelecs and presonus Eris 3.5 models that have been getting decent reviews, as well as the IK Multimedia iLoud. but! I'm all ears on some recs that aren't google searches through random reddit threads.
I'm looking for something self-powered, as I don't want to run another receiver, just something to plug into my mac mini, and not worry about it too much.
Thanks for any advice on what you have and like!
Faiz
Re: Desktop cpu speakers?
2kerble wrote: Mon Sep 08, 2025 4:37 pm Ahoy!
I have a tiny budget for some new computer speakers. My Klipsch set is good, but the sub is kinda fried, and its giving up the ghost. Desk space is limited and the current ones are maybe 6-7" tall each, and maybe 4" deep at most. I have been looking for a replacement that doesn't necessarily need a sub just something decent for mixing home recordings, and basic computer work.
My top dollar is let's say $200-$250, and I've been looking at some genelecs and presonus Eris 3.5 models that have been getting decent reviews, as well as the IK Multimedia iLoud. but! I'm all ears on some recs that aren't google searches through random reddit threads.
I'm looking for something self-powered, as I don't want to run another receiver, just something to plug into my mac mini, and not worry about it too much.
Thanks for any advice on what you have and like!
Faiz
Hi Faiz!
I bought iLouds for Heathers desk. They are tiny, pretty loud and sound pretty OK. The little 4" Genelecs are only a little better but cost like 4x I think. My honest favorite little speakers are Old Optimus Minimus 7's. Probably get a pair and a small class D amp on Ebay for like $40. Love those things. I've had 2 mounted on the side of my garage for 7 years and they have lasted through all the PNW weather horseshit and still sound pretty good.
Re: Desktop cpu speakers?
4NS-10s are like the worst if you're not using them to mix in bursts. They are fatiguing on the ears. I'd suggest a pair of Presonus Eris. Not bad for the price. You don't even need the 5" if you're just using them to listen to music. The 4" series is right in your budget.
Re: Desktop cpu speakers?
5I've owned my NS10's for about 20 years and never made a usable mix on them. hot garbagecakes wrote: Tue Sep 09, 2025 10:53 amNS-10s are like the worst if you're not using them to mix in bursts. They are fatiguing on the ears. I'd suggest a pair of Presonus Eris. Not bad for the price. You don't even need the 5" if you're just using them to listen to music. The 4" series is right in your budget.
Re: Desktop cpu speakers?
6I had them about 20 years ago. I can't remember if they were useful it or not, but I ended up trading them for studio time and never missed them.Kniferide wrote: Tue Sep 09, 2025 12:53 pmI've owned my NS10's for about 20 years and never made a usable mix on them. hot garbagecakes wrote: Tue Sep 09, 2025 10:53 amNS-10s are like the worst if you're not using them to mix in bursts. They are fatiguing on the ears. I'd suggest a pair of Presonus Eris. Not bad for the price. You don't even need the 5" if you're just using them to listen to music. The 4" series is right in your budget.
Re: Desktop cpu speakers?
7Word! Thanks, all.
NS-10s are too big, too heavy, and need a receiver since they're not self-powered if'n I'm not mistaken. Major is hooking me up with a nice price on a pair of his Presonus Eris 3.5s that were kinda my first choice anyway, so this is heartening, and also well within my budget. Now, I do have a DefTech sub that I may try to integrate, but I probably won't bother, as it'll clear some space under the desk, and I don't need my CPU to kick, as my home stereo takes care of that.
cheers!
Faiz
NS-10s are too big, too heavy, and need a receiver since they're not self-powered if'n I'm not mistaken. Major is hooking me up with a nice price on a pair of his Presonus Eris 3.5s that were kinda my first choice anyway, so this is heartening, and also well within my budget. Now, I do have a DefTech sub that I may try to integrate, but I probably won't bother, as it'll clear some space under the desk, and I don't need my CPU to kick, as my home stereo takes care of that.
cheers!
Faiz
Re: Desktop cpu speakers?
8I considered saying "because they're warm and punchy" but I figured that would make the joke too obvious, but apparently it wasn't because nobody knew I was joking.
Re: Desktop cpu speakers?
9I'm gonna rig my PA system up for my desktop.ChudFusk wrote: Tue Sep 09, 2025 2:25 pm I considered saying "because they're warm and punchy" but I figured that would make the joke too obvious, but apparently it wasn't because nobody knew I was joking.
Re: Desktop cpu speakers?
10I have a set of the Kanto YU6. Good for low vol listening and television sounds way better. There are YU4 & 2 versions that could maybe fall in yr budget...