Recommendations for Computer speakers

Discuss technical issues with keyboards, sound, video cards, etc.

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BuonTempi
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Finale Version: Finale 27
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Post by BuonTempi » Tue Jun 05, 2018 9:48 am

I'm guessing that most people here have additional audio equipment plugged into their computers, so that they can hear their Finale playback, iTunes music, and other audio at a 'decent' volume and quality.

I used to have an external FireWire audio interface, plugged into a Hi-Fi amp with a pair of speakers. But that's a lot of kit, desk-space, more power plugs, sizeable latency and many points of failure.
Now I use a XTremeMac Tango Audio bar, which is just a USB-powered speaker. It's surprisingly good, but there are inherent limitations in the wattage that USB-powered speakers can deliver.

So, I'm looking for the middle bowl of porridge. Does anyone use anything they can recommend? There do seem to be all sorts of wall-socket-powered speakers with USB connections for surprisingly little money (£9.99...!), but as my grandmother used to say: "buy cheap; pay twice".


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MikeHalloran
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Post by MikeHalloran » Sun Jun 10, 2018 6:06 am

Until recently, I would be sending you to Equator Audio but they went out of business. My D8s do not leave the the studio and I am kicking myself for selling my D5s. I run mine with a JBL subwoofer.

When I was in Austin, TX a few days ago, my daughter asked me to check her system, a very popular setup that cost around $1,000 including a sub. Turned out, the controller (hand me down that I gave her 3 years ago) died and I rewired her system around it. Listening criticallly, it just can’t compare with my setup that didn’t cost much more.

If you aren’t going to get a sub, go with something that has an 8” woofer (then add a sub when the budget can handle it).

I can make a few recommendations and know some to avoid. Need a clue where to begin, however.

Dou you need to make critical decisions (mixing or mastering for release) or is it for checking mixes such as Finale projects?

What kind of budget are you looking at?
Mike Halloran

Finale 27.3, SmartScore X2 Pro, GPO5 & World Instruments
MacOS Ventura 13.2.1; 2017 iMac Pro 18 Core, 128G RAM, 4TB; 2021 MBAir M1
NotePerformer3, Dorico 4, Overture, Notion 6, DP 11, Logic Pro

BuonTempi
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Finale Version: Finale 27
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Post by BuonTempi » Mon Jun 11, 2018 4:12 pm

A grand might be a little over-budget. Probably no more than $200.

I just need to listen to recorded music, Finale playback, and the odd bit of Logic, but 'studio monitors' are overkill. Just something with nice sound that's easy to plug in.

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motet
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Post by motet » Mon Jun 11, 2018 4:15 pm

I like headphones for Finale work.

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David Ward
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Post by David Ward » Mon Jun 11, 2018 5:04 pm

motet wrote:I like headphones for Finale work.
If I want good quality sound from a computer, I mostly either use bluetooth headphones or plug into the headphone output a longish cable which is permanently connected at the other end to my hi-fi. For mid-quality I have a quite old JBL ‘on the go’ double speaker (normally on my kitchen table) for my MacBook, which is not too bad (certainly both better and louder than the MacBook speakers).
Finale 25.5 & 26.3
Mac 10.13.6 & 10.14.6

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MikeHalloran
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Post by MikeHalloran » Tue Jun 12, 2018 5:11 am

I have no idea what these go for where you are but people are liking these a lot (as long as rich, full bass isn't one of the requirements)

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/ca ... C=speakers

These are quite popular

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GP56OYA/ref=emc_b_5_i

These Mackie pairs come in 3 sizes, bluetooth or hard wired

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-2046563-0 ... 0SAG2&th=1
Mike Halloran

Finale 27.3, SmartScore X2 Pro, GPO5 & World Instruments
MacOS Ventura 13.2.1; 2017 iMac Pro 18 Core, 128G RAM, 4TB; 2021 MBAir M1
NotePerformer3, Dorico 4, Overture, Notion 6, DP 11, Logic Pro

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gogreen
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Finale Version: Finale 26.3
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Post by gogreen » Wed Jun 20, 2018 2:07 am

My trusty AV-40 monitors have done a decent job for me with Finale playback:

https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studioph ... hile+av+40
Art
Finale 27
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BRHBTHT/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=%22Arthur+J.+Michaels%22&qid=1593016536&sr=8-2

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Djard
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Post by Djard » Mon Oct 07, 2019 5:56 pm

In my opinion, nothing compares to studio quality headphones, like the circumaural Sennheiser HD380 Pro, which are well within your budget. They let you accurately hear sounds that are absent in all but the priciest speakers. The HD380's are also much more comfortable than their competing ATH-M70X Audio Technica, and the cable can be detached at the cup. If an accurate mix down is important....

sandalwood
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Finale Version: 2014.5- W10
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Post by sandalwood » Mon Nov 18, 2019 4:37 pm

There is some excitement going on recently with reputable hardware reviewers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svAmJheRxAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV0NLLmx8kQ

about the new K361 and K371 "Harman" closed-back headphones by AKG. They sound tempting and I've started considering acquiring one during the approaching "shopping days". Already having a MDRV6 with fairly similar features I probably don't really need one, though. Does anyone have first-hand experience with either of them?

(Should've posted this under Hardware Issues but thought I could just add a little question in a relatively relevant thread)

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