arcade speaker recommendation

[raungst]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a set of computer speakers that work well in arcade cab? I'm looking for something fairly inexpensive, but has an external dial to control the volume.

Alternatively, is it possible to connect the original speakers to a computer? Their essentially car speakers, so I assume I need some sort of amp before it gets to the computer?

Thanks for any advice!

[ant2]

A decent 2.1 set of speakers should be fine.
I used some alstec lansing speakers that came as 2.1. I then took them out of the casing and mounted them externally.
I put the sub inside the cab, with the speaker pointing at the coin mech.
The volume control bit was tricky, if you are going to buy a new set i'd buy one with a remote volume and then mount this somewhere, for me i used the existing volume controls, because i had mounted the speakers where the marquee is, I drilled a hole through the side then glued and an extension on to the volume control, i used araldite.. over time because of the twisting motion it may break and then maybe ill glue it back or find a better solution. But ive been using the volume control like this for the last 6 months without issue.. take a look at my youtube video to see what i mean

www.youtube.com/aletchet - my cab

hope it helps

[ptinolv]

Any computer speaker should be fine. I would prefer one with a volume control extension.

I don't remember well why car speakers are not recommended, but i think it is because they can perturb the other electronics of your cab.

[Blanka]

Computer speakers are almost always of the 2.1 type. That means a gap in the mids. You need 8-15 cm cones for the major part of the mid-frequency sound spectrum (speech, music), and that simply does not fit in most satellites. So there is no problem with car speakers (essentially the same as normal boxed speakers without the box), they are actually preferred above pc sets (also easier to built in nice).
Sure you need an amp, but there are very nice and affordable options for that. Most PC-sets have a simple D-amp-chip design built in, which is quite effective. You can also consider using the amp of a speaker set and attach it to decent large size drivers.
In the end it is also a matter of taste. Some like the punch of a 2.1 set, others prefer a more neutral reproduction you can get with car speakers.

[BadMouth]

These go on sale for $25 w/free shipping every couple months. 
The power button, earphone jack, subwoofer gain, & volume are all on the wired remote.
The cord is around 4-5ft from what I remember.
I have two sets of them and would buy another if I had the need.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Accessories/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=313-7966

[drventure]

+1 on the computer speaker suggestions. I used a set of altec lansing 2.1 and even decased and mounted in glass lampshades, they sound fantastic!

[Ed_McCarron]

Flipside -- the original speakers are well shielded and designed for this application.

Cheap amp like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310263979237

And some kind of ground loop isolator like this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062214

Along with the appropriate 1/8" Stereo to RCA adapter and you're in business.

I use a similar setup on a PC powered juke with a small wall wart powering the amp.  Works like a champ.

No remote volume, though.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Computer speakers are almost always of the 2.1 type. That means a gap in the mids. You need 8-15 cm cones for the major part of the mid-frequency sound spectrum (speech, music), and that simply does not fit in most satellites. So there is no problem with car speakers (essentially the same as normal boxed speakers without the box), they are actually preferred above pc sets (also easier to built in nice).
Sure you need an amp, but there are very nice and affordable options for that. Most PC-sets have a simple D-amp-chip design built in, which is quite effective. You can also consider using the amp of a speaker set and attach it to decent large size drivers.
In the end it is also a matter of taste. Some like the punch of a 2.1 set, others prefer a more neutral reproduction you can get with car speakers.

I tried car speakers on my original cab built and ended up returning them because the magnets would interfere with my monitor.  I ended up buying computer speakers instead since they are shielded and my monitor was happy.

D

[Vebbo]

I'm planning on bying a extra set of Logitech z-2300 2.1 to use in my cab (using them on my primary pc right now and it gives the extra punch with the subwoofer) Amazon sells it for $115.00 http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Z-2300-THX-Certified-Speaker-Subwoofer/dp/B0002SQ2P2

Maybe its a bit stiff price but i think its worth it.

[raungst]

Thanks for all of the recommendations. I thought about going with original speakers, but then I found this:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-S220-Speaker-System-Subwoofer/dp/B000RQSGYO/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1

Cheaper than some of their nicer offering, but the cheapest I could find with a remote. Now, the question is: how do you typically integrate the remote? Attach it to the bottom of the CP? Leave it behind the coin door?

Thanks again.

[raungst]

Alternatively, there's also something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-S120-2-0-Multimedia-Speakers/dp/B000R9AAJA

Very inexpensive, but should do the trick. I'm trying to figure out whether the remote volume is a good idea, or just to assign a key to volume up and down.

[helpmebuild]

+1 on the computer speaker suggestions. I used a set of altec lansing 2.1 and even decased and mounted in glass lampshades, they sound fantastic!

I did the same thing and also used the included sub and placed it in the bottom of the cab facing away from the coin door and it sounds great. For a set of used (and dust-collecting) speakers in my case, it was a great solution and I'd second that.

[drventure]

28$ for those Logitec 2.1? Heck, I'd say totally worth taking a chance on anyway.

My dads got the Logitec 5.1 surround system on his PC and I serious was considering it for use with my home stereo for a while (yeah I know sacrilege, but hey they sound pretty good to me)

[BadMouth]

Now, the question is: how do you typically integrate the remote? Attach it to the bottom of the CP? Leave it behind the coin door?

It's pretty convenient and out of sight mounted on top the cab.
The one on my driving cab is up under the dash.
I used velcro to attach, so I can remove or reposition it.

Depending on the shape of your cab and the remote being black, you may be able to mount it under the marquee between the speakers without it being too noticeable.
(or off to the side if you plan to plug in headphones)

Personally, I don't like my guests to be able to mess with the volume, so I prefer the remote hidden.

[ragnar]

I bought some cheap 2.1s from Wal-Mart and could not be happier.  And they had a remote for volume control.  The only downside is that I needed a headphone cable extender because the lines from the mini speakers to the sub were only about 4 feet long.  Not the end of the world.  For under $50, I can not complain.  The sound is more than sufficient.

As for the sub, it is pretty darned small so if you need to pack things in your cab, it would work out nicely.  All 3 speakers are very compact in design.

link:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Philips-2.1-PC-Speaker/14913320

Should be available in your store.

[Gray_Area]

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-S220-Speaker-System-Subwoofer/dp/B000RQSGYO/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1

I'm using this set. I like it.

[justinjstark]

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-S220-Speaker-System-Subwoofer/dp/B000RQSGYO/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1

I'm using this set. I like it.

I put the S220s in my cab also.  They were on sale at newegg and I paid $17 after shipping.  They sound great in the cab and you can't do better for the price.  I even bought another pair to put in my bedroom.