Main > Main Forum
What are the best affordable speakers?
kiwasabi:
Hey guys,
I'm looking for a good set of speakers for an arcade cab in the $20-30 range. I bought the following set at Microcenter on clearance for $20, and while they're ok, they have pretty bad reviews on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-LS21-Stereo-Speaker-System/dp/B0015C30J0/ref=cm_rdp_product
Is there another set anyone would recommend? Preferably with good bass.
TKW4rr10r:
Are you looking for a complete system like the logitech you listed, or some separate components? A $25 dollar budget won't get you much for some good sound.
Are your speaker size/holes in the cab already set? Most swear by a nice T-amp like from Lepai (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003P534SW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2WQGDSJ8QL7S4&coliid=I1S1WNNKEFFVU6) paired with some basic car speakers (http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PL6984BL-9-Inch-400-Watt-Speakers/dp/B000230LCW/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1377552168&sr=1-1&keywords=pyle+6x9). I'm just throwing those out as examples, depending on the size and brand you can get them cheaper.
On the other side of things, this is about the most you can realistically get with $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836150041
You'll get more sound for your buck going the separates route than any cheap PC speaker setup. Spend a little now to get more enjoyment and less frustration later. Just MHO though.
kiwasabi:
--- Quote from: TKW4rr10r on August 26, 2013, 05:28:20 pm ---Are you looking for a complete system like the logitech you listed, or some separate components? A $25 dollar budget won't get you much for some good sound.
You'll get more sound for your buck going the separates route than any cheap PC speaker setup. Spend a little now to get more enjoyment and less frustration later. Just MHO though.
--- End quote ---
Thanks for the suggestions. I don't necessarily need to go for a complete system I suppose. Also, the speaker holes aren't set in stone by any means. Actually I'm looking to create something for commercial use (my own video game) so I should go for something reliable with good sound. For the prototype I got that Logitech system and it has worked fine but it hasn't been under heavy use either like it would be in a commercial environment.
So I'm not totally limited to that price range, I just want to not add too much to the build cost because that'll cut down on profit.
michelevit:
I've had good luck picking up used speakers at garage sales and thrift stores. many people are upgrading desktops for tablets and laptops.
You don't really need high end speakers for old arcade games. its low fi beeps and blips that any cheap paper speaker can reproduce authentically.
CoryBee:
--- Quote from: michelevit on August 26, 2013, 07:17:42 pm ---I've had good luck picking up used speakers at garage sales and thrift stores. many people are upgrading desktops for tablets and laptops.
You don't really need high end speakers for old arcade games. its low fi beeps and blips that any cheap paper speaker can reproduce authentically.
--- End quote ---
This ^^ on both accounts. I just grab some PC speakers from the local thrift store for 3 bucks and call it a day. Sometimes the speakers are low quality (which still is better than the mono output of most arcades you will probably be emulating) and sometimes I find Yamaha computer speakers that sound amazing for the same price.