Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with Speakers

Knob Snob

nomad — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:40:59 -0800

I just bought these speakers to use with my TV and I need a creative way to control them via a standard IR remote control. Why is this even an issue? Because the speakers are designed to work with a computer so they don't have their own IR receiver. The volume is controlled with this adorably impractical little knob. I'd just use the volume controls on the TV, but it's too smart for its own good and disables the volume controls when speakers are plugged in. The two options I have come up with so far are:

1. Get some sort of amplifier/middleman device that can control the volume from the TV via IR and output the signal to the speakers.

2. Use my very limited electronics skills to design a device that turns the little knob based on IR input. (this sounds like a crapload of fun, but I don't really know where to start)

Does anyone have any ideas that will get me on the right track to implementing either of the above 2 ideas? Also, can anyone think of a simpler or more badass solution?

Where can I find attractive powered speakers?

bryanlacksfocus — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:13:21 -0800

Does anyone know of any attractive powered speakers? Ones that look like they belong on a bookshelf and not next to a PC? I'm looking for speakers to put in my living room that I would beam music to through an Airport Express. It could be one speaker or a pair, but they should be powered and stand-alone—I don't have room for a "system" with a separate amplifier. I don't need a radio, CD player, or iPod dock—just a power switch, a volume knob, and one audio input jack. The only powered speakers I'm finding are designed for use with a computer and are, in my opinion, unforgivably ugly—at least for use outside a computer workstation. I'm hoping to find something simple and modern with straight, clean lines—possibly a cousin to this Tivoli or this GenevaSound radio or the wooden-cased (non-powered) speakers our parents had in the 70s.

With everyone doing so much from their computers these days, it seems like these ought to exist! Have you come across any? Any ideas are appreciated!

Loud speaker. Quiet speaker. Alternate at random.

TheSecretDecoderRing — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:41:24 -0800

I want to listen to my digital music player at work (technically, WMAs and not MP3s) through speakers rather than headphones. With the latter, all my songs sound fairly consistent in volume. With the former, they're all over the map and ditto for the dynamic range. Suggestions? I'm using PC speakers. They seem of good enough quality, but is that what's magnifying the variation in volume? Would a cheaper, weaker set of speakers actually make it better?

This is at work, so sound quality and bass isn't too important. And I keep the volume just loud enough so I can hear it, and the environment is usual office ambience/conversations. I've tried maxing out the speakers and adjusting the player, vice versa, and in between on both.

I'd prefer to avoid the hassle of normalization software, unless there's something out there for WMAs that's really easy and effective. USB access to the work computer is restricted. Hopefully others have had similar problems and have found workarounds as simple as just getting the right speakers. Thanks in advance.

Speaker troubleshooting

Neiltupper — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:59:36 -0800

Loudspeaker troubleshooting. I have a pair of Boston Acoustic A60 speakers. They are two-way speakers, and in one of them the woofer does not produce any sound (not even distortion). The tweeter is OK. I've localized the problem to the speaker rather than the amp. All the connections inside the cabinet seem ok. What is my next step? I have common electrical tools and instruments but I'm not sure what to look for.

Fried crossovers/voicecoils for Mission speaker towers

omidius — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:28:30 -0800

Audio Trust: I suspect the crossovers & voice coils on my Mission speaker towers (the 5 driver + tweeter rosewood cabinet ones) have fried. Where can I possibly find replacements or knowledgeable people to help me solder in new ones?

how to get sound from tv's built-in speakers

anonymice — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:51:54 -0800

How do I set up my home theater to let me use my tv's built-in speakers? I normally use a Bose 5.1 surround speaker system, but would sometimes like to use my tv's internal speakers instead.

My main home theater components -- all connected by HDMI -- are:
-- Onkyo TX-SR674 Receiver
-- Tivo Series 3 HD, and
-- Panasonic TH-42PX60U Plasma TV

The tv's speakers definitely work. I've tested them by connecting a VCR directly. But I've never been able to get any sound from them when I use the receiver. So I figure either the receiver or the tv is cutting off the audio signal.

The TV automatically shuts off its speakers when it detects that external speakers are connected. But the TV's set-up menu has a setting to turn the speakers on. I've done that, but no success.

I've also screwed around with the receiver settings, like turning on HDMI audio out. I've even tried running composite audio cables from the receiver to the tv. Still no luck.

Any suggestions?

Need remote waterproof speaker

Joleta — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:48:53 -0800

Does anyone make a waterproof bluetooth speaker that I can use in the shower to listen to audio books from my iPhone. It should be something I can permanently stick to the shower wall, so this won't work. I read this question but it doesn't really address my problem, as I don't have a glass shower door, only a curtain. (And no, I really can't hear the iPhone audio over the shower.)

What are some good iPod speakers?

MaryDellamorte — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:55:11 -0800

Looking to buy some speakers for my iPod which I have absolutely no experience with. Looking for something in the $150 - $200ish range. Specifics:

-Don't really care about how it looks.
-Don't want it too big or too small.
-I'm shooting for no more than $200, but if there are some phenomenal speakers for more than that, I can go higher.
-I've seen some with sub woofers, how much of a difference do those make?

Playlist for checking out steroes

StimulatingPixels — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:50:07 -0800

What are the best (or your favorite) songs to use when checking out stereo systems? I'm setting up a list of songs that can be used to checkout/show-off a stereo system. The main goal is to use them while hunting a new stereo system so that I can have a consistent set of examples that highlight different audio characteristics.

Crisp highs, full lows, clean vocals, extended volume and tonal ranges, live recordings, electronically produced elements, etc... Any genre is fine, but if you have recommendations for classical, please include the specific performance/recording since that has such a huge influence on the quality.

(Looks like there are some good answers via this question but it's focused more on headphones.)

Sounds Good...

madeinitaly — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:34:33 -0800

[Hi-Fi / HT filter] Help me find the right front speakers for my receiver, so that both music and movies sound good ! Hello.

I have a Harman Kardon AV 145 which i always used with the standard JBL 5.1 speaker set it came with (little and probably not so good satellites, but i really like the subwoofer).

I got my hands on a Mission m7c1 center speaker (got for almost free) and recently replaced the left and right front speaker (which previously were just little boxes) with some TEAC coming out of a compact system a friend was throwing away.

The difference since i put those left/right (sorry i don't have name or characteristics, but just imagine your typical 2 ways system from a 90s compact system) is amazing: music sounds much better - and i guess it's because now the left/right sound can manage some bass and the subwoofer just gives it a final touch.

The issue is that now when i watch a movie, i think the right/left sound too powerful compared to the middle - so you hear all the background noised much louder than the speech... and that's less than optimal. My receiver has the option to select if each speaker is "large" or "small", option that basically cross-overs the bass to the subwoofer or to the speakers themselves.

now... i think i might need to set the speakers as "small" in order to not overpower the middle... but then i miss the improvement i gained in the music listening area....

does this make sense? What would you do and/or what tests would you do ?

Secondly... I have now the chance to do two things

1) replace those TEAC speakers with the speakers that come from this Panasonic SC-DP1 system which actually sound _amazing_ and i would like to keep. Problem... these speakers have 4 wires coming out of them and my HK AVR 145 only has 2 plugs for each speaker... how do i connect them ?

2) someone is selling these amazing Mission 733 speakers for a very low price... i really like the idea of professional speakers but... will they be alright for the rest of my system or would i just add to the problem of left/right overpowering the middle ?

thank you all for your help!

Small speakers, great sound - is it possible?

desire75 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:07:38 -0800

I'm looking for a 2.1 speaker system that is similar in shape and size to Logitech's X-230 but sounds considerably better. I actually quite like the sound of the satellites but the subwoofer is just ridiculous. Even when turned down completely it still is way too loud. I guess this system was built with gamers in mind... I'm looking for a system that is meant for listening to music. Right now I'm trying out a pair of affordable nearfield monitors (Behringer MS40) which sound allright (I guess, I'm not entirely sure yet) but are still quite a bit too big for my current workspace. So any recommendations for better-sounding X-230 alternatives are very welcome!

What receiver and speakers should I purchase for under $400?

vmrob — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:58:51 -0800

I'm on a budget and want to upgrade my audio system. What receiver/speakers I should purchase to get the most for my money? I currently own a mini-hifi system from Sony (Specifically the MHC-GX45). I wouldn't mind reusing the receiver/amp from that system though I have a feeling to get the most out of the system, I'll be looking for a new receiver as the input options are very limited on the device.

The entire system will be used for stereo sources so surround isn't a priority though a dedicated subwoofer would be nice.

After a quick look online, I found a set of speakers from Sony (SS-F5000) that seem to fit my budget and have overall good reviews. If there is a better pair of speakers (floor standing would be nice, but not necessary) at about that price, what are they and where can I get them?

As for a receiver, I'm totally lost. I've never been in the market and I'm not sure what I need. Auto-switching sources would be nice though I don't know what other features I should be looking for. Recommendations?

My budget for the whole system would preferably be less than $400. If you point out a sub I could add later, bonus points to you. I know the budget will force me to make sacrifices to the sound quality and I'm ok with that, but I really want a system that sounds good. In other words, if I have to step up the price, I can do that, but my purchase will be a little delayed.

Finicky Airport Devices

fantasticninety — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:10:37 -0800

Airtunes filter – Why are my iTunes speakers connected via Airport sometimes not recognised? I'm running iTunes 7 on OSX 10.4.11 and whenever I load iTunes it randomly chooses which speakers connected remotely to find.

I have four sets of speakers, all via airports, and it's just random how many it finds.

I'd love to find a fix to this which avoids upgrading to Leopard or getting iTunes 8 or whatever it is now.

Thanks so much!

Cheap portable mp3 speakers?

marble — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:22:32 -0800

Looking for decent portable speakers for my mp3 player, ideally for $30 or less. This is for my cube at work - low volume, but I'd like at least some bass (current $5 piece of crap speakers do not have put out any bass that I can detect, even when adjusting the primitive equalizer on my mp3 player). I looked at some at Amazon but only saw one review that even mentioned bass at all. I don't listen to a lot of thumpa thumpa music, but I'd like to be able to hear the lower range at a reasonable volume.

I would prefer ones that aren't powered, but if the speakers come with an a/c adapter I could make that work. Mp3 player is a Sandisk Sansa m250, if that matters.

Any suggestions?

How do I use computer speakers with an old amp?

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:03:47 -0800

How do I use computer speakers in a vintage amp? Posting this anonymously so I don't get mocked by certain people for being clueless, which I am.

I recently got my hands on a decent old amp but at the moment, I just can't afford speakers. I need something to use to get me through the next couple of months, till I can afford a decent set. The only thing I have at the moment is some computer speakers- they're actually pretty nice ones, with a decent subwoofer. Obviously NOT what I should be using but again, this would be a temporary fix.

The problem is is that the amp has the old spring-loaded connectors that require the bare speaker wire, obviously. The speakers go into the subwoofer which then is meant to connect with a jack- the jack doesn't fit into any of the inputs on the amp (and I'm not sure that would work anyway). So the question is, can I strip off the jack somehow, or is there a connector of some kind I can get that would accept the jack on one end and be bare wire on the other? If I manage to disconnect the jack, is there actually speaker wire in there?

I have searched and searched various audiophile forums for an answer but I have a feeling this is way too basic a question that nobody on there would bother asking (or answering).

Thanks in advance...

5.1 Sound system on the cheap

bouchacha — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:32:51 -0800

Help a clueless dude buy a nice 5.1 speaker set For years I've simply been using these $25 Logitech computer speakers I bought on a whim and frankly, they've actually been fantastic. However, now that I've added a 46 inch LCD TV and a Blu-ray drive to my PC, I figured the next step up would be to finally let those valiant $25 2.1 speakers go!

I know next to nothing about sound systems (receivers? what?) and my budget would ideally be around $350...maybe $400. I understand that's low for a sound system but I figured if I was really happy with $25 speakers for so many years, I probably can weather the storm with almost 10 times the budget.

Where should I start? This will be for watching movies and listening to music in my apartment. As you can tell with my budget, I'm not really an audiophile and I'm just looking for a good mainstream general recommendation.

Good quality iPod speaker recommendations

t-rex — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:59:32 -0800

Looking for a high-quality iPod speaker which supports fifth generation iPods, and preferably has FM radio and a clock/alarm clock, to replace an old CD player. Price: unlikely to pay more than $300. I've looked up previous questions, but they seem to generally be directed at lower cost speakers (however if there are good lower cost, recommend them too!), or are quite old and I assume there would be newer models, etc. since the question was asked.

- Preferably, I'd be able to buy it in Australia (Melbourne)
- FM radio isn't too important considering I mainly download podcasts now
- Clock display is quite important

PC speakers

ObscureReferenceMan — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:13:07 -0800

New speakers for computer (PC). And a few questions. The Altec Lansing speakers (and sub-woofer) that came with my previous Dell computer that I am using on my Dell XPS-400 are in need of replacing. The left speaker crapped out. So what to do now? Checking an older AskMe question, I saw something referring to "2.0 speakers". What does that mean? I assumed I just needed a pair of speakers and sub-woofer. Was I wrong?

I was hoping to spend less than $100. Is that unreasonable? There are many options at Best Buy, for example.

I have nothing planned to do more intricate than listening to music, and watching videos.

Thanks!

help me find ipod speakers!

canine epigram — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:24:22 -0800

I'm looking for a smallish iPod dock with speakers to put in the kitchen or dining room (anywhere else besides the living room which has the stereo). I'm not interested in a clock, I don't care if it doesn't charge the iPod, just good sound, and a usable decent remote so I could naivigate without having to get up. So I've seen this question before, but none in the last year. I've read reviews for a few of the Logitech models or Altec Lansing T612 - anybody have a recently purchased mobile speaker set that they love?

Best desktop speakers under 200 bucks?

sciapod — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:56:08 -0800

Audiophiles: What are the best 2.0 desktop speakers $150 or so can buy? My four-year love affair with my old Klipsch ProMedia speakers is coming to a glitchy end, and I'm looking for a replacement set of desktop computer speakers with equally delightful sound quality. (No subwoofers, please.) My price range is flexible, but I'd like to spend under $200. At the moment, I'm leaning toward the Audioengine A2's because of the strong reviews, but they're a little steep.

Any suggestions? What computer speakers do you own and love?

I have seen the previous questions on this topic, but all are a few years old.

Noise canceling technology for a whole apartment?

gilsonal — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:29:39 -0800

Any good solutions for canceling out my neighbor's bass from their stereo without headphones? Headphones aren't an option all the time if I need to sleep. Are their nose canceling stereos? How well do they work? What else could I try? Just moved into a new place and my next door neighbors have about 20 people coming and going during the day, mostly right outside my patio door, and also have a huge bass hooked up to their tv and stereo. I'm a quiet person, and its starting to drive me nuts that I can't spend a day without hours trying to ignore it. I know this is the kind of situation that ends up in people being annoyed, and I'd like to get along with these guys. I'm prone to headaches and sleep day hours, and I don't want this to turn into a brawl. Its to the point I can't even spend time in my living room and I've taken to leaving my apartment altogether to escape the noise.

I see plenty of noise canceling headphones, and speakers for CB's but what I'd like is an audio player (kind of like a white noise machine) that would send opposing sound wave out. Using an old laptop with speakers to accomplish this as well would be doable.

Are there systems out there? How well do they work? Any other non-confrontational, non-passive aggressive ways to deal with this?

I need DJ equipment and furniture. Suggestions?

mjbraun — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:41:48 -0800

So: I've finally moved to the new place and set up the turntables and mixer that had been languishing in storage. I added Serato to the mix to make it interesting. But I find myself in need of furniture and equipment to complete things, and I was hoping for recommendations. What I need:

* Studio monitor apeakers (preferably self powered)
* Stand for 2x Technics turntables + 1x laptop + 2x studio monitor speakers (preferably modular and/or expandable as I might want to add a small keyboard)
* Small amount of vinyl storage

Note: I don't need a "coffin" as I'm just doing this at home for kicks.

Suggestions? Thanks!

Fortunately, I don't work for the bomb squad.

Inspector.Gadget — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:19:06 -0800

I need to do some wire splicing on a set of desktop speakers and I'd like some suggestions for improvement. Hey Ask, thanks in advance. I have a run-of-the-mill 2.1 Logitech computer speaker set-up. A quarter-inch jack lead to a wired remote, which leads to a subwoofer, which connects to two smaller speakers. The male 1/4 inch jack that would ordinarily connect to the line out of my laptop's sound card has suffered some wear and/or corrosion. Consequently, rotating the jack allows me to hear audio out of at most one external speaker at a time. Attempts to clean the jack with pencil erasers and rubbing alcohol (separately) have revealed that the problem is at least partly damageds surfaces and failed to remedy it. The internal line-out connection (female) on the sound card is working fine as tested with two sets of headphones.

Here's my plan to fix the jack problem:
1. Buy any cheap device or cable with a 1/4 inch male jack, preferably at a flexible right angle to the cable. Buy a small roll of electrical tape.
2. Cut off the existing jack and remove the molding (but not the inner layer of insulation) around about an inch of the cable that used to connect the jack and the wired remote.
3. Remove the insulation from a small section of the wire and prepare the new cable in a like manner: leave the jack at one end connected to a ~6" piece of the cable it was attached to with the other end stripped.
4. Connect the two stripped sections by twisting, and cover up just past the stripped section of each old cable with tightly wrapped electrical tape.

If I happen to find a wire cap small enough to accomodate the two wires, I'll use that in addition to the electrical tape.

How can I improve on this procedure? Am I doing anything stupid? Any blindingly obvious improvements I'm missing?

Thanks.

What powered mixer do I need?

rumsey monument — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:58:43 -0800

I have two 200-watt, 8 ohm speakers. What PA head do I buy? I received 2 PA speakers as gift. On the back, its says they are 200 watt, 8 ohms. What would be the proper powered mixer to buy to complete my little PA system? I don't really need any more than 8 inputs, and do not need anything with bells and whistles. Thanks!

speakers from optical out?

striker — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:59:40 -0800

Don't like the speakers in my TV - TV only has digital optical out. What are my options for getting better speakers? Can I avoid having a big receiver? The tv sits solo in the bedroom without anything else - I'd prefer not to have a big receiver box sitting next to it. Also, is there any way that I won't have a seperate remote for the volume, without getting a universal remote? What do I need to just add a couple of speakers in a convenient way?