I've been using a set of desktop speakers (the Logitech z333) for a few years, but I am looking to upgrade this Xmas and would like some pointers.
Things I like about my current setup:
- The subwoofer holds most of the electronics, so it's all nice and compact - Has two inputs (PC and an RCA) that are mixed internally - Has a very gratifying, smooth volume control knob/puck that sits on my desk and has an on/off switch plus a headphone jack for cut-over
Things that could be improved:
- Audio quality (it's great for calls, OK for listening to music) - You can't really change any of the wiring (it's all pre-wired) - No hardware equalizer (I make do with software, it's just a very minor niggle)
Things I had to do to fit my setup, just so you have an idea of how I use it:
- I added a passive mixer to one of the inputs so I could have an Alexa Echo Listen, another PC, a synth and a Pi that is my combo Airplay/PlexAmp speaker all go through the same speakers - Added a noise/hum filter after that, since some inputs are noisy
I don't need it to have USB audio or be amazingly loud (small office, and the Z333 is plenty loud enough), but would love better audio quality even though I love the convenience of the thing.
(I've been thinking of building my own speakers, but finding a good amp -- or an equivalent sub-woofer that also had a control puck but let me upgrade the speakers -- hasn't been easy).
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My unit's amp stopped working properly after a few years and after some emails and troubleshooting they shipped me a replacement amp for free, so that was nice of them. I heard the newer vanatoo models are even better too so I'd check those out.
-Fosi Q4 DAC amp for connection to PC via usb cable ~60
-Fosi TB10A analog amp, connect via RCA plugs to speakers ~60
I like this flexibility because I can swap any of those 3 components out for budget but worthy upgrades if I so desire without a major hit to the wallet.
you could skip the dac but I wanted to get away from mobo sounds that were hard to eliminate. and i like the desktop available headphone port.
I find this to be superior to the Edifier pair I had before which were already a great budget experience.
Quick note for any old schoolers, I still to this day miss my Logitech Z400 system. For the price I have yet to see a system produce that kind of sound from 4 satellites and a sub. I still have the satellites for small portable setups, but the sub started crackling and the volume knob ate it at some point.
For example:
Sony SSCS5 Bookshelf Pair $100
JBL Stage A130 Pair $300
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers $340
And on up!
If this is what you currently own (https://www.logitech.com/assets/52567/3/z333-multimedia-spea...) you're likely going to need to purchase an AMP as well to drive your new speakers.
You might be able keep your current setup, remove the existing Logitech speakers, and use the L/R RCA out from your sub to the new AMP (depending on what the sub is outputting to the existing speakers) and then wire your new speakers into the new AMP (you'd need to figure out how to convert the output correctly to do this however). That should keep your handy volume control knob still functioning.
That said, a simpler approach if you're willing to give up your control knob and headphone port, you can just run the input to the new AMP and then run the sub out to your z333 subwoofer.
I recently picked up a Fosi Audio BT30D Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Audio Amplifier 2.1 for my office. You won't get wall rattling volume levels with it due to the wattage output but (in my opinion) most people don't need that for a desk setup. It's not expensive ($90) and is nice and compact.
The only reason I no longer have them, I lived upstairs from my landlord who was intolerant of any noise.
Moving up market: https://www.rcf.it/en/products/product-detail/ayra-pro6 https://www.rcf.it/en/products/product-detail/ayra-pro10-sub
Sky is the limit above that depending upon your tastes and budget.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Jeff
> I added a passive mixer to one of the inputs so I could have an Alexa Echo Listen, another PC, a synth and a Pi that is my combo Airplay/PlexAmp speaker all go through the same speakers - Added a noise/hum filter after that, since some inputs are noisy
I ended up just getting a small mixer and use it both for that (PC, Switch, synth) and master volume control. It's a bit overkill (I don't need mono channels nor tone control or panning) and now there are much smaller options available, but that I'd imagine is best bet to have full volume control of everything in smallest package.
Before that I used Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 which are also great but not so reliable--I've gone through a few sets over the years. The 6.5" woofer version sounds much better than the larger (8"?) woofer.
I've used much higher fidelity audio setups but can't justify it when my sources are Spotify, YouTube, video games, etc. Note I'm using the analog 3.5mm jack rather than Bluetooth (though it is AptX). An external USB DAC might be worth it, depending on how good your laptop/pc audio out is to start with.
For the amplifier, you can get Chinese "full digital amplifiers" (FDA) for ~$150, for example the SMSL AD18. These things are really impressive for the price and size, that one is 2x70W, which is good enough for bookshelf speakers (enough to be uncomfortably loud without distorsion). There is no need for a "control puck" because the amp itself with its volume knob is not that much bigger than a control puck. If you want to go cheaper, there are good enough chip-based analog amps in the same form factor, you can go down to ~$50 with the power supply. It is impressive how good these cheap class D amps can get.
A common hack if you don't mind spending some time with a soldering iron is to buy a cheap amp with a good chip on AliExpress or similar and then replace shitty knockoff/underspecced components (ex: capacitors) with good ones. This is often enough to get you to audiophile level quality for a fraction of the price. You don't really need to, the knockoffs components are bad but not that bad, that's only if you are considering $1000+ equipment. Amps are rarely the weakest link nowadays. Speakers and how they are set up are.
As for the subwoofer, with good bookshelf speakers, you may not even need one for your desktop. But if you do, you can buy one separately and either connect it to the subwoofer output if you have one on your amp (FDAs normally have one), or, if you go for analog stereo, put the subwoofer between the amp and speakers, most subwoofers have dedicated connections for that (and it is perfectly fine).
Edit: ah, yes, cables, in case it wasn't clear, it doesn't matter. For speaker cables, the thicker the better, but with the distances involved, even that is not a big deal. Power cord (ex: romex) is perfect. For interconnects, especially if it is digital, anything goes.
If you are, then your max price is something you need to specify.
Also, you need a lot of inputs so you will have to stick with a mixer whatever you choose.
Get a pair of Genelec 8320A's and a Genelec GLM SAM. If you still need bass, get a Genelec 7350A.
I am currently using this very setup in my living room. I will move them to my desk when I replace them with some Genelec 8341As or 8351Bs in my living room.
Edifier has nice budget options if Dali is too much.