[Jayce]

I've got an Aiwa home stereo hooked up to my computer via auxillary. It's about 4 years old. It's got two speakers, each with a powered subwoofer of its own. Each speaker is 30w max and each sub is 90w max.

This thing can get pretty loud, but I've heard some small computer desktop sound systems that can get unbelievably loud considering their small size.

Question is, if I were to get a 2.1 system... something like this...

Newegg.com - Cyber Acoustics A-3640rb 38 watts total RMS 2.1 Subwoofer & Satellite Speaker System - Speakers

Would it be an upgrade from what I've already got?

I found myself looking at home stereos to upgrade my sound system, because I just had this notion stuck in my head that bigger is better. But I figured I'd ask here since I really don't have much experience with computer speakers... just home stereos.

EDIT - for the record, this is the kind of home stereo I was looking at. But my price range is a bit lower. JVC - 400W Compact Shelf System with Apple® iPod® Dock - MXKC68

Thoughts?

Hey! Guess what! Another edit!

What about this? Newegg.com - Logitech Z-2300 200 watts RMS 2.1 Speaker System - Speakers

[ricanflow]

When it comes to audio, bigger isnt really better.

Pc speakers dont really give the best sound, studio monitors just blow them away. But theyre out of your price range so out of those choices i would pick the z-2300's.

I dont know what system you have now, but the z-2300's may sound a bit better. You already have a dedicated soundcard so you will get some decent sound out fo them. Also when looking at audio never go by peak power, always look at the rms watts value.

[Jayce]

rican

Yeah, I spent a lot of my spare time as a new driver when I was 16 looking into car audio, so I'm familiar with the max power and rms power. One thing I've noticed that "tends" to be the norm is that if rms power isn't listed, cut the max power in half. But I know what my current speakers (at 240w max) can do, so I really don't want to SPEND money to get a marginal upgrade.

But, I hear so many good things about the Z2300, that I just have to ask. Sure, they may be ******* 2.1 computer speakers, but how would they stack up to a 240w max desktop stereo that I already have? That's where my main "?" is right now.


EDIT - Also, Rican, since you seem to be slick on audio stuff I figure I may ask you this... I wanted to extend the length of where my speakers can go, so I added some 16 gauge speaker wire. Thing is, I messed up the RCA ends (which are for the speakers) so I went to radioshack and bought a set. These particular RCA's seem to have pretty thin copper wire. Granted, they were made for audio, so I assume they're good to go. But seeing this thick 16 gauge wire which is deemed as "superior" for speakers like what I got and seeing the thin copper wire (I'd estimate it being 20 gauge) on the RCA portion, I just have to ask... is that okay? These speakers are rated 30w max, by the way. The subs, which are rated 90w max, do not have this RCA end and are wired straight into the back of the stereo unit.

[Jorsoft]

Those Z-2300 are really nice. I've been meaning to pick up a set for a long time but something else always comes up. I don't know enough about audio to answer any of your other questions, though. I'll leave that to the experts.