Audio Systems: Strong, high-frequency, cheap PC speakers, maximum amplitude, budget limit

Question
QUESTION: Hi:

I’m looking for a pair of PC speakers [left and right only] which have the highest treble response and the highest clipping point. Different types of speakers have different clipping points. The clipping point is the maximum amplitude a device can handle without distortion. Above this point, there will be what appears to be a “flat top” when graphed. This distortion is not only unpleasant but also bad for the speakers.

To make a long story short, I would like the speakers to be a compromise among the following:

1. Highest treble response
2. Highest clipping point
3. Least expensive

I say “compromise” because some characteristics might make other characteristics more difficult to find. For example, if I want higher quality I will usually have to pay more. More of 1 and/or 2 might make 3 more difficult to find. In addition, 1 makes 2 more difficult to find [and visa versa], because generating higher-frequency sounds require a smaller speaker but a smaller speaker will clip at lower amplitudes than a bigger speaker.


Thanks,

Green

ANSWER: Interesting.
With all due respect [for someone looking for assistance] you sure seem to be 'attempting' to school me on some half-baked facts.
I do not agree with all of your thinking since crossover capacity/quality also has alot to do with high-frequency clipping points. Horn compression drivers will be the best resolve but really good ones can cost over 2,000 dollars a pair. They do not handle a lot of power and they do not NEED it to do their task since their efficiency is well over 110 Db @1 watt.
At any rate:
Without knowing your budget limit, you have left out the most important part of the equation.
Additionally, your target SPL (volume) is another important issue to consider in order to get a good resolve that you will be happy with.

Let me know these two parameters and I can easily assist you.

JM

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.

My budget limit is below $50 and the SPL should be around the same as most soft rock and smooth jazz music of the 80s. I'm not sure how to measure this SPL in dB. Sorry.

I have another question. What is the least expensive horn compressive driver?


Thanks again,

Green

ANSWER: Of course, the least expensive horns would depend on how many you want to buy. I have seen 100 lots of cheap ones for 89 cents each.
You can buy pairs of horns for under 3.00 each but generally, they'll sound like a drill having sex with a chalkboard.
The real factor in how well they'll sound can usually be derived by reading the specs for the frequency response.
Good ones will go as low as 500 hz. This means that nearly all of the music could be eminating from them (so they had better be decent since that is 5 octaves of music through one pair of speakers).

Anyhow this is what a 30.00 compression driver looks like:
http://www.buy.com/prod/pyle-pdb352-midrange-tweeter-compression-horn-driver-wit
These do NOT come with lens's!

The lens is placed in front of each driver to disperse the sound. The shape of the lens will have a direct effect on how well the highs are heard on and off axis (that is..  directly (on axis) or not directly (off axis) in front of them).
Pyle Lens: 12.00
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/53-980&CAWELAID=220561506

Also be aware that due to their design nature, these drivers can be very diffiucult to tune in properly without some crossover and attenuation tinkering. Moreover, they can quickly be reduced to paperwieghts if you do not approach this tinkering with all of your ducks lined up.
This is why most people just buy a 2 or 3 way speaker which is ready to go.
There are many out there but I cannot see any of them going for under 50 a pair (with respect to clarity and build quality).

Why not just go get a pair of Logitech 2.1's with a subwoofer?
49.00

I hope this assists you.
Let me know. :)

JM

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: About the Logitech 2.1 with subwoofer. Well, I don't like bass. So I would think a Logitech 2.0 [no subwoofer] would suite me better. Right?

Hopefully Logitech 2.0 can connect to the 3.5 mm port of a sound card.


Thanks,

Green

Answer
ahh,
I didn't realise you wanted only highs. Especially so since in 70-80's rock there are an abundance of frequencies which require a sub for you to hear them accurately (or at least a very well designed low frequency woofer).

The logitechs are designed for PC cards and do have the 3.5 mm jacks :)

The subwoofer has a level control which can be set to suit your tastes  from zero to 'way too much'.

You may not have an Ipod either, but this is a good sounding setup for 41.00 delivered:
http://www.buy.com/prod/logitech-x-240-ipod-speaker-system-2-1-channel-black-log

I think this will suit you well... and bout the sub?
Just turn the sub down all the way and yer good to go.

Thanks for the fine rating and good luck.

JM