Can you help me upgrade my PC speakers?

So, I decided that as I listen to much of my music through my PC, I should strive for some quality and get new PC speakers.

I set a budget of $300. My nephew, who spent many years selling upscale audio equipment said I'd have to go to at least $600 for anything decent, but I ignored him because that's inconvenient to my budget.

Looking for small, desk top sized. Near field. (didn't know that was a thing until a week ago) Maybe with a DAC and/or preamp if necessary.  Still trying to figure that part out.

And is the internal audio circuitry even good enough to make better speakers worthwhile? Do I need to upgrade this too?

I've already spent a lot of time researching, and the more I look, the farther away I get from a solution.

Way too many choices for this old fart.

https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-desktop-computer-speakers

rcarter31 said:

https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-desktop-computer-speakers

thanks. but for the moment anyway, unless I adjust, they're out of my price range. I mean geez, they're more expensive than the computer.

maybe my nephew is right though and I'm being too cheap.

drummerboy said:

thanks. but for the moment anyway, unless I adjust, they're out of my price range. I mean geez, they're more expensive than the computer.

maybe my nephew is right though and I'm being too cheap.

I bought this some years ago.  Works just fine.   A similar one

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-USB-Powered-Down-Firing-Subwoofer-Far-Field/dp/B07NWLWM9B/ref=sr_1_21?crid=98ZRTNWNG88M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aw1KHbduuup-w9HIogCYHPECuf-c-evgr8sXGXnOzaOPFDzOKyBfVkXIEqNf_avsMFZ7-FDISCVyDnQMiR7Rfsh3BqpAr-HYa2GXoLXLTM352yDPtSLDs20kfvx6buay0Js_fS7kOeDjhGMZNIcabOzv--oEIpwSOpFM-TC3M4J4_uWFVY8Ts6o-51GW1hW9zT0NykHTIVg7--lY5eVwNZ6-Wd3UX-FN3YdhKKsXSkE.U5w0SZ_IdKDLVgGRAK8QUPJlCqy-OnjiMnIs8PtCJAg&dib_tag=se&keywords=external+pc+speakers+3.5mm+with+subwoofer&qid=1721225004&sprefix=external+pc+speakers+3.5mm+with+subwoofer%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-21

The Wirecutter’s picks (it doesn’t appear that there’s a gift link):

Our pick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B241XZKD/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT16AMFS1F6JJWPRZEHDJEA

The Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT set is our favorite pair of computer speakers because it delivers great sound in a desktop-friendly size. Voices and acoustic instruments sounded clearer through the DM-50D-BT set than they did through other systems in this price range, no matter which of the speakers’ two sound modes we used.

The DM-50D-BT has three types of analog audio inputs (including balanced connectors) on the back, as well as a volume/power knob and a headphone jack on the front. This system has Bluetooth connectivity built in, and thanks to its signal-sensing inputs, it works like a smart speaker if you connect an Amazon Echo Dot.

Upgrade pick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077N2GQXC/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT1DG0QFCWDJRR4WVVP8PKA

The JBL Professional 305P MkII monitor is ideal for those who need professional sound quality for audio production but have a modest gear budget. It sounds clearer than any of the smaller, lower-priced powered speakers we’ve tried. Bass and treble tuning switches allow you to fine-tune its sound for different types of installations.

The downsides: The 305P MkII costs more than other options, it’s a little too large for many desks, and it lacks conveniences such as front-panel controls, Bluetooth support, and a headphone jack. Plus, it has quarter-inch and XLR audio jacks instead of RCA jacks, so it’s likely to require adapters for hookup to a computer.

Also great: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C88YGTSF/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT1P1YAYVCSXN978PVWY0B4

If you want computer speakers that are smaller than our top pick, the PreSonus Eris 3.5BT Gen 2 set is a great alternative. In our tests, the speakers’ sound quality approached that of the Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT set, but this pair doesn’t have quite as much bass and sounds a little distorted when cranked up to loud volumes.

This pair includes Bluetooth support, and it offers a volume control, a headphone jack, and an auxiliary input jack on the front, plus quarter-inch and RCA analog audio inputs on the back.

Also great (and similar to rcarter’s option above): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT8WJJHD/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT5MS0G3AB5Q6JTKPMDT7X8

If you’re a fan of bass-heavy music or you play video games or watch movies at your desk, you’ll find the subwoofer included with the Creative Pebble X Plus to be a huge advantage. The speakers are larger versions of our budget pick, the Creative Pebble Pro set; they sound similar but can play louder without distorting. The subwoofer—a cube measuring a little over 6 inches on each side—produces shockingly strong bass for its size and takes up little space under a desk.

The Pebble X Plus includes Bluetooth support plus USB and 3.5 mm analog inputs. All controls are conveniently mounted on the front, and multicolor LED lighting is built in.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-computer-speakers/

I have JBL speakers similar to these - they have a great sound - definitely a brand I would recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-Reference-Bluetooth-JBL104-BT-WH/dp/B07ZR2G296/?th=1

The 305 ones mentioned above look pretty good also.

thanks guys! now you're talkin!

and I've seen that Presonus Eris pop up before in my earlier searches.

done and done.

The Presonus Eris 3.5BT is on it's way.

Thanks gentlemen.