Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1-Channel Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer (Refurbished) $100 + Free Shipping

PC mag review:

Audio Performance

There's nothing really new here to discuss—I'm pretty certain we are looking at the same drivers (four in each satellite) and same subwoofer that we saw in the previous model. If you are unfamiliar, however, the SoundSticks series offers more than just looks. Like most quality 2.1 speaker systems, the sub comes equipped with a volume knob to boost or dial back the bass response, and like most subs, it performs most naturally with the volume set just at, or a little below, the halfway point. While the placement of the knob annoys me, the argument can easily be made that this is a setting you adjust once or twice and then probably never again, so it's a tolerable annoyance. At this setting, not even the Knife's "Silent Shout" (a bass-heavy song that often humbles modest subwoofers) distorts at maximum volume. Boost the sub to max, and yes, distortion artifacts appear, but this is not really the way music should be listened to—the low end, when at maximum volume, is far too intense to offer a balanced mix. Perhaps some listeners will like a heavier subwoofer setting for movies, but whether you're listening to classical, acoustic, rock, rap, or jazz, the SoundSticks III, with the sub set at reasonable levels, offers a splendidly crisp audio experience with generous, well-defined low-end.

Thanks to its stellar audio performance, the SoundSticks III retains the Editors' Choice for sub-$200 PC speakers we once bestowed upon the SoundSticks II. The good looks are simply an added bonus. If you seek audio performance and style on a grander scale—at least monetarily— check out B&W's MM-1 computer speakers ($499.95, 4 stars). That system lacks a sub, but still packs plenty of low-end power. If looks are less of a priority and sound is your primary focus, the far-more-expensive Focal XS ($599, 4 stars) is one of the best 2.1 PC speaker systems available. In the realm of the affordable, however, it's hard to go wrong with Harman Kardon's classic.

Have a pair of soundstick 2s are pretty baller.

Quote from ctbear : Totally different class. Just look at the RMS power output (ie. i4 engine vs. v6). Which brings me to question why anyone would buy these if not for their aesthetics. For a similar price as this sale price (cheaper if comparing MSRP), one can pick up a substantially better performing 2.1 system in both power and audio quality: Klisch Promedia 2.1, Logitech z623 (z2300), Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra. IMHO, these Harman Kardon's are not worth the price....but that's coming from a guy who picked up a brand new z2300 for $50 from an Amazon sale years ago The shear power and audio quality literally blows you away (be careful of nearby windows). No need for a surround sound speaker system for my home theater with these monsters. But that's just my 2 cents.

I agree what you said, andI think there's more to the RMS. Before I say anything, I just want to point out that I own a set of lovely logitech z5500 for 8 years and they still working great.
Forgot where I read this, but normal folks dont need high RMS sub to be satisfied, that's why they make only 20W on SoundSticks3. The other logitech set z540 I owned also has 20W sub, and frankly it's enouogh. (of course they don't tremble the floor like z5500)
I can't comment on the Altec Lansin and Klisch sets because I never own them, but logitech is known for having too much bass and lack of mid and high range, which are essential for listenning music. The old Creative Megaworks (or gigaworks) are better in mid and high than logitech z5500. Maybe this HK Soundsticks has very good mids and highs just like the Creative? And dont forget SoundSticks has 4 transducers (speakers) on each satellite... and they look to be better quality than logitech's papercone..
Just some thoughts on why this set is popular.

Thanks!! I have been watching these in my amazon cart for months. Will work in my home office and the design fits well with the decor in there lol.

I've had the previous generation of these and can confirm that they are very good for the price, especially for those that like a good boom in their music/movies. I wouldn't say that the sound quality is amazing, but it's probably as good as you'll find for a 2.1 system in this price range.

can't resist. in for one.

I have the SoundSticks II like others have mentioned. Never had any problems, they sound GREAT. Very good sound response for what they are.

My brother has these and they sound awesome.

These are pretty nice computer speakers. Got the newer version with bluetooth for $92 new because I have reletive works for Harman kardon. Bought these for my friends a few years back and his still running fine.

Are these modable? Like put sound activated led's inside or something like that.

So it in MoMA (probably was the first version though). Definately a good deal, but I must resist

http://www.moma.org/collection/br...rt_order=1

love my soundsticks

I ordered them, even though the speakers I have probably sound just as good?
These [amazon.com]

I have the version II ones for about 4 years now for my computer. Awesome speakers.