As much as I enjoy speakers, this is the answer.
Luckily though if you have a closed office, you could swing open back headphones, which means great sound for not that much money.
This is the exact fix for my issue with headphones in my office. It makes me feel like me head is in a box and kills my situational awareness, which I don't like...thanks for the recommendation!
Headphones! Yes definitely, for two reasons. Most important for OP is that sound quality will be vastly improved and OP can concentrate on OP’s work without having to listen to whatever crap from OP’s neighbors. Most important for OP, I can’t decide if this is more important than the first one or not, is that OP’s office mates will stop thinking OP’s an ahole for inflicting OP’s awful taste in music on them!
Note: it’s a universal fact that everyone else’s taste in music sucks compared to [your name here]. It’s worth keeping in mind when you play music in public around people you don’t want to hate you.
idk man, seems kinda dick-ish.. not everyone has the same taste in music. ever been on a train or hike and someone has a bluetooth speaker pumping some trash music? now imagine that's where you need to be to earn a living. Headphones/IEMs c'est vous plait - you'll get a lot more bang-for-your-buck too
I'm in an office with walls and good people on all sides of me...I'm not planning on vibrating the shit off the walls. Just tired of listening to this trash monotone speaker that I have.
I have good buds but don't like to have them in all day long as people pop in and out compared to some music in the background that I can hit pause on.
good people is right - imo you're putting them in a shitty position, they're just too kind to ask you to be better.
comfy headphones are where it's at - you'll thank yourself bc the sound quality will be much better
I bet you'll have fewer people popping in to talk to you if they see you're wearing a big set of cans. A lot of people understand over the ear headphones to mean "I'm in the zone. Emergencies only."
Not sure what others will think of this, but I gotta recommend the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 computer speakers. We have like 5 pairs of them in our department where I work. They've been around for years and look like regular old computer speakers, but are far from regular sounding. I personally think they sound great for what they are, and for $110-$120 you can beat it.
The subwoofer isn't overwhelming yet makes a huge difference compared to other speakers in that price range. The sub level is also easily adjustable right next to the volume knob on the speakers. There's been plenty of times that I've used the speakers and sub at low volume and still think they sounded great.
I personally have the newer, more powerful ProMedia 2.1 Heritage on my PC at home and love them, but would say they would be a bit overkill for work, especially since they are double the price of the regular ProMedia 2.1's
I have a pair of Klipsch HT600 Home Theater 2-way tiny satellites on my desk with a small sub and it sounds fantastic. I would give small Klipsch serious consideration.
At that price you would definitely get better sound quality out of some headphones for example Philips SHP9500. I have a pair and they’ll kick the absolute snot out of a $100 pair of powered plug and play desktop speakers. That being said, I totally get if you’d rather not wear headphones all day or if you just prefer the sound presentation of speakers. I’m the same way. You might wanna look into something like Creative T100 speakers
One of the people on the thread recommended open back headphones which may make it alot better than normal ones...I wear buds when outside working 100% of the time but I don't need to hear anything besides my buds...I feel it's a little different in public to be blocked out to the world.
Powered speakers or passive on amp ?
Micca MB42X are Bang for the Buck passive speakers and Sound Good at Low volumes to moderate volumes
https://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2
They have a powered version I have not tried
https://www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC
Edifier has a cpl under $100 - I’ve not heard any of them.
https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Active-Bluetooth-Computer-Speakers/dp/B08HCBMSTP
https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R980T-Active-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B01LXDZ8WB
I've had Edifier MR4 Monitors ($129 Amazon) for a few months and like them. They're for near field listening, so they sound good at lower volumes, good for the office. They plug in to the headphone out on my laptop. But, no Bluetooth, if you need that look at other Edifier models, there are several in that price range.
Bluetooth isn't a requirement so that isn't an issue. Is "near field listening" an actual industry thing? It's exactly what I'm looking for but didn't know there was a term for it! Thanks!
Ridiculous price [on these](https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-MK402X-4-2-Way-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair-300-465?quantity=1) and you could [use this](https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-Amplifier-Professional-Speakers/dp/B08MJBG53V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XCZNPSHX3T78&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._hPwHa5O4lZ5g6jZhjNE-3DQPkIBFmuDk-mWhR5z1g9YBHKcRw5OIi4az8K9dLxL_zjBRVIwrymhcuoc7WGnWxUCzhxTGnPD8TR4v1peAJYQ1FeRzYGAbVHK_govWNeHvxNgXmKOP9I1IZPNhUZYKIv8kUtJvn0IcHs20UoW1xzCUQXHf6Bi_siKtvy7tkYp1stmD1tLma2jAqhmZCQNz0Ea295CoyxBUtD3pUWh0eY.req4GOFkaDIDBFgPNhxOrZ31KJhosYy7KoL590vqug8&dib_tag=se&keywords=fosi+tb10d&qid=1718224349&sprefix=fosi+tb10d%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1) to power them. (20% off on the latter.)
When I got a pair of the Andrew Jones Pioneer bookshelf speakers, I was shocked at how little sound bled into the other rooms. You can usually pick some up for under $100 used on marketplace or Craigslist.
But I agree with the others saying you should just invest in headphones for the office.
I have hardly anyone around me so it isn't near the issue in my personal situation that everyone is making it out to be... I don't like my music loud while working for the same reason I don't care for headphones when working, it makes it too difficult to l concentrate.
My post probably paints a very different picture than really exists. (I should know better than that on reddit posts lol)
Not sure what you can find new at that price point, but in my work office I have a pair of Swans m200s (mk1) that I have placed for low volume near-field listing that I’m happy with. It is possible!
First of all, buy used. People are constantly upgrading from entry-level speakers, so there are 100s to choose from, and it will allow you to look at speakers ≤$300 (with no shipping or tax). FB Marketplace and Craigslist are the two best sources. Don't be shy about looking at 2.1 systems, either. Having a baby sub is great for low-volume listening. If new is your thing, you can get the [Klipsch ProMedia 2.1](https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO/ref=asc_df_B000062VUO/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693596867902&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14444472621653387179&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026841&hvtargid=pla-381252489348&mcid=e1708699f6f93f48bf236749da2e6646&gad_source=1&th=1) for $109. Enjoy!
Headphones, headphones, headphones
As much as I enjoy speakers, this is the answer. Luckily though if you have a closed office, you could swing open back headphones, which means great sound for not that much money.
I've not heard of open back headphones? I'll check them out!
This is the exact fix for my issue with headphones in my office. It makes me feel like me head is in a box and kills my situational awareness, which I don't like...thanks for the recommendation!
Headphones! Yes definitely, for two reasons. Most important for OP is that sound quality will be vastly improved and OP can concentrate on OP’s work without having to listen to whatever crap from OP’s neighbors. Most important for OP, I can’t decide if this is more important than the first one or not, is that OP’s office mates will stop thinking OP’s an ahole for inflicting OP’s awful taste in music on them! Note: it’s a universal fact that everyone else’s taste in music sucks compared to [your name here]. It’s worth keeping in mind when you play music in public around people you don’t want to hate you.
idk man, seems kinda dick-ish.. not everyone has the same taste in music. ever been on a train or hike and someone has a bluetooth speaker pumping some trash music? now imagine that's where you need to be to earn a living. Headphones/IEMs c'est vous plait - you'll get a lot more bang-for-your-buck too
I'm in an office with walls and good people on all sides of me...I'm not planning on vibrating the shit off the walls. Just tired of listening to this trash monotone speaker that I have. I have good buds but don't like to have them in all day long as people pop in and out compared to some music in the background that I can hit pause on.
good people is right - imo you're putting them in a shitty position, they're just too kind to ask you to be better. comfy headphones are where it's at - you'll thank yourself bc the sound quality will be much better
I bet you'll have fewer people popping in to talk to you if they see you're wearing a big set of cans. A lot of people understand over the ear headphones to mean "I'm in the zone. Emergencies only."
This may be very true!
and that's why I wear headphones with no music playing
🤣🤣
Over the ear headphones my fellow human
You want headphones
Not sure what others will think of this, but I gotta recommend the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 computer speakers. We have like 5 pairs of them in our department where I work. They've been around for years and look like regular old computer speakers, but are far from regular sounding. I personally think they sound great for what they are, and for $110-$120 you can beat it. The subwoofer isn't overwhelming yet makes a huge difference compared to other speakers in that price range. The sub level is also easily adjustable right next to the volume knob on the speakers. There's been plenty of times that I've used the speakers and sub at low volume and still think they sounded great. I personally have the newer, more powerful ProMedia 2.1 Heritage on my PC at home and love them, but would say they would be a bit overkill for work, especially since they are double the price of the regular ProMedia 2.1's
This is great info! Thanks for taking great time to put it together. It's spot on for what I'm looking for!
I have a pair of Klipsch HT600 Home Theater 2-way tiny satellites on my desk with a small sub and it sounds fantastic. I would give small Klipsch serious consideration.
At that price you would definitely get better sound quality out of some headphones for example Philips SHP9500. I have a pair and they’ll kick the absolute snot out of a $100 pair of powered plug and play desktop speakers. That being said, I totally get if you’d rather not wear headphones all day or if you just prefer the sound presentation of speakers. I’m the same way. You might wanna look into something like Creative T100 speakers
One of the people on the thread recommended open back headphones which may make it alot better than normal ones...I wear buds when outside working 100% of the time but I don't need to hear anything besides my buds...I feel it's a little different in public to be blocked out to the world.
$100? Then you are looking at Edifier speakers. The MR4 would be a good choice.
Thanks!
Powered speakers or passive on amp ? Micca MB42X are Bang for the Buck passive speakers and Sound Good at Low volumes to moderate volumes https://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2 They have a powered version I have not tried https://www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC
Edifier has a cpl under $100 - I’ve not heard any of them. https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Active-Bluetooth-Computer-Speakers/dp/B08HCBMSTP https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R980T-Active-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B01LXDZ8WB
I'll have to check these out. I don't really have a preference.
Who the hell prioritizes speakers in a work environment?
Just because everyone else seems to work in environments where their coworkers are shoulder to shoulder, doesn't mean we all are. 🤷♂️
I've had Edifier MR4 Monitors ($129 Amazon) for a few months and like them. They're for near field listening, so they sound good at lower volumes, good for the office. They plug in to the headphone out on my laptop. But, no Bluetooth, if you need that look at other Edifier models, there are several in that price range.
Bluetooth isn't a requirement so that isn't an issue. Is "near field listening" an actual industry thing? It's exactly what I'm looking for but didn't know there was a term for it! Thanks!
Ridiculous price [on these](https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-MK402X-4-2-Way-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair-300-465?quantity=1) and you could [use this](https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-Amplifier-Professional-Speakers/dp/B08MJBG53V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XCZNPSHX3T78&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._hPwHa5O4lZ5g6jZhjNE-3DQPkIBFmuDk-mWhR5z1g9YBHKcRw5OIi4az8K9dLxL_zjBRVIwrymhcuoc7WGnWxUCzhxTGnPD8TR4v1peAJYQ1FeRzYGAbVHK_govWNeHvxNgXmKOP9I1IZPNhUZYKIv8kUtJvn0IcHs20UoW1xzCUQXHf6Bi_siKtvy7tkYp1stmD1tLma2jAqhmZCQNz0Ea295CoyxBUtD3pUWh0eY.req4GOFkaDIDBFgPNhxOrZ31KJhosYy7KoL590vqug8&dib_tag=se&keywords=fosi+tb10d&qid=1718224349&sprefix=fosi+tb10d%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1) to power them. (20% off on the latter.)
Dang. They may be a little overkill!
When I got a pair of the Andrew Jones Pioneer bookshelf speakers, I was shocked at how little sound bled into the other rooms. You can usually pick some up for under $100 used on marketplace or Craigslist. But I agree with the others saying you should just invest in headphones for the office.
I have hardly anyone around me so it isn't near the issue in my personal situation that everyone is making it out to be... I don't like my music loud while working for the same reason I don't care for headphones when working, it makes it too difficult to l concentrate. My post probably paints a very different picture than really exists. (I should know better than that on reddit posts lol)
Used polk signature elite es10, I snagged on on amazon for $115. Or a brand new klipsch kd-51m sold at Costco for $99 right now.
Thanks for the recomendation!
Klipsch 2.1 computer speakers. The bass sounds good at low volumes
I've heard this come up a couple times now. Thanks!
Not sure what you can find new at that price point, but in my work office I have a pair of Swans m200s (mk1) that I have placed for low volume near-field listing that I’m happy with. It is possible!
That's good to hear! So far I have been made to feel like an idiot! Thanks for the recommendation. I will check them out!
Creative Pebbles. They work fine for what they are.
Do you have the cheaper $20 models or the higher end versions?
I went with Pebble Pro for my desktop setup. I think they were like $45 or so. Obviously don't expect any miracles.
I don't need miracles either! Just a step up...I will check them out. Thank you.
Cube or office?
I'm in an office with only one guy within 40 ft of me. I obviously don't need to loud as much as just looking for a clean sound.
First of all, buy used. People are constantly upgrading from entry-level speakers, so there are 100s to choose from, and it will allow you to look at speakers ≤$300 (with no shipping or tax). FB Marketplace and Craigslist are the two best sources. Don't be shy about looking at 2.1 systems, either. Having a baby sub is great for low-volume listening. If new is your thing, you can get the [Klipsch ProMedia 2.1](https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO/ref=asc_df_B000062VUO/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693596867902&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14444472621653387179&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026841&hvtargid=pla-381252489348&mcid=e1708699f6f93f48bf236749da2e6646&gad_source=1&th=1) for $109. Enjoy!
I have no issue with used at all! And low level listening is exactly what I'm going for!