I've been using a 5.1 Altec Lansing speaker system since 2001, but the sound quality has never been the best and since I'm plugging it into a laptop, it's been effectively used as a 2.1 system since 2009.

Anyways, I'm looking to spend up to around $200 on new speakers that will be used primarily for music/video games and would prefer for them to be 2.1.

Looking around, it seems that the huge issue in that price range is durability. Klipsch's Promedia 2.1 apparently was bought out by Vox in 2011, which now means that they're peddling lower quality, Swan M10s are hard to find and repair, I'm not sold on the Harman Kardon Soundsticks III (too much style, not enough substance), and I'm hesitant about the Logitech Z623s, due to complaints about them failing to turn on after a few months.

So, does anyone have any personal experience or recommendations in acquiring a 2.1 speaker system less than $200?

 

The only item, or perhaps brand, I can recommend because I tried it is Philips.

I've had the Philips DC912 for a few years and it is very reliable. Sound quality is excellent and it is a 2.1 system.

Maybe if you can find one of those new instead of for the 150 used Amazon has listed. I paid 75 dollars for mine in 2009/2010.

 

Frankenspiel FS1, Audio Engine A2 or similar.

 

I have a set of the Logitech X-540 that I've used for 4 years now and love. I'm not sure they're still made though since they're out of stock everywhere. The Logitech Z506 appears to be the successor and is $100. That being said I have not used the z506 so I can't speak to them.

 

A fancier option you could try would be to find on ebay a set of hi-fi speakers that are really good quality for value ie Pioneer SP-BS22 for around US$130, get a T-Amp from ebay for around US$15-20, some speaker cable and a RCA-to-3mm jack cable from any electronics store and get much more awesome sound for pretty much the same price.