Which PC Speakers Should I Choose for My Computer?
2.0 PC Speakers (stereo)
Classic pair of stereo desktop speakers. Perfect for users who aren't looking for flawless sound or have limited desk space on their desk. You can power the selected computer speakers directly via USB, so they are easily portable and ideal for boosting the sound from laptops.
2.1 PC Speakers (Stereo with a Subwoofer)
Compact satellite PC speakers complemented by punchy bass from an active subwoofer. The downside, especially with cheap models, can be a "choppy" stereo image and an unbalanced frequency response with a bump in higher bass notes.
5.1 PC Speakers (Multi-Channel with Subwoofer)
The ideal desktop speakers for gaming and watching films. If your multi-channel speaker system includes Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound decoders, you can connect digitally with a single cable. For full 5.1-channel sound with an analogue connection, you will need at least 3×3.5mm jacks (1x L/R front speaker, 1x L/R effects speaker, 1x centre/subwoofer) and the corresponding output on your computer sound card.
Studio Monitors
Studio monitors are a popular option for discerning listeners who seek top-quality sound reproduction when using their computer. Unlike HiFi computer speakers, the monitors' compact size allows you to place them directly on your desk in the ideal position for active or passive listening.
You can filter speakers for laptops with a USB power supply using the parameter Portable.
PC Speakers—Power
Watts refers to the power of the built-in amplifier, not the computer speaker's acoustic power (max. volume), which is measured in decibels (dB). Each manufacturer specifies the power of the amplifier under different conditions, and 20W RMS is often more than 200W PMPO. Instead of simply comparing parameters, it is a good idea to look at the dimensions of the speaker cabinet and check the size of the driver diaphragms. The following should therefore be taken as a general guide.
- Up to 10W - speakers for laptops that won't wreck your home but can significantly enhance the volume and quality of your laptop's built-in sound system.
- 10-40W - Basic desktop speakers that should satisfy most non-demanding users.
- More than 40W - the ideal computer speakers for movie fans and gamers. Sets with larger subwoofers can give your diaphragm a proper workout.
PC Speaker—Connectivity
- 3.5mm jack input(stereo/multichannel) - classic analogue input for connecting to a computer sound card and other sources. Some PCspeakers may have a second input for connecting a mobile phone or MP3 player. If you want to use an analogue 5.1 channel setup, you will need 3×3.5mm jacks.
- Headphones output (3.5mm jack) - you can plug headphones directly into the speaker body without having to find the headphones output on the chassis of your computer/laptop.
- Digital Optical/Coaxial Input - makes it easy to connect multi-channel speaker setups. A single digital cable connection is all you need for full surround effects (computer speakers have their own sound card/DAC).
- Bluetooth (+NFC) - for wireless music playback from phones, tablets and laptops. The disadvantage is reduced sound quality and a range limited to 10m. NFC makes pairing easy—just get within a few centimetres of the speaker or its NFC tag—and your devices automatically connect (your phone or tablet must also support NFC).
- 2x RCA (cinch) – performs the same function as the 3.5mm input jack and you can convert it to a 3.5mm jack using a suitable cable.
- USB - handy powering compact computer speakers that are connected to a laptop. Selected models can also transmit audio via USB (contains a sound card/DAC).
- SD card slots (Secure Digital) - for independent MP3 playback from memory cards.
- XLR - use the highest quality studio monitors and top-of-the-range sound cards. XLR can be converted to TRS (6.3mm mono jack) and RCA (cinch) using a suitable cable.
- Remote control - helps you set up and control all functions, especially handy for 5.1 channel PC speaker setups. The remote can be wireless or wired (connects to the subwoofer's body). Cable-connected re4motes sometimes include a headphones output and a 3.5mm line AUX input.
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