Budget acoustics for computer. The best computer acoustics. Detailed explanation of some acoustic characteristics

Choosing speakers for your computer is easy, but if you don’t want to constantly hear sounds from the bucket, then you need to approach this issue wisely.

For an office computer (documents, Internet), any of the cheapest speakers will be enough, as they say (to accompany the work process). But I still recommend limiting yourself to the SVEN and Genius brands, since even their inexpensive models have acceptable quality.
Computer speakers Genius SP-U120

For a multimedia computer (movies, simple games), it is better to take speakers in a wooden case from the SVEN brand with a total power of 10-20 W. The sound quality will be significantly higher.
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-619

For a large space or if you like powerful sound, it is better to take more powerful speakers (40-60 W).
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-611S

If you love music (especially classical or rock), then Edifier or Microlab speakers with a total power of 40-60 W will provide you with more realistic sound in the mid-high range and soft transparent bass.
Computer speakers Edifier R1100

For games, you can take the SVEN 2.1 speaker system (with a subwoofer) with a total power of 40-60 W, which will provide powerful driving bass.
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-820

Well, for a home theater, a multi-channel 5.1 system made by Creative, Microlab, Logitech or Sven would be an excellent choice.
Computer speakers Logitech Z506

As for laptops, there are several options available. If you plan to use speakers where there is an outlet, then take inexpensive 5-10 W computer speakers in a plastic case made by SVEN or Genius. If you want to use speakers outdoors or in other places where there is no outlet, then you need mobile speakers powered by USB with a total power of 4-6 W. Recommended manufacturers SVEN, Genius and Defender.
Computer speakers SVEN 120

2. Purpose of columns

Office - inexpensive stereo speakers (2.0), with low volume and sound quality. Suitable primarily for reproducing operating system sounds that help in everyday work. Sometimes they can be used to watch videos on the Internet or create a light background music.

Home - stereo speakers (2.0, 2.1) of average volume and quite acceptable sound quality. They are universal and suitable for music, movies and games.

Gaming – multi-channel audio system (5.1) to create surround sound that helps avid fans navigate games.

Home theater – multi-channel audio system (5.1, 7.1) for watching movies with multi-channel sound. It can have several inputs, so you can simultaneously connect a computer and a video player to one audio system.

Portable – small, portable stereo or mono speakers for laptops and other mobile devices. They usually have low power and can be powered from a laptop’s USB connector or built-in battery.

3. Speaker manufacturers

High-quality speaker systems for high-tech computers are produced by Creative and Logitech. But they are also the most expensive.

I would especially like to note the speakers from Sven, which have an excellent price/quality ratio across the entire price range.

The inexpensive Defender brand is also popular now, but the choice of speakers from this manufacturer needs to be approached more carefully, since their range includes both successful and not so successful models.

If you need inexpensive speakers for your office computer, pay attention to the brands: Genius and Sven.

High-quality portable speakers are produced by: BBK, Creative, HP, Jabra, JBL, Microlab, Logitech, Philips.

Cheaper brands in the portable speakers segment include: A4Tech, Defender, Genius, Sven.

4. Warranty

Speakers from the best brands, as a rule, are of good quality, rarely fail, and are guaranteed for 1-2 years, depending on how expensive the model is. Speakers from cheaper brands are not of such good quality and are more likely to fail within the first year of use. Therefore, it is advisable that they have a warranty of at least a year. For the cheapest office speakers, sellers can only give a 3-6 month warranty.

5. Number of channels

The number of channels is determined by the number of speakers in the speaker system. Office speakers usually have 2 channels and correspond to the type of 2.0 speaker system.

Home speakers can have 2 channels or 2 channels and a subwoofer, which corresponds to the type of 2.1 speaker system. A subwoofer is a special speaker with a large diameter speaker to reproduce low frequencies, which gives more powerful and deeper bass.

The simplest speaker system for games and home theater has 5 channels and a subwoofer, which corresponds to the type of 5.1 speaker system.

Please note that the computer must support the required number of channels and have the appropriate number of audio connectors to connect the speaker system. If the motherboard has only 3 3.5 mm jacks, then only a 2.0 or 2.1 speaker system can be connected to it. If there are 5, 6 sockets - a speaker system from 2.0 to 7.1.

The motherboard can also have a digital optical output, with which you can connect a good audio system that has a similar input, which is convenient and will provide high sound quality. If your motherboard does not have enough audio connectors and digital audio output, but you still want to connect a 5.1 or 7.1 multi-channel system, you will have to purchase a separate sound card.

Portable audio systems can have 2 or 1 speaker.

6. Power supply

Office and home speakers designed for desktop computers are connected to a 220 V outlet and consume little electricity. Multichannel audio systems may consume more power, depending on the total power output.

Portable speakers that are powered from the USB port of a laptop can be taken with you to nature where there is no outlet. And speakers with their own battery can be connected to a smartphone or MP3 player.

You can also use ordinary small but more powerful speakers that plug into a 220 V outlet as portable ones. This can be useful, for example, for conducting audio presentations from your laptop in classrooms.

7. Speaker power

The speaker system must have sufficient power to provide high-quality sound at medium and high volumes. The power of the speaker system can be indicated in total for the entire system (for example, 20 W) or separately for each speaker (for example, 2x10 W).

Office speakers have a power of 2-6 W per speaker. 2 W power is only enough for operating system sounds. In order for the speakers to be used for music and movies, it is advisable to buy speakers of at least 4 W. 6 W speakers can be used for presentations in a small office or listening to music in a noisy company.

Home speakers should be 10-30 watts per speaker. It all depends on preference. If you don’t like playing music loudly, then 10-15 W per speaker would be optimal. If you like loud sound - 20-30 W. High power is only needed if you want to annoy your neighbors.

In principle, gaming or home theater speakers are subject to the same power requirements as for home speakers. For a multi-channel audio system (5.1, 7.1), the total power is usually taken into account. The total power of modern 5.1 format speaker systems has a fairly large range of 50-500 W. Here again it all depends on personal preferences and financial capabilities. For undemanding users, a 5.1 system with a power of 75 W is enough. If you like loud sound, then take a speaker system with a power of about 150 W. Acoustics with a power of about 250 W will cost significantly more and will be suitable for a large private home. And a 500 W system can kill an elephant...

Portable speakers have a power of 0.5-4 W per speaker. The power of 0.5-1 W per speaker is too little, since they will not sound louder than the built-in speakers of the laptop. If the power comes from USB, I recommend purchasing portable speakers with a power of 2-3 W, if from a wall outlet - 4-6 W per speaker.

8. Number of stripes

The number of bars corresponds to the number of speakers in the column. If there is one speaker, the system is single-way, if there are two – two-way, three – three-way.

Adding additional speakers is done to divide the frequency range between them. Each speaker reproduces its own frequency range, which makes the sound more detailed and high-quality. First of all, high frequencies are separated, for the reproduction of which a small speaker is installed. In a three-way system, mid frequencies are also separated from low frequencies. It is advisable that the speakers have at least two speakers.

A bass reflex is a special tube in the speaker body that is used to enhance the bass. It can be located at the back or front.

If you like powerful bass, then it is advisable that the speakers have a bass reflex.

Most speakers have decorative panels with a stretched fabric or grille that protects the speakers. But some speaker models do not have such panels.

It is advisable to have panels, as the speakers can easily be dented by a careless touch.

11. Controls

One of the speakers or subwoofer may have a power button, volume controls, high and low frequencies. They can be on the front, side or back panel.

It is more convenient when the controls are located in front, but in principle there is no need to constantly use them, since the volume can be adjusted on the computer, on the keyboard, using the video player’s control panel or the speakers themselves, which is present in most models in the middle and higher price ranges. In addition, these regulators wear out over time, so it is not advisable to use them intensively.

Using wireless remote controls, you can usually adjust more parameters, for example, switching inputs from a computer to a TV and vice versa. And some wired remote controls can connect headphones.

12. Connectors

The 2.0 speaker system has 1 3.5 mm mini-jack for connecting to a computer, the 2.1 system has 2 such plugs, and the 5.1 system. – 3.

To connect to a video player, a multichannel system may have RCA (tulip) connectors.

The system can also have coaxial and optical connectors, with which you can connect both a computer and a video player that have similar connectors.

All speakers also have connectors and corresponding cables for connecting to an amplifier, which is built into either one of the speakers (in a 2.0 system) or a subwoofer (in 2.1, 5.1 systems). Instead of tulips for all or some connections, speakers may have spring or screw connectors into which the wires are inserted directly.

This type of connection has a number of advantages:

• better contact compared to tulips, which can break
• wire without a plug is easier to pull through various openings and openings
• the wire can be easily replaced with any other desired length

Modern multi-channel systems allow you to connect several devices to them at once. Think in advance about how and to which devices you will connect the audio system and what connectors you will need for this. For example, a video player can be connected with a digital optical cable, a computer with minijacks, and a TV with tulips or in any other order. On manufacturers' websites you can often find instructions with recommended connection diagrams for various devices. You can also consult with the seller or on the relevant forum.

In addition to the indicated connectors, the speakers may have a headphone jack, which is very convenient, and an audio input to which you can connect, for example, a smartphone or MP3 player to play music without a computer.

13. Wire length

The length of the wires, unfortunately, is usually not indicated in the speaker specifications. If the speakers will be located far from the system unit or you plan to spread them around the room, then try looking for this information on the manufacturer’s website, ask the seller or those who have already purchased the same model. Also in this case, it is better if the speakers are connected with wires without connectors or with very popular connectors (minijack or tulip), which can be easily purchased separately of the required length.

14. Amplitude-frequency characteristics

The parameters of the speakers may indicate such characteristics as the range of reproduced frequencies, signal-to-noise ratio and some others. The human ear is capable of detecting frequencies in the range of 20Hz-20kHz. If the lower value is higher (40-50 Hz), then the bass is lost. If the upper value is lower (15-18 kHz), then high frequencies are lost. If, on the contrary, a wider range is indicated, for example 15-25000, then this is just a publicity stunt, since you will not hear these frequencies anyway. However, the parameters indicated by manufacturers do not always correspond to reality. Therefore, you can find out the actual characteristics and evaluate the sound quality only with the help of tests, the results of which can be found on the Internet based on the speaker model. The same applies to other parameters, which I do not recommend focusing on.

15. Audio coding system

Some speaker systems support certified audio encoding systems such as Dolby, DTS, THX. If you have a home theater to which you want to connect new acoustics, then take an interest in this topic on the relevant forums.

16. Additional functionality

Some speaker systems can operate autonomously as media centers. They may have a USB connector, a card reader, to which you can connect flash drives, memory cards and play music from them directly without using a computer. Some models have a radio, alarm clock, and information display, which makes them much more functional.

Some speakers and portable speakers may have Bluetooth, which allows you to play music from your smartphone wirelessly, which is sometimes convenient.

17. Speaker size

Pay careful attention to the size of the speakers. It is almost impossible to determine the actual size from a photograph and often this discrepancy is huge. Check the dimensions in the specifications on the seller's or manufacturer's website. Take a ruler, imagine these dimensions and determine where and how the speakers will be placed so that there are no surprises later.

For example, my speakers are only about 100x160x150mm, so they fit easily behind the monitor and don't take up extra space.

On the other hand, the larger the size, the better the sound.

18. Housing material

Cheap speakers usually have a plastic body. Such speakers sound worse and can rattle even at medium volume.

Expensive speakers may have a wooden body.

A compromise option is speakers in MDF housings, which sound good, look solid, do not rattle, and at the same time have a low cost.

Some high-tech speaker systems may include small speakers (satellites) in a metal housing. It looks stylish and compact, but has its price.

Speakers made of MDF are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. However, there are quite decent speaker systems made of high-quality plastic, but they are more expensive.

19. Column color

The most versatile speakers are black or black-silver, as they go well with other computer devices, modern household appliances and interiors.

As for MDF speakers, in addition to black and silver, they can have a color and texture that imitates various types of wood (oak, beech, ash, etc.). At first glance this may seem interesting. But the fact is that it is difficult to choose a color that will match your table or furniture, since the colors in the picture are greatly distorted and often speakers from an online store may arrive in a completely different shade.

But the most important thing is that you like the speakers.

Portable speakers can have completely different colors and, in principle, this does not matter much, since they will be used in different, often cheerful, environments. So choose according to your taste.

20. Price

Here I will list prices below which high-quality speakers should not cost.

• Office, portable – $10
• Home 2.0 – $25
• Home 2.1 – $45
• Gaming 5.1 – $75

21. Setting up filters in the online store

1. Go to the “Speakers” or “Acoustics” section on the seller’s website.
2. Select recommended manufacturers.
3. Speaker type: stationary or portable.
4. Number of channels: 2.0, 2.1 or 5.1.
5. Power range.
6. Other parameters and functions that are important to you.
7. View items starting with the cheapest ones.
8. Select several models you like in terms of design and compare them by size, number and type of connectors, and additional functionality.
9. Buy the model with the best functionality.

Thus, you will receive speakers with the best price/quality ratio that meet your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

Computer speakers Edifier R1800TIII
Computer speakers Edifier R1280T
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-702

Almost every music lover has wondered what speakers to choose. Those who are not concerned about this issue choose standard plastic beepers. And those who love high-quality sound find themselves faced with a difficult choice from a huge range of expensive and high-quality speaker systems.

COMPUTER SPEAKERS

Computer speakers differ from ordinary ones in their smaller size, compatibility with a sound card, isolated magnetic field and corresponding connectors.

Perfect Sound

Please note that there is no point in buying expensive multimedia speakers for your computer if you are going to connect them to a regular built-in sound card. This way you won’t get perfect sound purity. If you want sound close to ideal, buy a better speaker system with a HI FI music center. Professional sound reproduction is still not the main function of a computer. Although, the problem can be successfully solved by purchasing an expensive sound card.

Speaker type

Speakers can be active or passive. Passive speakers have a significantly lower price, representing a speaker in a housing. Nowadays passive speakers are an antique rarity. Therefore, we will not even consider them.

To choose the right speakers for you, you need to answer the question, what is the purpose of the purchase?
. Do you need to hear the sound of an ICQ message and are you used to music playing in the background?
. When watching movies, do you want to feel like you are in a movie theater?

In the first case, entry-level computer speakers will suit you. Choose cute, small, inexpensive speakers.

For gaming or watching movies, consider systems consisting of a subwoofer and satellites. A satellite is a small speaker 15-20 cm high that reproduces high and medium frequencies. Convenient sizes allow you to place them, for example, on different edges of the table. A bulkier subwoofer can be placed under the table. A subwoofer is a large column that contains one powerful speaker. The subwoofer produces low-frequency sounds. Satellite systems come in the following types: “2.1” and “5.1”. The first number shows the number of satellites, the second - the presence of a subwoofer. The 2.1 speaker system reproduces stereo sound. The 5.1 system reproduces multi-channel movie tracks and enhanced audio for games.

If you decide to buy speakers without a subwoofer (a two-speaker inexpensive system), you will have to look for a middle ground between size and sound quality: the more compact the size, the worse the sound (small speakers lack low frequencies). When buying speaker systems with a subwoofer, make sure that the center speaker and subwoofer each had one speaker, and the front and rear speakers were sold only in pairs.

Housing material

Plastic speakers are not the best solution. Such speakers may look interesting and be cheap, but their acoustic characteristics tend to be zero. It is better to choose speakers made of fiberboard/chipboard material, their sound quality is better. There should not be any extra holes on the case, and they should also be sealed. The only acceptable hole on the speakers is the bass reflex. It is located on the front panel next to the speaker and serves to reproduce bass (i.e. low frequencies). But in speakers with a volume of less than one liter there is no need for a bass reflex.

Power, sensitivity, frequency

These are important speaker parameters. Power does not affect sound volume at all, but rather the mechanical reliability of the speaker system. Volume, in turn, depends on sensitivity; the optimal value for computer speakers is 85 dB. The speakers must be equipped with an output signal (i.e. volume) regulator; it should be located on the front panel for greater convenience. When purchasing speakers, test the volume, gradually increasing it to determine when the sound begins to distort. This way you can find out if this volume is enough for you to listen to. It is also desirable to have low and high frequency controls.

Useful gadgets

Additional useful gadgets include a headphone output on the front panel, a stand, and a remote control. They are optional, but their presence will be an additional advantage when choosing speakers.

Speakers and sound card

The most important point is that the speakers must match the sound card. Even the most expensive sound card does not provide good sound if the speakers are cheap and of poor quality. And vice versa - incredibly cool speakers will be useless if you have a built-in simple sound card.

SPEAKERS FOR NOTEBOOK

Gone are the days when the computer took up a lot of space on the desk. Now bulky system units are being replaced by lightweight mobile laptops. - a convenient and practical thing in everyday life. But along with the positive qualities and functions, the laptop has its disadvantages. One of them is the sound quality of its built-in speakers.

Tips for choosing

1. Most laptops are equipped with a pair of built-in speakers, their output power is very small. Most often, when watching movies or listening to music, the sound that comes out is not very loud and of poor quality. The speakers may wheeze because they are unable to produce the required power. You can correct the situation by connecting additional sound sources. On the market of modern computer equipment today you can find many speakers designed specifically for laptops. An ordinary pair of speakers has low, sufficient power for good sound. Many speakers have a built-in subwoofer, which can significantly improve sound quality. However, this will only be noticeable if the output sound has a high playback speed and frequency. A standard pair of speakers can be powered from the mains power supply or from the USB input on a computer. The second option is good because it allows you to take the device with you. The mobility of the speakers is also ensured by their small overall dimensions.

2. To obtain high-quality sound at high and medium frequencies, it is better to purchase a 2.1 type system. It includes 2 front speakers and a subwoofer. This type of system also provides good bass through the subwoofer. Installation usually occurs by connecting a subwoofer to a computer; The system is powered through a source of electricity. This deprives it of mobility.

3. If you want high-quality sound or like to watch movies with surround sound, take a look at a 5.1 type system (center speaker, subwoofer, 2 front speakers, 2 rear speakers). The advantage is that you can get a good volume of sound, regardless of the quality of the sound produced. This type of system is connected and controlled via a subwoofer. When choosing, pay attention not only to the manufacturer, but also to the characteristics of the speaker system (consult a consultant in the store).

CAR SPEAKERS

Today, even in the factory configuration, they are quite good, but the sound quality can always be improved.

1. Speaker dimensions:
It is quite obvious that the most important point that should be taken into account when choosing new speakers is the possibility of placing them in the car. You can often find out about this by reading the instructions that come with the car. If you do not find such information there, then the sellers of most stores that sell car radio equipment will offer you a catalog that will help you decide. When choosing, pay attention not only to the width of the speakers, but also to the depth to which they will be installed.

2. Sound quality
This is a subjective indicator. Even if the speakers are capable of producing loud sounds, it won't mean anything if the sound quality isn't the best. Therefore, check the sound quality and all other parameters in the store; in many salons you can try the model you like right on the spot.

3. Frequency response
If you like to listen to rock and rap, make sure that the speakers you like can reproduce all low frequencies - this figure is 20 Hz, but 60-70 Hz will also allow you to enjoy high-quality deep sound. At the same time, in some compositions sounds can reach high frequencies - about 20,000 Hz. That is why, when purchasing, you will need to listen carefully to the subtle frequency limits of each speaker.

4. Output power
The term "performance" refers to how much sound a speaker can produce per watt of power. In the case of car radio speakers, the average and maximum power are indicated. If the car radio in your car has the characteristics of 50W x 4, then this will be the maximum power. Make sure the speakers have high decibel ratings - this is the most important parameter in power output.

ACOUSTICS FOR HOME CINEMA

The choice of acoustics is a complex and responsible issue, because... The speaker system is the most important part of a home theater.

1. The first criterion is power. For passive speakers, the input power is indicated; for active speakers, the power of the built-in amplifier is indicated. An insufficient amount of power will definitely affect the sound volume. The output power of the amplifier should in no case exceed the power of the acoustics itself. Otherwise, it will affect the performance of the speakers. For a room measuring 17 square meters, select acoustics with a power of 80 W. If the speakers are installed in a larger room, then it is advisable to increase the power.

2. Sound volume is determined by the sensitivity of the speaker system at the available power. By choosing a high sensitivity system, you don't have to worry too much about the power of the amplifier. Also vice versa: with a powerful amplifier, do not pay much attention to sensitivity. Please note that an amplifier with high power causes damage to acoustics with very high sensitivity. High sensitivity - 94-102 dB, medium - 89-92 dB, low - 84-88 dB.

3. The range of reproduced frequencies is a characteristic that shows the reliability of the reproduced signal within the specified frequencies. As you know, we hear sounds with a frequency of 20 Hz - 20 kHz. To reproduce sounds more accurately, acoustic systems are designed to reproduce even sounds that are inaudible to the human ear.

4. Acoustic systems are divided into floor-standing, bookshelf, satellite and built-in. Decide which one is more convenient for you. For example, floor systems are quite large and are not suitable for small rooms, while satellite systems are distributed throughout the room, thus creating the effect of presence.

5. There are two classes of home theater speaker systems: Hi-Fi and Hi-End. The second reproduces sound much better, and the first costs less. Decide which class of acoustics suits you best.

6. The material used to make the speaker system plays an important role. The main materials used are wood, aluminum, plastic and glass. When purchasing acoustics, listen to the sound and decide which one you like best.

We wish you a good choice!

As many personal computer users exist in the world, there are so many opinions about choosing the best speakers from the offered range on the world market. The fact is that such a specific product is classified not only by technical characteristics and functionality, but also by sound reproduction quality and price. In fact, on the market called “PC acoustics” there are completely different products that can find an individual buyer.

The focus of this article is computer speakers. A rating of the best (in terms of quality, price and functionality) products, reviews from real owners and expert recommendations will help a potential buyer decide on the choice of decent acoustics from a huge range of products on the market.

Column classification

It’s better to start with the form factor, which not only determines the purpose of the sound system, but can also partially determine the price segment that the user should target. Acoustics are classified according to the number of speakers included:

1. Stereo system. Everything is simple here - just two speakers that have one or more built-in speakers capable of reproducing the entire audible frequency range. This kit is suitable for most undemanding users who simply need to hear sound when working with multimedia.
2. System 2.1. Two stereo speakers are equipped with a subwoofer, which is responsible only for the low frequency range (20-300 Hz). Experts recommend this system to all music lovers who are trying to figure out how to choose speakers for their computer. For high-quality music, such a system will be the best choice.
3. Home cinema. This includes all acoustics that have more than four speakers complete with a subwoofer (5.1, 7.1, 9.1, and so on).

Affordable segment

Naturally, a potential buyer will be interested in the acoustics presented in the budget class. After all, most buyers, judging by their reviews, have no desire to spend money on computer speakers. The rating of the best (in terms of sound quality) products in this segment begins in the price category “from 500 to 1000 rubles”.

If we talk about the cheapest products, then the buyer is better off taking a closer look at inexpensive acoustics from a domestic manufacturer under the Defender brand. For working with multimedia, an undemanding user will certainly like the SPK-225 speakers. The fact is that this particular model is equipped with its own sound card and can work with any computer equipped with a USB port.

But budget-class flagships can easily be classified as more serious acoustics, which can satisfy many music lovers. First of all, we are talking about Defender Aurora - these are the speakers that many buyers prefer. Also in the inexpensive segment, the following products demonstrate excellent quality: F&D R-215, Edifier R18, Logitech S-120 and Sven 247.

Decent stereo systems

When a buyer goes beyond the budget segment and has product quality as a priority, completely different opportunities open up for him. The best speakers for a computer, the rating of which really allows them to become an ideal purchase for any user, are located in the price category “from 1000 rubles”, and, as practice shows, there is no limit to the cost. Here everything directly depends on the capabilities of the buyer.

However, if, along with quality, the buyer is also interested in a decent price, experts recommend taking a closer look at the following brands: Microlab SOLO-7C, Defender Mercury, Gemix Prime2, Sven SPS-707, Edifier R2800 and Logitech Z200. The main feature of such products is not only the wooden body of the structure. The manufacturer has provided its acoustics with high-quality speakers that are capable of demonstrating high-quality sound to others.

Demanded market segment

Before choosing speakers for a computer with a 2.1 subwoofer, the user must decide for himself what he actually wants to get as a result. The fact is that this acoustic system was originally intended by the manufacturer as an instrument for music lovers who understand music and are able to distinguish the playing of musical instruments by ear. There is no mention of any ambient sound. Accordingly, for fans of watching dynamic films and games that use similar effects, the 2.1 system is definitely not suitable.

As for recommendations, everything is not as simple as it seems. It is better to give preference to systems equipped with a powerful subwoofer in a wooden case. Only after deciding on which you can select satellites. And if you switch directly to products, then experts recommend paying attention to the speakers: Sven MS-2000, Edifier S330D, Gemix SB-75, Microlab H-200 and Defender Avante X45 Pro. Yes, the listed products have a high price, but it is these models that occupy leading positions in the ranking of 2.1 systems.

Category "price-quality"

However, not every buyer is ready to pay a tidy sum for expensive acoustics. Many users prefer a middle ground, focusing primarily on the affordable price and owner reviews. This is a completely understandable approach, so the reader should learn how to choose computer speakers with a subwoofer from the inexpensive segment.

The main thing here is to focus on the real power of the subwoofer. A reputable manufacturer will not allow itself to install an ordinary tweeter in a subwoofer. The demanded figure starts from 5 W (ideally, the speaker should produce an rms power of at least 10 W). It’s not worth mentioning that the body should be made of wood - this is the basic indicator for any good subwoofer. But there are no special requirements for satellites - they simply must support from 300 Hz to 20 kHz.

Home theaters

And, if you select decent speakers for your computer, the rating of the best in quality will certainly point the user to 5.1 sets. It is clear that every buyer wants to feel like he is in a virtual concert hall, but he is not always fully aware that the environment is created not by the speakers, but by the playback device (computer, receiver, player).

There is a lot of negativity in the media from real owners of 5.1 systems who complain about the ineffectiveness of the set in terms of playing music or watching an action-packed dynamic movie. The problem is actually not in the speakers at all; the user must worry about the availability of the appropriate ones and also resolve the issue with the correct connection of the acoustics.

Consistent selection method

The user will not find anything new in choosing decent speakers among 5.1 systems. The selection method here is similar to searching for kit 2.1. Only a high-quality subwoofer and its power can help you choose the right speakers for your computer. The rating of acoustics in the budget class is unlikely to be appreciated by buyers, because there are no cheap products in this segment.

Prices for such devices start at 10,000 rubles. Moreover, the range of products in this class leaves much to be desired. And if we go directly to the recommendations of experts, the choice is completely narrowed down to several models: Defender Orchestra M80 and Sven HT-200. The rest of the products either have a high price or are made of plastic, which significantly affects the quality of playback.

There is room to turn around

But in the expensive segment of 5.1 systems, everything is quite the opposite - many well-known manufacturers offer customers a lot of interesting devices that are positioned not only as speakers for a computer. The rating of the best quality devices offers floor-standing systems that can be connected to multimedia centers, TVs, receivers and other electrical equipment.

And speaking directly about the models, experts recommend paying attention to the H-600, Edifier S760D, Edifier DA5100 and Genius SW-HF5.1 6000. These models are considered the best on the domestic market. Yes, the weak link here will certainly be the cost, because not every buyer can afford to pay 20,000 rubles for home acoustics. But the ranking of the best products a priori cannot include cheap devices.

Gaining momentum

In an effort to find the best rated computer speakers, many potential buyers noticed that another rather strange product had appeared on the market. We are talking about the so-called system 1.0. In fact, this is a regular speaker consisting of one or two speakers. The price of such acoustics seems no less strange - the cost starts from a symbolic 2-3 thousand rubles and has no “ceiling”.

JBL has set a new direction in the world of music. It was she who was the first to enter the market with a 1.0 standard computer speaker in an exclusive case. People accepted such products easily, which explains the popularity of speakers on the market, as well as their huge range.

Finally

Even if it seems to a potential buyer that it is very easy to choose speakers for a computer on the market, the rating of the best quality systems will change his opinion. Indeed, among the huge range of products, there are not many truly worthy products that can satisfy the requirements of music lovers. Experts recommend not to rush into making a choice and not to draw hasty conclusions. You need to be very careful when choosing acoustics for yourself, because this is one of the few purchases that last a lifetime.

For many users, choosing active speaker systems for a computer is a very difficult task. And this is not surprising, because there are hundreds of similar speaker models on the market, and information can now be gleaned from numerous sources - from articles in the online and offline press, from manufacturers’ websites on the Internet. True, sometimes there is only a meager description and a list of technical characteristics that are almost identical for all models.

The user has no choice but to choose the acoustics that suit him. We will try to help you with this by explaining what you need to pay attention to first and what to treat with a grain of salt. We will also try to figure out what sound you can hear from speakers of one class or another.

Classification of PC acoustics by purpose

First of all, you need to decide: for what purpose you need acoustics, and what guides you when choosing it. There are two main areas of application for computer speakers:

Criteria for choosing PC speakers

Let's consider the three most common circumstances on the basis of which the choice is made:

As you can see, everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance. If you dive even deeper and begin to analyze the currently available range of products and the capabilities/needs of a particular buyer, then everyone will have their own best purchase. So it is extremely difficult to recommend specific models. However, we can warn the reader against at least basic mistakes when choosing acoustics.

We would like to immediately warn you against making hasty conclusions when comparing acoustics according to the technical characteristics given on the manufacturer’s website or in the product data sheet. It must be borne in mind that the marketing department will never miss an opportunity to “outsmart” the buyer and indicate the most profitable data. Whatever numbers you see, do not delude yourself and treat them with skepticism. For example, on some speakers they write: “power 100 W, distortion 0.01%.” This is all great, but the problem is that power and distortion were measured separately. Power at 10%, and distortion at 1 W. At the same time, such “strange” measurement conditions are probably described somewhere in the corner in small letters, so that during a possible investigation the user would have no grounds for complaints.

We also always advise you to listen to how the speakers you choose sound before purchasing. If possible, immediately compare the sound quality with some alternative solution. Moreover, the smaller the time gap between these hearing tests, the more plausible and correct your conclusions will be. Any memorable sensations from listening to an acoustic system (such as “I listened to it last week at my neighbor’s”) cannot be taken into account. They are not suitable because the perception of sound depends on the psychophysical state of the individual at the moment, plus, a person’s auditory sensations (especially if they are not used to it) are very unclear and are quickly erased from memory.

Now about speaker systems that include several speakers. As you know, among multi-column configurations there are mainly 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 systems. Externally, they differ little: 5.1 acoustics, unlike 4.1, have one more speaker (the so-called “center”). But in fact, the difference is not only this. It all depends on what sound card is installed in your computer.

If you use a four-channel sound card with a 5.1 set of acoustics, then the center and subwoofer will most likely not play. If you use a six-channel card with a 4.1 set of acoustics, then you will never experience full six-channel Dolby Digital and DTS formats, no matter what the acoustics manufacturer writes about its super-duper “virtual center channel” technology. The reason lies in the absence of separate inputs for the center and subwoofer on 4.1 systems (although a four-channel operating mode, as well as a stereo mode, necessarily exists for such cards and can be easily selected in the settings).

Detailed explanation of some acoustic characteristics

Power

By the word power in colloquial speech, many mean “power”, “strength”. Therefore, it is quite natural that buyers associate power with volume: “The more power, the better and louder the speakers will sound.” However, this popular belief is completely wrong! It is not always the case that a speaker with a power of 100 W will play louder or better than one that has a power rating of “only” 50 W. The power value rather speaks not about volume, but about the mechanical reliability of the acoustics. The same 50 or 100 W is not a sound volume at all, published by the column. Dynamic heads themselves have low efficiency and convert only 2-3% of the power of the electrical signal supplied to them into sound vibrations (fortunately, the volume of the sound produced is quite enough to create sound). The value indicated by the manufacturer in the passport of the speaker or the system as a whole only indicates that when a signal of the specified power is supplied, the dynamic head or speaker system will not fail (due to critical heating and interturn short circuit of the wire, “biting” of the coil frame, rupture of the diffuser , damage to flexible suspensions of the system, etc.).

Thus, the power of an acoustic system is a technical parameter, the value of which is not directly related to the loudness of the acoustics, although it is somewhat related to it. The rated power values ​​of the dynamic heads, amplifier path, and speaker system may be different. They are indicated rather for orientation and optimal pairing between components. For example, an amplifier of significantly lower or significantly higher power can damage the speaker in the maximum positions of the volume control on both amplifiers: on the first due to the high level of distortion, on the second due to the abnormal operation of the speaker.

Power can be measured in different ways and under different test conditions. There are generally accepted standards for these measurements. Let's take a closer look at some of them, most often used in the characteristics of products from Western companies:

RMS(Root Mean Squared root mean squared value). Power is measured by applying a 1000 Hz sine wave until a certain level of harmonic distortion is reached. Usually in the product passport it is written like this: 15 W (RMS). This value indicates that the speaker system, when supplied with a 15 W signal, can operate for a long time without mechanical damage to the dynamic heads. For multimedia acoustics, higher power values ​​in W (RMS) compared to Hi-Fi speakers are obtained due to measurements at very high harmonic distortion, often up to 10%. With such distortion, it is almost impossible to listen to the sound due to strong wheezing and overtones in the dynamic head and speaker body.

PMPO(Peak Music Power Output peak music power). In this case, power is measured by applying a short-term sine wave of less than 1 second duration and a frequency below 250 Hz (usually 100 Hz). In this case, the level of nonlinear distortions is not taken into account. For example, the speaker power is 500 W (PMPO). This fact suggests that the speaker system, after playing a short-term low-frequency signal, had no mechanical damage to the dynamic heads. Watt power units (PMPO) are popularly called “Chinese watts” due to the fact that power values ​​using this measurement technique reach thousands of watts! Imagine that active computer speakers consume 10 VA electrical power from the AC mains and produce 1500 W peak musical power (PMPO).

Along with Western ones, there are also Soviet standards for various types of power. They are regulated by GOST 16122-87 and GOST 23262-88, which are still in force today. These standards define concepts such as rated, maximum noise, maximum sinusoidal, maximum long-term, maximum short-term power. Some of them are indicated in the passport for Soviet (and post-Soviet) equipment. Naturally, these standards are not used in world practice, so we will not dwell on them.

We draw conclusions: the most important in practice is the value of power indicated in W (RMS) at harmonic distortion (THD) values ​​of 1% or less. However, comparison of products even by this indicator is very approximate and may have nothing to do with reality, because sound volume is characterized by sound pressure level. That's why, information content of the indicator “speaker system power” zero.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity is one of the parameters indicated by the manufacturer in the characteristics of speaker systems. The value characterizes the intensity of the sound pressure developed by the speaker at a distance of 1 meter when a signal is supplied with a frequency of 1000 Hz and a power of 1 W. Sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB) relative to the hearing threshold (zero sound pressure level is 2*10^-5 Pa). Sometimes the characteristic sensitivity level (SPL, Sound Pressure Level) is used. In this case, for brevity, in the column with units of measurement, dB/W*m or dB/W^1/2*m is indicated. It is important to understand that sensitivity is not a linear proportionality coefficient between sound pressure level, signal power and distance to the source. Many companies indicate the sensitivity characteristics of dynamic drivers measured under non-standard conditions.

Sensitivity is a characteristic that is more important when designing your own speaker systems. If you do not fully understand what this parameter means, then when choosing multimedia acoustics for a PC, you can not pay special attention to the sensitivity (fortunately, it is not often indicated).

Frequency Response

Amplitude-frequency response (frequency response) in the general case is a graph showing the difference in the amplitudes of the output and input signals over the entire range of reproduced frequencies. The frequency response is measured by applying an electrical sinusoidal signal of constant amplitude when its frequency changes. Moreover, at the point on the graph where the frequency is 1000 Hz, it is customary to plot a level of 0 dB on the vertical axis. The ideal option is in which the frequency response is represented by a straight line, but in reality such characteristics simply do not exist in acoustic systems. When considering the graph, you need to pay special attention to the amount of unevenness. The greater the unevenness value, the greater the frequency distortion of the timbre in the sound.

Western manufacturers prefer the term FR(frequency response) range of reproduced frequencies, which is a “squeeze” of information from the frequency response: only the boundary frequencies and unevenness are indicated. Let’s say it is written: 50 Hz – 16 kHz frequency response (±3 dB). This means that this acoustic system has reliable sound in the range of 50 Hz - 16 kHz, but below 50 Hz and above 15 kHz the unevenness increases sharply, the frequency response has a so-called “blockage” (a sharp decline in the characteristics).

What does this mean? A decrease in the level of low frequencies implies a loss of richness and richness of the bass sound. The rise in the low-frequency region causes a sensation of booming and humming of the speaker. In the blockages of high frequencies, the sound will be dull and unclear. High frequencies indicate the presence of irritating, unpleasant hissing and whistling sounds. In multimedia speakers, the magnitude of the frequency response unevenness is usually higher than in so-called Hi-Fi acoustics. All advertising statements from manufacturing companies about the frequency response of speakers such as 20-20000 Hz (theoretical limit of possibility) should be treated with a fair amount of skepticism. At the same time, the unevenness of the frequency response is often not indicated, which can amount to unimaginable values.

Since manufacturers of multimedia acoustics often “forget” to indicate the unevenness of the frequency response of the speaker system, when encountering a speaker characteristic of 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz, you need to keep your eyes open. There is a high probability of buying a thing that does not even provide a more or less uniform response in the frequency band 100 Hz - 10,000 Hz. It is impossible to compare the range of reproduced frequencies with different irregularities at all.

Harmonic Distortion (THD)

The abbreviation THD literally stands for total harmonic distortion (Total Harmonic Distortion), but it means a very specific term - harmonic distortion. An acoustic system is a complex electroacoustic device that has a nonlinear gain characteristic. Therefore, the signal will necessarily have nonlinear distortion at the output after passing through the entire audio path. One of the most obvious and easiest to measure is harmonic distortion.

The THD of speakers largely depends on the power of the signal supplied to them. Therefore, it is stupid to make absentee conclusions or compare speakers only by THD, without resorting to listening to the equipment (although even the most authoritative publications sometimes take this easy path). In addition, for the operating positions of the volume control (usually 30...50%), the THD value is not indicated by manufacturers.

Electrical resistance, impedance

The electrodynamic head has a certain resistance to direct current, depending on the thickness, length and material of the wire in the coil (this resistance is also called resistive or reactive). When a music signal, which is alternating current, is applied, the resistance of the head will change depending on the frequency of the signal.

Impedance(impedans) is the total electrical resistance to alternating current measured at a frequency of 1000 Hz. Typically the impedans of speaker systems is 4, 6 or 8 ohms.

In general, the value of the total electrical resistance (impedans) of an acoustic system will not tell the buyer anything related to the sound quality of a particular product. The manufacturer indicates this parameter only so that the resistance is taken into account when connecting the speaker system to the amplifier. If the speaker impedance value is lower than that of the amplifier, nonlinear distortion will be present in the sound; if higher, the sound will be much quieter than with equal resistance.

Speaker housing, acoustic design

One of the important factors influencing the sound of an acoustic system is the acoustic design. When designing acoustic systems, the manufacturer usually faces the problem of choosing an acoustic design. There are more than a dozen species.

Acoustic design is divided into acoustically unloaded and acoustically loaded. The first implies a design in which the vibration of the diffuser is limited only by the rigidity of the suspension. In the second case, the oscillation of the diffuser is limited, in addition to the rigidity of the suspension, by the elasticity of the air and the acoustic resistance to radiation. Acoustic design is also divided into single and double acting systems. A single-action system is characterized by the excitation of sound traveling to the listener through only one side of the diffuser (the radiation from the other side is neutralized by the acoustic design). The double-acting system involves using both surfaces of the diffuser to produce sound.

Over the past six months, we have tested many speaker systems, some of which are aimed at gamers. For the most part, Creative remains the undisputed leader in this area with its sound solutions. If you're serious about the sound design of your room, speakers from this manufacturer will probably be one of your best choices.

However, there are alternatives, which we will discuss below. In addition, we invite you to vote for the best speaker system, which will allow us to compile a reader rating and objectively choose the leader.

1 Creative A250 2.1: the best budget acoustics

Columns Creative A250 can be purchased at a price from 2100 to 2800 rubles. You are unlikely to be able to find the best 2.1 acoustic solution in this price range. The differences between speakers in this price range are almost indistinguishable, but the Creative A250, despite its compact size, managed to impress us with a slightly clearer and richer sound. In addition, these speakers are ideal for connecting to laptops and ultrabooks.

The total power of 9 watts does not prevent the speakers from producing clear sounds compared to competitors with higher output power. True, when the sound level increases to the maximum, sound frequencies begin to distort. However, this is not critical in this price category. The only negative is the lack of a knob to control bass power, which could complement the volume switch on the right speaker.

2 Klipsch R-15PM: expensive high-end acoustics

Most users cannot imagine that you can spend up to 50,000 rubles or more on a speaker system. But audiophiles who value high sound quality and gamers who are willing to pay a lot of money for a powerful video card won’t be scared off by high prices. Therefore, as a high-quality sound system, we can offer a solution consisting of two Klipsch R-15PM speakers and a Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer.

This set of speakers supports up to five connection options (via Bluetooth, USB type B, 3.5mm mini-jack, digital optical and analog RCA connectors). The speakers provide excellent sound at all frequencies, and the small remote control included allows you to switch between sound sources on the fly - very convenient. True, such a purchase will cost about 100,000 rubles: 50,000 for two speakers and the second half of the amount for a subwoofer.

Best Speakers for Gaming PCs