Sound-Desktop-Computer

Computers have had sound for a long time, but many user do not really make the best use of sound. There is all types of music and video available for PC's, and to take even better advantage, might require some updating of your computer! Adding better speakers, and finding out what is available to improve your experience! That's the purpose of this web page.

Typical Speakers	2.1 Speakers	5.1 Speakers (Surround Sound)
Many computers have speakers shipped with them, and they are usually typical stereo speakers, such as these. Values are from $10-30.	Low cost add-on speakers, start at $30 up to $$$. This gives a rich full bass alomg with pretty good treble. Most will work with your normal sound card. 2.1 speakers will make a desktop(can be used with laptops) sound great!	5.1 Speakers are used for surround sound, and will require a 5.1 sound card (or equivalent). They typically have a lot more wiring to deal with. However, the sound is incredible. Surround sound is commonly used with home theater setups.

Speakers Under $25

Speakers $25-50

These are from TigerDirect. They have a good selection (better than most stores). and they have a good return policy.

All computers come with build-in speaker(s).  If you want to add ‘quality sound’ via stereo or surround sound for listening to music, watching movies or playing games, then consider buying additional speakers. Since speakers can last for years and make a long-term investment, let’s look at speakers as “sound investment” and as part of your “home-entertainment system.”

Note: Did you know that you can add some incredible sound to you PC for less than $ 50!! see below, highlighted in green.

Any home-entertainment system will sound only as good as its speakers, which can make or break your high-fidelity listening experience. You don't have to pay a fortune for decent sound. You can start with two or three speakers and add others as your need dictates and your budget allows.

Each type of speaker serves a different purpose. The front speakers are used for stereo music playback; in a home-theater setup, they provide front left and right sounds. A center-channel speaker delivers movie dialog and is usually placed atop or beneath the TV in a home theater. Rear speakers, sometimes called surround speakers, deliver rear ambient effects such as crowd noise or special effects. A bass-unit—colloquially known as a subwoofer—carries the lowest tones, such as bass instruments and action-movie explosions.

Typically computers have built-in sound ports on the motherboard, though some have an inexpensive sound card. Either of these types are inexpensive, and give “adequate” sound, and sometimes pretty good! However, the speakers that most manufacturer’s include are also inexpensive, and do not have very high quality sound.

In this picture of a sound card, I’ve pointed out how the different ports are used.

Inexpensive Sound Card

Look at the back of your computer, and see what type of sound system you have.

This is a typical desktop, and the sound port is the green port. The pink port is for your microphone, and the blue port is for Line In.

If you wish to use these ports, the best you can have is Stereo sound. With this type of sound card you can add upgraded speakers (2.1) which is stereo “Tweeters”. and a Sub-Woofer(Not 5 in 1 Surround sound.)

This will give greatly enhance base sound, if you buy some good speakers. This can sound pretty darn good, if you use the following setup.

These speakers sell for $70 or so, and give a very good sound, for the price. You can buy comparable speakers for less than $ 50! And these will work without changing your sound card! These speakers will work with existing sound card!

To learn more on Speakers

Installing High Quality Sound Systems on your Computer

If you are looking for better sound (such as Five - One - Surround Sound), also referred to as 3D or Multimedia, you will need a better sound card, with more connections for speakers, and which also will have more channels.

Better sound cards will go from $ 25 to $ 500. These will look like below.

5.1 (7.1) Sound Card (Surround Sound)

These sound cards have to be added to your computer, and then you will need some quality speakers to make it all happen. Now you can have theater quality sound. The red circle shows the additional outputs for 5.1(7.1) sound cards. Some better computers have 5.1 or 7.1 sound cards built in.

7.1 Sound Cards from TigerDirect

The following speakers run for about $ 500.

• Generally, music lovers will do well with a 2.1 speaker system, while gamers and movie buffs will appreciate a7.1 setup (that's two or five satellite speakers plus a subwoofer).

• HOWEVER, the average user is quite satisfied with a cost effective budget systems of two or three speakers!

• If getting a subwoofer, make sure you have room. (Much larger than the satellite speakers, the subwoofer boosts the quality of lower-frequency, or bass, sounds.)

• Don't get more wattage than you need. This is the sum total of the wattage of each of the system's satellite speakers and subwoofers.

• If you want to also use your computer speakers with a home theater setup, a game console or an iPod (or other MP3 player), check the specs.

• Not all PC speakers support those other uses..

• Frequency response reflects on sound quality. This measures how accurately the speakers reproduce low- and high-frequency sounds.

• Wireless units can reduce clutter. Easier to install a speaker system, especially ones with lots of satellite speakers. However, these systems are more costly than their wired counterparts, and there are fewer choices.

You can find computer speaker reviews at many locations, e.g.,

Now you have good speakers, how about some Music!

Jimmy Buffett	Nat King Cole	Sheryl Crow	Alan Jackson

1) PC Magazine - though the site doesn't do the rigorous testing of some enthusiast sites.

2) CNet.com's reviews are on par with those at PC Magazine, just not as many reviews; 

Speakers from Amazon