Are you reading this? Then listen real close. Do you “hear anything?” Question is, WHY NOT !? With computer speakers, or headsets, you could!
You’re on your computer, reading this website, so imagine listening to your favorite music, your favorite radio program or an audio book--- any of these---while reading this article!
Like the Blues? try this...!
Smooth Jazz? try this....
Want to pick your own?
Note: If you like what you hear, add to your favorites!
All of the above are links to AOL radio, where you can listen to radio on your computer, while working (or playing solitaire).
The neat thing is, for most computers, it has little or no effect on your computer's performance.
How and why is the focus of this article, just another insight into your ever more, ubiquitous, all purpose computer right in front of you!
Most computers come with build-in speakers. Many computer ‘systems’ are bundled and include two speakers providing quality listening in stereo. When sold this way, it meets the needs of most average users today who listen to music, play games or watch DVD movies on your computer. If you are now listening to internet radio, and think your speakers could be better, then you are in the right place! Read on....!
Even earphones, instead of computer speakers, would allow you to enjoy quality sound as loud as you want withoutbothering others and all computers have a speaker jack for headphones.
Any home-entertainment system will sound only as good as its speakers, which can make or break your high-fidelity listening experience. But, if you think this (look left!!) is what you call a home-entertainment system, then we are going to move you into the next century! (Remember the loud scratching sounds and winding of the reels? Often the best of the best way back when… )
Nowadays, your home system may have been modernized, possibly created over time. If so, you can integrate your computer into that system or vice versa. In either case, 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.
But as discussed throughout this article, a basic computer system and/or the addition of two external speakers for under $25 for the pair is more than enough for most computer users today. Any additions beyond this are based on your personal needs and expectations.
Speakers are sold as pairs for traditional stereo setups or in sets of three to eight for equipping a home theater. To keep a balanced system, buy left and right speakers in pairs rather than individually. Any center-channel speaker should be sonically matched to the front speakers. Rear speakers should also sound similar to front speakers. To fully appreciate the sound coming from your computer speakers requires having a sound card.
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.
Basic 2 Speaker Stereo System
Most computers were shipped with 2 speakers, and most are of average quality. You can get some pretty decent sound, with existing speakers. However, not all speakers are created equal! (even 2 speaker stereo systems). For example, visit the Bose store, and listen to their 2 speaker system!
2.1 Speaker System
My first speaker upgrade was like a magical experience! I bought a 2.1 speaker set, for under $40, and the improvement was amazing. I used the existing sound card on the computer, and boy!, what a difference!
It added bass, and gave really good sound! (see ad on right - that is what I bought!)
Surround Sound
My first adventure with surround sound, required a change of sound card, then purchase of a modest 5 speaker system. It really sounded good, but I did not have space to properly space the speakers, plus I had wires galore! In that space, I was better off with 2.1 speaker system.
HOW TO CHOOSE SPEAKERS
Everything depends on your needs, room layout and finances:
-
What kind: front, center-channel, surround, subwoofer
-
Consider size: bookshelf or floor-standing
-
Consider purchasing sets: 2, 3 or 8 piece
-
-
Price critical, and finally
-
Repair history and brand reliability
Let’s discuss the above factors bit more and understand what is involved in making a decision.
Consider size
Speakers come in all shapes and sizes, so see how they'll fit in your room. Floor-standing speakers might overwhelm smaller spaces. Bookshelf speakers are often a better fit, though some are quite large. Make sure the model you choose will fit the shelf or niche you've earmarked for it. And don't worry that you're giving up quality for compactness. Many small speakers do a fine job, especially in the relatively modest environs of typical rooms. For maximum space saving, consider one of the new flat speaker systems designed to complement flat-panel TVs. They can be wall-mounted or placed on a stand.
Focus on sound, not price
While more expensive speakers can sound better, not all do. Many lower-priced speakers can deliver a very full, satisfying sound.
Listen for the differences
Even speakers with similar scores can sound very different. One model might emphasize treble, while another de-emphasizes it. There's no substitute for hearing speakers, so bring a few hi-fi CDs with familiar pieces of music to the store. Speakers will sound different at home because of your room size, shape, and furnishings, so see if the retailer will allow a home trial. If you're torn between two choices, buy the less expensive one. Stores might be more open to a return if you want to trade up to a pricier set. And if you're ordering from an Internet retailer, check its return policies so you can exchange them if you're unhappy with the sound once they're set up in your home.
-
Generally, music lovers will do well with a 2.1 speaker system, while gamers and movie buffs will appreciate a 5.1 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 speakers!
-
If you don't have the space or the sound card for 5.1-surround, a speaker system with simulated surround sound might be worth considering.
-
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., 1) PC Magazine Speaker Review - though the site doesn't do the rigorous testing of some enthusiast sites, most reviewed PC speakers get extensive listening trials and the reports do a great job of covering high and low points; 2) CNet.com's reviews are on par with those at PC Magazine, just not as many reviews; 3) HowStuffWorks has additional information on speakers that is very user friendly and videos on “how to” select, differences, etc.
Among the hundreds of speaker brands available, the major names are B&W, Bose, Boston Acoustics, Infinity, JBL, Klipsch, and Polk Audio. Speakers are sold through mass merchandisers, audio/video stores, and "boutique" retailers. You can also buy speakers online, but shipping costs can be high—$100 or more—if the speakers are heavy.
Bookshelf speakers
These are among the smaller speakers, but at 8 to 21 inches tall. A pair can serve as the sole speakers in a stereo system or as the front or rear duo in at-home theater. Small speakers like these have become better at handling bass without buzzing or distortion.. Price: $50 to more than $800 per pair.
Floor-standing speakers
Typically about 3 to 4 feet tall, these large speakers can also serve as the sole speakers in a stereo system or as the front pair in a home-theater system. Their big cabinets have the potential to do more justice to deep bass than smaller speakers—and some may contain built-in powered subwoofers—but we think many listeners would be satisfied with smaller speakers that handle bass well. Price: $200 to more than $1,000 per pair.
Rear-surround speakers
Rear speakers in a multi-channel setup carry ambient s sounds, such as crowd noise, and directional effects, such as a car racing by or a plane flying past. Multi-channel formats such as Dolby Digital, Digital Theater System (DTS), and sound tracks found on many movies, make fuller use of these speakers than earlier formats. Rear speakers tend to be small and light (often 5 to 10 inches high and 3 to 6 pounds), so they can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf. Price: $50 to more than $500 per pair.
Six- to eight-piece sets
An easy route to a full surround-sound system, these matched sets have small bookshelf or satellite speakers for front and rear pairs, a center-channel speaker, and a subwoofer. The front pair are sometimes floor-standing speakers. Six- or eight-piece sets take the guesswork out of matching speakers, which can be daunting. Price: $300 to more than $1,000.
I've used many parts from TigerDirect, and they are reliable.
