How to choose speakers for your computer

From the choice of speakers for the computer depends primarily on the sound quality.

How to choose speakers for your computer: what to look for

When choosing speakers for a computer, it is recommended to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Computer sound card compatibility;

2. Type of food;

3. The number of channels;

4. Speaker power;

5. Amplitude frequency response;

6. Additional functions.

Audiophiles can also pay attention to the geometry of the body, and the material, and the diameter of the speakers - but all these qualities in most cases do not need an ordinary user.

PC sound card compatibility

The first thing to consider when choosing speakers for a computer is to determine their compatibility with the sound card installed in the system unit. Make it easy. Just look at whether there is a connector on the sound card necessary for connecting the speakers.

Columns can be connected to the computer through the following connectors:

1. 3.5 mm jack. The most standard audio jack, which is equipped with almost all integrated and discrete sound cards;

2. HDMI A very exotic option, which is more common on video cards;

3. Usb This connector is equipped with speakers with built-in sound card - but most often it is used to power the audio system;

4. RCA, popularly called "tulips". One of the most famous and widely used audio jacks. There is its AUX version. In this case, the RCA speakers are connected to the computer through a 3.5 mm jack;

5. S / PDIF is a modern audio connector. Suitable for broadcasting sound in high quality, including lossless. There are two types of this connector - coaxial and optical. Unfortunately, they are not cross-compatible;

6. XLR is a rare type of connector that is used in professional audio equipment.

The absolute majority of computers are equipped with a 3.5 mm jack. Therefore, the speakers that connect to it, fit almost everyone. The only problem is that such audio equipment can provide low-quality (audiophile) sound.

Power type

The power supplied to the speakers through the audio cable is not enough for their work. Therefore, additional current is required. Get it speakers can USB or directly from a 220 V home network.

In this case, you should not count on the fact that a powerful audio system will have enough power from USB. Usually they are equipped with only the weakest and most inexpensive speakers. Nevertheless, there are already enough of them to play music or voice - especially if the listener is undemanding.

Powerful audio systems with 2.0 channels and more will require mains power.

Number of channels

The more channels in the audio system - the more high-quality and surround sound it is able to play. But the higher the cost of these speakers. The number of channels is usually indicated by the code X.Y, where X is the number of speakers and Y is the number of subwoofers.

Today you can find the following audio configurations:

1. 1.0 is a very rare configuration. It performs only some professional audio systems;

2. 2.0 is the most common configuration among budget columns. Two speakers playing in stereo. They can provide both perfectly acceptable and terrible sound;

3. 2.1 is the most common configuration. Two speakers, one subwoofer to enhance or play the bass. Can provide a very pleasant sound;

4. 5.1 - configuration for spatial audio. Five speakers, one subwoofer. Can be used to create a home cinema. In most cases, they provide very good sounding (except for ultrabudget models), however, they are distinguished by a high price.

5. 7.1 - the configuration intended for home theaters and among speakers for computers is practically not encountered.

Speaker power (or total output power)

The higher the value, the louder the audio system will sound. In addition, high power speakers will appeal to lovers of rich bass music.

Nevertheless, it is worth considering two factors:

1. The vast majority of users simply do not need high power of hundreds of watts. At such a loudness it is quite possible to get hearing damage due to the impact of an acoustic wave or fist of a disgruntled neighbor;

2. Many manufacturers love to “screw up”, pointing to the packaging power of tens and hundreds of watts - which does not correspond to its real value.

It is recommended to choose models whose power is in the range from 10 (for 2.0) to 70 (for 2.1 and more) watts.

Amplitude frequency response

The width of the frequency range, which is reproduced by the speakers, rather determines the intensity of high or low frequencies. Since the human ear hears sounds in the range from 20 Hz to 15 kHz, it is advisable to purchase an audio system with such frequency response.

But, if you want to get real pleasure from listening to music, you should buy speakers with a wider frequency range. Then they will be able to reproduce sounds that are at the limit of human audibility.

Additional features

Among the additional features that may be useful to the user, there are:

1. The presence of a remote control. You can adjust the volume without getting up from the couch;

2. The presence of the module Bluetooth. You can wirelessly connect to a computer or phone;

3. The presence of FM-radio or built-in player. Such speakers can play music without a PC.

However, these are more “pleasant things” than really useful features.

Manufacturers

For less demanding listeners, models from Sven, Logitech and Microlab are perfect. If you want a very high-quality sound - you can look at the speakers from Creative, Edifier, or even Harman / Kardon.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.