Active speaker system for computers - how to choose?

Select columns for the computer to most users is even more difficult than other components. In addition to quality, such devices must have an additional set of benefits that all owners need. This is the color and material of manufacture, and the dimensions, and weight, and the convenience of connection. Such characteristics are important for most users, so this article suggests a method for choosing the right speakers for your home. Potential buyers who are interested in the best models will be offered a popular in every price segment speaker system for computers.

Portable speakers

Since the tablet, smartphone and laptop belong to the category of computers, it's better to start the review with mobile devices. After all, even fans of portable gadgets get tired of conventional headphones and want to enjoy a decent sound in your favorite toy or when playing multimedia. It's clear that no one will offer powerful acoustic systems for a computer. In this category, the buyer will be interested in portable speakers, which, like a mobile device, can be transported in a bag and backpack.

Acoustics Razer Ferox 2013 is the leader in sales (costs 2000 rubles) and has not been removed from production for several years. The main feature of the speakers is that they can work either from a PC (via USB-channel) or from a battery. Competition on the functionality of the mobile device market is an inexpensive solution Aspiring HitBox 100 worth 1500 rubles. True, the speakers are implemented in the form of a monoblock, but there is an FM-receiver, an own player and a receiver for memory cards.

Business Class Representatives

In a luxurious office or design studio, there is no ordinary acoustics, because people of creativity and big business should, following traditions, own beautiful speakers with great sound. The active speaker system for a computer in this class is selected from the products: JBL Xtreme Red, Beats Pill 2.0, Jabra Solemate Max and similar devices.

High-quality sound, beautiful appearance, huge functionality and user-friendly controls will appeal to any user. Stops only the cost, which varies between 20-50 thousand rubles. On the market you can find cheap products, such as ColorWay Power Charge Speaker, Divoom OnBeat, worth up to 3000 rubles, but their sound quality leaves much to be desired.

Budget class

In the category of up to 1000 rubles in the domestic market, acoustic systems for the computer Sven, Gemix, Genius and Edifier prevail. The format of such speakers is 2.0, and the output power does not exceed 5 watts. Many users believe that the choice in this class is small, but it is this price category that many buyers prefer. After all, the manufacturer is interested in staying in this niche, so he will do everything possible to please the future owner.

For example, active speakers Sven SPS-605 does not appear to be externally visible, but 3 watts in a wooden case with magnetic shielding sound great. The entire two-hundred series of acoustics Sven has a dual purpose and is used both in the budget and in the portable class. Naturally, the user took care of their appearance - they look beautiful in any room and on any surface.

A dangerous category for beginners

Many IT specialists are sure that the price category of 1000-3000 rubles is artificial, and it includes all the same budget devices that for some reason have an overestimated cost. And we are talking about the completion of a stereo system with a subwoofer or installation of low-quality loudspeakers of increased diameter. The acoustic system for computers in this price class will surely appeal to a potential buyer, because he will be very pleased to see big speakers that cost very cheaply. However, the quality of playback for devices of this class is a big problem.

And if the choice still needs to be done, then give preference to better known brands: Logitech Z200, Sven MS-80, Sven SPS-611s and F & D R211. Let their appearance and size will not be so attractive against the background of other products of this category, but this inexpensive acoustics will allow you to enjoy listening to music at home.

A decent stereo system

There are a lot of recommendations in the media about how to choose an acoustic system for a computer, but most users often ignore the 2.0 format, considering it a relic of the past. Naturally, this opinion is erroneous, because you can choose decent columns starting at a cost of 3000 rubles, not lower. Before getting acquainted with the middle class, professionals recommend that users decide on the size of the speakers initially, rather than look for the biggest acoustics in the window, naively believing that it is the most powerful.

Also, you should discard doubts about the material of the case of the speakers - not the fact that the tree is better than plastic. You need to focus only on the sound. To test acoustics it is recommended to use audio recordings of different genres to experience the performance of the speakers at all frequencies. Sven SPS-707, Gemix Prime2, Genius SP-HF1800A, Microlab SOLO-7C and PRO 3 Dark proved to be very good in this class.

When sensitive basses are required

The most difficult to choose acoustic systems 2.1 for a computer. The rating of columns from year to year practically does not change even in view of the fact that new products constantly appear on the market. This is due to the fact that in the race for affordable price and beautiful appearance many manufacturers forget about the sound quality. Therefore, when choosing a system in this class, it is better to pay and take a decent product, rather than to be satisfied with inexpensive speakers.

All the attention of the buyer should be riveted not to the beautiful console in the kit and the length of the gold-plated cable going as a gift, but to the sound quality of the subwoofer. Without fail, it must have its own frequency controller (a separate volume setting is welcome). The subwoofer should not be buzzing, squeaking, or making chomping sounds. He must play. There are no special requirements to the speakers, because a quality subwoofer will get the quality of music. Attention is drawn to the acoustics of Sven MS-2000, F & D A-511, Microlab M-700U, Creative Inspire 2.1 t3130, Harman-Kardon SoundSticks III.

The Limit of All Dreams

Column 5.1 users are not as popular as stereos and devices 2.1. It's not even that many buyers do not know how to connect the speaker system to a computer. Problems arise for most owners with the placement of 6 columns around the computer, their connection and hiding the interface cables. Pile the web around itself many users simply do not want.

As for the choice, it is, and large enough. True, the price is not as attractive as other acoustics (from 6000 rubles and above). As with the 2.1 system, you need to start the selection from the subwoofer. He must play, and not make strange sounds. Also, pay attention to the rear and front speakers (they should be the same). The central column can be half the rest, but no more, otherwise it will have to be placed on the keyboard to achieve the effect of 5.1. Well-proven acoustics Sven HT-200, Logitech Z-506, Microlab H-600, Sven IHOO T100U.

Acoustics out of categories

All the owners of Apple products professionals recommend paying attention to the elite speakers that are on the list of devices certified by the computer manufacturer. True, the cost of such products starts at 10,000 rubles and has no limit. The acoustic system for computers in this class is made only in the form of monoblocks, although it provides a surround sound.

The choice is really big, and the buyer can not worry about the quality of the products, because in this niche are only selected products that have proven their superiority in the market for several years. Positive feedback from users was earned by the Marshall Acton, Bowers & Wilkins Z2, JBL Harman Kardon Onyx, Bang & Olufsen. Recommended stereo systems are equipped with a docking station for connecting mobile devices, so that they can reproduce sound quality without connecting to a personal computer.

The master's case is afraid

Columns with high-quality sound can not afford everything. And is there any point in buying an expensive device if you have a pair of decent speakers at hand? The acoustic system for the computer with their own hands is collected quite simply, there would be a desire. For the assembly will need two stereo speakers, an amplifier and a wooden board (or DSP). Next - the technology: from the tree are made "bird houses", in which the speakers are installed. In order for the sound to be softer and do not force a column to jump, the interior of the wooden box must be cut with felt or flannel material.

However, in order to achieve high-quality sound from own-made speakers, you need to approach the production more seriously, namely, to make precise measurements and compare the diameter of the speakers with the internal volume of the wooden case, to solve the problem with an amplifier that should produce power corresponding to the dynamics. The process is interesting, but requires a serious user approach to the matter.

Summing up

Yes, a speaker system for computers can bring a lot of worries and disappointments to any potential buyer who, in pursuit of appearance, will miss an important factor - a quality sound. Therefore, before going to the store, you should study the market and get acquainted with the opinions of real owners in the media. Trusting sellers who offer to buy expensive products is not worth it, it's better to go shopping with friends to help you decide. Also, professionals recommend that all users take with them to the store a portable player or Flash-drive with their favorite music to hear the sound of tracks on the columns of your dreams.