Asides from the computer itself, speakers are undoubtedly one of themost essential peripherals required to fully realize the ‘sonic’potential of your computer. While generic 2-speaker systems will do itfor the average workstation user, those of us who want the perfectaudio experience whether it be with games, movies, or music need a goodset of speakers. The difference between generic, run-of-the-millspeakers and surround sound speakers is quite noticeable. Even the bestrecordings will sound boring when played on a poor speaker setup.Teamed up with a good soundcard, speakers can drastically improve yourlackluster MP3’s and games.
A good computer speaker system can run well over $200 CDN, but thereare many excellent solutions for buyers on a budget. However, there arecertain things to look for, no matter what your price range.
Manufacturer: Although brand names tend to be moreexpensive than no-name counterparts, they tend to have much betterproducts in terms of sound quality. Reputable companies thatmanufacture speakers range from the ultra-expensive Klipsch to budgetspeaker companies such as Labtec. A list of recommended speakercompanies will be provided at the end of this guide.
Satellite Quality: ‘Satellite’ is a fancy namegiven to an individual computer speaker. Speaker satellite quality is ahuge factor (besides sound) in any sound system purchase. Chances are,if the satellite is built with cheap and flimsy materials, it’s notworth your time. Consider buying a system with satellites that leantowards to heavy side so they are more stable. However, be careful:some companies put weights in their speakers to make them seem to be a‘higher quality’ product. Some satellites have slots on them forwall-mounting. Others can come with small stands. Speaker volumecontrol systems are usually located on one of the satellites or alittle ‘remote’ that extends from a cable. Controls can vary fromvolume adjustment to surround volume. Good speaker systems also have aheadphone jack located conveniently on one of the satellites. Also, besure that the satellites are magnetically shielded for use nearmonitors. If not, you will notice that the picture on your monitor willseem wavy and distorted. In the long run, non-shielded speakers candamage your monitor.
Most professional-type speakers seem to be more of a 2-for-1 deal.If you look closely at them, some satellites have 2 different, smaller,speakers. These are called tweeters and midrange speakers. The smallertweeter is designed to transmit only high-pitched tones, while thelarger midrange provides sound from the middle of the sound spectrum.Not all speaker systems have both a tweeter and a midrange, especiallythe less-expensive sets. However, most speaker systems use a midrangeto fulfill the duties of both a midrange and a tweeter.
Subwoofer Quality: The subwoofer is what producesthe low-range sounds of any speaker system. Many cheap sets do not evencome with a subwoofer. Subwoofers contain a large speaker that vibratesto create very low tones. The general rule for subwoofers is ‘thebigger the more powerful’. This, however, does not always hold true. Alarger subwoofer will enable the speaker inside to generate moreresonance, therefore creating a much louder and richer tone. What alsomatters is the enclosure: wood enclosures generally conduct sound wavesbetter than plastic. Some subs also have a volume control for the subalone. Most, if not all subwoofers also have a host of outlets wherethe satellites are plugged in. Ensure that the outlets are easilyaccessible.
System Wattage: System wattage is where manycompanies choose to exaggerate the capabilities of their speakersystems. The wattage is basically a relation of how loud and powerfulthe speakers can get. Generally, the higher the wattage the louder thespeakers can go without blowing out. Also, the tones will not sound as‘tinny’ with more powerful systems. However, there are usually twowattage ratings provided: normal (peak output under perfect conditions)and RMS (Root Mean Square). Note that the RMS wattage is always lowerthan the advertised ‘normal’ wattage. RMS wattage is what to considerwhen buying speakers, as it measures how much power the speakers cansafely handle for long periods of time.
Expect individual satellites to have a rating of around 3-10 watts.Although this may seem like very little, five 3 watt speakers cangenerate a lot of noise! If purchasing a surround sound system, thenthe center speaker generally is more powerful than the left and rightsatellites.
The majority of your speaker system’s wattage will be produced bythe subwoofer. This is because the sub requires large amounts of energyto produce low tones. Also, bass tones make music sound more full anddeep, so more power is required to make those tones noticeable.
Wiring/Connections: The wires that are used toattach your speaker system to your computer are very important. Theycarry the electronic signals that tell the speakers how to vibrate andproduce sound, so if the quality of the wires is low, the sound cansuffer. Heavy-duty speaker wires are always a plus, as they are moreresistant to damage and stretching. Also consider length when you arepurchasing your set. If the wires are relatively short, you might notbe able to place your satellites where you want to.
The plugs that connect the speakers to the subwoofer and thecomputer should be high quality to ensure the best transfer of signals.They should be colour coded to aid with installation.
The plugs that connect to your sound card are usually analog plugs,meaning that for a 5.1 speaker system, for example, you would connectthree plugs, for front, back, and center. Some high-end systems usedigital plugs, meaning that only one plug is required. Make sure youhave a compatible sound card for this feature.
Some higher-quality speaker systems come with adapters so that youcan use your set with video game consoles and portable audio players.Although not necessary, if you plan on using your speaker system forsomething else other than computer audio, it may save you some money.
THX: Some very expensive speaker sets areTHX-certified. THX-certified speaker sets are the cream of the crop, asthey are engineered to deliver the best possible sound. They have aminimum amount of distortion and very clear sound. To fully utilizeyour THX speakers, you should have a THX-certified sound card as well.
Types of Speaker Systems: There are many types ofspeaker systems ranging from simple stereo speakers to overwhelming 7.1audio sets. Speaker sets are usually classified by two numbers with aperiod in between. The first number represents the number of satellitesand the second the number of subwoofers. If you want quality sound, youshould at least settle on purchasing a 2.1 system. The most commontypes of systems are 2.1 and 5.1. For most gamers and movie-watchers, a5.1 system is best, as it is surround-sound capable depending on thesound card. 5.1 systems can provide positional audio (being able tohear things from different directions), while 2.1 systems can onlyprovide simple stereo. As most mp3s are stereo encoded, a 2.1 system issufficient for music lovers. Still, 5.1 systems can simulate surroundsound by extending the stereo mix onto the left-rear, right-rear, andcentre channels. However, 5.1s really shine in games and movies, whereyou can take advantage of hardware surround sound.
Other speaker setups include 4.1 (5.1s without the centerchannel/speaker), 6.1, and 7.1. The 6.1 and 7.1 systems are generallyquite expensive but impractical. With speakers that are supposed to beplaced behind the listener, it would be hard to find a place for them.Most people simply use a desk that is in front of them, not surroundingthem. Also, not many sound cards are capable of supporting 6.1 and 7.1surround sound. The newer sound cards are able to, however, so thedecision rests on you. The only real advantage of have a 6.1 or 7.1system would be for hardcore gamers or audiophiles.
Sound: The ultimate deciding factor in your speakerpurchase is obviously how they sound. Many reputable stores providefloor models that allow you to listen to samples of music. The moreexpensive systems tend to generate better, clearer sound. Still, thedecision is up to you. The price doesn’t necessarily dictate the soundquality.
What to listen for:Be sure that the highs produced by the speakers do not sound overly ‘tinny’, weak, or distorted.Midrange should sound clear and pronounced, never distorted.Lows should be generated exclusively by the subwoofer. If you hearthe satellites trying to do the subwoofer’s job, then the manufactureris probably trying to compensate for a weak subwoofer.All sounds should intertwine properly with nothing overpowering theother. If you find the highs are too piercing or midrange too loud,then consider something else.If possible, try out the speakers with different types of audio.This allows you to experience a wide range of sounds and make a betterjudgment.
Recommended Manufacturers:Altec Lansing – Makes middle-of-the range speaker systems. Very good quality.
Creative – Makes higher-end speaker systems.
Klipsch – Professional audio company; manufactures superb speaker systems. Expensive.
Labtec – Budget speaker company, not much selection but great for the budget buyer.
Logitech – Makes mid-to-high-endspeaker systems. Some of their higher end speaker systems arecomparable to Klipsch’s but are almost as expensive.
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How to Buy Speakers
