Unless you want to have headphones attached to your head at all times, solid PC speakers are a must to get the most out of your entertainment experience. If you are new to the whole PC audio game, here is a list of some of the top PC speakers on the market to help you get started on your quest for audio magic.
Computers are no longer looked at as hubs for simply doing word processing and mundane tasks. With improved processing power and the plethora of opportunities offered by the internet, your PC can definitely be considered as a one-stop shop for entertainment. Whether it is movies, games, or music, your PC can likely handle it all.
Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II
If you love style but want some substance to go along with it, you can’t go wrong with the Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II set of speakers. Simply put, these are some of the most stylish looking speakers around. They’d fit in nicely with most environments, but are especially nice if you have a modern décor.
For around $180, you get a pair of vertical 10-watt speakers and a 20-watt subwoofer. The transparent setup is amplified aesthetically by a blue internal power indicator within the subwoofer that gives off a trendy club vibe. There is also a pair of capacitance touch controls on the right speaker for volume. The controls are a nice improvement over simple knobs typically found on speakers. As mentioned, the SoundSticks II are not all style, as they offer plenty of oomph through their delicate and modern frames. The subwoofer adds a ton of bass that will rumble your desktop, but there’s also plenty of clarity as well to give a well-rounded listening experience. They may not be the cheapest speakers around, but the Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II do offer a lot of stylish and powerful bang for your buck.
itech Surround Sound Speakers Z506
Speaking of bang for your buck, that’s the name of the game with Logitech’s Z506 Surround Sound Speakers. For approximately $80, you get 5.1 surround sound that emanates from five satellite speakers and a subwoofer. You can even produce the best sound possible from 2-channel stereo sources. With so many speakers at your disposal, you have the flexibility to place them around your room or office to get a full surround sound effect. The various inputs can service not only your PC, but also your HDTV, DVD player, iPod, gaming console, and more.
There’s plenty of bass for those who love booming sound thanks to the down-firing subwoofer. Don’t fret, however, as the bass is clean enough to not drown out any clarity. Another plus of the system is the fact that you can adjust the bass with ease right from the speaker until you get the sound that is just right. Overall, Logitech’s Z506 setup gives you 75 watts of power to make your music, movies, and more come alive. Best of all, the system is very easy to install via plug-and-play, so you’ll be rocking to its power in no time.
Do you want power without the need for having a big, separate subwoofer? If so, check out the Altec Lansing FX3022 Expressionist BASS 2-Way speakers. Altec Lansing is a trusted name when it comes to audio, as they often find their way integrated into many laptops on the market. With this external set of speakers, they plug subwoofer power into two separate speakers for a ton of bass to enhance your listening experience.
The pair of speakers has a unique tower design that will stand out in any room or office. Optimized for PC use, the speakers include 4-inch down-firing subwoofers that can really pack a punch. You don’t have to find space for an extra subwoofer, as all the bass-driven power is contained within the speakers themselves. The set isn’t all about bass, however, as it gives you great quality with mids and highs as well. An auxiliary input is included for connecting the speakers to other external sources.
Creative Inspire S2 Wireless
It’s no secret that the tech world is shifting towards a wireless format. After all, who wants a host of messy cords lying all over the place? If you are like most people who value a clean setup, wireless speakers are the way to go. One solid set of such speakers comes from Creative, with their Inspire S2 Wireless offering. Priced at $100, the Creative Inspire S2 system’s wireless capability is powered by Bluetooth technology. No longer do you have to worry about a ton of unsightly cords running to your PC, as Bluetooth will allow you to stream audio wirelessly to the S2 speakers from compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices. The setup comes with two satellites speakers and one Creative DIRECT-THROW subwoofer. The speakers are attractive and clean, thanks to a black and white color scheme. The satellites are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, so they won’t take up a lot of space.
The speakers not only offer plenty of crisp and clear sound, but there’s a ton of power as well. You can adjust volume easily via controls on the right satellite, and it even has a headphone jack if you want to keep the sound to yourself. Setup is rather simple, as the system comes with a small USB Bluetooth transmitter that connects to your computer. Attach your satellites to the subwoofer with some small cables, and you are good to go. Although the cables between the speakers themselves go against the completely wireless mantra, you won’t need any physical connection with your PC.
bridge MicroWorks II Computer Speaker System
Here’s another set of wireless speakers for your PC that offer quality sound without the need for a ton of wires. They are pricy at approximately $250, but are a good choice for those with fatter wallets. The set comes with two small satellite speakers and a large subwoofer. A headphone jack, a pair of stereo analog inputs, and easy subwoofer control characterize Cambridge’s setup. In terms of sound, expect solid bass and good highs and mids.
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