How to find the right PC speaker for you
2.12.2019
Translation: machine translated
Gamers, video editors and music producers like to work with headsets. However, PC speakers are also often used. I'll explain what you need to know about computer speakers.
I'm not a fan of on-ear or over-ear headsets for gaming. They are either too heavy, too difficult to adjust to the shape of my head or too expensive. I also quickly get earaches and start sweating. I haven't found any really useful in-ear headphones for gaming yet. That leaves me with PC speakers. I also like listening to music on the computer, for example when I'm writing texts in my home office. So I did some research to find out what the options are and what I need to look out for when making a purchase.
Audio channel, rated power, connections and more
If you are considering buying PC speakers, there are a few points you should consider. The audio channel, for example, defines the number of audio tracks. 2.1 means that there are two localisable channels - usually from two front speakers - and a bass track, usually from a subwoofer. Everything is possible, from single-channel sound to complex multi-channel sound systems. So think about how much space you have for satellite speakers and whether you need surround sound and powerful bass.
The rated power is given in watts. As PC speakers are passive speakers in the vast majority of cases, they do not generate power, but require it. The power for PC speakers is supplied by the amplifier or its power amplifiers. If you never turn the volume up above room volume, you don't even have to worry about the wattage. Because 100 or 110 watts don't make a big difference. But 100 or 10 watts do. Because: If you like to turn up the volume a little louder, more watts offer more power. But efficiency also plays a role, because a few watts with a high efficiency can deliver more power than a lot of watts with a low efficiency.
The sound pressure level is not the same as the rated power and indicates how much noise the speakers can produce. This information is given in decibels: the more decibels, the louder the maximum volume.
The frequency range of a speaker indicates how high and how low the emitted sound can be. A newborn baby hears between 20 and 20,000 Hz, with increasing age this bandwidth becomes smaller, especially in the high frequency range. Low-pitched sounds range between 20 and 200 Hz, high-pitched sounds between 2000 and 20,000 Hz. In between lies the mid-range, where the human ear is most sensitive. The wider the frequency range, the lower or higher the tones covered by the PC speakers.
In addition to these specifications, which determine the speaker quality, the connection options are particularly important for PC speakers. It often depends not only on how you can connect the speakers to your PC, but also on how many and which external connections the speakers offer.
PC speakers for gamers
For gamers, it is often not only clear sound output that separates voices, background noise and music that counts, but also the design and customisation options. In shooters, you want to hear the footsteps of your opponents, in action and adventure games this is less important - the soundscape should blow you away.
2.1 gaming speaker
The Logitech G G560 2.1-channel speakers are impressive. They have a solid, warm and powerful sound. The frequency range covers bass and treble frequencies from 40 to 18,000 Hz. The maximum rated output of 240 watts powers two speakers and a down-firing subwoofer. At 97 decibels, the volume of the system is also impressive - or rather audible. Due to the elongated shape of the subwoofer, it fits well under (or on) the gamer's table despite its size. Thanks to the rendering by the DTS:X Ultra engine, the sound of PC games and songs sounds surprisingly spacious - surprising given the relatively low price and space-saving format.
You can connect the PC speakers to up to four devices via a USB port, a 3.5 mm jack or Bluetooth. As a little extra, the built-in RGBs of the two speakers react to actions and music in games - according to external test reports, this works very well. The lighting game runs most precisely with games that are supported by the Logitech G-Hub software. The disadvantage of these speakers is a quiet but still audible inherent noise. In addition, the somewhat too powerful bass has to be throttled manually in the software.
5.1 gaming speaker
The Z906 speaker system from Logitech has been my faithful companion for over 5 years - admittedly not as a PC speaker system, but as a TV speaker system. Since I switched to Sonos when I moved house because of the cable clutter, it was with a heavy heart that I parted with the Z906. 500 watts of nominal power, a frequency range of 35 to 20,000 Hz, 110 decibels and various connection options (2x digital optical, digital coaxial, RCA stereo, 3.5mm and 6-channel direct) speak for themselves.
Until my first Sonos eargasm, I was firmly convinced that there was nothing better than the Logitech Z906 in this price segment. Clear voices, piercing bass, beautiful highs and powerful lows. Disadvantages? The subwoofer is very large and very heavy. And you have cable clutter, depending on how and where you want to set up or hang your speakers. What's more, the 2-metre cables supplied will never be enough.
Cost-effective PC speakers
PC speakers from Dell? Yes, you've seen correctly. For just over 50 francs, or just under 50 euros (as of 19.11.19), you get as much sound as possible. What's more, the speakers are simple and unobtrusive - so they fit on any desk, whether it's a gamer's corner or an office desk.
Of course, there are better things than 30 watts of rated power, 95 decibels and a frequency range of 55 to 20,000 Hz. The bass should also be stronger despite the subwoofer. However, this speaker set still surprises in the mid-range in particular. The expression "value for money" has never been more appropriate.
Studio PC speaker
Bose rarely disappoints when it comes to sound quality. However, this comes at a price. Both statements also apply to the Bose Companion 50. For a PC speaker system with a 2.1 channel, they sound fantastic. The relatively compact subwoofer delivers powerful bass and the two satellites clear highs and lows. The workmanship is also impressive and looks very high quality. When gaming, gamers almost get the feeling of owning a 5.1 system - Bose's own TrueSpace Digital Processing ensures an almost room-filling sound ambience.
The simplicity of the connection is also impressive: a single cable connects the PC to the subwoofer. No additional hardware or software is required. The volume control pod allows you to connect two other devices such as headphones or a smartphone via 3.5 mm line-in connections. The only disadvantage, apart from the price, is background noise in places. Bluetooth is missing as a connection option, but is not necessary in my opinion.
Stereo PC speaker
The Nommo Chroma from Razer work without a separate subwoofer and therefore in a stereo setting. And yet you don't feel like you're missing out on bass. You get a lot for the price and size of the speakers. The sound is extremely precise - apart from the mids, which are sometimes overemphasised and push the lows and highs into the background.
The many connection options are also "nice to have". Nevertheless, it is a little annoying that Razer has not found a place for Bluetooth. There is also a slight but audible inherent noise with these speakers. This tarnishes the overall impression somewhat, but doesn't change the fact that you get a lot of performance for a reasonable price.
Design PC speaker
Looks aren't everything, it's what's inside that counts. And: taste is debatable. Nevertheless, I would like to give my recommendation for style aficionados. The SoundSticks III from Harman/Kardon with their transparent design are guaranteed to turn heads. The 2.1-channel speakers come with 40 watts of rated power and a frequency range between 44 and 20,000 Hz as well as a 3.mm connection and Bluetooth.
The sound is very balanced and sounds very natural and clear from the bass to the mid-range to the treble. The bass from the powerful subwoofer is also impressive. It is a pity that there is no headphone connection and that there is also a slight inherent noise. This tarnishes the positive conclusion somewhat.
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Header image: No matter what you need them for, PC speakers don't have to be ugly. Source: animelane.com
Raphael Knecht
Senior Editor
raphael.knecht@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
