Computer Speakers

Here's my guide to the current range of computer speakers.

If you listen to music, play games or watch DVD movies on your computer you are probably in the market for a good set of computer speakers.

Cheap Computer Speakers

There is a massive range of computer speakers out there but as with anything you get what you pay for.

If you just want some sounds to accompany your game then you can get two-speaker sets for under $10 that will fill the role nicely.

Have a look at USB powered 10 Watt speakers

USB powered speakers are powered via a USB cable and don't have a separate power adaptor. I really hate those bulky power adaptors because they look messy and even use power when you aren't using the device!

I like the fact they have a headphone socket so you don't have to climb being your computer when you want to plug in your headphones. These computer speakers look good in black and I wouldn't mind them on my desk.

For just over $10 you can get cool looking flat panel computer speakers. The are a bit more powerful and would suit you if you occasionally listen to music.

The one drawback of these speakers is that they use an external power adaptor.

Do you want good quality sound?

Unfortunately small speaker sizes cannot give you good rumbling bass or even the best high range sounds. Some games really sound good with big thumping bass for gunshots and explosions.

Take a look at a 3 piece speaker setup. Having a separate bass speaker means the other two speakers are free to produce better quality mid and high range sound.

They make an attractive looking setup that will give you great sound for both music and games.

DVD movies/ games and surround sound

If you have the space available for a surround sound setup then I recommend you purchase a surround sound system 5.1 or 6.1 speaker set . A 5.1 speaker setup is by far the cheapest way to get full Pro Logic surround sound from your computer. With 5 speakers and a sub woofer it totally immerses you in your movie or game. Impressive!

To get the most out of surround sound speaker systems, you also need A Creative Labs SoundBlaster sound card. These cards are cheap and often come as standard equipment in a lot of computers. Check out TigerDirect for sound cards here.

The SoundBlaster Live and Audigy cards support EAX which is an absolutely amazing surround sound system for games. If you want to hear the bad guys creeping up on you in games EAX is by far the best surround sound experience.

With the Inspire full surround speaker setup you will have the best gaming and movie watching experience possible.

I've heard an EAX demonstration in Jedi Knight and it sounded incredible.

Final thoughts on the right computer speakers for you ...

The best way to get the right speaker system for you is simply to have a good think about your requirements. Surround systems are great but you need space to put the rear speakers and room on the floor for the sub woofer.

In the end if you only need a little sound then go right ahead and pick up a set of cheap computer speakers from TigerDirect . They won't take up much room and won't break the bank.






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