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How to Buy the Best Computer Speakers
Choosing the best computer speakers when building a PC yields great dividends. It's a mistake to underestimate how important audio is to the full enjoyment of your computer. Think about watching a movie without the audio track. Reading the captioning is just not as much fun. Sound plays a big role in how immersive video can be. I look back now and realize how true this is. The first time I ever played Doom (a pc game) the soundtrack hooked me almost as hard as the game play.
Independent research has shown that how we perceive the quality of video is greatly influenced by the quality of the accompanying audio. You will enjoy your movies, games, and music a lot more if you listen to the audio over a good set of speakers. Here are some features that you should look for when selecting the best computer speakers for your PC.
Shielded Satellites
The satellite speakers placed next to your monitor emit a electro-magnetic field that could damage your monitor. For this reason the satellite speakers should be shielded. The sub-woofer also emits this type of field but is less of a worry since it will not be placed next to your monitor (it should be on the floor).
Surround Sound Game developers and the music industry are following Hollywood's lead in creating multiple sound tracks. 5.1 channel surround sound is the way to go to achieve truly immersive audio with speakers completely surrounding you. There are actually six speakers in a 5.1 surround sound setup.
Decoding the number (5.1) is easy. The first digit tells you how many speakers are in the setup. The second number to the right of the decimal point tells you how many subwoofers come with the system.
Sound cards do not have the capability to drive speakers at loud volumes. That's why it's important that the best computer speakers are self-amplified. The amount of power the amplifier uses to drive the speakers is specified as watts per channel RMS (root mean square). RMS is a term used to describe the amplitude of a given signal and is an accurate measurement of an amplifier's output.
Other Considerations for the Best COmputer Speakers Besides the watts per channel RMS another important factor to consider is THD (total harmonic distortion). The amplifier may be pumping out 75 watts per channel RMS to your speakers, but it really isn't going to sound very good if the THD is greater than 1-2%. THD is just as important a specification as watts per channel RMS. The lower the THD on your amplifier the better. This isn't as important for the bass amplifier or subwoofer. You will hear higher THD with lower amplified frequencies. This is quite normal.
Sensitivity Another factor when selecting the best computer speakers is sensitivity, which is measured in decibels. Choose speakers that have sensitivity ideally in the 88+ db range. Speakers with less sensitivity than 88 db are comnsidered inefficient, and will require a higher powered amplifier to make them sound good. Frequency Response Select speakers whose frequency response is in the 20-20 kHz (kilohertz) range. This is the range of frequencies heard by the human ear, and ideally, should be what you shoot for when buying speakers. Don't worry so much about the lower frequecies, since the subwoofer will cover the lower frequency range.
Speaker Placement The placement of the best computer speakers is important for the best movie or game playing experience. Front left and right satellite speakers should be placed at the same height equidistant from the center of your monitor or TV and angled towards you.
Rear left and right speakers should be located the same distance apart as the front speakers. Angle them towards your chair or couch. The center speaker should be placed between the front speakers. It should be directly in front of you. The subwoofer should be placed in a corner of the room so it can reverberate off the walls and give you a nice bass thump. Conclusion
To really complete your computer and make for an immersive movie, fun gaming experience or symphony hall quality music, purchase a 5.1 self-amplified surround sound system. Logitech is a great brand to go with. If you can't afford a good 5.1 surround sound system go with a high quality 2.1 system such as the
Cyber Acoustics A-3780
instead of a cheapo 5.1 system.
See a nice selection of the best computer speakers online.
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