When choosing a speaker set for your computer you should consider the sound quality and the number of speakers. When searching for a speaker set, you should take in to account power, dynamic range, and frequency response. The power of a speaker set is measured in watts per speaker. For good sound quality, 20 watts per speaker is a good minimum, the best speaker sets have 50 watts per speaker.
Dynamic range is the ability of a speaker set to go from a whisper to an extremely loud sound. This is important for creating life like sound. There is no measurement for dynamic range, so it is determined by the amount of system power and the quality of that power. The more you spend, the wider the dynamic range.
Frequency response is the range from low to high sound a speaker system can reproduce. Look for a system that can reproduce 30,000 to 20,000 harts. The accuracy of reproduction is important, listen for even levels. Some speakers will be too heavy in the mid ring sounds where most instruments and vocals are heard and very light in the low and high frequencies. Find a speaker set that sounds even over all ranges.
The number of the speakers is taken to consideration. Basic computer speakers called 2.1 will have two speakers for left and right stereo and the .1 is a subwoofer for reproducing the low based sounds. A speaker set with more speakers will give you surround sound which is good for games and movies but you need to decide if you have space for more speakers.
A center channel speaker will sit in front just below or on top of the computer monitor. The rear speakers need to place behind you. If you have the extra space, multi speaker sets are a good investment. There are four types of surround sound systems, 4.1 refer to a speaker system with two front and two rear speakers. 5.1 is a speaker system with two front and two rear speakers, a front center speaker. 6.1 refer to speaker system with two front and two rear speakers a front center and rear center speaker.
7.1 mean the speaker system has two front and two rear speakers, a front center speaker another two rear speakers and a subwoofer. Be sure the soundcard you buy for your system supports the type of multi speaker set you choose. Some high speaker sets have sound decoders built in; this allows you to use a speaker with more than a computer.
You can connect satellite or cable receivers, DVD players and game systems like Xbox and Playstation2 to the speakers and use them as part of the home theater system. As with all things, you get what you pay for. 2.1 speaker sets run between $20.00 and $150.00. For a good sound, we recommend spending at least $80.00.
4.1 speaker sets are between $50.00 and $200.00. We recommend spending at least $120.00. 5.1 speaker sets from between $60.00 and $400.00. We recommend spending at least $150.00. 6.1 speaker sets run between $70.00 and $400.00. We recommend spending at least $200.00. 7.1 speaker sets run between $100.00 and $500.00. We recommend spending at least $250.00.
Sound quality is very subjective; a sub speaker that sounds excellent to one person might sound bad to another. If you are buying a speaker set online, look for reviews and read through several to get a broad opinion base. Whenever possible go to a local store to hear the speakers yourself. In the end, you should trust your own ears
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services