Cheap Computer Speakers and Computer Audio

When computers first began, computer speakers amounted to one small 3 inch beeper. It wasn't exactly high-end computer audio. Today, you can get full stereo audio and home theater sound from a good high quality cheap computer speaker system. These units are easy to install and add a new level of experience to games and just plain listening pleasure. Computers need a good cheap speaker system today so they can take advantage of the hard work of musicians, composers and people who think they are just that. Search here for a cheap computer speaker system that meets all of your needs.

Creative Labs Inspire	Logitech Z313	Altec Lansing MX6021	Yamaha Music CAST2	XM Home Tuner

Computer Audio Tips

Computer speakers get far less attention than their more expensive counterparts - home theater system speakers. While the latter are much fussed over, adequately researched, tried and tested before buying, most consumers just pick up whatever they can get their hands on (and can afford) at the local electronics store when it comes to computer speakers. The truth is that most of us spend far more time before a laptop or desktop than watching movies on the TV; doesn't it make more sense to invest more time and money into buying the best computer speakers you can afford?

A decade or so back, when multimedia computers were still an anomaly and things like 'Dolby Digital Surround Sound' were just technical gibberish terms, computer speakers used to be puny little devices capable of reproducing only the poorest quality sound. Of course, things have changed dramatically since then. Today, you can buy the best computer speakers that will reproduce lifelike sound at an affordable price.

There are some big brand names that always come to the mind when talking about the best computer speakers. Creative, Logitech, Altec Lansing, JBL are a few of them. These companies have a long history of excellence. Some, like Logitech and Creative, are often far more visible in the computer speakers market than in the home entertainment system segment. The quality of their products for laptops and desktops, thus, is typically of a higher quality than similarly priced competitors.

As far as technical specifications are concerned, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing computer speakers and computer audio:

1. Frequency Range
The human ear can hear sounds up to 20,000 Hz. The greater the frequency range of the computer speakers, the better the audio reproduction. Typically, a good system will have ratings from 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz, ensuring that you get the best rendition of low (bass) as well as high frequencies.

2. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
Signal to Noise Ratio or SNR is a measurement of how much a signal has been corrupted by noise. To understand it in layman terms, think of it as the ratio of the amount of useful information (signal) passing through as compared to the useless bits (noise). The greater this ratio, the less the signal corruption.
All you need to understand is that higher SNR numbers translate into better audio reproduction. SNR is measured in decibels (dB). Speakers are typically rated at 65 dB, 75 dB, 90 dB, etc. You should try to get a speaker system with as high a SNR number as possible.

3. Audio Input
The best computer speakers should have a single pin audio input. They should be compatible with your laptop, iPod, desktop, etc.

4. Output Control
The best computer speakers would have buttons, knobs, etc. for controlling the audio built directly on the speakers themselves. These can range from knobs for controlling the bass, volume, treble, etc. along with power on/off buttons, etc.

5. Construction Material
Although your computer speakers aren't expected to take too much damage, you should nevertheless invest in something that can last you a few years. Higher quality speakers have woofers made out of denser materials like glass fiber, Kevlar, etc. This provides deeper, richer sound reproduction.
If your system has a woofer, it should ideally be housed in dense, thick wood for optimum performance.

6. Appearance
Appearance is something that varies from individual to individual. Remember that you'll spend a lot of time before your computer, staring at the speakers. Getting something that is visually pleasing should be a consideration, albeit a not too important one.