Speakers

Last Updated: September 19, 2007

A two speaker set is nice and starts at $15.  A three speaker system that includes a subwoofer has a richer sound and starts at $45.  If you watch DVDs or love playing games, buy a $150-$300 Dolby 5.1 computer speaker set.  Only games will benefit from having a 6.1 or a 7.1 speaker system.

Useful features:

• Separate power and volume controls so that the volume doesn't have to be adjusted every time you turn them on.
• A power button on the wired remote or satellite speaker.  A power button on the back of the subwoofer is too hard to reach.
• Separate bass and treble controls.
• Separate subwoofer volume.  Subwoofers can get over powering.
• Headphone jack for those times when the house is quiet.

	The $14 Logitech R-10 speakers are good if you need low cost speakers for the office.  If someone steals them, you didn't spend that much.  It has plenty of volume even at 2 watts per channel. Buy it online.
	The $44 Logitech X-230 speakers have great sound quality, but the subwoofer volume is on the back of the subwoofer rather than on one of the satellite speakers.  Odd. Buy it online. Read a review from PC Magazine (Dec 2005).
	The $45 Logitech X-240 speakers appears to be the follow-on model to the X-230.  This model has added an iPod/Zune/PDA/mobile phone cradle with power button and volume control. Buy it online.
	The $56 JBL Creature II speakers' bell shape offers a departure from the norm.  The sound is directional and best suited for 1 person.  The right satellite speaker has two chrome buttons for controlling the volume and mute while the subwoofer has a lipstick shaped knobs for the bass and treble. Buy it online. Read a review from the New York Times (Aug 2002), PC Magazine (June 2003).
	The $80 Logitech Z-4i offers great sound, rich bass, and distortion free sound even at full volume.  It includes a wired remote that include an on/off switch, bass control, volume, and auxiliary input for MP3 player, CD player, or other portable audio device. Buy it online.
	The $86 Creative GigaWorks T20 offers a well balanced sound that is missing on most 2.1 systems when the subwoofer and satellite speakers sound separate instead of blended.  The speakers includes a bass, treble and on/off/volume knob.  It also includes a front headphone jack and an input jack for a MP3 player. Buy it online. Read a review from Trusted Reviews (Apr 2007).
	The $100 Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 2.0 is one of the best "portable" 2 speaker systems for music.  They are a great size for notebook computers and MP3 players.  They don't have the bass of a 2.1 speaker system. Buy it online. Read reviews from owners at NewEgg, PC World (Nov 2004), PC Magazine (Mar 2005).
	The $115 Logitech Z-2300 is 200 watt, THX certified speaker system that excels at playing music. Buy it online. Read reviews from owners at NewEgg.
	The $125 Harman-Karden SoundSticks II produce excellent sound.  PC Magazine said these are still the best 2.1 speakers even though it's 3 years old. Buy it online. Read reviews from PC Magazine (Apr 2004, Feb 2007).
	The $130 M-Audio Studiophile DX4 is one of the best 2.1 speaker systems for music.  Games need more speakers with more power. Buy it online. Read a review from PC Magazine (Nov 2004).
	The $130 Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 is a long standing favorite.  I don't know if the competition has caught up to the sound quality of these speakers. Buy it online.
	The $75 Logitech X-540 5.1 speakers convert stereo sound to a unified 5.1 sound.  The speakers can be mounted to the wall and the center speaker has a clip to attach it to a LCD monitor to reduce desktop clutter. Buy it online. Read a review from ARS Technica (July 2007).
	The $95 Creative Inspire P7800 7.1 speaker system is getting good reviews.  Gamers comment on how they are immersed by sound. Buy it online. Read reviews from owners at NewEgg.
	The $140 Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 THX certified speakers combine great sound for a relatively low price.  The satellite speaker stands can either mount to a wall or stand on a desk.  The speakers also connect to a Play Station or Xbox. Buy it online. Read reviews from owners at NewEgg, TweakNews.com (Aug 2005).
	The $185 Altec Lansing FX5051 5.1 plugs into a USB port and does not require a sound card.  Clever. Buy it online. Read a review from ThinkComputers.com (Dec 2006).
	The $285 Logitech Z-5500 Digital is rated the best 5.1 speaker system according to PC Magazine in January 2005.  It has a ground rumbling 500W of power, Dolby Digital, DTS, and THX certification, and connects to a computer and 6 other audio sources simultaneously.  They sound great for one person sitting at a desk, but they don't sound as good for a larger audience. Buy it online. Read a review from PC World (Feb 2006), HardCoreWare.com (Aug 2005).