It is impossible to imagine a modern computer without a sound card. If previous generations of computers managed to output sound stream to a system speaker, better known as a speaker, a home-made Covox solution or expensive Sound Blaster cards, now the user only needs acoustics for the computer, and the sound adapter is part of the motherboard.
We are talking about the built-in models HD Audio and AC97 (outdated, but still found solution).
Computer shops offer a huge range of speakers and amplifiers, including multi-channel models. However, for all this, the choice of
acoustics for a computer is quite a challenge for many.
Of course, there is nothing easier than buying inexpensive plastic speakers at a street kiosk, but they are not suitable for listening to anything other than a system “beep”. Most users understand that good acoustics for a computer can hardly be cheap. Usually they ask for hundreds of dollars for Hi-Fi systems. That is why it is important to understand what acoustics are for a computer, how to find a compromise option that has good sound and reasonable cost.
Tasks
Before you buy a
sound system, you must determine the range of tasks in which speakers will be used for the computer. So, in order to decorate the workplace and the ability to hear system messages, simple plastic speakers will do. Manufacturers offer various models with different appearance: from classic, made "under the tree" to futuristic. But if you plan to listen to music, watch movies or play games, then not the design comes to the fore, but other characteristics.
It is worth recalling that the most expensive computer speakers use tube amplifiers. It is those that were abandoned many years ago in favor of semiconductor elements. Obviously, the appearance of this design is an amateur, but the sound quality is excellent, since the noise level is minimal.
Acoustic selection
If the speakers are chosen not only for decoration, then you should decide on the desired number of channels. This parameter depends on the characteristics of the sound card. So, the system can be stereo, quad and multichannel. The latter are more expensive, so sometimes it’s more reasonable to get a good stereo system than a bad multi-channel.
The next important point is the presence of a subwoofer. This is a special speaker with a speaker capable of reproducing low frequencies. In multi-channel solutions, it is usually present. There are also modifications “stereo + subwoofer”. The sound picture is better, but the device will require additional space on the floor to accommodate.
The dimensions of the speakers play an important role in sound quality. Obviously, with a small size of the diffuser, it is impossible to achieve powerful oscillations, no matter what the advertisement says. Thus, if you want to listen to music in the room, you need to select more speakers.
One of the most important points, which, alas, many buyers overlook, is the material of the case. It is worth remembering that wooden models sound much better than plastic ones. It makes sense to purchase simple wooden speakers than a set of plastic “tweeters”.
The number of speakers affects the saturation of the sound picture. The best compromise option is speakers with two diffusers and a subwoofer.
The last thing you should pay attention to is the manufacturer. It's no secret that you often have to pay for the "name". Sometimes little-known solutions sound better than eminent solutions of equal value. The most popular brands to date are as follows: F&D, JBL, Bose, Sven.