All types of audio speakers and what they are like

Criterias of choice

It all depends on the purpose for which you are buying speakers.
To simply play sound on a computer, you will need to buy classic 2.0 speakers. The sound quality is good, the price is reasonable. But not every average person can be satisfied with such a simple audio system. In order to understand exactly what purposes the speakers will be used for, study their basic criteria and become familiar with the main functions. What types of columns are there:

1. For traveling with a laptop, the best choice would be portable speakers (see how to choose portable speakers), which connect via Bluetooth and have a powerful battery. They take up little space and do not require a network connection. Although they lose in sound quality.
2. for a home or office computer ; they cope with transmitting any audio and video files and do not harm the ear when working at high volumes.
3. For professional DJs, 2.1 audio technology is the best choice.
4. For fans of movies and video games with special effects, 5.1 speakers are suitable
5. For surround sound connoisseurs , a home theater system will suit your computer in all respects.

What do the mysterious numbers “2.0”, “5.1” and “2.1” mean? These are the designations of speaker types: the first number is the number of speakers, and the second number is the number of subwoofers. There are also projectors - soundbars. What are their differences?

1. The most popular option is 2.0, the speakers recreate low, normal and high frequencies. Stereo pair of 2 speakers.
2. Option 2.1 . Not an expensive option for listening to music and games. Experienced music lovers believe that such speakers handle rap and heavy metal quite well. Two speakers handle the mids and highs, and the third, a subwoofer, handles the lows. It is this that guarantees deeper bass than other, not so universal, systems.
3. Option 5.1. It is called the extended 2.1 format, there are more speakers: 2 rear and 1 center are added. But not every computer can use such a system; you need a special connector or a receiver. If you are going to watch great blockbusters on your computer and play cool games with special effects, this is the ideal option for you.
4. Soundbars . A long column where the speakers are located. The model is very expensive, for professional musicians. They guarantee sound quality and level even in a large room, without placing the speakers themselves around the perimeter.

Now - about the material of the speaker housings.

1. Wooden ones - the price is higher, but they have a more spacious sound. And their main advantage is that they do not rattle.
2. Plastic ones are an order of magnitude cheaper, there is a wider choice of models, but the acoustics are worse, passive ones will wheeze a lot.
3. From MDF . Compromise between price and quality. They are inexpensive and the sound is good, without rattling and they look quite stylish.
4. Using metal . Such cases are made for high-tech office equipment. Good sound, quite presentable appearance, but the price is high.

There is also a classification into active and passive speakers.

1. Active ones are characterized by a rich sound and a smooth transition between tones. Built-in amplifier, power from PC.
2. Passive ones are cheaper because the sound quality is modest and you need an amplifier.

Now let's decipher this term. Single-way speakers are 1 speaker that reproduces frequencies, two-way speakers are 2 speakers for low-mid frequencies and high frequencies. A three-way speaker has 3 speakers for each frequency separately.

Purpose

All other characteristics depend on the target orientation of the type of computer speakers. All types of columns can be roughly divided into several groups:

• Portable.

As a rule, they are small in size and equipped with a built-in battery. They are often wireless for pairing with a smartphone.

This also includes speaker-shaped music centers, popular among teenagers today.

The main purpose of such devices is to accompany the owner during a walk, loudly playing rap or dubstep in order to piss off others.

• For home use.

All types of computer speakers fall into this category. This includes a whole range of devices with different dimensions and power: from miniature “tweeters” of a couple of watts, with which you can understand dialogue in films, but not suitable for music, to huge 7.1 systems used in home theaters.

• For public use.

Huge powerful audio systems that are used during conferences, concerts, rallies, meetings of religious sects, in cinemas, karaoke bars.

• Automotive.

A separate segment of the market, and a very active one. Although the laws of acoustics are the same, the car interior has a specific shape that needs to be taken into account if you want high-quality sound, and not the banal bouncing of the vehicle from loud bass.

Characteristics of computer speakers

What is important when buying computer speakers? Experts advise paying attention to the following characteristics:

1. Frequency range . The set of sound effects depends on it. 20 thousand Hertz is enough for work and watching movies, but music lovers should “climb” higher.
2. Sensitivity. The higher it is, the further the sound signal goes, while maintaining high quality. The optimal choice would be 85-100 decibels.
3. Power. The most important indicator. For simple sound playback, 20 watts will be enough. Music lovers and fans of large music companies should choose an option with indicators of at least 50 watts.
4. Dimensions . Small size and excellent sound, powerful frequencies - this is extremely rare. Therefore, for good sound you will have to allocate space.
5. With microphone . These are purchased for Internet conferences so as not to spend money on a set of audio equipment.

Number of lanes

Almost all types of modern speakers, except for the most budget models, are equipped with at least a pair of speakers each. Their dimensions are different and, accordingly, they are designed to reproduce different frequencies.

The required minimum is one speaker for low frequencies, a second for mids and highs. Such speakers are called two-way.

Three-way speakers have three speakers each - for bass, midrange and treble. Well, the most audiophile ones have two speakers for each range, reproducing the sound of a certain frequency within the framework.

Powers of different types of speakers

1. Office . Power – from 2 to 6 Watts per speaker, this is quite enough for operation.
2. Homemade . Power is about 30 Watts for each, if loud sound is not needed, 10-15 Watts will be enough. If you want to listen to music loudly, then the indicators should be about 50 watts. The requirements for gaming speakers are similar. For powerful systems, 5.1 and 7.1, they calculate the total power, the numbers needed are from 150 to 500 Watts. For lovers of quiet music, 75 watts will be enough; for large companies you need to take at least 150. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend (the higher the indicators, the higher the price).
3. Portable . These average up to 4 watts per speaker. If the power comes from Bluetooth, it is better to buy 2-3 watts, if from a wall outlet - then 4-6.

Format 5.1: Dolby Digital

This type of speaker is entirely intended for fans of games with cool soundtracks and sound effects. The audio system includes two front and two central speakers, as well as a subwoofer. Thus, it provides playback of five-channel surround sound in Dolby Digital and DTS formats. These speakers often come with a physical Dolby Digital or DTS-II decoder.

Speakers in 5.1 format allow you to turn your computer into a good home theater - only for this, of course, you need to connect them to it. Here it is extremely rare to find a 3.5 mm output, much more often - an analog RCA output, a digital optical or coaxial output. Outputs vary in cable type and connector shape. The advantages of one type or another are practically invisible to a non-specialist, so there is no point in dwelling on them. You just need to buy the appropriate adapter for the sound card.

There are budget options in the 5.1 world, too, but they can't compete with true home theater systems. For games, this will be quite enough:

There are also cooler layout options: 6:1 and 7:1. But it won't be easy to feel the difference from 5.1.

What you should pay attention to

Buyers usually focus on design, ease of connection and use. There are some tricks here too.

• Often you have to overpay for design, because simpler speakers often sound even better.
• Location of control knobs. It is more convenient if placed on the front or side. Even if you have a remote control, this aspect still needs to be taken into account.
• It is desirable that the functions are accessible not only from the remote control, for example, switching inputs or adjusting the tone.
• It is much more optimal when the power amplifier is in the external unit. Easy to move.
• The sound quality is not affected whether the amplifier is installed in the speaker or not.
• It is believed that the stronger the power, the better the model. We have our own standards. For a room of up to 20 square meters, about 20 watts will be enough, 10 per column. But for a large hall up to 100 is suitable.

Two-way speakers have clearer high frequencies. And the advantage of three-way speakers is clearer mids and more bass.

• When purchasing portable speakers, it is worth checking whether a battery is included with them. Because without it the speakers won't last long.

When choosing speakers for your computer, there are many aspects to consider. Before purchasing, decide on the main requirements for the product and focus on them. If you can only afford inexpensive ones, it is better to buy those that do not have a popular brand, but offer high-quality sound.

Number of channels

Monaural speakers, that is, with one channel, are practically not used for working with modern PCs. This variety is found among budget portable speakers with one speaker.

The required minimum for high-quality sound today is 2.0 format, that is, two speakers, usually installed on the sides of the monitor. If you position both devices correctly, it is quite possible to achieve a “presence effect” - just like when using headphones.

If something happens to the left of the camera in a movie or game, then the user will hear the sound from the left side, and vice versa.

More advanced speaker systems belong to the 2.1 format - a relatively large subwoofer that reproduces bass, and a couple of smaller satellites. In terms of playback quality, they do not have any advantages over 2.0 systems, but they are more convenient in terms of operation.

The satellites easily fit on the desktop, and the “barrel” can be hidden under the table.

The next stage of audiophileism is 5.1 systems with a subwoofer, a pair of front and a pair of rear satellites. Such speaker systems are good for home theaters with a large screen: the sound adds even more atmosphere, allowing you to almost completely immerse yourself in what is happening.

However, in order to correctly set up such speakers, you need to have at least minimal knowledge of acoustics.

Well, 7.1 systems can be considered a “ceiling”, when a couple of side satellites are added to all the speakers listed in the previous paragraph. By the way, varieties 5.1 and 7.1 cannot always be used for a computer, since they require an appropriate sound card.

By default, most motherboards have a dual-channel sound card integrated, outputting sound to the left and right channels, respectively.

Acoustic design

The sound produced by the speaker system largely depends on the design of the housing. The most common types include:

• Open.

The speakers, which are not covered by anything, are mounted on a special stand.

• Closed.

The speakers are placed in a hollow box, and the air cushion acts as an additional damper.

• Bass reflex.

The case has a special hole for air circulation.

• Labyrinth.

The bass reflex has a “cunning” shape that affects the sound quality. The transmission line is a labyrinth with soft padding inside.