Buyers' Guide: Speakers

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PC speakers have come a long way, with most manufacturers now offering 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, and even 8.1 packages.

Here are three things to watch for when you’re looking to buy. First is the output, often expressed in watts. Try to look beyond the manufacturer’s statements, as they can be misleading. For instance, a 125w output might comprise a 100w sub-woofer and five 5w speakers. You may see speaker output quoted as PMPO (Peak
Music Power), which relates to the maximum output that can be achieved under perfect conditions and is misleading. Lastly, there is RMS (Root Mean Square), which is expressed in watts, for example total 200w RMS. This is a better reference for overall power, but not perfect.

Impedance is measured in ohms and tells you how much of an electrical load a speaker presents to the amplifier.

The higher the impedance, the less power the amplifier needs to drive it. The average on most speakers is 8ohms. If lower than 8ohms the amplifier has to work
harder to drive the speakers, which can result in distortion.

Frequency response refers to a speaker’s tonal qualities and its ability to reproduce sounds at different frequencies. Speakers listed as having a response of 20Hz-20KHz are the most common for PC speakers.

Recommended Speakers:

Creative Gigaworks S750
Although no Dolby Digital encoder is included, the sound quality and construction are superb
Read review >
Check prices >

Logitech X-530
Sleek design, great sound quality and a performance that belies the bargain price
Check prices >

Hercules XPS5-101-Black
Excellent build quality, easy to set up, lots of power and a fantastic remote control

Creative Inspire T7900
A 7.1 surround system with surprisingly good sound quality, but it won’t cost you a fortune
Check prices >

Logitech Z-5500 Digital
With a built-in Dolby Digital decoder, this set also delivers impressive audio performance
Check prices >

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See also:

Buyers' Guide: Soundcards

Our guide will ensure you don't spend more than absolutely necessary for your needs  03 Jan 2006

Buyers' Guide: Desktop PCs

There's a lot to consider when buying a desktop PC, but don't despair - PCW is here to guide you through the key decisions  15 Feb 2006

Buyers' Guide: Sound Systems

OK, so you've invested in a great screen, and the recording system that suits your needs. But there's no point having a fantastic-looking picture if the sound's not up to scratch  27 May 2005

Buyers' Guide: Projectors

If you're looking for the nearest experience to being at the cinema without leaving the house, a projector is the choice for the big-screen fan. Just bring your own popcorn  27 May 2005

Buyers' Guide: TV Tuners

Adding a TV tuner to your PC opens up a range of possibilities. Most of the tuners are easy to use but some offer advanced features, so it's important to consider the options before buying  04 Jan 2006

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