1 - Compatibility
Sound cards today, support multi-channel output. Some sound cards support four, five, six, seven and even eight channel
output. However to utilize the support provided to multi-channel output, you need a speaker system which can convert the
multi-channel output into multi-channel sound. To convert multi-channel signal output into multi-channel sound, you require
one speaker for each channel of output. Let’s look at an example to understand this concept. Take a case where the
sound card supports 5.1 channel (surround) sound. To get the 5.1 channel surround sound your PC would require 6 speakers
(5.1 speaker system). i.e. left/right speakers, left/right surround speakers, a speaker for the center channel, and a
subwoofer (this is the .1 in the 5.1)
| A 2.0 (left and right speaker only) speaker system cannot provide you with 5.1 sound output even though
it receives 5.1 channel output from the sound card. Hence to make full use of the sound cards’ potential it is
essential to ensure that the speaker system is in sync with the multi-channel support provided by the sound card. |
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A two-speaker system (or one that adds a dedicated bass speaker) is fine for basic PC audio and music listening. To get a 5.1 or 6.1 channel surround sound you will require a 5.1 or 6.1 speaker arrangement. A 5.1 arrangement is good for PC gaming, also the front-center speaker it adds, lets this setup deliver better DVD movie audio. 6.1 systems are intended more for home theater. They provide an additional surround-channel; adding a third rear speaker to the 5.1 format.
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2 - Key Purchasing Factors
2.1 - Power
Power is an important consideration when buying speakers. For a 2.1 speaker configuration, total continuous power should
be at least 20 watts. Though this doesn’t sound like a high figure it should suffice for PC speakers. Keep in mind
that, most of the time while listening to music, you will be in close proximity to the PC and therefore might not require
a very high sound output. A 6.1 PC speaker configuration would require around 50 watts per satellite channel.
2.2 - Controls
The controls for the speaker are generally situated on one of the front-channel satellite speakers. This makes it easy for
anyone to adjust the controls. Speaker systems should at least have volume and bass controls. Other useful controls include
the center-channel volume level (for a 5.1 systems), a surround-channel volume control, left/right balance, and a mute button
for occasions when you need to interrupt your listening session. A remote control, though not essential, is a nice to have
feature which allows you to control your speaker system from anywhere in the room.
2.3 - Headphone Jack
This is another nice to have feature. There could be situations, where others in the room would not like to be disturbed
by the music you listen. For such situations, it is nice to have a speaker system with a headphone jack. This makes it
easy to switch to using headphones instead of speakers. Speakers with a headphone jack turn to mute when the headphone
is plugged into the jack. In the absence of such headphone jacks you may probably have to plug your headphone to the
PC after detaching the speakers.
2.4 - Hash
Hash also called hiss, is the undesirable hissing sound that a speaker emits when sitting idle. The hiss may be due to
the speaker set's power amp, the sound card output, or due to both. Check for hash when the speaker is idle. The hash
often becomes audible only when the volume is set to a loud level while the speaker is idle. Never choose a speaker
which has an audible hash at moderate or low volume. Since this is the level that we shall be most often playing music
and a hissing sound at this level would be most irritating.
2.5 - Size
Getting the biggest speaker you can afford may be a consideration while buying music systems, but PC speakers need not
fill the entire living room. Remember, in most PC audio environments, users are sitting within a distance of three feet
from the speakers, and the user will rarely need to pump up to a high volume. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for small
or medium sized speakers unless you take a fancy to those jumbo sized ones.
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2.5 - Size
Getting the biggest speaker you can afford may be a consideration while buying music systems, but PC speakers need not fill the entire living room. Remember, in most PC audio environments, users are sitting within a distance of three feet from the speakers, and the user will rarely need to pump up to a high volume. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for small or medium sized speakers unless you take a fancy to those jumbo sized ones.
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2.6 - THX Certification
THX Ltd. is one of the leading developers of quality assurance programs, services and products for the entertainment and
consumer electronics industries. Certified THX speakers must meet strict performance standards established by THX. These
standards cover most performance aspects of the speakers including dispersion characteristics, frequency response, power
handling, and more. These standards are rigorous and products that meet these standards are of a high quality. Choosing
a speaker system with THX certification is one way of ensuring that you are buying a good quality speaker system.
To summarize, the choice of a speaker system would depend on the quality of sound output you require and the price
you are willing to pay for it. Provide due consideration to its intended use. Do you intend to play movies/music/games
on the PC, a high quality, high end speaker; loaded with features could convert the PC into a home theater system or a
high end music system or a game station. Users who don’t intend to play music or videos on their PC could opt for a simple,
no frills, 2.0 speaker system.
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