by Alan Henry
Everyone rocks headphones when they want to hear every bit of their music or theres someone else at home, but theres nothing like listening aloud while youre working or by yourself. For those times, you need quality computer speakers. Whether its pure audio quality, size and shape, or bang for the buck, choosing the best speakers is a tricky affair, but thanks to your nominations, we were able to pick five sets that will never dissapoint.
We asked you earlier in the week to send in your nominations for the best computer speakers to buy. You definitely came through with a ton of great suggestions, way more than we could highlight here, but heres a look at the five most popular of your nominations.
Klipsch Promedia 2.1 ($150)The Klipsch Promedia 2.1 set features two desktop speakers and a subwoofer, and earned your wide praise for its affordability and superior sound quality. Our own Whitson Gordon swears by this set, and notes that it fits perfectly in that mid-range between simple desktop computer speakers and great audio quality you would expect from stereo gear. The desktop speakers are small but powerful, and the subwoofer fits comfortably under a desk where it offers amazing bass response and deep lows. Best of all, your money isnt spent on a system that only connects to a PC—you can connect this speaker set to your TV, game console, or another audio source.
Audioengine 5+ ($400)The Audioengine 5+ speaker series is well known and loved by audiophiles, music lovers, music producers, and at-home creators and DJs alike. Theyre pricey, around $400, but a number of reviews point out that they offer the kind of high quality sound you would normally expect from a speaker set twice or three times the price. If you have the cash to burn, you wont be disappointed by them. Dont let their simple looks deceive you—they pack a lot of power, enough that you wont need a separate subwoofer or additional speakers in the setup. If you want, there is a variable output you can plug a sub into. Since theyre powered on their own, you wont even need an external amp for them. The 5+ system sports USB for your mobile device and dual inputs for music players, computers, and other devices.
M-Audio AV-40 ($140)M-Audio is pretty well known for providing superior sound quality in budget-friendly audio products, and the AV-40 2-speaker set is no exception. Another bookshelf-style dual speaker model, the AV-40s feature RCA and TRS inputs on the rear for connections to your computer, game console, TV, mixer or even an amplifier, and a headphone and aux-in jack on the front for other devices. The speakers have a built-in amp, or they connect beautifully to one you may already have, or any other device for that matter. The AV-40s are geared towards people who love bass in their music, especially DJs and electronic or hip-hop enthusiasts, but you dont have to stick with those genres to appreciate this budget-friendly audio powerhouse.
Bose Companion 2 Series II ($100)
Its not common for Bose to be on the budget end of a roundup, but this case is special. The Companion 2 Series II are aimed more at desktop users listening to music for entertainment—not so much for audio professionals or people who plan to use their speakers to connect to multiple inputs or sources. The set is a space-saving pair of desktop speakers that are small enough to fit into a small space on a crowded office desk, but turn them up and you can pump out some serious volume when no ones around. Volume controls and a headphone jack on the front are easily accessible when you need them, and dual inputs on the rear let you connect your computer and another audio device, like a smartphone or music player, at the same time and toggle between them.
Logitech Z2300/Logitech Z623 ($150)
This ones tough, since many of you nominated the Logitech Z2300, and for good reason—theyre a killer 2.1 stereo speaker set, but theyre no longer available, having been succeeded by the Logitech Z623. The Z623s are also a great 2.1 stereo set, but it doesnt take much looking to uncover questions and detailed analyses about how the Z623, while capable, may be a step down. Those of you who praised the Z2300s noted its clean design, space-saving desktop speakers, and control pod that offered power control, a headphone jack, volume control, and independent subwoofer control. Speaking of the subwoofer, many of you noted that the Z2300s subwoofer is one of the most powerful youve seen in a desktop set. The set also came with an adapter so you could quickly connect game consoles and other devices to the aux in jack.
The Z623 that followed the Z2300s did away with the control pod in favor of on-speaker controls, but still sports an array of RCA and stereo connectors on the back that make it perfect for desktop computing or a space-saving home entertainment system. Plus, for the price, the Z623s power and audio quality make it a great bargain.
Now that youve seen the best, its time to put them to an all-out vote to decide the winner!
[ Vote in our poll at PollDaddy here! ]
The Hive Five is based on reader nominations. As with most Hive Five posts, if your favorite was left out, it’s not because we hate it—it’s because it didn’t get the nominations required in the call for contenders post to make the top five. We understand it’s a bit of a popularity contest, but if you have a favorite, we want to hear about it. Have a suggestion for the Hive Five? Send us an email at [email=tips+hivefive@lifehacker.com]tips+hivefive@lifehacker.com[/email]!
Photo by William Hook.
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