Computer Speaker help?

fastman

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,521
4
81
I'm looking for a set of computer speakers that are 110/220v 50/60Hz selectable-compatible.
Preferably a 2.1 system for under $100.
 

mnewsham

Lifer
Oct 2, 2010
14,539
428
136
I don't see anyway to do what you want for that price range.

Double, maybe triple budget and you might be able to get something thrown together.


Audio engine A2+ (their lowest end powered speakers) will run you ~$200 for a 2.0 setup (no subwoofer).

add a powered subwoofer and that's another ~$300 more. So that's ~$500 minimum for a 2.1 Audio engine setup.

Most audio gear under $200-300 is simply not going to offer 110/220v 50/60hz voltage selection. Either auto or manual.


Here is the cheapest I could find for under $100. Unpowered speakers with a speaker amp that has selectable 110/220 50/60hz.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GA73BS

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OELGGG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0W5Y

~$110 for a basic 2.0 setup.
This setup however doesn't have a DAC, so you'd have to use the Line-Out on your motherboard, or purchase a DAC.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: fastman

fastman

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,521
4
81
Thanks but space and power draw is an issue also. I currently am living in Italy for at least the next three years. My desk top is already fairly busy and the one computer, two monitors, two routers, one NAS, one printer, one phone and Vonage appliance, Roku are all plugged into the single and only power outlet in my office via an almost maxed out twelve device power strip.

So now I'm thinking USB speakers. Any recommendations?

Maybe even a soundbar with headphone jack?
 

mnewsham

Lifer
Oct 2, 2010
14,539
428
136
Thanks but space and power draw is an issue also. I currently am living in Italy for at least the next three years. My desk top is already fairly busy and the one computer, two monitors, two routers, one NAS, one printer, one phone and Vonage appliance, Roku are all plugged into the single and only power outlet in my office via an almost maxed out twelve device power strip.

So now I'm thinking USB speakers. Any recommendations?

Maybe even a soundbar with headphone jack?


USB speakers will never have a sub (just not enough power)


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZ9XKCM
 

whm1974

Diamond Member
Jul 24, 2016
9,436
1,569
126
Nice but I have two sets of headphones already and am getting tired of wearing them all the time.
Yeah but you turn these into speakers by turning the cans 180 degrees which is how I use them for my computer
 

FeuerFrei

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2005
9,144
929
126
The latest (3.1?) USB specs offer more than 5V of power, which would be a boon for any USB-powered speakers. Just say'n. Don't know how available compatible hardware is.
(I know power isn't measured in volts. P = I * E)
 

fastman

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,521
4
81
The latest (3.1?) USB specs offer more than 5V of power, which would be a boon for any USB-powered speakers. Just say'n. Don't know how available compatible hardware is.
(I know power isn't measured in volts. P = I * E)

Which speaker are you referring to?
 

mnewsham

Lifer
Oct 2, 2010
14,539
428
136
I mean technically if you have the proper ports USB type-C with USB Power Delivery (USB PD) CAN provide up to 100w of power at 20v 5A.

I have yet to see any speakers or other devices like that take advantage of it, most likely because not all USB type-C ports support USB PD. USB type-C without USB PD maxes out at 5v and 3A for 15w of power.
 

DigDog

Lifer
Jun 3, 2011
14,428
2,866
126
are we looking for quality, or quantity?

i have a old as dirt set of Logitech X210 which are louder than what my neighbors can take. they cost about $50 and have a sub. you can get a lot of oommph for a hundred bucks if you just buy a regular set of 2.1 PC speakers. nothing high end audio quality, but, you know, $100.
 

richaron

Golden Member
Mar 27, 2012
1,357
329
136
Yeah you can get a "decent" set of 2.0 speakers for under $100, but if you have specific power requirements you might have to narrow your search or look into aftermarket power supplies. And I would for sure go for the best quality 2.0 setup you can get over muddy 2.1 crapola in the same price range (I'm running a small 2.0 set of iLoud Micro Monitors myself).

I would start looking at similar products to the Creative Gigaworks T20 Series 2 for computer speakers (I can vouch version 1 are nice), or Mackie CR3 for miniature "monitors".
 

fastman

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,521
4
81
are we looking for quality, or quantity?

i have a old as dirt set of Logitech X210 which are louder than what my neighbors can take. they cost about $50 and have a sub. you can get a lot of oommph for a hundred bucks if you just buy a regular set of 2.1 PC speakers. nothing high end audio quality, but, you know, $100.

Always quality when it comes to sound reproduction but as I indicated above I have power conditions and limitations so a 2.1 set-up won't work.
 

fastman

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,521
4
81
Yeah you can get a "decent" set of 2.0 speakers for under $100, but if you have specific power requirements you might have to narrow your search or look into aftermarket power supplies. And I would for sure go for the best quality 2.0 setup you can get over muddy 2.1 crapola in the same price range (I'm running a small 2.0 set of iLoud Micro Monitors myself).

I would start looking at similar products to the Creative Gigaworks T20 Series 2 for computer speakers (I can vouch version 1 are nice), or Mackie CR3 for miniature "monitors".

Thanks, I will look into those.
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
99,267
17,515
126
  • Like
Reactions: fastman