I was just wondering, since the regular bookshelf speakers, like this one: null are just $70, and 150 watts while most $70 computer speakers don't even come close to that kind of power. So, can these be used with a pc? Also, is there an advantage of using "PC" speakers over regular book shelf speakers. (I'm talking strictly 2.1 setup here) Thanks!
What's the diff. between regular speakers and computer speakers?
- Thread starter Spudd
- Start date
They will work just fine, I run a pair of Sony's that look close to that size. But you do need a amplifier. I use the amp that was in a old pair of computer speakers, the ones you can buy for $10 at just about anywhere. Take it apart and wire in the new Sony's. When you get more money get a used receiver or bigger amp and really rock out.
Yes there is a difference in regular Home stereo speakers and PC sets. Mostly the cheaper PC sets are designed to be efficent with very low wattage like 10 watts a speaker if that. While the tiny sub pumps around 30 watts to fill in the low mid range sound. You can defiently get good PC speaker packages out there , but if you already have a Home Theater amp or stereo amp with normal speakers you can run Digital Optical wire to you Home Theater amp and use the real power of a house amp. If you have only a stereo amp (2 speakers) then you can run analog out the back of your sound card just like the digital wire but now with 2 wires. You of course will need a capable soundcard for this. I use a Klipsch 4.1 setup for my computer that cost around 300$ and it sounds wonderful. It is expensive but worth it for 4 : 60watt 2-way speakers with 160watt sub that packs dual 6.5 inch woofers. It really sounds good, if you have a small room or have your computer in the main room you could use this for listening as your main stereo. It is no means the quality of full size speakers but it is I think the best bet for PC speakers. Others might refer other speaker sets that might sound good too for less but I do know the Klipsch package sounds great. If you already have the amp and speakers look for a soundcard to use your hardware you already have. Let me know if you need anymore info.
And there is no real advantage maybe size of the PC speakers take up less space but if you have the soundcard just run it to your existing stereo
And there is no real advantage maybe size of the PC speakers take up less space but if you have the soundcard just run it to your existing stereo
I haven't gone to the link, but basically this:
1. Cheaper
2. Narrower frequency range
3. Fuzzier
4. Quieter
5. Lower-quality connectors (Z560 possible exception)
6. Smaller
7. Built-in amp
1. Cheaper
2. Narrower frequency range
3. Fuzzier
4. Quieter
5. Lower-quality connectors (Z560 possible exception)
6. Smaller
7. Built-in amp
Crusty
Lifer
- Sep 30, 2001
- 12,684
- 2
- 81
Most non-computer speakers are not magnetically shielded. Which means that magnets inside the speaker would interfere with devices like your monitor or tv. All computer speakers are magnetically shieled so as not to interfere with those devices. I hope this helps.
<< Most non-computer speakers are not magnetically shielded. Which means that magnets inside the speaker would interfere with devices like your monitor or tv. All computer speakers are magnetically shieled so as not to interfere with those devices. I hope this helps. >>
bingo
The difference is that computer speakers can rarely match the quality of a good set of speakers not designed specifically for that purpose.
One thing I did notice is that the link you posted - that 150w is PEAK watts.
That's probably not too far off the '30w' quoted for a computer-speaker style sub.
Watts peak in comparison to watts RMS is a big difference...
Personally I dont know why people buy computer speakers - at least not people who appreciate good audio.
Even a stereo hi-fi system will sound a damn sight better than a set of 5.1 computer speakers; granted it doesn't have the surround factor, but sound quality (due to higher resistance) and sheer volume (due to higher power ratings; the mains can supply a lot more current than the 12v rail of your power supply!).
As far as a 2.1 setup goes, 'home audio' is definately the way to go. Even with the extra cost of an amp and a couple of cables, you're goin to spend the same amount on computer speakers anyway - but with hi-fi equipment you've got the advantage of deafening yourself and your neighbours.
That's probably not too far off the '30w' quoted for a computer-speaker style sub.
Watts peak in comparison to watts RMS is a big difference...
Personally I dont know why people buy computer speakers - at least not people who appreciate good audio.
Even a stereo hi-fi system will sound a damn sight better than a set of 5.1 computer speakers; granted it doesn't have the surround factor, but sound quality (due to higher resistance) and sheer volume (due to higher power ratings; the mains can supply a lot more current than the 12v rail of your power supply!).
As far as a 2.1 setup goes, 'home audio' is definately the way to go. Even with the extra cost of an amp and a couple of cables, you're goin to spend the same amount on computer speakers anyway - but with hi-fi equipment you've got the advantage of deafening yourself and your neighbours.
Most of the differences have been said..
A couple things though...
Don't pay ANY attention to the wattage of a speaker or receiver, or basically anything related to sound. It is COMPLETELY meaningless, and is ONLY used in marketting. It is less signifigant than the MHz rating of a CPU, by far. It bothers me to see people take it seriously, just as it bothers me to see people choose INTEL over AMD because of the MHz number. My alarm clock amp puts out like 3watts RMS and is louder and sounds better than most 100watt receivers.
Even the best sound cards are very poorly wired for sound quality. The benefits you get in terms of sound quality by using a more elaborate HT or Stereo for your computer sound are all but negated by the butchering your sound card, and even the mp3 sound format does to the sound quality.
If you are listening to music/playing games, a computer speaker setup will probably give you a better imaging as well, because they would probably be positioned better.
All things being equal HT/Stereo setup will sound better though, usually.
A couple things though...
Don't pay ANY attention to the wattage of a speaker or receiver, or basically anything related to sound. It is COMPLETELY meaningless, and is ONLY used in marketting. It is less signifigant than the MHz rating of a CPU, by far. It bothers me to see people take it seriously, just as it bothers me to see people choose INTEL over AMD because of the MHz number. My alarm clock amp puts out like 3watts RMS and is louder and sounds better than most 100watt receivers.
Even the best sound cards are very poorly wired for sound quality. The benefits you get in terms of sound quality by using a more elaborate HT or Stereo for your computer sound are all but negated by the butchering your sound card, and even the mp3 sound format does to the sound quality.
If you are listening to music/playing games, a computer speaker setup will probably give you a better imaging as well, because they would probably be positioned better.
All things being equal HT/Stereo setup will sound better though, usually.
As said above several times, the main difference is in the magnetic shielding and a lot in the marketing! My first "computer speakers" were an old pair of bose 301s and a 40w kenwood amp and it sounded great with my first 8 bit 80 dollar sound card.
You can use stereo speakers, just not real close to the computer.
You can use stereo speakers, just not real close to the computer.
A few years ago, most regular speakers were not magentically shielded, but with the advent of home theater setups becoming common place, most speakers are moving to the magnetically shielded field due to their intended placement near TV's and other magnetically sensitive equipment. One of the main differences between the two fields is size. All computer speakers are designed to be placed on a desk and thus are quite small. There are no floor standing PC speakers, the 30 cent stands that come with some sets for the surround speakers don't count. HT speakers are for the most part considerably larger and would never be placed on a desk, even if they are bookshelf speakers. The other main difference as others have noted is the built in amp for most computer speakers where regular speakers don't have amps unless they contain a woofer.
<<Personally I dont know why people buy computer speakers - at least not people who appreciate
good audio.
Even a stereo hi-fi system will sound a damn sight better than a set of 5.1 computer speakers; granted it
doesn't have the surround factor, but sound quality (due to higher resistance) and sheer volume (due to
higher power ratings; the mains can supply a lot more current than the 12v rail of your power supply!).>>
Alot of people (including me) don't have their computer where their home audio setups are. I do run a
cable to my home audio (through the basement), but, its not good for playing games (I use mine to play
DVD's on my home theater setup). Therefore, the need for a speaker setup for the computer.
You can't put home speakers on a computer for the reasons outlined above it the thread. I know; I tried it -
caused my monitor to have a funny, red haze-like interference - no good
Rather than going out and buying a separate amp and home speakers (expensive), I went and bought an
inexpensive (Altec Lansing) 4.1 setup. It's good enough and payed about $80.00 (2 years ago). I was going
to spend more for a digital system, but, after reviewing alot of comments about them, alot of people said
that it would be hard to tell the difference between analog and digital, at least at this level.
What I'm trying to say is that for $70 - 80, you can have a decent 4.1 (analog) setup that includes an amp
and subwoofer. And it will sound good enough for your computer stuff.
good audio.
Even a stereo hi-fi system will sound a damn sight better than a set of 5.1 computer speakers; granted it
doesn't have the surround factor, but sound quality (due to higher resistance) and sheer volume (due to
higher power ratings; the mains can supply a lot more current than the 12v rail of your power supply!).>>
Alot of people (including me) don't have their computer where their home audio setups are. I do run a
cable to my home audio (through the basement), but, its not good for playing games (I use mine to play
DVD's on my home theater setup). Therefore, the need for a speaker setup for the computer.
You can't put home speakers on a computer for the reasons outlined above it the thread. I know; I tried it -
caused my monitor to have a funny, red haze-like interference - no good
Rather than going out and buying a separate amp and home speakers (expensive), I went and bought an
inexpensive (Altec Lansing) 4.1 setup. It's good enough and payed about $80.00 (2 years ago). I was going
to spend more for a digital system, but, after reviewing alot of comments about them, alot of people said
that it would be hard to tell the difference between analog and digital, at least at this level.
What I'm trying to say is that for $70 - 80, you can have a decent 4.1 (analog) setup that includes an amp
and subwoofer. And it will sound good enough for your computer stuff.
I have a old Atlanta AL440LX Mother board with onboard sound, about 8 feet away I have an Onkyo-Integra 5.2 Home thater receiver....is it a problem for me to connect the two FROM the PC speaker out connection (with a mini stereo plug) to the CD or Tape input on the reciever (an RCA plug for Left and Right)...will i fry my PC or more importantly my Receiver?
I don't think it should be a problem to find a cable that is 10' long with a stereo mini jack on one end and a RCA left/right on the other>
Any suggestions?
This would allow my wife to listen to her oversees radio and me to play MP3s straight from the PC, Right??!!
Stephen
dalfollo@yahoo.com
I don't think it should be a problem to find a cable that is 10' long with a stereo mini jack on one end and a RCA left/right on the other>
Any suggestions?
This would allow my wife to listen to her oversees radio and me to play MP3s straight from the PC, Right??!!
Stephen
dalfollo@yahoo.com
Higher resistance in a speaker doesn't make for better sound by any means... Depending on the design of the amp and speaker, they can be wired for 2-8 ohms (even the word resistance isn't quite adequate), its just a question of design cost based on the use of the system.
dalfollo:
That is exactly what you can do. It wont hurt either your sound card or receiver, it just wont necessarily sound as good as the CDs you are used to hearing through your receiver. (this is pretty much what I do as well)
dalfollo:
That is exactly what you can do. It wont hurt either your sound card or receiver, it just wont necessarily sound as good as the CDs you are used to hearing through your receiver. (this is pretty much what I do as well)
Difference between even the crummiest 'real' speakers and PC speakers is like the difference between sliced white bread and a good loaf. Sliced white bread is mainly air, a real loaf has substance.
PC speakers are fine when heard close up by people who are playing games with synthesized sounds or who are used to the degraded quality of MP3 and/or Car Audio.
Beats me how people expect to get anything like decent sound out of crummy full-range 3 inch drivers.
PC speakers are fine when heard close up by people who are playing games with synthesized sounds or who are used to the degraded quality of MP3 and/or Car Audio.
Beats me how people expect to get anything like decent sound out of crummy full-range 3 inch drivers.
Yes, impediance would be the better term to use.. but its still not very simple. Impediance refers to how a speaker will have a different "resistance" to current at each frequency on its range. You can't therefore define impediance as just a number of ohms, its much more than that. The two words are basically interchanged alot, neither really means anything to anyone but designers, other than defining standards e.g. a "6 ohm compatible" speaker must have an amp that can drive into 6 ohms (some amps can into a few different resistances, and have switches for each).
Dont forget about efficiency when you are talking about speakers. That opens up a whole new can of worms
i have so thought about doing a project for this. i even went to radio shack and bought the amps and wire to build the amplifier from. still need the transformer but i have the amp almost built and a spare set of speakers out in the garage i am going to hook it up to before i get good ones.
on another note i have a sound blaster card and i have the desktop speakers hooked up to channel one on my sound blaster live and the other channel goes to my stereo for when i play games.
i want to build a self amplified speaker system to hook to the second channel to free up the port on my stereo for the playstation 2 i want. i am not that good at electronics but i have found some recources about it on the net. i stole the design i want to use from a radio shack "how-to" book that i gave my son for christmas several years ago when i got him the electronics kit. they are not the best quality parts, but they are just across town if you need another. only thing i have not figuered out is how to sheild them?
mike
on another note i have a sound blaster card and i have the desktop speakers hooked up to channel one on my sound blaster live and the other channel goes to my stereo for when i play games.
i want to build a self amplified speaker system to hook to the second channel to free up the port on my stereo for the playstation 2 i want. i am not that good at electronics but i have found some recources about it on the net. i stole the design i want to use from a radio shack "how-to" book that i gave my son for christmas several years ago when i got him the electronics kit. they are not the best quality parts, but they are just across town if you need another. only thing i have not figuered out is how to sheild them?
mike
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