The best sets of computer acoustics

Genius SP-U110 is an entry-level model, and that, perhaps, says it all. At the same time, it was created by a well-known brand specializing in computer peripherals. For listening to background mp3 and chatting via skype, the product is quite sufficient.

Plastic cases have a small weight, minimum volume and wall thickness. The advantage is portability, which is also the reason for the disadvantages: speakers of this size and in such cases are simply not able to provide high volume. You should not expect from them and adequate reproduction of the low-frequency range. As a rule, such speakers are placed as close as possible to the listener, which to some extent compensates for the lack of power. A slight tilt of the cabinets back gives some improvement in the sound picture.

The only control is the power wheel and volume control. The power supply has been replaced with a USB cable, that is, the system receives a 5-volt supply voltage directly from the computer (this option is most conveniently combined with a laptop). To meet the technical requirements, the device should not consume more than two and a half watts, which is observed ...

The disadvantage of such circuitry is the increased level of noise transmitted just by power. Oddly enough, but with some computers this acoustics works fine, while with others it clearly hisses and crackles. Sometimes the way out is to use a USB charger from a smartphone, although here the power is usually not very stable.

Another feature inherent in this circuitry is increased sensitivity to interference from a mobile phone. It is clear that the shielding necessary for protection against interference would raise the price and ... then these would already be non-entry-level speakers.

In all other respects, the Genius SP-U110 sound clear and without perceptible distortion, which makes it quite possible to enjoy using this model.

Classic computer acoustics, more suitable for stationary installation. I am glad that the systems are made using technologies used in much more expensive products.

The model is built according to a two-way scheme with sufficiently high-quality speakers - a dome tweeter (albeit with a plastic membrane) and a solid low-frequency driver. MDF cabinets are made durable and attractive, removable grills made of radio fabric are attached by the classic method - on studs. The systems have a bass-reflex port that normalizes operation at low frequencies, directed forward, which means that the speakers can be painlessly placed close to the rear wall. True, it is on the back wall of one of the speakers that there is a simple control and switching panel - volume knobs, bass and treble timbres, a power switch with a red LED indication.

It is clear that behind the control panel is the entire electronic filling of the product - a power supply unit and a pair of amplifiers. As a result, the internal volume of the two speakers is not the same, which gives some, albeit almost imperceptible, differences in their sound. Input switching is represented by standard RCA connectors, to which the signal from the analog output of the sound card is transmitted through a standard cable included in the kit. The installed connectors make it easy to connect the Sven BF-01 to a CD player, media player or any other audio source. As a result, a set based on Sven BF-01 is able to please with a quite adequate, “tasty” sound.

At the same time, it is obvious that such acoustics will occupy a noticeable area on the desktop. If this is not desirable, then it may well move somewhere on a shelf, side table, etc. The increased distance to the listener is not a hindrance, Sven BF-01 has enough volume margin to sound, for example, a small room.

Logitech Z-443 is an example of how a "computer" brand took up acoustics and succeeded. The model is made according to the "triphonic" scheme - two mid-high-frequency satellites form stereo sound. The subwoofer is responsible for low frequencies. This arrangement allows you to get more power from a set of smaller overall dimensions. In addition, the stereo system has proper symmetry - unlike two speakers with electronics stuffed into one of them, we get two absolutely identical satellites, and the electronic part is mounted in the subwoofer. It also houses the controls: power, volume and bass level.

This kit is not intended for frequent change of installation location. Small front satellite speakers that "draw" a stereo scene are best placed symmetrically with respect to the listener. The best option is on the table, they take up little space. But the subwoofer can be hidden under the table or put on a separate piece of furniture.

Another feature of the subwoofer in this kit is its speaker "looks at the floor". The legs of the case have a verified length, and the gap between the case and the plane of the support has an exact geometry, thanks to which the surface on which the subwoofer stands also participates in sound formation. Therefore, it is not recommended to put something under the subwoofer that changes the distance from the speaker to this surface (for example, a stack of paper), as this will degrade the sound. Moreover, do not place the subwoofer on a soft surface.

Switching the system is extremely simple, and since the connectors for connecting the satellites are made different, it is impossible to confuse anything in principle. The setup is elementary, and the sound is quite up to par.

Computer acoustics are more and more often offered in the triphonic configuration. This solution has many advantages over the classic two speakers, the main thing is that with equal weight and cost, the system sounds more ambitious. True, a set of three bulky items, and even with a certain number of cables, is somehow not associated with compactness and mobility.

Perhaps it is the laptop owners who should take a closer look at the Edifier MP300 computer acoustics. This kit does not imply large-scale sound - the total power of all components does not exceed 10 watts. But before us is a very stylish and portable product.

Mobility is added to the kit by an elegant trunk, the size of a bag for a twelve-inch laptop, in which each component of the kit has its own slot.

Edifier MP300 satellites have spherical cases (a sphere, by the way, is considered to be the best variant of closed acoustic design in terms of geometry). The speakers are covered with transparent removable grille covers that protect the diffuser from damage.

As usual in triphonics, all the electronic filling is attached to the subwoofer - it is attached, in a separate volume of the case, since the subwoofer itself is a cylindrical acoustic resonator. The power supply is made remote, in the form factor of a network adapter. All this together does not evoke associations with a serious sound, neither in appearance nor in weight.

All the more surprising is the quality and scale of the sound created by the Edifier MP300. With a small power reserve, the miniature system sounds harmonious and balanced.

In this case, it makes sense to talk about status. You don't even have to listen to Harman Kardon SoundSticks III - one appearance is worth a lot. The design of the system is extraordinary and futuristic. We add that the subwoofer is made in the form of a vessel made of transparent plastic and has a built-in backlight.

As for the sound, it does not deceive expectations. The system works cleanly, collected, all-encompassing. An indicator of the level can be the fact that Harman Kardon SoundSticks has been produced in almost unchanged form for several years, the acoustic design and emitters are not being upgraded, since everything is already fine. At the same time, the kit invariably takes pride of place at every international exhibition with the participation of Harman products.

This is purely computer acoustics, as evidenced by the presence of only one connection connector and a minimum of adjustments - only the volume level and bass level are presented. Touch control, located on the subwoofer, there is no remote control included. When placing system components, care should be taken to reach the subwoofer - the system must at least be turned on and off each time.

The subwoofer uses the common principle of creating a resonant channel between its own bottom and the plane of the support on which the speaker is directed. At the same time, the speaker is protected from below by a perforated wall (bottom) of the case, which simultaneously serves as a protective grille. In this regard, it requires installation on a free, flat surface. Yes, and you don’t want to hide it in the interior at all - on the contrary, it can serve as a real dominant.

It was the computer specialization of the set that determined the short length of the satellite cables. Their location on the table, on the sides of the monitor does not cause any inconvenience, the occupied area is minimal. They, if possible, should be accurately aimed at the listener and located close to him - it is in this embodiment that Harman Kardon SoundSticks III reveals its potential in all its splendor. We add that with the declared power of ten watts per channel, the work of Harman Kardon SoundSticks III leaves the impression of the sound of a much larger system.