The best pair for work and leisure: TOP speaker systems 2.0

The Genius computer equipment of the Taiwanese company KYE Systems, including acoustic systems, is famous for quality and reliability at a reasonable price.

The SP-HF160 stereo system is designed for both laptops and desktop computers. Lightweight (0.6 kg) and compact speakers do not take up much space on the desktop. Their classic faceted rectangular case design made of black or cherry MDF will fit into any interior, and a good-quality assembly will ensure long-term trouble-free operation.

Powered by USB type A makes the SP-HF160 an perfect option not only for home conditions, but also for an off-site presentation or outdoor leisure. The length of the 1.2 m cord allows you to conveniently place the system near the source. In this context, the lack of mains power can hardly be considered a disadvantage.

The sound of two SP-HF160 satellites with a total power rating of 4 watts is characterized by a range of reproducible frequencies in the range of 160 Hz – 18 kHz. As you can see, the low-frequency range (up to 200 Hz) is involved quite a bit, but thanks to the MDF housing, the presence of a dynamic frequency filter and an integrated amplifier, 2.5-inch speakers confidently reproduce the upper low-frequency range and the low middle. The total sound is clean, balanced and deep.

Of the adjustments, only the Volume knob on the back panel is used, although a medium and high frequency regulator could be added for the operating range. There is a standard 3.5mm mini-jack for connecting headphones.

Considering the affordable price, the Genius SP-HF160 is an option on duty to provide sound without increased requirements for its quality.

The Swiss company Logitech has been producing computer equipment since 1982. The brand's acoustic systems are in demand all over the world, including the Z-150 model, which is quite profitable in terms of price / quality.

Stylish compact speakers slightly larger than a box of Raffaello candies and weighing 600 grams will fit equally well into both an office environment and a cozy home environment. The case made of matte plastic in white or black colour to choose from with an original, slightly "cosmic" design, will enliven even the most austere interior. On the other hand, those who are used to protective fabric or metal grills will not like open diffusers.

The volume control and connectors for connecting headphones and external sources are located on the front panel of the main speaker, and, at first glance, create maximum convenience for the user. But it was not without minor drawbacks. The volume control and power switch are combined. You won't turn off the speakers until you turn the volume down to 0. The headphone output was no less surprising. When connecting head microphones to it, the volume from the speaker for some reason cannot be adjusted.

2-inch drivers produce pure stereo sound with a total rated power of 3 watts.Reproducible frequency range: 150 Hz 20 kHz. Low frequencies are almost completely sacrificed to compact dimensions. In addition, at maximum volume, the speakers can distort the sound and rattle, which is quite logical for a light plastic case. A high-frequency regulator would not hurt, their sound is quite juicy and bright, but, unfortunately, it is not.

Thus, we bring the Logitech Z-150 to the rank of very good and inexpensive "squeakers" for the sound design of the workplace in conditions of limited space, without preconceived requirements for sound quality.

The Finnish company Sven has been producing computer peripherals and acoustics since 1995, meeting the needs of the market, both in technical equipment and cost. The SPS-702 is one of the few low-cost models capable of boasting a wide frequency reproduction range.

The model may be too big for office use (the dimensions of one column are 143x265x150 mm), but it is great for home, making watching movies and listening to music on a PC, laptop or TV quite comfortable.

The design is restrained, if not strict. Classic in its purest form! MDF enclosures dampen unwanted vibrations and add depth to the sound. The control knobs (volume and tone) are placed on the front panel along with the power indicator, which is very convenient. And only the power button is located alone on the back panel.

There is a mini-jack for headphones, and the general switching is carried out through RCA connectors (in the common people — "tulip"), cables are included. The system is supplied in two colours: black and "walnut".

In a small room, even half the power of these speakers (total nominal 40 watts) is enough for a fan to turn on the music "louder".

The two-way audio system is equipped with 4-inch woofer and 19-mm treble speakers, which realize very good frequency reproduction in the range from 40 to 22000 Hz.The presence of treble and bass tone adjustment allows you to adjust the sound to suit every taste.

The sound of the SPS-702 is clear and accented, with a well—spaced stereo base, but at a high volume level, a slight blur is noticeable. Also, in the absence of a signal, you can distinguish barely audible background noise.

In general, Sven SPS-702 is a successful musical solution that satisfies home rather than office needs.

Defender company produces computer accessories and peripherals under the motto "Convenience consists of little things". The products of this brand enjoy a deservedly high reputation. The Mercury 55 MkII speaker system combines top-end features with practicality and functionality.

Design and management

Mercury 55 MkII has a fairly large weight (15 kg) and dimensions (250x500x205 mm), which is why it is more designed for outdoor installation. This is a ready-made solution for watching your favorite movies and listening to music at home. The design is strict – a high narrow body made of black MDF, open speakers, regular shapes.

The front glossy panel looks beautiful, but fingerprints remain on it. The assembly is tight, nothing is loose and does not rattle. Volume controls, timbre and power indicator (LED seems too bright) are displayed on the front panel. Two microphone inputs with volume control and reverberation effect allow you to use the speaker for karaoke.

Mercury 55 MkII is a two—way system with a rear opening of the phase inverter, providing high-quality reproduction of frequencies in the range of 50 – 20000 Hz. The sound is not perfect, but strong (60 watts), clean and clear. The low ones sound moderately restrained, but quite noticeable, although the possibility of connecting to a subwoofer would not hurt.

Switching is implemented by RCA connectors ("tulip"). Magnetic shielding eliminates interference even in the immediate vicinity of a TV or mobile phone. All necessary cables are supplied as a set.

In summary, the Mercury 55 MkII can be considered an advantageous price-quality ratio for those who like a powerful accentuated sound combined with a spectacular appearance.

The Chinese company Edifier specializes in the production of acoustic systems designed for use with desktop and laptop computers. The R2700 model is recognized by a number of experts as the leader in the AC 2.0 class, which is not an exaggeration at all.

The design of the speaker housings made of laminated black MDF wood texture can be considered classic. The speakers are covered with a soft cloth grill.

The opening of the phase inverter is displayed on the front panel. Bass (14.5 cm) and midrange (9.5 cm) drivers with diffusers made of silver-coated paper are equipped with rubber suspensions and plastic dust caps. The fabric dome of the 20 mm RF emitter is covered with a sealed gasket. The magnetic shielding of the model is executed at the highest level.

The connections are placed on the back, and the volume controls, bass and treble side panels. The remote control complements the control, but it complements it, because it can only partially control the system from it: the volume level and switching between input channels, of which there are four in the system: two digital (optical and coaxial) and two analogue (RCA). The timbre adjustments are controlled only from the active speaker. The input channel indicator is also located on the side panel, which is why it is not always convenient to view.

The three–band circuit with a Class D amplifier provides excellent sound quality over a wide frequency range (50 – 20000 Hz). The readability and clarity of the sound are great, and 128 watts of power is enough to wake up two adjacent floors. In the range of 1 – 5 kHz, the sound is even too accentuated. And, although there are slight distortions in the sound of Twitter, the medium and low frequencies are perfectly balanced, and there is no shortage of them at any volume level.

Edifier R2700 is the best option for a home installation, which will especially appeal to fans of boasting a good powerful "sound".

The American company Microlab Electronics has been on the market since 1998. Solo 7C is one of the exemplary examples of the company's powerful competitive product in the niche of acoustic stereo systems.

The design matches the possibilities. No plastic, only an MDF board thick enough to exclude unwanted vibrations (total weight of the speaker is 22.4 kg). The rigor of execution is emphasized by the design "mahogany".

At the bottom, on the front side of the active column is locatedbright and convenient digital 2-digit volume level indicator. There are 2 phase inverter ports on the back panel (the speaker housing is divided into two parts inside: separately for the woofer and midrange speaker) and two pairs of RCA connectors. The removable grill with a thin cloth is securely attached, it does not create creaks and rattling even with a powerful "exhaust" from the speakers. The remote control and the shielded housing simplify the choice of installation location, and the Standby mode makes it easier to operate. In the modification of the model Microlab Solo 7C new mechanical volume and tone control knobs have been added to the side panel of the main monitor. In 7C, adjustments are made from the remote control.

All the necessary wires are included, including cables with gold-plated banana-type connectors for a more reliable connection.

Power, legibility, clarity and smooth frequency response are the main characteristics of the Solo 7C sound. They sound better, except that only more expensive 2.1 systems.Three bands provide playback in the frequency range of 50 – 20000 Hz. 6.5-inch midrange and woofer speakers with polypropylene diffusers and silk inch tweeters give a high-quality balanced sound without "dips" and will not appeal only to those who are looking for a "warm tube sound" in multimedia sound.

Microlab Solo 7C is a confident step closer to the world of professional sound.