How to Shop for 2.1 System Computer Speakers
When it comes to enjoying music, movies and other media in the comfort of your own home, likely you're going to be viewing the majority of it on your computer. From watching vines on social media to full-length movies, there are many reasons you need excellent sound on your computer. However, laptop speakers don't often deliver and most desktops don't come with any kind of external sound source, so computer speakers are a must for many. Harman Kardon manufactures several different types of speaker systems, most notably SoundSticks models, all of which make a great accessory to complete your computer needs.
What Are the Benefits of Computer Speakers?
One of the main benefits of having computer speakers is mainly to have better sound, but there are a few others:
- Great for entertaining - Particularly having wireless or Bluetooth speakers, you can easily move your mobile speakers anywhere in your home, to provide background music during a formal dinner or dance tunes during a cocktail party.
- Necessary for work - When you have a desktop with no speakers at all, you'll most likely miss sound cues from your operating system that may be quite necessary when you're sitting at your desk.
- A gaming upgrade - Using your computer for gaming, it's a definite benefit to have speakers that provide sound.
- Music and movies - Regularly using your computer to enjoy music or movies, speakers are a must. Add a subwoofer and other components to turn your computer into a stereo.
What Types of Features Should I Look For?
Features are particularly important when it comes to your purchase. It's a good idea to think about what you need most out of your speakers, to help you decide.
- Bluetooth - Needing portable, wireless speakers, opt for a model that includes Bluetooth capabilities.
- Easy to adjust - You want easy to read and use knobs and control panels, so trying to adjust your music and effects isn't a struggle.
- THX-certified - This ensures you that the sound in your speaker system will be superb.
- Subwoofer - Your speaker system should certainly include a subwoofer, but those that come with extra external subwoofers provide you with crystal clear sound.
- Connectivity - A good speaker system offers you the ability to connect to other types of multimedia and devices, so you can broadcast from your phone and tablet and even your stereo.
The most popular types of models include:
- Harman Kardon SoundSticks III
- SoundSticks Wireless
- SoundSticks (original)
- Multimedia Speaker System
Several of the above models also come complete with an external subwoofer and satellite.
What Are Other Multimedia Accessories?
When you want to turn your PC into a mini-stereo, there are a few other peripherals to invest in to make your experience more enjoyable:
- External subwoofer
- Mixing board
- Bass booster
- Headsets for quiet listening
- Microphones