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HOW TO BUY PC SPEAKERS
Written in Fall, 1994 for Hiroko Komon - Marketing
Manager, Accessory Pdts. - Sony Consumer Pdts. Group
Because of products like the Walkman and Discman personal stereos, we've become hooked on high-quality sound for our personal audio satisfaction. Now personal computer users don't have to settle for tinny sound and mono output, either. Manufacturers like Sony are introducing a new generation of high-quality affordable speakers especially designed for computer use. Consumers have more options in PC speakers than ever before - and knowing what to look for ensures you walk away with the right choice.
Whether you'll use them for helping kids explore an electronic encyclopedia, giving presentations, or playing action-packed adventure games, PC speakers help computers come alive and maximize the investment in your system. Speakers run the spectrum in price and functionality, from affordable entry level speakers (such as Sony's $39.95 SRS-PC20 speakers) to high-end units (like the SRS-D2KPC speakers by Sony) offering hi-fi sound reproduction equal to that of home stereo speakers. You'll want to keep several things in mind to protect yourself from being undersold or victim to overkill.
Decide How You'll Use PC Speakers. Before plunging into a PC speaker purchase, take a hard look at what you'll use them for and think about your performance expectations. Most personal computer users considering new PC speakers usually do so because they're venturing into multimedia for the first time or they're not satisfied with the sound quality of their current speakers.
Most software programs for education and entertainment - occasionally even business - integrate sound on disk. You'll need a sound card, though, to take advantage of them. For most casual multimedia users, magnetically shielded PC speakers offering around three watts/channel, a single driver and modest frequency range will provide quality sound reproduction and enhance the multimedia computing experience.
Look for Magnetically Shielded Speakers. Be sure you buy speakers with magnetic shielding. This feature has rapidly become a de facto standard that truly separates PC speakers from similar speakers designed expressly for use with portable compact disc and cassette players. Without the shielding, the magnets in PC speakers may interfere with the monitor's picture when placed beside monitors. (If you don't believe it, just try putting a hefty magnet near a television; the result will be similar.) Shielded speakers will also prevent damage to data stored on a system's hard disk as well as unnecessary (and unwanted!) vibrations.
Amplification is Important. Always purchase speakers with built-in amplification. Standalone speakers may cost less, but don't be tempted. Self-amplified speakers produce better quality of sound with less distortion than standalone speakers. They can also be played louder . . . great for getting the most from synthesized MIDI files and CD-ROM titles with lush sound tracks.
What's in a Watt? Don't be sold on watts per channel alone, however. Outputs for self-amplified speakers range from 1 watt per channel to a powerful 20 watts per channel. Considering that typical multimedia users sit fairly close to their monitor, 3 to 5 watts per channel is usually adequate for home use and will even provide quality sound for small corporate presentations.
By the same token, if you plan on using the speakers for larger presentations (say, more than 15 people or so) be sure to buy speakers with at least 10 watts per channel. Better yet, invest in an appropriate public address system and quality presentation speakers, since PC speakers aren't ideal for carrying bass across larger conference rooms.
Note the Frequency Response. Also tune into frequency response, which is the lowest and highest sound frequencies the speaker can reproduce. Based on the sensitivity of the human ear, ideal response is considered to be 40Hz to 20kHz. Mid-to-high end PC speakers falling near the 70Hz to 20kHz range will provide quality sound reproduction and are good choices when playing CD ROM discs, high quality multimedia titles, or for playing MIDI files. If you'll be integrating voice-overs in multimedia presentations, be aware that a minimum of 100Hz is required to successfully cover the range of the human voice.
Consider Multiple Drivers. Audio frequencies generated from both sound cards and CD ROM discs are channeled to individual speakers, or drivers. Most PC speakers have a single driver, which will adequately respond to the entire frequency range delivered. Multimedia users requiring exceptional bass clarity and resonance should consider PC speakers with multiple drivers where bass frequencies are assigned to larger woofers, or subwoofers, while allowing a separate driver to handle middle and upper frequencies. Often the woofers are located in the speaker housing with the mid-range driver, but some speakers, like Sony's SRS-D2KPC, have a single subwoofer that can be mounted beneath the desktop to conserve space.
If you have a CD ROM drive, or anticipate playing back synthesized music tracks from MIDI files, multimedia audiophiles should consider PC speakers with greater dynamic frequency range and separate woofers or subwoofers to handle bass response. CD ROM and MIDI files ultimately provide a far superior source for stereo sound. Although cost is a little more for these speakers, the enriched performance and sound quality will be worth the extra price.
Other Considerations. Self-amplified speakers provide control over the quality and distribution of sound. Check out the controls - quality PC speakers should have a master volume control and adjustable tone controls, which enhance the delivery of bass and treble frequencies. Mini-stereo input jacks should also be included for use with portable CD and stereo players. If you want to use a headset for multimedia, be sure the speakers are equipped with a headphone jack. Multimedia PC-compliant computers and sound cards also provide additional built-in controls for mixing sounds from various sources, including external microphones.
Take a Test Drive. Before making any purchase, always insist on a demonstration, preferably using your own CD ROM discs. Keeping in mind that the speaker volume will undoubtedly be cranked up a few notches to compensate for the noisy showroom floor, use the opportunity to discern the clarity of the speakers. Play with the controls. Consider the size of speakers and where they'll fit on your desktop.
After you've done some savvy shopping, there's one last thing.
You've done the legwork, made the comparisons, paid attention
to the specs. No matter what you'll be using your new speakers
for, it's time to -turn on the juice and enjoy the difference
your sound investment makes!
- Before shopping, decide how you'll use PC speakers.
- Look for magnetically-shielded speakers.
- Buy amplification.
- Notice watts.
- Pay attention to frequency response.
- Consider multiple drivers.
- Be a -control freak.
- Take a test drive.
- Pump up the volume!
For more information, please contact :
Jon Boroshok, Technology Solutions - (212) 696-2000 or Michele Caldarella, Sony - (201) 930-6433