Computer Speakers: Reviews

Updated July 2010

Best 2.1 computer speakers

*Est. $250 Compare Prices

With two small satellite speakers plus a subwoofer, these 2.1 computer speakers are a great choice for music, Internet phone calls and other everyday uses. Reviewers say the Creative GigaWorks T3 system delivers clear… sound and good balance across the ranges at reasonable volumes. Bass is impressive thanks to Creative's SLAM (Symmetrically Loaded Acoustic Module) technology that uses three subwoofer drivers. Though not a conversation piece like the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II, the T3 has a compact design.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

PCMag.com: Tim Gideon says the Creative GigaWorks T3 2.1-channel speaker system produces picture-rattling bass, making it ideal for ...

Techtree.com: Like Tim Gideon of PCMag.com, Frazier Barretto notices the lack of balance of the Creative GigaWorks T3 PC speakers when the ...

GoodGearGuide.com.au: The Creative GigaWorks T3 2.1-channel speaker system gets a Best Buy award at this Australian site. Sound is rich and ...

PC World India: Overall, Laldinfela Pachuau says the compact Creative GigaWorks T3 speakers are very good, especially when delivering rich ...

TrustedReviews.com: Riyad Emeran has only good things to say about Creative's 2.1-channel GigaWorks T3, and it's best to read this review with ...

Amazon.com: The Creative GigaWorks T3 speakers aren't extensively reviewed by owners at Amazon.com, though it has 4.5 out of 5 stars. ...

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eBay

for $262.00

PCConnectio- n Express

for $303.33

Amazon

for $225.45

Best computer speakers for music

Bowers & Wilkins MM-1

*Est. $500 Compare Prices

U.K.-based Bowers & Wilkins has been producing products for audiophiles since the mid-1960s, and the MM-1 is no exception. These elegant speakers produce clear, detailed, balanced sound that's a step above typical… computer speakers -- and notably above most other top performers. This is partly because these speakers include their own digital processing that outperforms what's provided by most computer sound cards. The premium price doesn't prevent reviewers from warmly recommending them.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: David Carnoy says the Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 two-channel speaker system, though expensive, delivers audiophile quality sound, ...

PCMag.com: Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 stereo speakers score well here. Reviewer Tim Gideon says this speaker system is a reasonable investment ...

Macworld: Christopher Breen is impressed with the clarity, balance and detail of Bowers & Wilkins' MM-1 computer speakers as his ...

GoodGearGuide.com.au: Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 PC speakers deliver a precise, detailed listening experience "that put[s] the vast majority of desktop ...

MaximumPC.com: Michael Brown gives the Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 a perfect 10 and MaximumPC magazine's Kick Ass award. His review is completely ...

Apple.com: The Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 speakers receive reviews from more than 30 owners, who give them a high rating. Most are impressed ...

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Buy from
Amazon

for $499.95

Best surround-sound computer speakers

Logitech Z-5500

*Est. $395 Compare Prices

Reviews are unanimous about the power and sound quality of the Logitech Z-5500 PC speakers. This 5.1 system (which includes five satellite speakers plus a subwoofer) is THX-certified and performs well with all types of… content. That said, the gut-thumping bass and powerful volume the Z-5500 is capable of producing make the system an especially good choice for lovers of high-adrenaline games and movies. Digital audio inputs make the Logitech Z-5000 easy to use with video game consoles and DVD players as well as computers, and the wireless remote lets you control up to seven sources.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: In this older report, Nathaniel Wilkins gives a glowing review to the Logitech Z-5500 speakers, despite their high price tag. ...

PCMag.com: Don Labriola calls the Logitech Z-5500 the "ultimate 5.1-channel speaker system" and awards it 4 stars out of 5, with some ...

DigitalTrends.com: The Logitech Z-5500 surround-sound speaker system gets an Editors' Choice award from Brandon King, who says, "[t]he sound ...

GoodGearGuide.com.au: This Australian gadget review site says the Logitech Z-5500 computer speaker system is great for games and movies. Andrew ...

NewEgg.com: More than 1,350 owner reviews combine to give the Logitech Z-5500 PC speakers a perfect five-egg rating. Some say mid ranges ...

Amazon.com: You'll find reviews from more than600 owners here for the Logitech Z-5500. Most are extremely pleased with bass response and ...

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PCConnectio- n Express

for $485.63

Best value 2.1 computer speakers

Harman Kardon SoundSticks II

*Est. $130 Compare Prices

There's no denying that the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II's futuristic design attracts attention, but reviewers say the appeal of these speakers isn't just cosmetic. They fill a room with clear sound across the ranges,… though high ranges have a slight edge over bass. Reviewers and users complain of some minor design flaws, such as hidden volume adjustment buttons, lack of volume level indicators and lack of auxiliary input ports. Still, all say the SoundSticks II give you great sound at a great price.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

PCMag.com: PCMag.com editors updated their 2004 review of the Harmon Kardon SoundSticks II computer speakers and are impressed with the ...

Macworld: Like PCMag.com, Macworld's Dan Frakes updates Macworld's review of Harman Kardon's SoundSticks II PC speakers, which he says ...

CNET: In this older and uncharacteristically short review, Tim Gideon praises the definition and crispness of Harman Kardon's ...

Amazon.com: Most posters on Amazon.com are satisfied with the Harman Kardon SoundSticks II PC speaker system, giving it an impressive 4.5 ...

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Budget surround-sound PC speakers

Logitech X-540

*Est. $90 Compare Prices

You'll be hard pressed to find a less expensive 5.1 system that's as well liked as the Logitech X-540. Though not as powerful as its big brother, the Logitech Z-5500, there's clear sound across all ranges. A Matrix Mode… creates surround sound for sources that lack it, such as stereo music and older games. The unit includes a game console adapter, and the control pod makes it easy to adjust volume, bass and surround sound capabilities from the comfort of your seat.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Tech2.com: Siddharth Bhatia says the Logitech X-540 surround-sound speaker system performs well for the price. Sound is clear and ...

PC World India: This succinct review of the Logitech X-540 5.1 speaker system gives it a high rating for surround sound at an affordable ...

NewEgg.com: Plenty of owners – more than 600 -- give feedback on the Logitech X-540 computer speaker system. Most are impressed with sound ...

Amazon.com: More than 250 Amazon.com users advise prospective buyers about the Logitech X-540 5.1 speaker system. Most say that the X-540 ...

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Logitech Z-2300 *Est. $140

3 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…

Audioengine 5 (A5) *Est. $325

3 picks by top review sites.

Audioengine 2 *Est. $200

3 picks including: Amazon.com, MaximumPC.com…

Razer Mako *Est. $280

3 picks by top review sites.

M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 *Est. $150

3 picks by top review sites.

Focal XS *Est. $600

3 picks by top review sites.

Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II *Est. $150

3 picks by top review sites.

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Computer Speakers: Reviews

See Also

Best 2.1 computer speakers

Best computer speakers for music

Best surround-sound computer speakers

Best value 2.1 computer speakers

Budget surround-sound PC speakers

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Computer Speakers by Price Range


	Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer from Amazon.com New: $169.99 $119.99 In Stock. Average Customer Review:


	Audioengine A5 Powered Multimedia Speaker System (Black) from Amazon.com New: $349.00 $325.00 In Stock. Average Customer Review:


	Audioengine A2 White (Pr) 2-way Powered Speaker System from Amazon.com New: $199.00 In Stock. Average Customer Review:


	Razer Mako 2.1 Speaker System from Amazon.com New: $399.99 Average Customer Review: