2.1 Computer Speakers

Top-quality speakers for music

Experts say music lovers and those with small spaces will do well with 2.0 or 2.1 speakers. Both are two-channel speaker systems, and the more expensive ones approach (though don't quite reach) audiophile quality. Be aware that 2.0 speakers lack a subwoofer, so while bass response may be respectable on higher-end systems, they're not going to rattle your fillings on hip-hop and dance tracks.

For those who value accurate music reproduction, the Audioengine 2 (A2) (*Est. $200) is head and shoulders above the competition, though it's a 2.0 system without a subwoofer. Reviewers are blown away by the clarity and detail of these attractive speakers. At Australia's GoodGearGuide.com, Tom Mainelli warns that "the Audioengine A2s reproduce music so well that you may find yourself stopping to listen instead of working." Interestingly, Jason Tomczak at DigitalTrends.com thought the bass was overwhelming, but this was easily adjusted with equalizer controls.

This system isn't without its flaws, however. All reviewers grumble about the high price, not because they're not worth it but because you can find some decent 2.1 speakers for under $100. Tim Gideon of PCMag.com admits he's a sound snob and that "the price is a bit steep for PC speakers with no real extra features, but the audio performance is well worth the price for audiophiles who want to replicate the high-quality listening experience of their home theaters on their PC."

Another frequent complaint is the placement of the volume knob on the back of the left speaker, so you may find yourself performing left arm stretches often if you listen to different types of music. Users at Amazon.com are also concerned that the speaker drivers are exposed, which could be a problem if you have small children in the house. At 30 watts per channel, power is respectable, but you don't get many extra features; there's no remote control or headphone output.

Equally impressive (and even more expensive) is the Axiom Audiobyte (*Est. $350) speaker system. This premium price, however, gets you detail and clarity unmatched by any other PC speaker system. At GoodGearGuide.com, Campbell Simpson says "these speakers are incredibly clear and analytical, revealing a lot of detail hidden within music." The Axiom Audiobyte speaker system comes with an amplifier that gives 55 watts of power to each speaker. This is significantly more than you'll find with most other two-channel systems.

The $350 price tag will get you the two satellite speakers; you have to pay an additional $180 for the Axiom Audio EP Zero subwoofer. According to Simpson's tests, the satellites can handle up to 100 Hz, while the subwoofer gives good bass response at 35 to 150 Hz. This isn't, however, a booming bass; it's "sweet" and "tight," according to Michael Brown at Maximum PC magazine. You can use another subwoofer, though, that gives more powerful bass as there's an RCA subwoofer output on this powered system's amplifier.

Apart from the price and suboptimal bass without a subwoofer, reviewers complain about the size of the amplifier -- 5 inches high, 5 inches wide and nearly 18 inches deep. This would be less of a problem if Axiom Audio hadn't placed the volume control on this unit. The best Tim Gideon of PCMag.com can suggest is to hide the massive amp but still keep it within reach so you can adjust the volume easily. You can order these speakers in several different colors as well as in wood for the satellites. There's no control pod, though the website promises one with volume and mute capabilities in the near future.

The Razer Mako (*Est. $300) is a 2.1-channel speaker system that draws a bit of attention. Part of this is due to its innovative design. The sound-design company THX, which sets sound-quality standards, had a hand in designing this speaker system. All reviewers are impressed with the sound quality, with Tim Gideon of PCMag.com giving it an Editors' Choice award. The Razer Mako speakers perform well in all ranges, including a healthy bass response, though Andrew Kliem of GoodGearGuide.com reports highs and mid frequencies in some tracks may suffer (acoustic guitar, for instance). A recurrent complaint we found centers on the remote control. It's supposed to be touch sensitive, but it's difficult to get it to respond, which can be especially annoying when trying to adjust volume.

The Logitech Z-2300 (*Est. $110) is cheap compared to the expensive models above, but reviewers say it gives clear, detailed sound across the ranges. These computer speakers have decent power with two 40-watt satellites and a 120-watt subwoofer. In a review at CNET, Tim Gideon calls the Logitech Z-2300 "spectacular" and gives it an Editors' Choice award. These speakers can deliver room-shaking volume with no distortion, and they're THX-certified. Watching "The Lord of the Rings" on DVD is "pure joy," says Gideon.

Users at both Amazon.com and Newegg.com, however, complain about weak midranges. Mark Casey at About.com also noticed this, saying a good PC card is essential to getting optimal performance out of the Logitech Z-2300 speakers. In addition to two somewhat plain looking satellite speakers and a cube-shaped subwoofer, the Logitech Z-2300 computer speaker comes with a small controller console with a large volume knob, bass control and a headphone jack. The box also includes a game console adapter.

Budget 2.1 computer speakers

If you're not looking for a high-powered PC speaker system, we found respectable 2.1 speakers priced at $100 or less. Power at this price is typically below 20 watts for the satellites and just above that for the subwoofer. However, for small spaces and non-audiophiles, these are guaranteed to beat the speakers that came with your PC or laptop.

The champion among reviewers in this price range is the Logitech Z-4 (*Est. $65). Both Techgage.com and DigitalTrends.com give the Logitech speakers Editors' Choice awards, and users at Amazon.com and Newegg.com give it strong overall ratings. Reviewers report sound is clear even at high volumes. At DigitalTrends.com, Brandon King tested the Logitech Z-4 speakers with techno, ethereal, rock and jazz, and Jen McPherson of Techgage.com also ran through a variety of music tracks. Both reviewers say that the Z-4 speakers performed well except for some strain in the highest highs and weakness in the lowest lows.

Although pros are impressed with how loud the Logitech Z-4 can get, users who own or have listened to Logitech's Z-2300 speakers say that those can get significantly louder. That isn't surprising since the satellites only pump out 8.5 watts each (compared to the Z-2300's 40 watts) and the subwoofer is rated at 23 watts RMS (to the Z-2300's 120 watts RMS). Still, there's plenty of punch for smaller spaces, such as dorm rooms, bedrooms and home offices, user reviewers say. There's a convenient control pod with volume and subwoofer controls as well as a headphone jack, though some users grumble that the cord to the controller is too short.

The Logitech Z-4's subwoofer has a standard cube design, but the Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II system (*Est. $100) is a conversation piece. Tim Gideon at CNET describes them as "exotic jellyfish." Constructed of sturdy clear plastic that exposes the wiring inside, these computer speakers deliver 10 watts per satellite and 20 watts to the subwoofer. Sound is clear, though some reviewers report upper ranges can sound a little too bright and extreme lows can be weak.

Reviewers also criticize the placement of the speakers' treble and subwoofer controls, which are on the rear of the subwoofer, as this makes it a pain to adjust levels. In addition, users complain about the lack of a power switch, which means the LED that indicates the Harman/Kardon speakers are powered up is always on. Besides being a waste of energy, this can disturb your sleep if the speakers are within view. There's also no headphone output on the speakers, which is a standard feature in Logitech models, for example.

If your budget is smaller, we found some good support for Altec Lansing's VS2521 (*Est. $50). Siddharth Bhatia at Tech2, a gadget site in India, named these computer speakers the Best Value Gadget of the Year for 2008. When Laldinfela Pachuau at PC World India compared it to the Creative Inspire T3100 and Logitech's X-240, the VS2521 won for clear, balanced sound across all ranges. Both reviewers admit, however, that there's distortion at higher volume levels.

Altec Lansing's spec sheet for the VS2521 computer speakers shows 6 watts of power at 4 ohms per satellite and 16 watts at 8 ohms for the subwoofer, bringing the peak total output to 56 watts. Though that's less than the 80 watts of total peak power delivered by the Logitech Z-4, it's probably still fine for smaller spaces. Some users at Amazon.com and Newegg.com complain about the power switch being at the back of the subwoofer, which can be inconvenient since it's usually on the floor and out of sight.