Product Survey: 2.0/2.1/3.1 speakers

Stereo speakers with a subwoofer will allow you to listen to music and play games without cluttering your desk.

Tristan François
Updated: October 30, 2009

Key points

We test these solutions mainly for music files and games. Of course it is possible to use them for DVD viewing but you will be far better off with a 5.1 system. The quality of the sound reproduction is the main thing here. Highs, mid-tones and bass must all be vibrant and certainly not flat. Static noise must be minimal. We also look at the design, the settings and connectivity.

Considering the number of audio files exchanged over the Net, it seems rather a good idea to invest in equipment that will make your music sound even better. In order to use 2.1 speakers all you need is a PC with a sound card and a stereo mini jack output, both of which are nowadays on any desktop or laptop computer.

Different standards
Manufacturers are always ready to drown the number of watts . Beware however, as measuring methods differ from one company to another. It is therefore really difficult to compare the figures. Nonetheless one has to point out that speaker quality has improved greatly over the last few years, therefore you can find a product for any budget.

Send to a friend