A common computer icon representing a speaker

Computer speakers range widely in quality and in price. The computer speakers typically packaged with computer systems are small plastic boxes with mediocre sound quality. Some of the slightly better computer speakers have equalization features such as bass and treble controls, improving their sound quality somewhat.

The internal amplifiers require an external power source, known as a 'wall-wart'. More sophisticated computer speakers may have a 'subwoofer' unit, to enhance bass output, and these units usually include the power amplifiers both for the bass speaker, and the small 'satellite' speakers.

Some computer displays have rather basic speakers built-in.

Laptops come with integrated speakers. Unfortunately the tight restriction on space inevitable in laptops means these speakers unavoidably produce low-quality sound.

For some users, a lead connecting computer sound output to an existing stereo system is practical. This normally yields much better results than small low-cost computer speakers.

Common features

Features vary by manufacturer, but may include the following:

• An LED power indicator.
• A 3.5-mm (1/8-inch) headphone jack.
• Controls for volume, and sometimes bass and treble.
• A remote volume control.

Major computer speaker companies

The base of a Harman Kardon speaker.

• Altec Lansing
• Bose
• Creative Labs
• Cyber Acoustics
• Dell
• Edifier
• GE
• Harman Kardon
• Hewlett-Packard
• JBL
• Klipsch
• Logitech

See also

• PC speaker
• Loudspeaker
• Sound card
• Headphones
• Microphone

External links

• Wireless Speakers

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