Audiophiles, rejoice! We’ve compiled a list of the best PC speakers for your discerning ears. Check out our top picks for 2023.
When enjoying your favorite music, movies, or games on your PC, having the right speakers can make all the difference. Audiophiles, in particular, demand the highest quality sound and clarity to truly appreciate the fine details of their audio content. Fortunately, plenty of great PC speakers on the market cater to even the most discerning tastes. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best PC speakers for audiophiles, exploring their features, performance, and overall value.
What to Consider When Choosing PC Speakers for Audiophiles
When looking for the best PC speakers for audiophiles, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is sound quality. As an audiophile, you want speakers that deliver clear, accurate sound with minimal distortion. Look for speakers with a high signal-to-noise ratio, which measures the difference between the audio signal and the background noise. A higher ratio means cleaner sound. You’ll also want to pay attention to the frequency response, which measures the range of frequencies the speakers can reproduce. The wider the range, the more accurate and detailed the sound.
Finally, consider the design and features of the speakers. Do you want speakers with built-in controls or remote controls? Do you want speakers with a sleek, modern design or a more classic look? Do you need speakers with multiple inputs for connecting to different devices? These are all factors to consider when choosing the best PC speakers for your needs.
Top Factors Audiophiles Look for in PC Speakers
Now that you know what to consider when choosing PC speakers for audiophiles, let’s take a closer look at some of the top factors audiophiles look for in their speakers. First and foremost is sound quality. Audiophiles want speakers that deliver accurate, detailed sound with minimal distortion. They want to hear every detail of the music, from the bass line to the cymbals, without any muddiness or muddling.
Another critical factor is build quality. Audiophiles want speakers built to last, with high-quality materials and construction. In addition, they want speakers that won’t break down or wear out after a few months of use.
Ease of use is also essential. Audiophiles don’t want to spend hours tinkering with settings or troubleshooting connection issues. Instead, they want speakers that are easy to set up and use, with clear instructions and intuitive controls.
Finally, many audiophiles want speakers that look and feel great. They want stylish and well-designed speakers with a premium look and feel. They want speakers they can proudly display in their home or office.
The Best PC Speakers for Audiophiles:
Now that you know what to look for in PC speakers for audiophiles, let’s look at some of the best options on the market. We’ve tested and reviewed a variety of speakers to bring you a comprehensive list of the best PC speakers for audiophiles.
The Top Pick: Kanto TUK Powered Speaker ($789.99)
We were hooked on the Kanto TUK Powered Speakers from the very first listen, indulging in their captivating sound for a solid three hours. The music had an irresistible pull, thanks to the AMT tweeters and metal woofers that deliver focused imaging, intricate detail, and just the right amount of bass for a well-rounded musical experience.
These speakers are incredibly sophisticated for their price range, boasting outstanding tonal balance. Moreover, the TUKs offer many connections, making them compatible with virtually any source, including turntables. AptX-HD enhances the Bluetooth sound quality if your device supports it. If you’re searching for powered speakers that deliver audiophile-grade sound and are easy to use, these speakers are worth considering. (Full Review)
Specs:
- Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter
- 5-1/4″ aluminum woofer
- bass-reflex (ported) cabinet
- frequency response: 40-20,000 Hz
- 130-watt Class D amplifier
- built-in phono preamp
- Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX-HD audio codec for CD-Quality sound
- integrated digital signal processing (DSP) optimizes audio quality
- built-in USB DAC supports sound from a laptop
- active low-pass filter sends sub-bass frequencies to a connected subwoofer
Best w/o Phono Input: Q Acoustics M20 Bluetooth Speakers HD Wireless Speakers ($499.99)
The Q Acoustics M20 Bluetooth Speakers HD Music System is a complete home audio solution that offers immersive stereo sound for music, movies, and gaming. With aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream high-resolution audio wirelessly, and it also supports native 24bit/192kHz via USB connection to a computer. In addition, the system is equipped with several inputs to connect various devices, such as game consoles, TVs, turntables, set-top boxes, CD players, and portable music players.
The M20 system features Q Acoustics’ award-winning internal P2P technology, eliminating cabinet distortion and creating precise stereo imaging. It also includes a 22mm decoupled High-Frequency Driver for even stereo sound dispersion and a mid-range driver of 125mm (5.0in) for excellent sound quality. In addition, the system has a power output of 2 x 65W. Overall, the Q Acoustics M20 Bluetooth Speakers HD Music System is an excellent all-in-one home audio solution that offers impressive features, including a USB DAC, superb Bluetooth, and Digital and Optical connections, all at an affordable price.
Specs:
- Power output: 2 x 65W
- Continuous Power output: 2 x 32W//4Ω (<1% THD) – THD (at 20W//4Ω) <0.2%
- S/N ratio: (aux, A-Wtd) 81dB
- Sub out: (100Hz, at 32W main channels) 380mV
- Optical & USB rate range: 24bit/192kHz
- Mid-range driver: 125mm (5.0in)
- Tweeter: 22mm (0.9in)
- Crossover frequency: 2.4kHz
- Freq resp: (free, -6dB) 55Hz – 22kHz
- Bluetooth specification: V5.0 – aptX, aptX HD aptX Low Latency, SBC, AAC
- Dimensions: H/W/D 11inches x 6.69inches x 11.65inches
Budget Pick: Kanto YU2M PC Gaming Desktop Speakers ($229)
The YU2M PC Gaming Desktop Speaker is a Canadian-designed product that delivers exceptional sound quality despite its small size. Its internal DAC allows for seamless streaming of high-quality audio directly from your computer’s USB port. Furthermore, the monitor can connect to any 3.5mm AUX cable, giving you greater input flexibility. If you’re a fan of deep bass, you can connect a subwoofer to the SUB OUT port for an enhanced low-end experience.
Specs:
- Peak Power 100W
- Power Output 50W
- Amplifier Type Class D
- Drivers 3/4″ Silk Dome Tweeters, 3″ composite Woofers
- Interfaces/Ports 1 x 3.5mm stereo, Mini-jack AUX, 1 x USB Audio DAC, Left and Right Binding Posts
- Outputs Subwoofer
- Frequency Response 80 Hz – 20 kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.1%
- Power Consumption 0.5W Standby
- In the Box Power cord, Speaker wire, 3.5mm Audio cord, USB DAC cable, Rubber feet, Manual
- Impedance (ohms) 4 Ohms
Compact Pick: Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth Speakers ($399)
When we initially saw the Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth Speakers, we were doubtful that the two speakers displayed on the box could deliver a fulfilling stereo sound. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that they met that expectation and fulfilled the company’s promise of easy setup and operation.
The uStream Go speakers operate similarly to true wireless earbuds as they connect to each other and the source without any wires, making them very versatile in placement and use cases. There aren’t any digital inputs, but you can connect to them via the 3.5mm aux input.
While they may not provide the punch and scale of larger wireless bookshelf speakers, the uStream Go provides an immersive soundstage and a more detailed sound than one would anticipate. If you’re looking for a portable stereo sound system that’s completely wire-free, the Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go is worth considering. (Full Review)
Specs:
- 15 watts per channel (30w TMP)
- Dimensions 100mm x 100mm x 80 mm, weight 1kg each
- All metal ANC enclosure. 99% sustainable materials.
- Texas Instruments JRX-8280 Class D digital amplifier
- Smart home compatible (Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa device required)
- 8000mA Lithium battery powered with 30 hours of continuous play
- Frequency Response 50Hz to 20kHz
- Output Level 80 dB
Other Factors to Consider When Setting Up Your PC Speakers
When setting up your PC speakers, there are a few other factors to consider to ensure you get the best sound quality possible. First, think about the placement of the speakers. Ideally, they should be placed at ear level and spaced evenly apart for the best stereo imaging. You may also consider adding acoustic treatments to your room to reduce reflections and improve sound quality.
Another critical factor is the quality of your audio source. If you’re listening to low-quality MP3s or streaming services with compressed audio, your speakers won’t be able to deliver the best sound quality. Instead, consider upgrading your audio files or using a high-quality streaming service like Tidal or Qobuz.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying PC Speakers for Audiophiles
When buying PC speakers for audiophiles, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. The first is assuming that price equals quality. While it’s true that higher-end speakers tend to deliver better sound quality, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still offer impressive performance.
Another mistake is prioritizing features over sound quality. While having a range of connectivity options and convenient controls is important, the most important factor should always be sound quality. So don’t sacrifice sound quality for features.
Additionally, when placing speakers on a desk, isolating the speakers from the desktop surface is essential. This will provide a more detailed sound with reduced distortion. Some speakers come with rubber pads you can stick to the speakers, but I recommend dedicated desktop stands or foam isolation pads at a minimum.
Finally, don’t assume that one size fits all. The best PC speakers for your needs may not be the same as the best PC speakers for someone else’s needs. Consider your listening preferences, room size, shape, and budget when choosing the best speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions About PC Speakers for Audiophiles
Q. What is the difference between powered and unpowered speakers? A. Powered speakers have built-in amplifiers, meaning they don’t require an external amplifier. Unpowered speakers need an external amplifier to power them.
Q. What is frequency response? A. A frequency response measures the range of frequencies a speaker can reproduce. The wider the range, the more accurate and detailed the sound.
Q. What is a signal-to-noise ratio? A. A signal-to-noise ratio measures the difference between the audio signal and the background noise. A higher ratio means cleaner sound.
Q. Are wireless speakers as good as wired speakers? A. Wireless speakers can deliver impressive sound quality, but wired speakers offer more stable and reliable connections.
Q. Can I use my PC speakers for gaming? A. Yes, many PC speakers are designed for gaming and offer features like surround sound and built-in controls.
Conclusion
Choosing the best PC speakers for audiophiles can be daunting, but with the correct information and guidance, it’s possible to find the perfect speakers for your needs. Remember to prioritize sound quality over features, consider your listening environment, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to optimize your sound. With the right PC speakers, you can enjoy immersive, high-quality audio from your desk.
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