The 2.0 Computer Speaker Option
When working at a desk with a laptop or desktop, 2.0 computer speakers are a viable option to listen to your favorite songs, play games, or watch movies and videos. The 2.0 refers to a two stereo speaker system that sits on your desk or workstation. There are good reasons why a 2.0 system may be better than a 2.1 speaker system.
First, let’s take a look at a 2.1 set of speakers. This is a three speaker system that includes two stereo speakers that sit on either side of your monitor or laptop, and a subwoofer (bass) that normally sits on or near the floor. The subwoofer does add that deep bass to compliment the two speakers, but you’ll be hearing—and feeling—at your legs. Putting it behind the monitor or laptop will cause the sound to be blocked and the result won’t be as powerful.
Whichever model you choose, you get two stereo speakers which can feature a built-in subwoofer, a full-range woofer (covering the spectrum of sound: lows, mids and highs), or technology that gets the bass pumping.
There should be a good balance of sound (lows, mids and highs) to produce great results from the speakers. The Bose Companion 2 Multimedia Speaker System and the M-Audio Studiophile AV-40 Desktop Speaker System, which land at number one and two on our list, respectively, offer what we feel is the best overall sound experience. The Companion 2 units offer the classic Bose sound and are the most affordable from the legendary company. The Studiophile AV-40s are modeled after professional monitors that producers and musicians use, but the price is a bit higher than the Bose.
If you’re looking for extra bass, the Altec Lansing Expressionist BASS Computer Speakers (model FX3022) have a built-in 4-inch subwoofer in each speaker that can rattle your teeth with the amount of bass they put out!
We used different means of testing each set of speakers, including playing a variety of music (classical, rock, hip-hop/rap and heavy metal), movies and TV shows (“The Dark Knight” and “River Monsters” were our top choices), and video games (“Half-Life 2: Episode 2″ and the fun “Plants vs. Zombies”). Using all this media gave us the best idea of which speakers sounded the best.
2.0 Computer Speakers: What to Look For
It can be difficult to determine what will be a good set of computer speakers, especially those in the 2.0 category. We also took cost into consideration, especially if two speakers offered great sound and features, but one cost significantly more than the other. However, we didn’t let it completely rule our decision, since some affordable speakers didn’t sound as good. Below is a set of criteria we used to review each speaker:
Features
There are some important ratings and factors to consider, including the frequency response, sensitivity, speaker type, impedance and total output power. We take a look at the overall design aesthetics, too; a pair of sharp-looking speakers is nice, but many of the units we review are built at an angle that allows the sound to be pointed at the user’s ears vs. completely vertical and aimed at the user’s chest.
Sound Quality
Obviously the speakers need to sound good and should also be able to balance the lows, mids and highs. Some speakers may have more bass than others, but overall they should balance the sound nicely, while not washing out highs and more subtle sounds.
Connectivity
All speakers connect via an 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo mini jack, but some also feature RCA ports. Those speakers are easier to be hooked up to home entertainment centers or gaming consoles, though an RCA adapter can also be used.
Drivers
These are what produce the sound you hear coming out of a speaker. These include a tweeter (highs), mid-range/woofer (mids), subwoofer (lows) and full-range (all-in-one). Not all 2.0 speakers, especially ones that are smaller, have every driver available, and that’s actually okay since technology allows the speaker a full range of sound.
Help and Support
Do all the speakers connect without problems to both Macs and Windows PCs? Yes, though it depends on if the computer has the 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo mini jack. Also, we take a look at the tech support options, including length of warranty and direct contact (email, phone or live chat).
2.0 computer speakers can be a fantastic way to get great sound when at the desk or workstation, while on your computer or notebook. Be sure to also check out our articles related to computer speakers to learn more.
About the Author
Tushar Virani
Leslie 145 Speaker Cabinet and Custom M3 Chop- GOOD SOUND CO. Demo
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