Speakers Buying Guide for August 2010

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The sound has become a major factor of comfort and quality of use of the PC, almost as well as graphics and power. It is clear that the explosion of DVD Video and 3D sound standards of richer contributed to this mini-revolution that has taken us from the concert pans Dolby Digital. But finding the form of a perfect couple with your sound card and your PC is not always easy. Indeed, despite the small number of products available today it is often difficult to make a choice. Because the standards they have multiplied and the user is often confronted with a technical rather confusing blur.

The terms AC 3, THX, Dolby Surround system 4.1 and 5.1 are all expressions which everyone has heard of but whose exact meaning is beyond the ordinary. Normal systems consist of two speakers. They can have a listen in stereo (that is to say on 2 different channels) of reasonable quality. It is generally cheap speakers and average quality. The quality of your speakers is of course an important criterion. The problem is that it is difficult or impossible to have an idea about the sound quality of speakers from their technical characteristics. We may have some clues about the quality of speakers from their technical specifications, and in particular their operating frequency.

Basically, over the operating range will be wider and the speakers will be able to return different sounds. Speakers with a range of 35Hz - 20 kHz are capable of reproducing a wide range of its principle guaranteeing a good quality. Finally, there is a certification, THX, which is a sort of "Label Rouge" speakers, indicating that the speakers meet certain quality requirements. But like any private certification, it is better to assign a relative importance.

The power of speaker is calculated in Watts. There are several types, but only Watts RMS count. Generally, the more speakers are large (or many) and the speakers will be able to produce a powerful sound. Keep in mind that power is not everything, and it is always better to have low power speakers but good quality rather than powerful but crackling speakers. Then the other thing you must care about is connectors. Even if it is less important than on sound cards, input and output of a speaker system are crucial. If a stereo analog input is sufficient for 2.1 systems, a digital input S / PDIF is essential for systems 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 in order to have an independent sound on each speaker. You will also appreciate a headphone output, although the majority of sound cards have one.

Here are different types of Speaker :

2.1 Speakers :

Composed over a subwoofer, the system is best suited for listening to stereo music for example, the box used only to restore the bass. Some 2.1 systems are of excellent quality, quality that is sometimes pay a high price.

4.1 Speakers :

4 speakers and a subwoofer, this type of system allows to receive two additional rear channels to really create a sound space that surrounds you. Very useful in video games, for example to identify where there is an enemy just by hearing it on your left or right, back or front.

5.1 Speakers :

With a center speaker in addition to 4.1 so as to better restore the dialogue is the most suitable system for watching DVDs, since most movies are encoded in 5.1 (DTS, Dolby Digital).

6.1 and 7.1 Speakers :

This is all new systems which embed one or two more speakers. They are currently not used to their full potential. Indeed, movies encoded on 6 channels (DTS-ES, Dolby Digital EX) are rare and it does not already exist in 7 channels. Moreover, these systems become quite cumbersome and inconvenient because they involve the placement of a speaker behind the listening position.

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Speakers List and Price which you can get easily in local market :

By Standard :

2.1 Speakers

• Logitech R-5 2.0 - Rs.400
• Creative SBS 2.0 A35 - Rs.450
• Altec Lansing BXR1221 15 Watts RMS - Rs.1,000
• Creative SBS A100 - Rs.1,050
• Creative SBS A200 - Rs.1,200
• Creative SBS A300 - Rs.1,350
• Creative Inspire T3100 - Rs.2,250
• Altec Lansing VS2621 28 Watts – Rs. 2,300
• Altec Lansing VS4121BLK - Rs.2,900
• Logitech Z-2300 - Rs.7,100
• Razer Mako RZ05-00160300-R3W1 - Rs.17,000

5.1 Speakers

• Creative Inspire 4.1 M4500 - Rs.2,200
• Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 – Rs. 17,200
• Creative Inspire 5.1 M5300 - Rs.3,300

7.1 Speakers

• Creative Inspire T7900 - Rs.7,350

By Company

CREATIVE

SBS

• 245 2.0 — Rs.450
• 370 2.1 — Rs.1,250
• 560 5.1 — Rs.2,700
• 580 5.1 — Rs.2,800
  
• A300 2.1 — Rs.1,195
• A500 5.1 — Rs.2,690

Gigaworks

• S750 7.1 Speakers — Rs.26,900

I-Trigue

• L3800 2.1 — Rs.4,600
• 3400 2.1 — Rs.4,350

Inspire

• M2600 2.1 — Rs.1,750
• M4400 4.1 — Rs.2,350
• M4500 4.1 — Rs.2,650
• M5200 4.1 — Rs.3,350
• M5300 5.1 — Rs.3,570
• T6060 5.1 — Rs.3,950
• 6060 6.1 — Rs.5,000
• T3030 2.1 — Rs.2,560
• T7900 7.1 — Rs.6,590

LOGITECH

• R10 – 400
• R-20 2.1 – 950
• X-210 2.1 – 1750
• V10 USB – 1950 ( Laptop )
• X-240 2.1 – 3000
• Z-4 – 3800
• X-540 5.1 – 6500
• Z4i – 6800
• Z-10 – 8500
• Z-2300 THX Certified – 9500
• G51 5:1 Surround Sound System – 12500
• Z-5500 Digital – 23500

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Standards of Speakers :

You might have also heard about lots of functionality about the speakers. Some of them are Dolby Digital, Stereo sound, Surround Sound, etc. To get more information on the different standards see below. Here are details on the various available sound formats and related standards:

Stereo sound - Even if it is a standard quite basic, it is entirely appropriate to play music, this at a very affordable price. The principle is simple, place the speakers on both sides of the listener: the stereo sound will return to his dimension and allows the reproduction of some effects. Used to listen to some music or play a stereo system will do. However, in a number of games including action games including 3D, immersing the player will be better with a system with more speakers.

System 2.1 - it is actually a stereo with a subwoofer. The scope is the same as a stereo system with the significant advantage that sounds have much more depth thanks to the subwoofer. Different type systems surround sound many companies have developed each of their methods or to create a 3-dimensional sound. It should be noted that his style surround sound can be produced from an encoded signal that contains it even without a decoder, part of a stereo signal encoded in this type can usually be restored.

EAX Creative Labs - The EAX Creative Labs EAX Environmental Audio Extensions means, is based on algorithms and sound processors developed by Creative Labs. The EAX sound is particularly suitable for 3D games for which it was created: it is returned by systems known as 4.1 (or higher) and consisting of at least four speakers (two front stereo and 2 stereo rear) and a subwoofer low. DS3D With sound management of DirectX, it is the highest standards used to restoring sound in 3D on PC.

The Aureal A3D - This standard tends to be abandoned in favor of the EAX. In its standard 2.0, A3D renders a true 3D sound using 4 speakers. However, Aureal longer recommends the use of a good helmet to better enjoy the specialization of sound. In the standard 2.0 Many effects are taken into account that the reflection of sound and therefore the sound is even calculated according to the format and type of environment (in a piece, according to its shape and size, the sound varies ). The restored sound is of high quality and also adapted to a recreational use on our PC.

If A3D is now much less common than the EAX, despite a slightly higher quality, it is certainly because the games are less work because it represents a much greater burden on the processor.

Dolby Surround - It is the first technology that surround type was available. It consists of three channels: left and right stereo and a mono channel for the speakers behind the person. This therefore allows access to 3 of 4 channels encoded in the stereo signal and does not reproduce the center channel used for voice reproduction and located the source.

Dolby Surround Pro Logic - Dolby Surround compared to it just allows access to the center channel and more. This channel is identified and extracted by the system PL from the frequency range of voice. The voice is located at source i.e. at the level of the image by an additional speaker: this type of system has little interest in a computer because the user is usually too close to the image to fully benefit, except possibly in the context of the DVD movie playback.

Dolby Digital (or AC3) - This technology is based on the standard 5.1 surround and consists of six different sound sources. There are stereo channels left and right front, left and right stereo rear center channel for voice and channel for low frequencies it is very specialized and reproduces only one tenth of the frequency range of others. Dolby Digital is used in DVD movies for sound reproduction. There is need to distinguish. Firstly the speaker systems consist simply of six pregnant and require a sound card capable of decoding the audio signal in this format.

On the other hand, the speaker systems, rarest, consisting of a set of six speakers and a Dolby Digital decoder External: use a sound card that supports the decoding of the signal in 5.1 is then no longer necessary since the decoding is done by the external amplifier.

Dolby Virtual Surround or Dolby Surround Multimedia - This technique involves creating a 3D it’s really just from a pair of speakers that are able to send sounds in different directions. The basic idea is that since an individual can locate sounds in space with his two ears, so there must be an algorithm that creates a 3-dimensional sound from two speakers. The method often lacks efficiency in practice, particularly because the ideal listening point is very accurate.

THX Surround EX (also known as Dolby Digital EX) - This is an extension of Dolby Digital 5.1 that adds two more lateral sound sources to create a 7.1 system. The speakers and sound cards for PCs exist in this format but this certainly is marginal because in practice, the speaker placement is not always easy as listening to the gain compared to a 5.1 kit same price.

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Good Value Speakers :

Here I am listing you some really value of money speakers. If you need a really good sound system then I will refer you to buy this. This are best value of money speakers with high end support.

1. Creative GigaWorks T3 ( Price Rs. 16,699 Approx. )

Overall, the techniques used by Creative have already proven. We know that well implemented, they are able to provide excellent results. What makes the difference is obviously in the details of the implementation. The satellites are based on a high-range driver 50 mm equipped with a metallic diaphragm and a suspension with a half-rubber roller. It's a great speaker with a powerful magnet system, a coil and a broken ring of short-circuit copper to linearize the impedance.

The subwoofer contains all the electronics, including food. It connects a standard AC cord. Technically, it uses an acoustic system, called SLAM (Symmetrically Loaded Acoustic Module) by Creative, based loudspeaker 13 cm in front and two passive speakers of the same diameter on both sides. This gives a large membrane surface while maintaining very compact.

Inside the subwoofer, an active speaker (bottom) and two passive (each side). At center, the power transformer. The system control is via an elegant little box that includes a volume control very easy to use but also a headphone jack and an auxiliary input for connecting e.g. a Walkman. Only regret that the level control on the bass is housed behind the caisson. To adjust it so it will leave open. The entrance is on RCA sockets, a cinch cord / plug is provided. The system has an operation and an automatic shut-off with a technology that reduces standby power.

2. Logitech Z523 ( Price Rs. 4,951 Approx. )

Two new features include the comparison of multimedia speaker systems. It begins with the last of the kits . It is followed by the Bose MusicMonitor, speakers who seek to be compact without sacrificing audio quality provided. Logitech emphasizes three points: one on the 360, expanded connectivity and a glossy, black lacquer.

If you're a little curious and you look behind the satellites, we noticed two speakers that play music as opposed to the two front speakers. If Logitech justifies this by saying that we can better appreciate his music wherever one is in a room, in practice, we are skeptical about the real interest of this assembly. Firstly because the satellites do not really look enticing enough for us to proudly display on a coffee table in the middle of a room. These are clearly speaker’s bureau, which is placed on both sides of the monitor. Then, the audio kits with a power of 40 W, they have no trouble being heard in a very large room, without the use of rear speakers.

In terms of sound quality delivered, the Z523 speaker system will satisfy fans of his "fit in". As my neighbor say: "You can hear the bass." One could even say that we understand may be a little too well! On one hand, it is not very serious, because you can adjust their level quickly through this button on the right satellite. And, as that can do more can do less, we can change the bass output depending on the music we listen. In many cases, it will not turn the bass button below only halfway.

3. Focal XS ( Price range between 12,000 to 18,000 Aprox. )

Focal is obviously famous for its high-fidelity speakers. But that does not include developments of the French firm in the field of car audio (sound embedded in cars) and the professional sector (active speakers or studio monitoring). Exactly, with that experience, Focal has managed to provide a system which, besides being beautifully made and finished, provides first-class audio performance, all in one compact. The Focal XS does not really think of Hi-Fi, but an audio system for PCs.

Normal initially, this set has been developed to offer desktop sound worthy of the name. Moreover, satellites are true two-way speakers and subwoofer meets the same requirements of dynamic and frequency response models dedicated Home Cinema. Active, it uses a 16.5 cm woofer configuration Downfire and loaded Bass Reflex with vent tube flare on the front. And amplification develops 70 watts. And if we consider this system as a true Hi-Fi, because it integrates a stereo audio input (mini jack 3.5 mm) and especially an iPod dock, which makes this Focal XS autonomous and fully independent a computer.

Thus, it is possible to connect not only his initials player Apple (and order it via the remote), but also any other type of audio source of choice. Nothing does, then this set to serve, for example around a TV to ensure a sound much richer. The iPod dock is the same dual function. The Focal XS has in effect a mini-port USB to connect to the choice to a Mac or a PC. It is possible to synchronize the player with your Mac or PC with iTunes software. To switch to Sync, you have to press a button provided for that purpose, not far taken. However, it is impossible to listen to music in this case. To return to the audio mode, please press this button again and so out of sync mode.

Finally, we must know that even the Focal XS connected via USB to a Mac or a PC behaves outside Synchronization mode, as an external sound system for the computer. He then took hold of the integrated sound card, and receives all signals from the Mac or PC. The association is a bonus digital quality music is then a very high level.

4. Altec expressionist CLASSIC ( Price Rs. 4,000 Approx )

Stop the same old boring design for computer speakers on your desk. Altec Lansing deserves great praise for the design of the FX2020 Expressionist Classic. The speakers namely save a bit of feeling on the stage over to the desk. In order for this illusion actually works, makes sure the technology is in the FX2020 Expressionist Classic. The two active speakers include a frequency of 100Hz - 20kHz and provide 15 watts RMS with a maximum SPL of 95db. Control is via controls on the top of the box housing. So that the neighbor does not knock against the wall / ceiling, can also be connected to headphones. And MP3 players (of course, may be missing here, not the name of iPod) are simply connected to the back.

The negative point is that the volume buttons, power LED and power button depending on the side and behind the right speaker, it was perhaps not the best idea, a functional standpoint . The choice of tactile, like the Z-Cinema for example, would have been welcome. Because there, the LED is simply invisible skin and speaker is tilted upward, he must find for the volume buttons fumble, getting up lights / Receipts / Acknowledgments speakers. Let us not forget that the two speakers are connected by a cable and not very long irremovable, it may interfere Certain provisions. Another concern, with recurrent Multimedia kits, but obvious here: the directive of the speakers. They should really be on either side of the screen and be positioned himself in front, to hear the sounds correctly.

5. Logitech Z5500 ( Price Rs. 15,000 Approx )

The relatively cheap Logitech X-620 is ideal for price-conscious players. A pleasantly full, not booming bass, which is easily locatable, coupled with very fine, not sharp highs surprise in this price range. Easy to use with integrated volume control, depth adjustment, headphone jack and on / off switch in the left front satellite system offers the 6.1-with its rear center speaker is the ideal introduction to the world of surround systems. As a visual treat and successor of the great Z-2200, the new 2.1 system presents Z-2300 in the best clothes. With a better venue for a 2.1 system and an excellent, dry and sophisticated bass, the Z-2300 in its price class an audiophile delicacy with a very balanced sound image: A phase plug driver of polished aluminum in both satellites makes it possible.

The highly refined processed subwoofer with its 20-inch driver makes powerful steam, but without seeming impertinent in any form. The cable remote control with controls for master and subwoofer volume, a headphone jack and a Power On / Standby has proved in practice to be not very stable, and slip away the often drawn by the heavy cable, unintentionally to the back. This could Logitech repair by a larger specific weight or non-slip feet.

At the hearing, the Z-2300 has always played to the front and with subtle mid and high (coupled with abysmal bass) left a very lasting impression. Once again, Logitech Z-2300 with a very good 2.1 system on the market brought, which is looking in this price range equals. Music lovers will appreciate this system

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Some of best budget Speakers for PC ( Price Range Between Rs.2,000 to 14,000 )

• Audioengine A5
• Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra MX6021
• Creative GigaWorks T40 Series I/II
• Joey Roth Ceramic Speakers
• Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
• Logitech Z523
• M-Audio Studiophile AV 40

Topmost High End- Speakers for Music Lovers

This are very costly speakers which can even reach to Rs.50,000 or more. This are recommended for extreme music lovers. I am here just providing you a basic overview of the high end speaker technology. The speakers mentioned below comes the top ten list of World most recommended high end speakers.

1. Anthony Gallo Acoustics Reference 3.5 :

Anthony Gallo Acoustics has been known for many years to make very unique, high performance loudspeakers that can deliver world-class performance at reasonable prices and in everyday rooms. Three years of development were needed to complete the design of the enclosure while focusing on stringent acoustic tests conducted by Anthony Gallo and his team

2. B & W 802 D :

The 802D uses the same medium and the same tweeter as larger 800D and 801D but the speakers are serious 200 mm loaded by a pregnant more compact and narrow. It is therefore the ideal choice for those who attach importance to the compact appearance but still want to detail and specialization of the finest speakers. Despite its smaller size and small footprint, the 802D will surprise you with the breath of his grave and capabilities in power, more than sufficient in most applications.

3. Hansen Audio Prince V2 :

High Fidelity was enthusiastic about the design, originality and musicality these speakers whose bandwidth and coherence of stamps would be remarkable. THE PRINCE V2 is a three driver, 3-way floor standing loudspeaker using the same technology and drivers developed for the acclaimed Hansen Audio flagship THE KING V2. The woofer and mid-band driver are engineered, designed and manufactured by Hansen Audio to match perfectly with the High Precision tweeter made for Hansen Audio.

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4. MartinLogan CLX :

Full Range-static two-panel, 360Hz-sharing case. Announced lower limit of 56Hz-3dB, but does not believe in listening to any. According to the manufacturer, CLX speaker will join the recyclable structural material like EcoSound and advanced energy management design in its electrical circuits.

5. Magnepan 20.1 :

At the top of the line is the MG Magneplan 1.20 / R, large panel radiating dipole with a three-way system combines a true ribbon tweeter, with sections medium and severe operating according to the principle isodynamic. Using the experience gained over 30 years in the field of transducers isodynamic dishes, the acoustics of the firm Magnepan has steadily improved this principle on the parameters of performance, dynamic capacity, directivity control, noise level maximum separation power of information. The large panel 20.1 MG / R illustrates this evolution and can be regarded as a benchmark for its transcription always musical, full scale, with capacity level without distortion beyond comprehension.

6. Naim Ovator S-600 :

Naim Audio is a brand of British Hi-Fi does not like the others. Its new features are as rare as precious and are generally subject to lengthy development work and a slow maturation sometimes the key, some very surprising innovations. The enclosure Ovator S-600 is in this vein and although in appearance conceals a fairly standard mid-high range transducer and a completely new cabinet. The Ovator S-600 was presented for the first time in public at the High End exhibition held in Munich last May. This is the first climber to a new range of speakers who include Naim Audio in Final models more affordable, but also higher-end models.

Conclusion :

Although you have a good speaker system but for using the full performance you must have a good sound card also. With very good speakers will not work to their full potential if the sound card which transmits the sound data is of poor quality. Also, if integrated sound cards will suffice for occasional use of loudspeakers, he will arm himself with a good sound card to enjoy the joys of music, and a for in video games and DVDs areas where the decoding capabilities of the cards will be utilized.

Speakers and a subwoofer takes up space, which can cause problems in confined spaces. A 2.1 system or a Compact 5.1 can then be the solution. Note that most models of front speakers can be hung on a wall to save space. Allow a minimum of Rs. 2,000 for getting a 2.1 speaker kit and a budget of more than Rs. 10,000 for high end surround system.

Do not hesitate to prefer quality speakers less powerful: it is a problem of quality of amplification, distortion and balanced report. If you want a sound with more depth it is advisable to take a set of speakers along with a subwoofer: this specializing in the rendering of bass, give a whole new dimension to the sound effects your machine. That said, if you want to invest the minimum and have a sound still acceptable, go for the S120, a set of Logitech 2.0.

If you play 3D action games and want to have an appropriate sound (3D), you will opt for a kit with five speakers plus a subwoofer to take full advantage of the action: Attention then have the map the appropriate space at home to place the speakers. In mid-range offering excellent value for money for a recreational use, the Logitech X210 and X530 are values very safe.

Highest quality, if you look above all a faithful rendition of sound quality and listening to audio, you'll want to consider M-Audio AV40 BX5a or who are monitoring speakers. Note that if you want to use the speakers of your stereo with your laptop or your desktop PC without having to issue unsightly cable, remember that you go through this wireless audio transmitter that has a SPDIF output in excess of analog. Do not forget the speakers, especially if you bought a good sound card this would be a waste because of their quality the sound has nothing to do.