In Search of...Better, Compact Audio

While it is almost cliche to say that our computers are at the center of our multimedia experience, it is really true. For music, video, and gaming, our speakers are an essential component to delivering that experience. In fact, a great set of speakers can compensate for a substandard monitor in the overall experience. Conversely, a mediocre set of speakers can detract from an otherwise excellent media view.

With the above discussion in mind, let me tell you the problem I ended up in. My monitor is a 19" LCD which is great for most purposes. Due to space constraints, I was using the monitor's built in speakers; I barely have enough room for a computer 'neath my desk; forget about a subwoofer unless I want to sit cross legged for hours. While the monitor's speakers do provide rudimentary audio, they are quite inadequate for listening to anything more than a mouse click.

My plan had been to use headphones for listening to audio. This was a reasonable solution for a personal computing experience. However, there is an increasing amount of video on the web. I find myself watching more videos on my computer. Now that the major television networks have much of their content online, the ideal solution is a home theater PC (I'm stalled in this area currently). With a group watching, the 19" monitor is fine, but the speaker situation needs a big time shot in the arm.

Remember where I talked about a great screen with lousy speakers is a lousy experience? Well, yours truly was living it. Even with the sound controls maxed out, a mere four feet from the screen, and we could barely hear the audio well enough to understand it. Even within my space constraints, I needed to do a lot better.

After some research, I accepted the fact that I really only had room for a two piece speaker set. And a smaller one at that. No, subwoofers and center channels with THX certification would have to wait for another, more spacious day.

Let's "free associate" with the phrase "two speaker sets." Ready? Go! What pops into my mind is cheap plastic, tinny sound, ten buck price tag, rebate special and overall junk. You know, the kind of speakers that you eagerly pass down to anyone that can use them just so you don't have to listen to them anymore. Are there any compact two speaker sets that are worth owning on their own merit?



I don't have my answer yet, but I'm particularly intrigued by Logitech's Z-10 speakers. They are a two speaker system that are higher end, but smaller in size. The integrated screen just makes them even cooler, but a speaker lives or dies by its audio. For a space constrained user looking to upgrade their audio experience, they may be just the ticket.

Read our review of the Logitech's Z-10 Speakers here.

--Jonas

logitech z-10 desktop audio upgrade two speaker setup