Top 5 Best Computer Speakers of 2016 from: http://heavy.com/tech/2015/08/top-best-cheap-2-1-computer-pc-speakers-subwoofer/
1. Audioengine A2+
The Audioengine A2+ is a powered 2.0 speaker system made to work best with computers, despite sporting the durability of studio monitors and the form factor of bookshelf speakers. These speakers have a very small desk footprint, especially considering they do not come with a subwoofer, and even without a separate sub produce a full range of sound. Although they are pricey compared to traditional 2.1 computer speaker setups, they are a solid value as an in-between product that touches on high-end audiophile quality. In addition to its analog 3.5mm and RCA inputs, these speakers also have a USB DAC (digital audio converter), which sounds great. The rear placement of the volume knob is an unfortunate design flaw, but one that can be easily overlooked because of its sound.
With only a pair of 2.75-inch subwoofers and 3/4-inch silk dome tweeters, one might not expect much volume from these 60 Watt A2+ speakers, but they deliver a surprising amount of volume. They get far louder than their size should allow, but will ultimately be drowned out by the din of a large party. They do, however, create an enormous soundstage with far-stretching stereo sound. Their frequency range of 65Hz-22kHz makes for a sharp and clear high end sound as well as a punchy low end sound. Bass is somewhat lacking because of the size, but considering this, is overall balanced and clear.
Its sound is particularly impressive considering that these speakers do not perform any digital signal processing, which other speakers use to give their cans an artificial boost in bass frequencies. DSP can ultimately improve a speaker’s sound, but more pure, unbiased sound makes for a more authentic listening experience. Plus, if you are hoping to get more bass sound out of these speakers, you can use the analog out ports to connect a subwoofer like the Polk Audio PSW10 and complete the 2.1 setup. Despite the high price tag, these speakers achieve audiophile quality at an enormous value, and as long as you aren’t trying to capture the lowest of low frequencies, the A2+ is an outstanding pick.
Price: $249.00
Pros:
Bright, balanced sound without digital signal processing
Very small footprint
Supports integration of a subwoofer
Cons:
Somewhat lacking in bass
High price tag
Inconvenient volume knob placement
2. Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1
The Harman Kardon Soundsticks III 2.1 speakers are an absolutely beautiful pair of speakers that delivers equally beautiful sound. The stunning and durable transparent polycarbonate material and modern, rounded shape are so impressive looking, they are the only speakers whose predecessor is a part of the permanent collection at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. Everything about this pair of speakers is quality, down to its thick silver-lined cable and touch-sensitive controls on the right speaker. It also has a 3.5mm jack as its lone input, neglecting to add an RCA connector or adapter. The angle-adjustable satellite speakers can be articulated upwards to direct sound, and take up very little desk space for the sound they pack. The power button is unfortunately placed on the subwoofer, which is inconvenient, but helps preserve the unique style of these speakers.
These 40 Watt speakers deliver great volume, but product an incredibly rich sound with a frequency range of 44Hz – 20kHz. Its satellite speakers have a combined eight full-range 1-inch transducers, which weave together rich highs and mids. The low-end comes from a 6-inch downward-facing subwoofer, which does not provide as big of a kick as it could. All in all, that means for a truly balanced sound, as the bass never overpowers the clarity of the high end. These beautiful, compact speakers can be even more useful too, as they also come in aBluetooth compatible version. This version is at a rather steep price increase for this one extra feature, but if you are getting these for a laptop, it can be an invaluable addition to these fantastic speakers.
Price: $169.95
Pros:
Beautiful transparent design
Full, balanced sound
Small footprint
Cons:
Power button inconveniently placed on subwoofer
No analog input
Subwoofer buzzes at full volume
3. Logitech Z623
Though the now discontinued Z-2300 speakers are the true fan favorite from Logitech, its sparse availability have led Logitech to create a successor model, their Z623 speakers. True, there is still a chance you can find a used Z-2300 model in good condition online, but a new pair of Z623s will deliver comparable sound quality for about the same price.
This 2.1 system is attractive and compact, while still being able to deliver a massive 200 Watt sound with independent bass control for the subwoofer. The power button, volume knob, and bass knob are found on the right speaker, which is connected to the left with an unfortunately proprietary cable. This cable looks like a VGA cable, but is impossible to replace through Logitech, so take care not to damage it. Aside from this, the form factor for these speakers is spot on, and the speaker material resists vibration even when the speakers are at their loudest. All three speakers also have gripping rubber feet and a small overall footprint. Its RCA and 3.5mm inputs are easily accessible on the side of the right speaker.
The THX-certified sound from this speaker is phenomenal, with clean high notes and a warm mid-range coming from the satellite speakers. Even at very high volumes, they suffer from little to no harmonic distortion. The speakers also offer solid soundstaging, with more stereo separation than you might think they are capable of. The 7-inch driver on its subwoofer puts out a rich, clear bass sound, which nicely complements the clear high end. The bass can overpower some frequencies if it is turned up too high, but the independent control knob makes it easy to ensure the sub is complementing and not outdoing the song itself.
Mysteriously, Logitech does not list specs for this speaker’s frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, or other crucial specs for comparison. This is presumably because it is outperformed by the Z-2300 with its 8-inch sub driver, but from direct sound comparisons you can tell that the Z623 is not that far off. Sure, the larger speaker will always offer a better frequency response, but the Z623 trades this off for a more compact design without heavily compromising clarity of sound.
Price: $129.99
Pros:
Exceptional soundstaging and frequency response
Small footprint
Capable of loud 200 Watt output
Cons:
Proprietary speaker connection wire is inconvenient
Slightly outperformed by discontinued Z-2300 speakers
Short cables limit placement
4. Grace Digital GDI-BTSP201
Grace Digital’s GDI-BTSP201/208 are an attractive pair of high fidelity bookshelf speakers that masquerade as computer speakers. They have a leather-like stitched polyurethane covering, and are available in black or white (the model numbers are different but the specs are the same). Source, play/pause, track skip, and volume controls are conveniently placed on the top of the left speaker. However, a USB charge-out port and power button are more inconveniently placed on the back of the speaker.
There is also has an RCA port in the back, which comes with an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter, however the most convenient way to listen to these speakers is through Bluetooth 4.0. Wireless Bluetooth listening is convenient because it allows you to place the speakers anywhere in the room, rather than being force to put them on your desk. Likewise, it is incredibly simple to switch devices, so you can use these speakers for a desktop, laptop, and tablet (just not all at once, obviously). One flaw of the Bluetooth connection is that the speakers automatically disconnect if no audio is played after 10 minutes, which can be troublesome for some styles of use.
Speaking to the sound of these Grace Digital speakers, these 36 Watt speakers absolutely dominated the expectations I set for them. They can deliver an impressive frequency range of 50Hz – 20kHz, which given their small size, is outstanding. Considering that each speaker only has a 1-inch tweeter drive, and a 3.5-inch woofer drive unit, so the sound won’t be enough to beat out a large crowd. Regardless, the onboard bass is solid thanks to the bass reflex tunnel in the back, though not as low as one could get with a larger subwoofer. Still, the mids and highs are crisp and clear, revealing musical complexities and generally brightening tracks with a full sound. At higher volume levels, the highs can be a bit harsh, but you will still be satisfied with this speaker at just a quarter volume. Grace Digital’s Bluetooth speakers have some quirks, but are all in all defined by their fantastic quality.
Price: $183.55
Pros:
Bluetooth 4.0 makes for diverse listening options
Great volume and frequency range for their size
USB charge-out port
Cons:
No connection for subwoofer
Speakers shut off after 10 minutes of idle time
Power button inconveniently placed
5. Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
Klipsch’s ProMedia 2.1 speakers are a boisterous pair of speakers that get serious about volume and bass. These hefty speakers take their sound to the extreme, and do so in style. The speakers are stylish, and and my very own pair looks great sitting on my desk. The right speaker houses the conveniently placed, yet touchy volume knobs, plus easy to access 3.5mm ports for audio devices and headphones. Note that RCA connections or any included adapter are absent on this digital speaker. The wires to plug the satellites into the sub are long, which make positioning these speakers easy, but the wire is also quite thin. A power button is sorely missing on these speakers.
When it comes to sound, these THX-certified 200 Watt monsters sound crystal clear and get unbelievably loud. At their highest volume, they do start to distort, but this is because of some unique sound modifications. These speakers employ what Klipsch calls “digital-hybrid-amplifier-driven” sound, which is just a really complicated way of saying heavy digital signal processing. This combined with the unusually high crossover frequency for the speaker’s 3-inch long-throw subwoofer means that this speaker can sometimes sound almost too bassy. Although the Promedia speakers already sport a solid 31Hz – 20 kHz frequency range, these speakers play like they exceed that, with incredibly deeps lows that are rich and booming. That makes this speaker an easy pick for bassheads, but again, some may be off-put by it, as even at the lowest bass setting, the subwoofer is on.
Highs and mids are present, but obviously has the show stolen from them somewhat by the low-end. Each speaker has a tweeter and mid-range driver, but the tweeters seem to be a bit of a high point, whereas the mid-range sound falls a little flat. The overall sound is rich, though, and makes for an incredible listening experience, especially when you just want to crank things up.
Price: $149.99
Pros:
Incredible volume
Sturdy and durable
Powerful low-end sound
Cons:
Touchy control knobs
Strange crossover frequency for the subwoofer
Distorts at highest frequency
