Best Computer Speakers - An In-Depth Buying Guide

Computer speakers get far less attention than their more expensive counterparts - home theater system speakers. While the latter are much fussed over, adequately researched, tried and tested before buying, most consumers just pick up whatever they can get their hands on (and can afford) at the local electronics store when it comes to computer speakers. The truth is that most of us spend far more time before a laptop or desktop than watching movies on the TV; doesn't it make more sense to invest more time and money into buying the best computer speakers you can afford?

A decade or so back, when multimedia computers were still an anomaly and things like 'Dolby Digital Surround Sound' were just technical gibberish terms, computer speakers used to be puny little devices capable of reproducing only the poorest quality sound. Of course, things have changed dramatically since then. Today, you can buy the best computer speakers that will reproduce lifelike sound at an affordable price.

There are some big brand names that always come to the mind when talking about the best computer speakers. Creative, Logitech, Altec Lansing, JBL are a few of them. These companies have a long history of excellence. Some, like Logitech and Creative, are often far more visible in the computer speakers market than in the home entertainment system segment. The quality of their products for laptops and desktops, thus, is typically of a higher quality than similarly priced competitors.

Sound Card

There is a caveat, however. Before you set your eyes on buying the best computer speakers you can afford, you must understand that a lot depends on your laptop or desktop's sound card too. The purpose of this card is to render and process audio information. Almost all computers have an in-built sound card typically capable of doing an adequate job of audio reproduction for day to day use. Every sound card comes with its own software, which, in most cases, is bundled up along with the motherboard drivers.

However, to get the most out of your audio experience, you should consider getting an additional sound card installed. This additional card would fit into your motherboard's PCI or PCI Express slot. The audio quality offered by this card would be much better than the standard card that is built-in in most motherboards. This card is capable of high quality, multi-channel audio reproduction (Dolby Digital Surround Sound, etc.). It may also have multiple ports for recording audio. If you are an audiophile, or enjoy recording music on your computer, then you should definitely consider getting an additional sound card for your system.

Nowadays, you can also purchase an external sound card that fits into the USB port. This type of card is meant more for audio professionals who need to carry their equipment around and is not recommended for home users.

Computer Speakers Buying Guide

Once you have a quality sound card - whether in-built or purchased additionally - you can get down to buying the best computer speakers for your needs. For this, you have to understand your requirements and budget first. A set of high quality speakers can set you back by over $200, while you can get an 'adequately' functional speaker system for less than $50.

For audiophiles, nothing less than a 5.1 speaker system would do, though a set of quality 2.1 computer speakers would be quite adequate as well. Hardcore gamers would do well to invest in a surround sound system as it would provide the highest level of immersion into the gaming experience. Musicians and hobby recording artists should invest in a set of studio monitors. These are a typically a set of 2.0 speakers with strong bass output. They do not have any in-built equalizer, so you get the most faithful reproduction of your reproductions and can adjust the mix levels accordingly.

For regular users, a simple 2.0 speaker set up, or a mid-range 2.1 system would be more than adequate. Your choice would, of course, be influenced by your budget. A surround sound system would be decidedly more expensive than a 2.0 set-up.

As far as technical specifications are concerned, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. Frequency Range
The human ear can hear sounds up to 20,000 Hz. The greater the frequency range of the computer speakers, the better the audio reproduction. Typically, a good system will have ratings from 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz, ensuring that you get the best rendition of low (bass) as well as high frequencies.

2. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
Signal to Noise Ratio or SNR is a measurement of how much a signal has been corrupted by noise. To understand it in layman terms, think of it as the ratio of the amount of useful information (signal) passing through as compared to the useless bits (noise). The greater this ratio, the less the signal corruption.

All you need to understand is that higher SNR numbers translate into better audio reproduction. SNR is measured in decibels (dB). Speakers are typically rated at 65 dB, 75 dB, 90 dB, etc. You should try to get a speaker system with as high a SNR number as possible.

3. Audio Input
The best computer speakers should have a single pin audio input. They should be compatible with your laptop, iPod, desktop, etc.

4. Output Control
The best computer speakers would have buttons, knobs, etc. for controlling the audio built directly on the speakers themselves. These can range from knobs for controlling the bass, volume, treble, etc. along with power on/off buttons, etc.

5. Construction Material
Although your computer speakers aren't expected to take too much damage, you should nevertheless invest in something that can last you a few years. Higher quality speakers have woofers made out of denser materials like glass fiber, Kevlar, etc. This provides deeper, richer sound reproduction.

If your system has a woofer, it should ideally be housed in dense, thick wood for optimum performance.

6. Appearance
Appearance is something that varies from individual to individual. Remember that you'll spend a lot of time before your computer, staring at the speakers. Getting something that is visually pleasing should be a consideration, albeit a not too important one.

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Reducing Noise with Buying a Silent Generator

There is not such thing as a totally silent generator because after all there is an engine that is running and producing electrical power. What does happen is, these manufacturers of power generators will sometimes invest money in designs and materials that help reduce the noise through the engine or with sound dampening products. So when people talk about silent generators, they are really talking about noise reduced generators. There are some really well designed generators with good noise levels.

My first recommendation to people who have never brought a power generator is to ask someone who has one and go around and listen to how it sounds. For really bad designed generators, you can notice the difference at the engine sounds more like a lawnmower and can be very annoying not only to the owners but to the neighbors. If you do not know anyone with a generator, consider a generator with a noise level under 70 dB at 7 meters. This is around the average for many central AC units and should meet most municipal noise pollution laws. A good silent generator should have noise levels around this level or lower using sound dampening techniques.

Silent generators are also great for RV and marine vehicles. Because the vehicles are more enclosed and noise is more of a bother to the individuals in them. No one wants a noisy generator while trying to enjoy a boat ride or camping. A silent generator really solves this problem by lowering the noise level enough to talk over. Onan's MicroQuiet series is a good example offering really low noise levels for RV vehicles. There are a lot of other manufacturers as well that offer either quiet models or special sound shields or additions to lower the overall noise levels of their generators.

Many applications of generators also require quiet noise levels. Many municipalities and home owners associations have rules regarding the amount of noise pollution. These include how long lawn mowers and other noisy tools can be run. The same rules apply to generators and having a noise reduced generator that meets these standards is not only an option but a must. Many parks and other recreational areas have similar noise rules as well and quiet RV or marine generators will insure no problems arise from their use.

Noise is just one of the few considerations when purchasing a generator but is a very important one for not only comfort but to meet any rules or laws.

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A Guide To Buying A Washing Machine For Your Home

Before you buy, make a list of your 'must-have' features - large-capacity drum, hand-wash programme, and so on - before you get bamboozled by the choice. The current trend is for washing machines to have large load capacities, high spin speeds and top energy ratings to make the washing process more energy efficient. To help you, here's our guide to some of the most important features:

RATINGS

AAA or A+AA (for energy efficiency, washing and spin drying performance) rated machines may cost more, but are more economical to run and leave your washing drier.

DRUM/LOAD SIZE

6kg machines are very popular and some even have drums that will hold from 7kg-10kg loads. Clever design means many models with larger drums can still fit into a standard space. Don't forget, with any size of machine, it's more economical to wash a full load than do lots of small washes.

SPIN SPEED

Faster spin speeds reduce drying times and keep fabric creasing to a minimum. An rpm of 1200 is perfectly acceptable.

FUZZY LOGIC/AUTO SENSING

A facility whereby sensors adjust the water intake, wash and rinse times, and so on, to ensure optimum performance with minimum energy and water use. A good feature if you have a water meter, or you want to wash economically.

CONTROL PANELS

Digital LED displays are usually straightforward to read and use. A 'time left to run' display is useful and worth having. Delay timers mean you can set the machine to start and finish when it suits you.

NOISE LEVELS

Manufacturers quote the noise level in decibels. Those rated in the 40s are considered particularly quiet. Check the decibel level if your washing machine is to be used in an open-plan room.

WASHER-DRYER

If you only want a dryer for occasional use, a combined machine is a good option. Drawbacks are that you can't wash and dry at the same time, so may end up with a backlog. Usually drying needs to be done in smaller amounts, but some can dry up to a 5kg load.

Top Must-Have Programmes

Nicola Hill, category manager at Whirlpool, suggests her top five 'must-have' programmes for most eventualities.

1. Delicate cycle: for fragile underwear and fine fabrics.

2. Woolmark-endorsed programme: to be able to confidently wash woollens without shrinkage.

3. Antibacterial programme: for bedding and blankets.

4. Quick wash: for lightly soiled clothes or for speed.

5. Easy-iron option: to reduce creasing

Three to Look Out For

Today's latest machines will often offer several useful cycles on top of the standard ones we are used to, although the terms different manufacturers use to describe them may vary slightly. For example:

Hand Wash

For clothes that are labelled 'hand wash only' - not the same as the delicates or woollens programmes.

Freshen Up

A recent introduction to some machines. It basically rinses and spins clothes that may just need a spruce up rather than a complete wash.

Stains Guide

Siemens' latest models have a built-in guide to the right programmes to use for specific stain removals

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