Best usb speakers to buy

linnemeyerhere · 03 Oct 2013

All usb speakers are junk but as you mentioned as bad a speaker they are there still better then most built in lappy speakers.

Barnaby44 · 03 Oct 2013

I looked at the z205 and the general idea appeals some of the reviews are a little underwhelming but the you-tube vide shows them up quite well.
I noticed that there is a later model the z305 but it appears to be triple the cost but I have only looked at one site so far, mind you that was Amazon. That seems a bit pricey.

Regards

Lady Fitzgerald · 03 Oct 2013

Barnaby44 said:

I looked at the z205 and the general idea appeals some of the reviews are a little underwhelming but the you-tube vide shows them up quite well.
I noticed that there is a later model the z305 but it appears to be triple the cost but I have only looked at one site so far, mind you that was Amazon. That seems a bit pricey.

Regards

The Z305 was a popular model that Logitech discontinued for some really odd reason. I regret not getting one or two of them while I could (actually I'm kicking myself). The prices shown on Amazon are from idiot Marketplace vendors who apparently think they are gold plated. They originally sold for around $50-$60 (I think; certainly not for $140 or $243!).

Lady Fitzgerald · 03 Oct 2013

linnemeyerhere said:

All usb speakers are junk but as you mentioned as bad a speaker they are there still better them most built in lappy speakers.

Dang! What have you got against USB speakers? Did you get bit by one?

Granted, small USB powered speakers aren't going to sound as nice as larger speakers but doesn't mean they are junk. They are targeted for a niche of users that need something that sounds better and is louder than most notebook and small laptop speakers (I can barely hear the speakers in my Lenovo G570) but does not require an external source of power and take up little room in a notebook case. Even if you don't have that need, it doesn't mean that others do not. If I had to listen to my Z205 all the time at home, I would go nuts but, when on the road, they are perfect for listening to background music when in a motel room, checking out music CDs I just purchased, and being able to hear what is being said on a YouTube video.

linnemeyerhere · 03 Oct 2013

Your right they serve some purpose for portability but a powered rechargeable bluetooth speaker will be much better in my opinion and will work with a smart phone. I guess I love music too much and care about fidelity which will always be compromised via usb systems.

Maybe these would work well:
http://www.amazon.com/Altec-Lansing-...s=usb+speakers

Also let me appologize I think my blogging about the US shutdown has filtered into this blog. I'm sure you'll find something that fits your needs....good luck.

AmericanPharaoh · 03 Oct 2013

USB does not supply enough power for quality sounding speakers.

RF wireless high quality headphones sound great, but pick up (RFI) radio interference. And cost $200 to $500.

Wired Headphone sound great, are shielded much better from RFI. And cost much less.

John

Lady Fitzgerald · 03 Oct 2013

johnsmith45jock said:

USB does not supply enough power for quality sounding speakers.

RF wireless high quality headphones sound great, but pick up (RFI) radio interference. And cost $200 to $500.

Wired Headphone sound great, are shielded much better from RFI. And cost much less.

John

Did you read all of the previous posts?

Barnaby44 · 04 Oct 2013

Just to repeat here I do have and use for normal use a quality set of head phones.
What I want and accepting there will be a quality drop both in power and sound is a simple clip on easy portable set of speakers, not mains driven. I would want to use them with my laptop and pc.

I have asked on here what you would suggest as most likely someone has done this already and would save me re-inventing the wheel.

Thanks for all the well made points so far.
I'm looking at the z205 as being the best option for what I want albeit a little thin in sound quality but hey ho you pays your money and you take your chance. Anyone got any similar suggestions not mentioned yet?

Regards

UPDATE
Just tried the link for the Altec that you gave Linn and heard it, that sounds better than the z205 and may suit my need ok. So far only seems available in the usa but there is something similar on sale here in the uk so maybe.

linnemeyerhere · 04 Oct 2013

Hey that's great and the portability I understand is key. When dealing with this little a power source and speaker size the enclosures design become key elements. You don't see major speaker manufacturers getting into this design field because it's flawed from the start.