Best usb speakers to buy

[Barnaby44]

Hello.

I normally use my logitech headset when on my pc on which I have 5.1 Realtec.

What I would like to do is use a set of usb speakers as an alternative option. Can any one advise on which ones, I've been looking at these logitech S120. Logitech S120 Speaker Review - YouTube
They seem to get a reasonable review but they are what they are.
I would prefer an ok bass but accept that being small that is unlikely hence me asking which ones you would recommend.
I've only looked at Logitech but they seem to have many variants of similar speakers, some just usb others usb + 3.5 jack and then usb + 3.5 jack and a 13amp power feed for a power supply. I don't want to go the mains power supply route so they're out but is there some you would recommend.

Best regards

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

I use a pair of these on one of my Dell Laptops, they sound great! Priced at around $30.00.

Although, you didn't say what type of music you listen to. That would certainly make a difference on speaker choice.

To get the full 5.1 surround sound effect, you'd need a 6 channel sound system.

I could also recommend a few different 5.1 sound systems if your wanting to go that route.

If you upgrade to a surround system, you will need to go into Realtek HD Audio Manager and set your new speaker configuration to 5.1.

John

 

[Barnaby44]

Thanks John.
I think they need a mains supply which I was trying to avoid but that may be a requirement to get some reasonable power and bass so I will have to accept less power and not so bassy.
Do you have any usb and jack plug only suggestions for speakers that would do this, I wouldn't want to be going any bigger than the ones you have.

Best regards

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I think whatever you purchase will be a real let down compared to head phones. Why are you against powered speakers? Is it for portability, energy consumption, size or complexity?

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Here is a list of USB powered laptop speakers sold by Amazon.com. Any USB powered laptop speaker will be a compromise of portability and sound quality.

I have a Logitech Z205 I use with my notebook when I'm on the road. The sound quality and volume is nothing to write home about but is still a significant improvement over the weak, tinny sound of my Lenovo G570 speakers. I like the Z205 because I can clamp it to the top of the screen or set it on a desk, depending on space available and my mood, it easily fits into my notebook bag, and I don't have to find a place to plug in a PSU for the speakers (not mention find a place to pack the PSU). The only complaint I have is the location of the jack in the back for the USB cable; it's directly in line with the clamp release lever and it is easy to mistake the plug for the release lever. I've bent mine from doing so. Many reviewers also have bent and/or broken them.

Non-powered headphones and earplugs are alternatives that will give better sound but will leave you tethered to the computer. Battery powered bluetooth headphones are a better alternative since you are no longer tethered to the computer and they often sound better, but the battery has to be recharged (meaning you have to carry around a charging station/PSU) and, if the computer doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, you will have to put a dongle in a USB port.

 

[Barnaby44]

Thanks all.

Yes I realise they will be poor in comparison but there are times when I want others to share which is awkward with a H/S.
As you say Lady a compromise between portability and sound quality is what I'm after for the more serious listening I'll use my quality H/S.
I'll give your suggestions a checkout.

Many thanks

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Look into rechargeable bluetooth speakers as the amps will have more power than the usb power and will work with your smartphone as well !

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0ZP-0005-00001

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Look into rechargeable bluetooth speakers as the amps will have more power than the usb power and will work with your smartphone as well !

Samsung Dual Audio iPod Dock - Newegg.com

The unit you linked runs only on AC. I had to go to Samsung's website and download the manual to find that information. It's also pretty bulky.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I hope the op get's the idea?
Spracht Aura BluNote Portable Wireless Speaker System with Bluetooth A2DP Stream Music Wirelessly (WS-4010) - Newegg.com

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I hope the op get's the idea?
Spracht Aura BluNote Portable Wireless Speaker System with Bluetooth A2DP Stream Music Wirelessly (WS-4010) - Newegg.com

Based on the NewEgg reviews, I see little improvement over USB powered speakers, if any. It's a bit larger than my Logitech Z205 but many reviewers say the bass on the Aura isn't as good as hyped. Also based on reviews, this speaker doesn't last very long (you have to look at how long the reviewers have owned a product since one has to o0wn something for a while to determine how reliable it is). You still have to deal with either an AC adapter or carry extra batteries (even rechargeables have to be recharged eventually).

If portability is an issue, the Bluetooth speakers aren't going to be all that portable; USB powered speakers will be much more portable. If sound quality is important, then one will have to sacrifice portability.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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...8&qid=1380837146&sr=8-3&keywords=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]

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]

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]

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]

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.