Can you help me upgrade my PC speakers?

drummerboy

Jul 16, 2024 at 4:15pm

So, I decided that as I listen to much of my music through my PC, I should strive for some quality and get new PC speakers.

I set a budget of $300. My nephew, who spent many years selling upscale audio equipment said I'd have to go to at least $600 for anything decent, but I ignored him because that's inconvenient to my budget.

Looking for small, desk top sized. Near field. (didn't know that was a thing until a week ago) Maybe with a DAC and/or preamp if necessary. Still trying to figure that part out.

And is the internal audio circuitry even good enough to make better speakers worthwhile? Do I need to upgrade this too?

I've already spent a lot of time researching, and the more I look, the farther away I get from a solution.

Way too many choices for this old fart.

rcarter31

Jul 17, 2024 at 9:26am

https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-desktop-computer-speakers

drummerboy

Jul 17, 2024 at 9:50am

rcarter31 said:
https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-desktop-computer-speakers

thanks. but for the moment anyway, unless I adjust, they're out of my price range. I mean geez, they're more expensive than the computer.

maybe my nephew is right though and I'm being too cheap.

rcarter31

Jul 17, 2024 at 10:04am

drummerboy said:

thanks. but for the moment anyway, unless I adjust, they're out of my price range. I mean geez, they're more expensive than the computer.
maybe my nephew is right though and I'm being too cheap.

I bought this some years ago. Works just fine. A similar one

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-USB-Powered-Down-Firing-Subwoofer-Far-Field/dp/B07NWLWM9B/ref=sr_1_21?crid=98ZRTNWNG88M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aw1KHbduuup-w9HIogCYHPECuf-c-evgr8sXGXnOzaOPFDzOKyBfVkXIEqNf_avsMFZ7-FDISCVyDnQMiR7Rfsh3BqpAr-HYa2GXoLXLTM352yDPtSLDs20kfvx6buay0Js_fS7kOeDjhGMZNIcabOzv--oEIpwSOpFM-TC3M4J4_uWFVY8Ts6o-51GW1hW9zT0NykHTIVg7--lY5eVwNZ6-Wd3UX-FN3YdhKKsXSkE.U5w0SZ_IdKDLVgGRAK8QUPJlCqy-OnjiMnIs8PtCJAg&dib_tag=se&keywords=external+pc+speakers+3.5mm+with+subwoofer&qid=1721225004&sprefix=external+pc+speakers+3.5mm+with+subwoofer%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-21

DaveSchmidt

Jul 17, 2024 at 10:07am Edited

The Wirecutter’s picks (it doesn’t appear that there’s a gift link):

Our pick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B241XZKD/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT16AMFS1F6JJWPRZEHDJEA

The Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT set is our favorite pair of computer speakers because it delivers great sound in a desktop-friendly size. Voices and acoustic instruments sounded clearer through the DM-50D-BT set than they did through other systems in this price range, no matter which of the speakers’ two sound modes we used.

The DM-50D-BT has three types of analog audio inputs (including balanced connectors) on the back, as well as a volume/power knob and a headphone jack on the front. This system has Bluetooth connectivity built in, and thanks to its signal-sensing inputs, it works like a smart speaker if you connect an Amazon Echo Dot.

Upgrade pick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077N2GQXC/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT1DG0QFCWDJRR4WVVP8PKA

The JBL Professional 305P MkII monitor is ideal for those who need professional sound quality for audio production but have a modest gear budget. It sounds clearer than any of the smaller, lower-priced powered speakers we’ve tried. Bass and treble tuning switches allow you to fine-tune its sound for different types of installations.

The downsides: The 305P MkII costs more than other options, it’s a little too large for many desks, and it lacks conveniences such as front-panel controls, Bluetooth support, and a headphone jack. Plus, it has quarter-inch and XLR audio jacks instead of RCA jacks, so it’s likely to require adapters for hookup to a computer.

Also great: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C88YGTSF/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT1P1YAYVCSXN978PVWY0B4

If you want computer speakers that are smaller than our top pick, the PreSonus Eris 3.5BT Gen 2 set is a great alternative. In our tests, the speakers’ sound quality approached that of the Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT set, but this pair doesn’t have quite as much bass and sounds a little distorted when cranked up to loud volumes.

This pair includes Bluetooth support, and it offers a volume control, a headphone jack, and an auxiliary input jack on the front, plus quarter-inch and RCA analog audio inputs on the back.

Also great (and similar to rcarter’s option above): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT8WJJHD/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401HZT5MS0G3AB5Q6JTKPMDT7X8

If you’re a fan of bass-heavy music or you play video games or watch movies at your desk, you’ll find the subwoofer included with the Creative Pebble X Plus to be a huge advantage. The speakers are larger versions of our budget pick, the Creative Pebble Pro set; they sound similar but can play louder without distorting. The subwoofer—a cube measuring a little over 6 inches on each side—produces shockingly strong bass for its size and takes up little space under a desk.

The Pebble X Plus includes Bluetooth support plus USB and 3.5 mm analog inputs. All controls are conveniently mounted on the front, and multicolor LED lighting is built in.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-computer-speakers/