Computer speakers

Computer speakers, or multimedia speakers, are speakers sold for use with computers, although usually capable of other audio uses, e.g. for an MP3 player. Most such speakers have an internal amplifier and consequently require a power source, which may be by a mains power supply often via an AC adapter, batteries, or a USB port (able to supply no more than 2.5W DC, 500mA at 5V). The signal input connector is often a 3.5 mm jack plug (usually color-coded lime green per the PC 99 standard); RCA connectors are sometimes used, and a USB port may supply both signal and power (requiring additional circuitry, and only suitable for use with a computer). Battery-powered wireless Bluetooth speakers require no connections at all. Most computers have speakers of low power and quality built in; when external speakers are connected they disable the built-in speakers. Altec Lansing claims to have created the computer speaker market in 1990.

Computer speakers range widely in quality and in price. Computer speakers sometimes packaged with computer systems are small, plastic, and have mediocre sound quality. Some computer speakers have equalization features such as bass and treble controls.

More sophisticated computer speakers can have a subwoofer unit, to enhance bass output. The larger subwoofer enclosure usually contains the amplifiers for the subwoofer and the left and right speakers.

Some computer displays have rather basic speakers built-in. Laptop computers have built-in integrated speakers, usually small and of restricted sound quality to conserve space.

Instead of using a computer speaker for better sound, a computer can be connected to any external sound system, typically a high-power high-quality setup.

An unusual design by HiWave Technologies, the DyadUSB USB-powered stereo audio amplifier module used in the SoundScience QSB 30W Portable USB Speakers allows a USB-powered and driven stereo speaker pair to supply 30W of power for short periods with a signal that has short high-power peaks and much lower average power, as most music and speech does. It stores energy from the USB connection during quieter periods, delivering high power for the peaks. (With a constant sine-wave input, power output cannot exceed the 2.5W that any USB speaker can deliver). The module is claimed to require less power most of the time, increasing laptop computer battery endurance, and delivering clean, unclipped sound peaks.

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