Différents types de haut-parleurs d'ordinateur
Les haut-parleurs d'ordinateur sont un composant essentiel du matériel de bureau et portable d'aujourd'hui. Que ce soit sous la forme de haut-parleurs externes amplifiés ou de haut-parleurs intégrés, ces appareils fournissent aux utilisateurs un retour essentiel sous forme de renforcement sonore. En tant que propriétaire d'ordinateur, comprendre le fonctionnement de vos haut-parleurs et la puissance dont ils ont besoin garantit que vous disposez de toutes les ressources dont vous avez besoin pour profiter pleinement de votre matériel.
Heureusement, il est relativement facile d'identifier et de maîtriser la fonctionnalité des différents types d'enceintes en fonctionnement.
Les bases des haut-parleurs externes
De manière générale, quatre configurations de haut-parleurs principaux sont utilisées. Selon les besoins spécifiques d'un individu, l'un de ces quatre arrangements principaux répondra probablement à tous ses besoins audio. Ces quatre configurations sont :un système à deux haut-parleurs, un arrangement d'enceintes 2.1, un arrangement d'enceintes 5.1 et un arrangement d'enceintes 7.1.
Pour la grande majorité des utilisateurs occasionnels d'ordinateurs, un système à deux haut-parleurs plus que répondre à leurs besoins. Les systèmes à deux haut-parleurs offrent une reproduction stéréo précise du son, acheminant le signal audio stéréo d'origine vers des haut-parleurs gauche et droit dédiés. Pour l'utilisateur d'ordinateur, diviser le signal audio en ces deux canaux crée une expérience qui ajoute de la vitalité et de l'immersion aux jeux, films et autres applications.
En raison de leur popularité, les systèmes à deux haut-parleurs sont disponibles à différents prix. Bien que les systèmes à deux haut-parleurs n'aient souvent pas la gamme de fréquences des configurations de haut-parleurs plus grandes et plus élaborées, ces appareils répondent toujours aux exigences de la plupart des applications multimédias.
Configurations avancées des haut-parleurs
Bien que les systèmes à deux haut-parleurs soient populaires, un nombre important d'utilisateurs d'ordinateurs optent pour des arrangements de haut-parleurs plus avancés. En général, les systèmes de haut-parleurs qui utilisent plus de deux haut-parleurs sont composés de haut-parleurs satellites et d'un subwoofer. Le subwoofer représente le ".1" ajouté au nombre d'enceintes satellites utilisées. Par exemple, dans une disposition d'enceintes 2.1, deux enceintes satellites sont utilisées conjointement avec un subwoofer. Dans un système de haut-parleurs 5.1, cinq haut-parleurs satellites sont utilisés en combinaison avec un subwoofer.
Il peut sembler à première vue que les arrangements de haut-parleurs 2.1, 5.1 et 7.1 peuvent être utilisés de manière interchangeable pour le spectre des applications informatiques utilisées aujourd'hui. Bien que cela puisse être vrai, il existe des utilisations recommandées pour chacune des configurations susmentionnées.
2.1 Définition du locuteur
Le système de haut-parleurs d'ordinateur 2.1 couramment vendu se compose de deux haut-parleurs satellites et d'un subwoofer. Compte tenu du faible encombrement physique des systèmes de haut-parleurs 2.1, ces unités représentent l'équilibre parfait entre portabilité et fonctionnalité. De manière générale, les systèmes d'enceintes 2.1 sont idéaux pour les personnes qui utilisent principalement leur matériel audio pour écouter de la musique . Quel que soit le genre ou la plate-forme musicale utilisée, les systèmes d'enceintes 2.1 sont plus que capables de fournir une excellente lecture musicale.
Systèmes d'enceintes 5.1
Dans un système de haut-parleurs 5.1, cinq haut-parleurs satellites individuels sont couplés à un subwoofer. Contrairement à un système de haut-parleurs 2.1, les configurations de haut-parleurs 5.1 sont capables de fournir un son surround. De plus grandes configurations d'enceintes peuvent également fournir un renforcement du son surround, bien qu'elles nécessitent souvent un investissement financier plus important. In many situations, individuals use 5.1 speaker systems for playing movies or video games on their computers.
Many video games are specifically designed to provide an immersive, surround sound-driven experience for players. Although 5.1 speaker systems include a significantly larger amount of hardware than two-speaker configurations, they can still be purchased at an affordable price point in popular electronics stores.
7.1 Speaker Arrangement
As the larger speaker configuration in use today, a 7.1 system includes seven individual satellite speakers and one subwoofer. The 7.1 systems are capable of a degree of sound precision that is rarely in use. Although these systems may be worth the additional investment for audio applications where such sonic clarity is possible, this particular speaker configuration is not often necessary.
In fact, 7.1 surround systems automatically revert to 5.1 surround audio when encountering audio programmed in more standard surround sound configurations . Anyone who is interested in 7.1 surround sound should know that these systems are typically more expensive than any of the configurations mentioned previously. Because of this, individuals may choose to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of 7.1 systems before making the financial investment.
The World of Sound Bars
A soundbar is yet another option available to individuals in the market for computer speakers. This innovative system provides accurate stereo reproduction of audio without requiring a large hardware profile. Given their relatively small physical dimensions, sound bars are often positioned on top of or directly under a display, allowing individuals to take advantage of excellent stereo sound reproduction while simultaneously minimizing general clutter.
Unlike the systems mentioned previously, which include multiple hardware units, a soundbar is an all-in-one system. Each of the satellite speakers is aligned within a sophisticated array that creates a highly immersive experience during use. In recent years, the price point for soundbars has dropped dramatically, making them an affordable and powerful solution for those who are seeking to create a home theater-like experience with their speakers.
Although soundbars pack an incredible amount of performance into a small hardware profile, these units typically do not feature the same level of audio clarity as traditional speaker systems at the same price point. This is primarily because soundbars do not include a subwoofer with their primary hardware unit, rendering playback of lower range frequencies impossible.
However, to overcome this particular issue, many soundbars being sold come equipped with a wireless subwoofer. In some situations, soundbars are complemented by multiple satellite speakers to optimize audio playback. Whether this system matches your specific expectations and preferences, however, is entirely up to you.
Powered vs. Non-Powered Speakers
In some situations, you may be required to purchase an additional amplifier to ensure that your speakers play audio successfully. These speaker units are often referred to as non-powered speakers. Non-powered speakers are typically considered to be more sophisticated than powered units, due in large part to the fact that individuals can customize the specific amp they are using to modify the final sound output.
That being said, powered speakers often win over customers because they act as an all-in-one system without requiring additional financial investment. For the majority of users, powered speakers are the preferred solution.
Wireless Speaker Systems
For many individuals, the ability to configure a speaker system that is free of annoying cables is a huge perk. Wireless speaker systems have become a popular item for individuals who are seeking to integrate audio solutions in a variety of environments seamlessly.
In many situations, wireless speakers connect to a computer using the Bluetooth communication protocol. Bluetooth is commonly found on the majority of modern computer hardware. After connecting to the computer, these speakers output any audio from the computer just as if they were connected by conventional cabling.
Some wireless speaker systems may opt to connect with your computer through your wireless network rather than Bluetooth connectivity. In situations such as these, it is important to make sure that the speaker system won't conflict with your internet connectivity during use.
Not only do wireless speaker systems connect to your computer through the internet or Bluetooth, but they also link with each other without the use of cords or cabling . This allows individuals to specifically tailor the physical setup of their speakers to their liking. For example, they can adjust the positioning of their wireless speakers to accommodate a larger group or to experiment with various forms of surround audio playback. The ability to customize your setup to this degree is a distinct perk of wireless systems and a huge advantage over traditional audio speakers.
Wireless speaker systems are the perfect solution for individuals using laptops who may need speaker reinforcement while they are traveling or on-the-go. Portable wireless speakers can be purchased relatively inexpensively through the majority of electronics retailers. You can buy wireless computer speakers at Walmart and various other popular shopping outlets.
Considering Your Options
With any of the speakers mentioned previously, you can not only integrate this hardware into your computer setup but also into your home stereo system. The majority of modern speaker systems are compatible with both televisions and stereos, meaning that the line of separation between a home stereo system and computer speaker setup has become virtually indistinguishable.
Your budget will most likely play a significant factor in your decision to purchase a particular computer speaker system. Before taking the leap and purchasing the latest and greatest speaker hardware, take a moment and clarify what your specific need is.
For example, are you planning on using your computer speakers to watch movies as part of a home theater setup? Or, are you looking for a lightweight system that you can transport with you? Are you looking for a system that will accurately output the immersive sonic environments in your video games, or are you more in the market for a straightforward stereo output?
Knowing specifically what you need to accomplish your goals with regards to your stereo system helps you avoid overspending on a system that you won't be using to its full potential.
Your stereo system represents a significant purchase and should be thoroughly researched before you make your financial investment.
Moving Forward With Your Purchase
Once you have decided which specific speaker system you want to purchase, you can begin the process of finding the best possible price. Depending on the size of your speaker system, you may benefit from shopping at traditional retail stores rather than online to avoid excess shipping costs. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to find the majority of popular speaker systems through both online and brick-and-mortar stores.
If you have any questions about computer speakers and general performance, you should take the time to ask an audio expert at any one of several electronics stores before committing to your purchase. Given the fact that some of these units can be quite expensive, it pays to take the time to resolve any nagging issues, concerns or questions you may have before you finalize your purchase and begin using your new gear. Audio professionals are more than happy to listen to your specific needs and walk you through various options that can meet and exceed your requests at the best price point possible.