USB PC Speakers (Active)

Bob in St. Louis · « **on:** 4 Jan 2009, 03:30 pm »

My wifes PC doesn't have a sound card and I'm too lazy to buy a PCI card, install it and set up the drivers.
So I'm looking for a decent set of USB Speakers to make my life easier. So far, all I've found are USB powered speakers and battery pack powered units. I was looking for something that gets it's audio content through the USB port, but has a wallwart for a power source. My reasoning for this is that I can't see a USB port providing much power. I assume these diminutive little jobbies aren't going to have an impressive sensitivity rating so they wouldn't produce much SPL, and of course none are published. She would like to roam about the house and be able to hear the tunes, so the volume would be louder than you'd normally have it sitting at your desk (very) nearfield.
She's not an audiophile, so superduper sound quality isn't expected, but a reasonable level of sound quality would be nice. Something in the fifty(ish) dollar range would be nice.
Here's what BestBuy has to offer.
Any ideas or recommendations?
Do any of you have experience with USB speakers?

Thanks folks!
Bob

Rashiki · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Jan 2009, 06:00 pm »

In my opinion, the sound quality of cheap computer speakers is substandard. You'll have much better results if you spend your $50 on an inexpensive USB "soundcard" like the Audio Amigo from Turtle Beach (around $40) and hooking it up to a small integrated amp and speakers. If you're anything like me, you've got two or three pairs of bookshelf speakers and an amp or two in the attic just waiting for something like this. If not, I'm sure you could pick up a cheap boombox or iPod/MP3 player "dock" type setup with a compatible line-in.

-Rob

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Jan 2009, 06:19 pm »

Interesting Rob. I hadn't thought about an external (USB) soundcard.
Although she's got her PC in a fairly small amoire, and I'm not sure I could pack more stuff in there (external devices, amps, etc..).
But I'll keep that in mind and add the idea to my list of "possibilities".

Thanks man!

Bob

Rashiki · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Jan 2009, 06:41 pm »

If space is at a premium the usb soundcard will still expand your options by allowing you to pick from a larger selection of powered speakers. Look for some powered monitors (often available from stores that cater to musicians) or even regular powered computer speakers. The USB soundcards are quite small -- most are smaller than a deck of cards -- and usually powered directly by USB, so there won't be any extra power cords. You may even be able to get away with using unpowered speakers or headphones. I use an M-Audio Transit to directly drive an old pair of AKG headphones with decent results.

-Rob

wilsynet · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 02:19 am »

My guess is that expecting to get more power and better fidelity for less money than the mass produced optimized-for-cost consumer item like the Logitech Z5 USB speakers is probably expecting a bit too much.

Perhaps you should consider raising your budget?

I'd go to Best Buy, buy the speakers, and try it out. See if it meets your needs. Best Buy has a pretty liberal return policy last time I checked.

Doublej · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 03:24 am »

Another option would be to get a pair of Bluetooth speakers or a Bluetooth mini system. You would plug a USB bluetooth adapter into the PC and the music would stream wirelessly to the speakers or system. I have not heard one though so I can't speak to sound quality.

See LG MSB-100 - Portable speakers - Bluetooth and Sony CMTBX5BT CMT Micro Component System with Bluetooth Technology on Amazon.

Costco or BJs may have cheaper Bluetooth Micro Systems.

Rashiki · « **Reply #6 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 10:58 pm »

I've found the perfect solution!

http://www.sourcingmap.com/baby-pig-dolls-laptop-notebook-desktop-mp3-mp4-speakers-p-17540.html

Rashiki · « **Reply #7 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 11:09 pm »

Or maybe you'd prefer this:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=203947009

I have no idea what they sound like, but it comes in under your stated budget.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #8 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 11:09 pm »

I see why you like them Rob. With features and benefits like these, who could argue:

- Use the fur material to be more effective reject resonance, pure timbre and less flaws
- High effective digital frequency amplifier of such Doll Speakers make the sound eligible.......

WTF??
- Particular "digit sound" disposal technology effectively improve the digital signal sound....... Ummmm WHAT?
- High quality loudspeaker unite original sound iterate perfectly.......again, WTF?

- Frequency response: 120-20KHz

Maybe I'll tell the wife to raise her price point.

Bob - Still lookin'

low.pfile · « **Reply #9 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 11:16 pm »

check out: http://www.everythingusb.com/usb_speakers.html

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #10 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 11:57 pm »

Hey, now we're talking. There's a couple good recommendations. aa

I'm actually shocked nobody has any recommendations based on experience. Certainly one of you has some USB speaks?

Thanks for the info guys. I'll talk to the wife about 'upping' her budget.

Bob

Rashiki · « **Reply #11 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 12:13 am »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 5 Jan 2009, 11:57 pm

I'm actually shocked nobody has any recommendations based on experience. Certainly one of you has some USB speaks?

I'm not shocked. This is primarily a website for audiophiles and computer speakers don't qualify as audiophile. Now, if you were asking about a USB DAC recommendation in the under $1000 range, I'm sure you'd have a lot of feedback.

-Rob

Russtafarian · « **Reply #12 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 12:32 am »

Check out one of the pro sound websites like fullcompass.com or musiciansfriend.com for powered USB studio monitors. May not be the last word in resolution or refinement, but the pro stuff is pretty rugged, sounds good near-field, and is usually heavily discounted.

Russ

JohnR · « **Reply #13 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 12:46 am »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 5 Jan 2009, 11:57 pm

I'm actually shocked nobody has any recommendations based on experience. Certainly one of you has some USB speaks?

I have a pair of Logitech V20 and they are OK for what they are (small enough to travel with). However they don't meet your criteria. So get something bigger.

Hope that helps

Blackmore · « **Reply #14 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 01:27 am »

Hey Bob!
These aren't USB, but their small enough and the price is close. We have a pair at my school for some music programs and they sound pretty decent. http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--BEHMS16 The little Behringer's have a plastic body and a mic input if she wants to do karaoke, but they would do. I could even bring them by when I pick up the old Garrard. Let me know if you'd like to hear these.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #15 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 02:36 am »

There appear to be numerous USB active speakers on eBay.

Some are of the usual garden variety 3000w speakers! nonsense, but there do appear to be some reputable designs too.

Might be worth some research Bob.

Audiovista · « **Reply #16 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 02:54 am »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 5 Jan 2009, 11:57 pm

I'm actually shocked nobody has any recommendations based on experience. Certainly one of you has some USB speaks?
Thanks for the info guys. I'll talk to the wife about 'upping' her budget.

Bob

I have these

http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/d/dss350_05/dss350_05_pss_eng.pdf

Model DSS350/17 - they are pretty ancient and relatively large... tried few others (Logitech, Altec Lansing and Sony) but decided that these are way better. Philips comes with big power supply and very decent sound.... checked ebay, there are none at the moment...

Boris

wilsynet · « **Reply #17 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 10:28 am »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 5 Jan 2009, 11:57 pm

I'm actually shocked nobody has any recommendations based on experience. Certainly one of you has some USB speaks?

Raise your budget (by a lot) and I'd suggest a KingRex T20 USB or a Nuforce Icon. And for speakers the John Blue JB3 or the Nuforce S1.

Not to be too critical, but you're expecting too much for $50. You want both cheaper than a mass produced cost-optimized consumer item *and* better fidelity, and you want it to be designed in a way that an audiophile cares about (separating signal from power). Oh, and not only do you want to fill the room, you also want to fill the house.

For an extra $10, should the speakers come with weekly maid service and a Ferrari too? =)

woodsyi · « **Reply #18 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 01:53 pm »

Wireless USB Headphone like this.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-981-000068-ClearChat-Wireless-Headset/dp/B0015EY5RE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1231249633&sr=1-2

Set her on Skype and she can talk to anybody anywhere with Skype. I got one and it's not bad for you tube music.

Or just the cans for music.

http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-Xfones-PC2400-Wireless-Headphone/dp/B0013I40HW/ref=pd_cp_e_1?pf_rd_p=413863501&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000E145CE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=08R7MW18KTRWKKX6ZPVC

hoxuanduc · « **Reply #19 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 04:03 pm »

Isn't this exactly what you're looking for?

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-M1-Active-320USB-Studio-Monitor-Pair?sku=600589

Duc