We’ve written a blog post about how to connect Bookshelf Speakers to PC and kind of hinted is an upgrade of your computer sound system. We were actually comparing the bookshelf speakers to computer speakers which the former is the better option. In this post, we will be revealing more information on both speaker types such as their advantages and disadvantages.
By using this info, you should be able to judge and determine which speaker type is the clear winner for you. And hopefully, it would also help you to make a more informed purchase.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Speakers
Computer speakers do have their pros and cons, and depending on your requirements or situational needs, they can be an ideal option for you.
The Advantages of using Computer Speakers
Computer speakers are easy to set up, it is a plug-and-play sound system. They are also very compact in size where you are most likely be able to find space on your desktop to place the left and right computer speakers. The subwoofer is usually small as well and you should be able to fit it nicely under your table. They are also really affordable and the higher-end models are typically sanely priced. If you want a 2.1 sound system for your PC at an affordable price point, computer speakers would be the go-to option.
They can sound surprisingly loud, especially those which come with their own subwoofer. Computer speakers are all-rounders, you can use them for movies, gaming, and music playbacks. They are usually designed for gamers though.
The Disadvantages of using Computer Speakers
Computer speakers are not ideal for music playbacks, they lack refinement and finesse. The small compact PC speakers don’t sound clean enough and get distorted quite easily, especially those budget models. The computer subwoofer has exaggerated bass reproductions, it sounds bloated and even boomy at times. There is a lack of bass details and texture as well. They may be very affordable but they lack durability. Some computer speaker systems don’t allow users to change the speaker cables as they are permanently connected to the subwoofer. And so, if one of the cables is damaged, you can’t change it and your listening experience will certainly deteriorate.
Another con of using small and compact computer speakers is the lack of organic bass responses coming from them. To simply put it, most computer speaker systems are just loud.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bookshelf Speakers
More and more users are starting to use bookshelf speakers as part of their PC sound system and we will share with you the reasons why.
The Advantages of using Bookshelf Speakers
Bookshelf speakers tend to have bigger cabinets than computer speakers. This not only enables them to produce more low frequencies but they are able to dig deeper into the bass extension than computer speakers. The bookshelf speakers are also more capable of projecting a larger sound stage with a more focused stereo imaging. Their bass performance is usually agile and more detailed, rarely sounding bloated/boomy.
The bookshelf speakers are typically designed for audiophiles who want high-quality music playbacks. This is why you can expect higher sound quality and performance from them. They are also more durable and if you are aiming for passive stand-mounters, you can further alter the overall sound reproduction by pairing them with an amplifier of certain sonic traits. You can choose to connect to a dedicated powered subwoofer for more powerful and deeper bass performance.
The Disadvantages of using Bookshelf Speakers
Listeners who are going for passive bookshelf speakers will need to get an additional amplifier to drive them. All these costs will add up and you will also need more space to accommodate them. Other than taking up more space and typically costing more than computer speakers, setting up the passive bookshelf speakers is more difficult too. There are bookshelf speakers which are very inefficient and will need a high-powered amplifier, if not, you won’t be able to drive them at loud volume levels.
You will need to take some time to find a matching amplifier to partner with your passive bookshelf speakers so as to get the sound quality and characteristics which you want. The amplifiers will also need to match your bookshelf speakers’ impedance rating or else they may sound bad.
Choose Active Bookshelf Speakers
If you want a plug-and-play bookshelf speaker system then choosing active loudspeakers will be a good idea. Active bookshelf speakers come with their own built-in amplifiers. This saves you the trouble of finding and connecting the amp to your speakers. Having their own amplifiers built into the bookshelf speaker also saves you space. Some active bookshelf speakers would have a plethora of features that add more value for the users. This is probably the best choice to go for if you want good sound quality and none of the difficulty of setting it up.
In Conclusion
We suggest sticking to bookshelf speakers if sound quality is a priority. They may not be specifically made for gamers but that doesn’t mean they can’t perform well during gaming. Bookshelf speakers should be able to produce even more details and subtleties than computer speakers. Not to mention, the bookshelf speakers’ superior stereo imaging should give you higher spatial awareness. If you have the budget and space, then the sky’s the limit as you can go for higher-end bookshelf speaker models.
Computer speakers are really ideal for listeners who lack the space or don’t want to spend too much on a sound system. The aesthetic design of some computer speakers would match really well with gaming PC rigs. We recommend you take a bit of time to consider your needs and wants when it comes to the PC sound system. With a better understanding of your own requirements, it would help a lot with your decision.
