MP3 Speaker Buying Guide

MP3 Speaker Buying Guide

Last Updated: 10/12/2007

The Basics: MP3 Speakers

MP3 speaker systems grew out of what used to be called "multimedia speakers." These speakers are a relatively new concept. They started life as add-ons for computers, meant to improve upon the small, internal computer speakers that were only capable of delivering basic squeaks, squawks and dings. Since then, multimedia speakers have evolved to include multispeaker systems for gaming and movie viewing, as well as portable speaker systems for use with laptops and MP3 players.

What all of these systems have in common is that the speakers are completely self-contained. They include their own amplifiers and controls and do not require the separate components found in home audio applications. Multimedia speaker systems generally fall into two main categories: portable and stationary.

Portable speaker systems are usually physically smaller than stationary systems and are often powered by batteries and standard AC power. These systems are primarily used for notebook computers, MP3 players and portable video players. They may also be a good choice if you have multiple computers but only want or are able to buy one set of speakers. Keep in mind that small stature doesn't necessarily mean lightweight performance, as many of these compact systems can produce amazing and unexpectedly loud sound.

Stationary speaker systems are primarily designed for use at a single location. They tend to be larger than portable systems, and they are generally better able to produce higher volumes without noticeable distortion.

Multimedia speakers commonly use two basic configurations: full range and satellite. Full-range systems employ one or more speakers in an enclosure to reproduce the full audio range, and they require larger speakers to make this possible. The advantage of a full-range system is that it only needs two enclosures -- one for each channel being reproduced.

Satellite speaker systems split up the audio frequencies. They combine the bass frequencies from each channel and send them off to a dedicated subwoofer, while mid- and high-frequency audio is sent to the dedicated satellites. This allows satellite speakers to be much smaller than their full-range counterparts, and the larger speakers necessary for bass reproduction can be housed in a specially designed enclosure that is also home to the system's amplifiers and controls.

The low-frequency response of a satellite system's subwoofer tends to be non-directional in nature, which means we humans have a difficult time determining where the low bass sounds are originating. Thus, you can place the subwoofer cabinet in an out-of-the-way location, such as under a table, while the satellites can sit on your desktop to provide the location clues. Together, the subwoofer and satellites provide the full range of audio reproduction.

Multimedia speaker systems include amplifiers to change the low-level output of your computer, MP3 player or other device into the high-power wattage necessary to drive the speakers. The amplifier is rated for the number of watts produced per channel, as well as the amount of noise and distortion it contributes to the sound you hear. Generally speaking, the higher the wattage, the louder the speakers can play. As volume goes up, however, the effects of noise and distortion become more apparent. A good multimedia speaker system strikes a balance between design and playback quality, even if that means lower potential volume.


How to Shop

Portable multimedia speaker systems are designed for two-channel reproduction. They usually contain the two channels in one enclosure, thus making the device very compact and self-contained. A few portables offer the option to detach the speakers, allowing you to widen the soundstage for a better stereo image.

Be sure to consider a portable speaker system's battery life. If it is shorter than you need, you may have to haul around an extra set of batteries, which adds to the weight and expense of the system. Also consider the type of traveling case included, if any. Look for cases that can store the speakers as well as any necessary cords or other accessories.

Stationary multimedia speaker systems come in a wide variety of configurations, including multichannel systems designed for gaming or home theater surround sound. There are two primary ways that multichannel speakers connect to a computer system. The first is via analog line-level outputs on a computer, and the second is with an optical or coaxial digital audio output. A digital connection requires only a single cable to connect the speakers to the computer, but the speakers must be capable of decoding the surround sound information the computer sends out. Keep in mind that not all multimedia speaker systems accept a digital input.

Gaming and home theater multimedia speakers systems are often referred to as 5.1 or 7.1 systems. This nomenclature tells you how many discrete channels of audio (the first number) and how many channels of combined low-frequency subwoofer information are present. A 5.1 multimedia system contains five main channels (front left, center, front right, left rear and right rear) and one subwoofer channel, while a 7.1 system adds two main channels for side speakers, placed between the front and rears.




Glossary

AMS
Automatic Music Search. This feature allows jumping forward or backward by a desired number of tracks on either tape or CD to hear a specific selection. It is sometimes called autosearch.


Car Adapter
Sometimes called a car-kit, this is a car battery adapter with a cigarette lighter plug and a car stereo cassette adapter--a cassette shell--with a cord that plugs into the CD player's line level output. When loaded into a car's cassette player the output signal is transduced into the tape head for playback through the car's audio system.


Digital tuner/analog tuner
An analog tuner uses conventional circuitry with a tuning knob or thumbwheel and pointer to show you the frequency to which you are tuned. A digital tuner, more accurately a synthesized tuner, permits using a digital frequency read-out and presetting radio stations for touch tuning.


Electronic Shock Protection, Anti-Shock Memory, or Electronic Anti-Shock System (EASS)
These employ computer memory chips that act as an audio buffer. The chips store sound during normal play, and when the laser mistracks from shock or vibration, the chips supply sound from memory until the laser resumes tracking. The disc spins faster than normal to supply sound to the memory buffer. Using this feature shortens battery life considerably, since it requires additional power. It still may not be sufficient to prevent audible mistracking when using a CD player while actively jogging, but it should work for walking, bicycling, and other less jarring activities.


Mega Bass, XBS, or DSL
These are circuits that artificially boost bass to provide a more throbbing sound in headphones. Because many headphones accompanying personal stereos lack good bass response, these circuits may somewhat compensate. However, the bass boost might also muddy sound and increase distortion.


NiCd, NiMH, or Li Batteries
NiCd, or nickel-cadmium, is the most common of rechargeable battery types. It does not store as much power as disposable batteries and needs to be recharged frequently. It also deteriorates if not discharged and recharged properly. The cadmium in nickel-cadmium is highly toxic and environmentally hazardous. NiMH, or nickel metal-hydride, or sometimes just nickel hydride, is a superior alternative to nickel-cadmium. Although double the price, it lasts longer, holds a charge better, is less subject to deterioration from abuse, and is less toxic in landfills. Li, or lithium-ion, is the most advanced rechargeable battery available. It holds a charge much better, lasts far longer than either NiCd or NiMH, and it can be made smaller and lighter than other rechargeable batteries. It can be discharged and recharged without any special procedure or precautions. However, Li batteries cost four to ten times more than NiCd.




Compare Prices on IPods
Apple iPod touch (16 GB, MA627LL/A) Digital Media Player photo
16 GB (Built-in Memory), 4000 Songs, 4.2 oz., Audio Files: MP3, WAV, AAC, MP3 VBR, AIFF, Audible. Video Files: MPEG-4, H.264. Disp...

Stores Selling: 8
$299.00 -
$400.00
Apple iPod nano Third Gen. Silver (4 GB, MA978LL/A) Digital Media Player photo
4 GB (Built-in Memory), 1000 Songs, 1.74 oz., Audio Files: MP3, WAV, AAC, MP3 VBR, AIFF, Audible. Video Files: MPEG-4, H.264. Disp...

Stores Selling: 8
$93.00 -
$150.00
Apple iPod classic Sixth Gen. Black (80 GB, MB147LL/A) Digital Media Player photo
80 GB (Hard Drive), 20000 Songs, 4.9 oz., Audio Files: MP3, WAV, AAC, MP3 VBR, AIFF, Audible. Video Files: MPEG-4, H.264. Display ...

Stores Selling: 8
$220.00 -
$250.00



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Explanations

Expert Reviews
Harman Kardon Go + Play
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Prices
Apple iPod Video Fifth Gen. White (30 GB, MA002LL/A) Digital Media
Apple iPod nano Third Gen. Silver (8 GB, MA247LL/A) Digital Media P
Apple iPod classic Sixth Gen. Black (160 GB, MB150LL/A) Digital Med
Apple iPod nano Third Gen. Green (8 GB, MB253LL/A) Digital Media Pl
Apple iPod mini First Gen. Silver (4 GB, M9160LL/A) MP3 Player



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