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Here are some of the best aftermarket computer speakers of 2024:
- Creative Pebble Plus: This budget-friendly option features a 2.1 system with a subwoofer, providing excellent sound quality for its price.
- Mackie CR-X Series: Known for their professional audio quality, these speakers offer multiple connectivity options, including 1/4”, 1/8”, and RCA or Bluetooth.
- Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT: Great for both music listening and audio production, these speakers feature Bluetooth support and a variety of inputs.
- Logitech Z407: A versatile choice with a wireless control dial, these speakers offer great sound quality and a compact design.
- Razer Leviathan V2: Designed for gamers, this soundbar features THX Spatial Audio and a sleek, compact design.
- AudioEngine A2+: These premium 2.0 speakers offer excellent sound quality, a solid build, and multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth.
- SteelSeries Arena 9: This 5.1 surround sound system is perfect for gamers, featuring wireless rear satellites and attractive lighting.
- Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE: A powerful, compact soundbar designed for gaming setups, with RGB lighting and excellent audio performance.
- JBL Professional 305P MkII: Ideal for audio production, these professional studio monitors offer clear sound and useful controls for fine-tuning.
- PreSonus Eris 3.5BT Gen 2: These smaller speakers are great for desks with limited space, providing excellent sound quality and convenient front-panel controls.
1. Creative Pebble Plus
The Creative Pebble Plus is a budget-friendly 2.1 speaker system that includes a subwoofer, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their audio experience without breaking the bank. The speakers are designed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic that fits well on any desk.
- Design and Build: The Pebble Plus features a sleek, orb-shaped design with a 45-degree elevated sound stage, which directs audio towards your ears for an immersive listening experience. The subwoofer is compact yet powerful, providing deep bass that complements the clear highs and mids from the satellite speakers.
- Sound Quality: Despite its affordable price, the Pebble Plus delivers impressive sound quality. The 2-inch mid-range drivers in the satellite speakers produce clear and detailed audio, while the 4-inch down-firing subwoofer adds a rich bass response. This combination ensures a balanced sound profile suitable for music, movies, and gaming.
- Connectivity: The Pebble Plus connects via a standard 3.5mm audio jack, making it compatible with most computers and mobile devices. It also features a convenient volume control knob on the front of one of the satellite speakers, allowing for easy adjustments.
- Performance: With a total power output of 8W RMS, the Pebble Plus is powerful enough for small to medium-sized rooms. The speakers perform well across various genres of music and are particularly good for enhancing dialogue clarity in movies and games.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compact and stylish design
- Good sound quality with clear highs and deep bass
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Limited connectivity options
- Not suitable for large rooms or high-volume listening
2. Mackie CR-X Series
The Mackie CR-X Series is known for its professional audio quality, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and audiophiles. These speakers are designed to deliver studio-quality sound in a compact and stylish package.
- Design and Build: The CR-X Series features a sleek, modern design with brushed metal panels and a distinctive green outline. The build quality is robust, ensuring durability and longevity. The speakers come in various sizes, including 3-inch, 4-inch, and 5-inch models, catering to different needs and preferences.
- Sound Quality: The CR-X Series is renowned for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction. The speakers feature high-output drivers and a front-facing bass port, which enhances low-frequency response. This results in a balanced sound profile with clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass.
- Connectivity: These speakers offer multiple connectivity options, including 1/4-inch, 1/8-inch, and RCA inputs, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming. This versatility makes them compatible with a wide range of devices, from computers and smartphones to professional audio equipment.
- Performance: The CR-X Series delivers impressive performance across various applications, from casual listening to professional audio production. The speakers are capable of producing high volumes without distortion, making them suitable for both small and large rooms.
Pros:
- Professional audio quality
- Multiple connectivity options
- Durable and stylish design
- Suitable for various applications
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to budget options
- Larger models may take up more desk space
3. Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT
The Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT is a versatile speaker system designed for both music listening and audio production. With Bluetooth support and a variety of inputs, these speakers offer flexibility and high-quality sound.
- Design and Build: The DM-50D-BT features a sleek, professional design with a matte black finish. The build quality is solid, ensuring durability and reliability. The speakers are compact enough to fit on most desks while providing powerful sound output.
- Sound Quality: These speakers are equipped with 5-inch woofers and 3/4-inch tweeters, delivering a balanced sound profile with clear highs, detailed mids, and deep bass. The front-facing bass reflex port enhances low-frequency response, making these speakers suitable for a wide range of music genres and audio applications.
- Connectivity: The DM-50D-BT offers multiple connectivity options, including RCA, 1/4-inch TRS, and Bluetooth. This allows for easy connection to various devices, from computers and smartphones to DJ equipment and audio interfaces.
- Performance: The speakers deliver impressive performance, with a total power output of 40W RMS. They are capable of producing high volumes without distortion, making them suitable for both casual listening and professional audio production. The Bluetooth connectivity adds convenience, allowing for wireless streaming from compatible devices.
Pros:
- High-quality sound with balanced frequency response
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth
- Durable and stylish design
- Suitable for both music listening and audio production
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to entry-level options
- May be overkill for casual listeners
4. Logitech Z407
The Logitech Z407 is a versatile speaker system that offers excellent sound quality and a compact design. With a wireless control dial and multiple connectivity options, these speakers are perfect for a variety of uses.
- Design and Build: The Z407 features a sleek, modern design with a compact footprint. The satellite speakers are small enough to fit on most desks, while the subwoofer provides powerful bass without taking up too much space. The wireless control dial adds convenience, allowing for easy volume adjustments and playback control.
- Sound Quality: The Z407 delivers impressive sound quality, with clear highs, detailed mids, and deep bass. The 2.1 system includes two satellite speakers and a subwoofer, providing a balanced sound profile suitable for music, movies, and gaming.
- Connectivity: These speakers offer multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and 3.5mm audio input. This versatility makes them compatible with a wide range of devices, from computers and smartphones to gaming consoles and TVs.
- Performance: With a total power output of 80W RMS, the Z407 is capable of producing high volumes without distortion. The speakers perform well across various applications, from casual listening to gaming and movie watching. The wireless control dial adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing for easy adjustments from anywhere in the room.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth
- Compact and stylish design
- Wireless control dial for easy adjustments
Cons:
- Subwoofer may be too powerful for small rooms
- Limited to 2.1 sound system
5. Razer Leviathan V2
- The Razer Leviathan V2 is a soundbar designed specifically for gamers, featuring THX Spatial Audio and a sleek, compact design. This soundbar offers immersive audio and a range of features tailored to enhance the gaming experience.
- Design and Build: The Leviathan V2 features a sleek, modern design with a compact footprint. The soundbar is designed to fit neatly under a monitor, saving desk space while providing powerful audio output. The build quality is robust, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Sound Quality: The Leviathan V2 delivers impressive sound quality, with clear highs, detailed mids, and deep bass. The soundbar features THX Spatial Audio, providing an immersive audio experience with precise sound positioning. This makes it ideal for gaming, where accurate audio cues are crucial.
- Connectivity: The soundbar offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and optical input. This versatility makes it compatible with a wide range of devices, from computers and gaming consoles to TVs and mobile devices.
- Performance: With a total power output of 60W RMS, the Leviathan V2 is capable of producing high volumes without distortion. The soundbar performs well across various applications, from gaming and movies to music listening. The THX Spatial Audio adds an extra layer of immersion, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with THX Spatial Audio
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth
- Compact and stylish design
- Ideal for gaming and immersive audio experiences
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to standard soundbars
- May be overkill for casual listeners
6. AudioEngine A2+
The AudioEngine A2+ is a premium 2.0 speaker system that stands out for its excellent sound quality, solid build, and versatile connectivity options. These speakers are perfect for audiophiles and anyone looking for high-quality desktop audio.
- Design and Build: The A2+ features a sleek, minimalist design with a robust build. The compact size makes them ideal for desktop use, while the high-quality materials ensure durability and longevity. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making these speakers a stylish addition to any setup.
- Sound Quality: The A2+ delivers impressive sound quality, characterized by clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass. The speakers are equipped with custom-built drivers and a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), ensuring accurate and detailed sound reproduction. This makes them suitable for a wide range of audio applications, from music listening to gaming and movies.
- Connectivity: These speakers offer multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and RCA inputs. This versatility makes them compatible with a wide range of devices, from computers and smartphones to audio interfaces and turntables. The Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless streaming, adding convenience to their high-quality audio performance.
- Performance: With a total power output of 60W RMS, the A2+ is capable of producing high volumes without distortion. The speakers perform exceptionally well across various genres of music and are particularly good for enhancing dialogue clarity in movies and games. The built-in DAC ensures high-quality audio playback, making these speakers a great choice for audiophiles.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with detailed audio reproduction
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth
- Compact and stylish design
- Built-in DAC for high-quality audio playback
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to budget options
- Limited bass response compared to larger speaker systems
7. SteelSeries Arena 9
The SteelSeries Arena 9 is a cutting-edge 5.1 surround sound speaker system designed specifically for gamers. It offers an immersive audio experience with a range of features tailored to enhance gaming setups.
- Design and Build: The Arena 9 features a sleek and modern design, with two front speakers, two wireless rear speakers, a dedicated center channel speaker, and a powerful 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. The speakers are designed to fit seamlessly into any gaming setup, with the rear speakers being wall-mountable for optimal placement. The build quality is robust, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Sound Quality: The Arena 9 delivers exceptional sound quality, with a true 5.1 surround sound system that provides an immersive audio experience. The speakers feature separate silk dome tweeters and organic-fiber woofers, enhancing detail and precision across mid and high frequencies. The 6.5-inch subwoofer emits deep, thundering bass, bringing game sounds to life with rich, accurate low frequencies.
- Connectivity: This speaker system offers multiple connectivity options, including USB, Bluetooth, optical, and 3.5mm Aux inputs. This versatility makes it compatible with a wide range of devices, from PCs and Macs to PlayStation consoles and mobile devices. The wireless rear speakers connect to the subwoofer, eliminating the need for cables running across your gaming space.
- Performance: The Arena 9 is designed to deliver powerful and immersive audio, with a total power output that can fill any room with high-quality sound. The system includes a control pod with an OLED screen, allowing easy access to volume, muting, 5.1 upmix, headset toggling, LED controls, Bluetooth pairing, and audio customization. The reactive PrismSync RGB lighting adds an extra layer of immersion, with customizable lighting that reacts to in-game events and sounds.
Pros:
- True 5.1 surround sound system
- Wireless rear speakers for easy setup
- Multiple connectivity options, including USB and Bluetooth
- Powerful subwoofer with deep bass
- Reactive RGB lighting for enhanced immersion
- Control pod with OLED screen for easy adjustments
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to standard speaker systems
- Requires space for multiple speakers and subwoofer
8. Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE
The Creative Sound Blaster Katana SE is a versatile and powerful soundbar designed to enhance your gaming and entertainment experience. It combines high-quality audio performance with a sleek design and a range of features tailored for gamers and audiophiles alike.
- Design and Build: The Katana SE features a compact and stylish design, making it a great addition to any desktop or home entertainment setup. It has a double-wall chassis construction that minimizes vibrations, ensuring clear and distortion-free audio. The soundbar is also wall-mountable, providing flexibility in placement.
- Sound Quality: This soundbar delivers impressive audio performance with its bi-amplified four-driver design. Each driver is individually powered by dual DSP-controlled stereo amplifiers, resulting in strong and impactful sound reproduction across all frequencies. The Katana SE supports 5.1 virtual surround sound, creating an immersive audio experience for gaming and movies. It also features Dolby Audio certification, enhancing the cinematic experience.
- Connectivity: The Katana SE offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB-C, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, optical-in, AUX-in, and SXFI-out. This versatility makes it compatible with various devices, from gaming consoles and PCs to mobile devices and TVs. The soundbar also includes dual beamforming microphones for clear voice communication during gaming sessions.
- Performance: With a total power output of up to 90W RMS (180W peak), the Katana SE is capable of filling a room with high-quality sound. It features Creative’s Super X-Fi technology, which provides a hyper-realistic audio experience through headphones. The soundbar also includes gaming-specific sound modes like SXFI BATTLE Mode and Scout Mode, which enhance audio cues and immersion in games.
- Customization: The Katana SE comes with customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize the look of your setup. The Creative app provides additional customization options, including EQ adjustments, audio enhancement technologies, and lighting controls. This allows you to fine-tune the soundbar’s performance to suit your preferences.
Pros:
- High-quality sound with bi-amplified drivers
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth and HDMI ARC
- Compact and stylish design
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Super X-Fi technology for immersive audio
- Gaming-specific sound modes
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to standard soundbars
- Lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which may affect bass performance
9. JBL Professional 305P MkII
The JBL Professional 305P MkII is a highly regarded studio monitor that offers exceptional sound quality and precise audio reproduction, making it a favorite among music producers, audio engineers, and enthusiasts.
- Design and Build: The 305P MkII features a sleek, modern design with a matte black finish. It is compact and sturdy, making it suitable for both professional studios and home setups. The monitor is equipped with a 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch neodymium tweeter, housed in a ported enclosure that enhances low-frequency performance.
- Sound Quality: This studio monitor is known for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction. The patented JBL Image Control Waveguide ensures precise imaging and a broad sweet spot, allowing you to hear subtle details in your mixes. The 5-inch woofer delivers deep, controlled bass, while the 1-inch tweeter provides clear and detailed highs. The result is a balanced and neutral sound profile that is ideal for critical listening and mixing.
- Connectivity: The 305P MkII offers flexible connectivity options, including balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs. It also features a +4dBu/-10dBV input sensitivity switch, allowing you to match the monitor’s input level to your audio source. This versatility makes it easy to integrate the monitor into various audio setups.
- Performance: With a total power output of 82 watts, the 305P MkII is capable of delivering high volumes without distortion. The dual integrated Class-D amplifiers provide ample power to the woofer and tweeter, ensuring dynamic and accurate sound reproduction. The monitor also includes a Boundary EQ setting that compensates for low-frequency anomalies caused by placement near walls or on a desktop.
- Customization: The 305P MkII allows for some degree of customization to suit your listening environment. The HF Trim switch lets you adjust the high-frequency response to match the acoustics of your room or your personal preferences. This ensures that you get the most accurate sound possible, regardless of your setup.
- Reliability: JBL is known for its rigorous testing standards, and the 305P MkII is no exception. The monitor undergoes a strenuous 100-hour full-power test to ensure reliability and durability. This means you can trust the 305P MkII to deliver consistent performance over time, even under demanding conditions.
Pros:
- Accurate and detailed sound reproduction
- Patented Image Control Waveguide for precise imaging
- Flexible connectivity options
- High power output with dual Class-D amplifiers
- Customizable high-frequency response
- Durable and reliable build
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to entry-level monitors
- May require additional acoustic treatment for optimal performance in untreated rooms
10. PreSonus Eris 3.5BT Gen 2
The PreSonus Eris 3.5BT Gen 2 is a compact and versatile media reference monitor that delivers studio-quality sound, making it ideal for bedroom studios, video production, and high-fidelity gaming setups.
- Design and Build: The Eris 3.5BT Gen 2 features a sleek and modern design with a vinyl-laminated, medium-density fiberboard cabinet. The compact form factor makes it easy to fit on any desk or workspace. The speakers are equipped with a 3.5-inch woven-composite low-frequency transducer and a 1-inch ultra-low-mass silk-dome high-frequency transducer, ensuring clear and accurate sound reproduction.
- Sound Quality: These monitors are known for their balanced and precise sound. The 3.5-inch woofer delivers tight bass, while the 1-inch tweeter produces refined high frequencies. The speakers have an 80 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, providing a wide range of sound. The improved speaker voicing over previous designs ensures richer lows and a smoother crossover transition, resulting in articulate and accurate transient reproduction.
- Connectivity: The Eris 3.5BT Gen 2 offers versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming, balanced 1/4-inch TRS inputs, unbalanced RCA inputs, and a front-panel 1/8-inch stereo line input. This makes it easy to connect to various audio sources, from computers and smartphones to audio interfaces and gaming consoles. Additionally, the front-panel 1/8-inch stereo headphone jack allows for private listening, muting the speakers when headphones are connected.
- Performance: With 25 watts per side of onboard power, the Eris 3.5BT Gen 2 packs a serious punch while delivering clear and accurate audio. The speakers have a peak SPL of 98 dB at 1 meter, making them suitable for small to medium-sized rooms. The high- and low-frequency acoustic tuning controls let you adjust the speaker’s frequency response to match the acoustics of your space, ensuring the best possible sound.
- Customization: The Eris 3.5BT Gen 2 includes high- and low-frequency controls that allow you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. This feature is particularly useful for compensating for room acoustics and ensuring accurate sonic reproduction. The speakers also come with a convenient front-panel volume knob that controls both the power amp and the headphone amplifier.
- Protection Features: These monitors are built with several protection features, including RF interference, output-current limiting, over-temperature protection, turn-on/off transient protection, and a subsonic filter. These features ensure the longevity and reliability of the speakers, even under demanding conditions.
Pros:
- Studio-quality sound in a compact form factor
- Versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0
- High- and low-frequency tuning controls
- Durable and stylish design
- Multiple protection features for reliability
Cons:
- Limited bass response compared to larger monitors
- May not be suitable for large rooms or high-volume listening
