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ECHO: A-690
55W 2.1 speaker system w/top-firing subwoofer
Model details:
Things to Consider, not to get fooled when choosing the Multimedia Speaker System:
There is quite a variety of different multimedia/gaming sound systems available today. The problem is that most of the models under $50 range are merely regular user tweeters. Definitely not enough for a good gaming immersion. They were never designed to fill a large living room with music sound as well - just to entertain the person in front of the computer without bothering people around. But who would buy them if they were not advertised with a few "tricks"?
What makes a good multimedia / gaming system different from other speaker sets?
1.) First thing to consider is the size of the speakers. When shopping - compare the diameter of drivers and their quantity per channel.
It is quite simple. Weak systems will have only one, maybe 2 drivers per channel. Small under 2" driver regularly would not produce anything louder than 2W. Better systems may have 2-3 drivers per speaker. This is done by manufacturers for two reasons - first is the power (in Watts) as multimedia systems need to be able to be loud enough when necessary. Second reason - additional drivers may be placed pointing sideways to provide a better surround effect. On some rare and exclusive occasions these drivers will also differ in size from each other. Smaller ones will pick up the higher frequencies and bigger ones will deepen the lower range. These systems are among very good candidates for your "fun center".
2.) Subwoofer is the second key element to a good system.
Normally a subwoofer for the PC is a relatively small block with 4"-5" driver that can output some low-tone frequencies. It may be enough to reach you while you are sitting right in front of computer but it will have a hard time achieving the same result in larger spaces. A good multimedia subwoofer bundled with a system priced under $100 starts with at least 6" diameter driver. Best models would have it facing upwards or downwards - this really helps to fill the room with vibes. Subwoofer aiming upward also helps to prevent the sound from "sinking" into your carpet. Also check the output frequency for the woofer. Normally it would be only the lower figures something like 60Hz-180Hz. Better models can go as low as 40Hz - 160Hz. A good way to test a sub - is to turn it on separately from the rest of the speakers (if you can). A good model will produce very muffled sounds without any high-tone frequencies. But will rock the room mighty with lower frequencies bursts.
And if you see that some "subwoofer" that covers 100Hz - 120KHz - do not stop. Keep walking. This is a regular speaker that has nothing to do with woofers.
3.) Amplifier
For any good Multimedia Speaker System it is an essential although invisible piece. Systems can get a remarkably enhanced output (up to several times in Watts) when equipped with amplifier. But will never do if it is absent. Although some vendors will still claim they do. Have you ever wondered how a pair of small speakers retailed at the store for $15 can put out 100 watts of power? It all depends on your definition of output power...theoretically they can...and it has fooled too many people not to mention it here! Your friend would be one of them if he tells you that his home stereo unit has 3000 watts of power output...even though it is connected to a standard 120-volt power supply that is only allowed to draw 2000 watts before tripping the circuit breakers...
Vendors use PMPO power to hide underpowered power supplies and amplifiers. When you see something with a PMPO measurement on it, turn it around and look for RMS figure. Often, the PMPO figure would be 5-10 times bigger than RMS. RMS (Root Means Square) power - reflects an average output over time, creating a much more reasonable reading. Don't be fooled by cheap products which appear to put out big power.
It all depends upon how they measure the output power of the device. Usually if you look at these huge numbers, you will see the letters "PMPO" underneath. PMPO stands for "Peak Music Power Output" or "Peak Momentary Power Output". Notice the word peak. The vendor of the product calculates PMPO based on the maximum power output of the device under perfect conditions and 100% efficiency. These conditions are impossible to obtain, and no device could sustain the PMPO power for any significant length of time without being destroyed (due to resistive losses producing heat in the circuitry). The PMPO power relies on the fact that amplifiers can provide short bursts (basically on the order of milliseconds) of very high power. It may very well be possible to bring in 2600 watts through your standard 120 volt circuit (your refrigerator probably does this often, along with most other electric motors), but that 2600 watts will not be able to be sustained for long, because it will begin producing heat in the wiring which will kick the circuit breaker or blow the fuse. Over time, these short bursts when averaged with the lower output powers, gives the real value.
4.) Enclosures
Ever wondered why is organ music played only in special halls? Same thing here. Inexpensive plastic that may work with PC channel speakers, will perform poor for the Subwoofer unit. If your friend has got a system with real wooden subwoofer, or high-density refractory moisture-proof fiberboard woofer enclosure - you would definitely not want to show him the cheap plastic version.
Do not even look at plastic woofers, it is too much of a sacrifice on the lower frequencies sound-wise.
5.) Remote Control, Volume and Mode Indication
Remotes make life easier. Make sure your system has one that has not only Volume/Mute, but can also adjust Bass intensity. Oh and one more thing - Volume Memory. This feature will help you to avoid re-adjusting it every time when you turn the system on.
6.) Length of wires or wireless
Wireless systems are cool, but may experience some interference if you are "lucky" to live near a military base or high-voltage power lines. Plus wireless systems are generally more expensive. Wired systems are good as long as the length of the wires matches the size of your table (or wherever you are planning to place the speakers). Make sure to check that before buying.
And last but definitely not the least - is the design of the system you are buying.
Yes you can always turn the satellite speakers left and right, but can the side speakers swivel up and down? Does the color match your monitor and room styles? How does a sub-woofer look near your desk. Does it sink in the carpet? Get answers to these questions and you will make a much better choice, then if you were looking only on the price tags.
Good Luck Shopping!!
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Tags: Speaker, Vibration acoustic speaker, Computer Speaker, laptop speaker,Electronics.
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