Doomed to listen to music from computer
Q. I know computer speakers will never take the place of full-sized audio equipment, but I’m facing a situation where my listening will be centered around my office desktop computer. What can you recommend for this less-than-ideal scenario? I enjoy crisp and honest sound, so I’m looking to make the best of this compromise. — D.A. A. Getting good sound from computer speakers may involve less compromise than you think. It is not ideal, but some computer speakers can provide a high-fidelity listening experience on your desktop.
Unfortunately, some of the best speakers of this type are no longer available new, but they are available on the used market. I will recommend them as well as new models because they are what I would consider if I were in your situation.
The best computer speakers have a USB connection for audio. They take a raw digital signal from the computer and convert it into the sound you hear. The conversion circuitry (called a digital-to-analog converter) in these speakers tends to be much better than what is in the computer, which contributes to their excellent sound. My first two examples have USB connections as well as the traditional miniplug connection.
Axiom Audio makes excellent computer speakers based on their award-winning home models. The Axiom M1 computer speakers are $499 and include a USB connection and 75 watts of power per channel. You can pair them with a separatepowered subwoofer. See axiomaudio.com.
One of my favorite models is discontinued but can be found used on eBay and Amazon. Definitive Technology Incline speakers radiates sound from the front and back. Despite the small footprint, they make big, solid, well-defined sound. Expect to pay $250 to $400 for a used Incline system.
My next two recommendations have standard miniplug inputs and connect to your computer using the audio output jack. The HiVi Acoustics Swan M200 Mk. II is on clearance for $219 per pair by importer Chane Music Cinema, reduced from $299. These are substantial, beautifully finished speakers that have a high-end sound very close to the Definitive Technology Incline.
An even better version, the M200 Mk. III, is also on clearance for $379, reduced from $519. A few other Swan speakers on sale there, but I have not heard them. I can vouch for the M200 series speakers, as I use them to provide sound for my home flight simulator. See chanemusiccinema.com.
If you feel daring, look for a Monsoon MH500 speaker system, a three-piece system that uses planar magnetic drivers, like a highend Magnepan speaker, paired with a subwoofer.
When they came out in 2000, there was nothing else like them. The Achilles’ heel of this system is the connecting cable, which has a volume control that can go bad. When it works, though, the sound is beyond belief for the price.
When they were discontinued, I bought an extra pair. A working used MH500 system sells for under $50 on eBay.