Whether you have just bought a new PC or have built your own with different components, one thing that you will need to consider is what kind of sound system you want to get. There are many options available on the market, and it can be difficult to choose.
Factors to Consider:
There are a few different factors to consider when choosing the best sound system, which we will list below.
What Will You Be Using the PC For?
The first thing to consider is what the purpose of your sound system is. Of course, it is to provide audio—but for what end? If you need sound to hear work colleagues on Zoom calls, a very basic setup could fulfill your needs. However, if you are looking to work on music production or audio design, you will need something far more advanced, probably with a flat EQ response.
Most of us will be somewhere in the middle. If you use your PC for basic entertainment tasks such as listening to music on Spotify, watching Unibet TV live streams, video gaming or watching Netflix, you will probably want something more advanced than cheap earphones but less expensive than professional-quality speakers with surround sound and subwoofers.
How Much Noise Can You Make?
If you cannot make any kind of noise, for example, if you are using your PC late at night and living with other people or close neighbors, headphones or earphones are a better bet than speakers. However, most people will opt for to use at different times.
What is Your Budget?
Your budget is highly relevant to what kind of sound system you choose. If you want a professional-quality sound system for music production, you are likely to end up spending more on the sound system than you did on the PC itself. However, you can get very good quality headphones for around $100 to $200.
Different Types of Speakers
If you decide to opt for speakers over headphones or earphones, there are plenty of options. For the most basic everyday tasks, a single Bluetooth speaker may well be more than enough for your needs. However, if you want something a little higher quality, there are plenty of options available.
Different Types of Headphones
When choosing headphones, the main choice to make is between open-back and closed-back headphones. Closed-back headphones are better at preventing sound from leaking out, and the sound is often lower, with bass frequencies more audible. However, open-back headphones may be better if you want to still be able to hear things going on around you.
Different Types of Earphones
In general, earphones offer a less “full” range of sound than headphones do. However, they are the most convenient and portable option and are easy to unplug from your PC and use when going for a walk and listening to music or podcasts on your phone. You can also choose wireless headphones if you want to reduce cables.
The specifics of which brands and models are the best for your needs will change over time, but these general guidelines for choosing the right audio system for your setup are likely to remain the same.