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USB Speakers | For Independent Reviews, Information, Tips, Advice and Latest News


USB Speakers

USB Speakers are speakers that typically receive both their power and audio stream from a single connection to a device’s (e.g.laptop) USB port. The popularity of this type of speaker has increased significantly in recent years for the reasons listed below.

Advantages of USB Speakers

  • USB Speakers can be used with a huge number of devices such as: 
    • Mac/PC netbooks, notebooks, laptops, desktops
    • Mobile phones
    • Android devices 
    • MP3 player (MP3 is an acronym of MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 audio layer 3) 
    • MP4 player ( MP3 player supporting MPEG4 video playing with pre-transcoding) 
    • MP5 player (Portable Media Player or PMP are multi-codec devices that can play MP3 files, acts as a camera and can play or record videos)
    • MP6 player (MP5 with added Internet connectivity e.g. watch YouTube videos directly)
    • iPad, iPhone, iPod, iTouch 
    • Other USB audio/ video devices e.g. DVD player or Hi-Fi
    • Portable devices such as PSP and game consoles
USB Speakers

USB Speakers

  • Compatible with devices (e.g.notebook) that have a USB port and Windows 98 SE ME 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 and higher or MAC OS X and higher.
  • Aside from the convenience and performance aspects, USB Speakers have become increasingly affordable in recent years. There are speakers to suite all budgets and although one generally gets what you pay for, this doesn’t always apply, and if you know what to look for you can get some fantastic bargains.
  • Space saving and compact.
  • They have many useful applications and are great for students, business presentations, making Voip calls, slide shows or whilst traveling e.g. in hotel room, and improve the overall experience of music, movies, videos and gaming.
  • Built-in speakers found in devices such as netbooks or laptops are usually either poor quality or not powerful enough. USB Speakers can help rectify this issue and are capable of producing surprising clear, crisp audio clarity. In addition, some come with a subwoofer to enhance the bass end.
  • USB Speakers are light – some weigh even less than an ounce!
  • Hassle-free plug-and-play. This means that no driver installation is normally required and the user simply connects the speakers to an available USB port on the device e.g. netbook. The device will automatically detect the speakers as a removable USB mass storage device.
  • Designed for portability.
  • As the speakers are powered through the device’s USB connection, there is no need for them to be tethered to a power supply/AC cord. Also, there will be no need for any batteries unless the speakers are wireless.

    Wireless satellite speakers typically use lithium rechargeable batteries (these have a limited number of charge cycles) that can be charged through your laptop or computer’s USB port via a USB cable connected to a docking/charging unit. Wireless speakers range e.g. 50 foot and battery life e.g. 10 hours of music, is dependent on use, settings and environmental conditions. Bluetooth systems with rechargeable batteries tend to be more expensive and have higher maintenance issues than straightforward USB Speakers.
  • USB Speakers can have very low or minimal power consumption (‘green’ products).
  • Variable cable length e.g.  2/ 4/ 6+ft often comes with adjusters, built in USB cable storage or USB cable wrap systems for a tangle free experience. Not only does this allow for a more aesthetic environment but it reduces the possible snagging of cables and accidents.

 

USB Speakers – The Sensible Choice
 

When assessing any speaker you have to compare like-with-like and remember that the laws of physics still apply regarding what is possible with small sized speakers. Regardless of the design or component quality of  USB Speakers, don’t expect the same depth or coloration of sound, stereo separation or soundscape that can be achieved with very expensive high end Hi-Fi equipment and speakers costing many 100′s or 1000′s of dollars. In addition, it is important to remember that the quality of the audio source e.g. laptops sound card, will contribute significantly to the overall result.

However, good USB Speakers are designed to not only give a very enjoyable audio experience at a sensible price, but they need to balance into the equation the practical considerations of set up and ease of use, portability and convenience. Therefore, any reviews found on USBSpeakers.info will take this into account and rate a product based on how it compares to similar USB Speakers in the same category and price range.

 

USB Speakers | Hands Up Who Wants Better Sound?

USB Speakers | Hands Up Who Wants Better Sound?


With respect to the review rating system used throughout this site, we employ a modified 5 star system that is refined down to 1/2 star differentiation. Although the classic five star rating system may not be perfect, it does give the reader a straightforward and quick visual indicator as to the relative worth of the criteria being assessed. We chose not to give percentage scores because in reality, how does one truly decide whether subjective/qualitative features are worth exactly 89% or 90% etc.? Visitors are encouraged to leave comments and add ratings of their own.

For many people, the sheer number of permutations and combinations of prices, features, designs and specifications make the process of choosing a set of speakers overwhelming. Therefore, in order to help you choose the best USB Speakers for your needs and budget, we aim to provide resources, information, tips, advice, latest news and independent reviews. As we update on a regular basis, remember to bookmark us and return soon.