You Need Speakers for Powerful PC Audio

• Best Keyboard Monitor Speakers Reviews
• Keyboard Speakers Reviews
• Best Keyboard Monitor Speakers For Laptop

Some better keyboard amps are stereo devices; even if they have only one cabinet, they still have dual speakers inside. These amps are better for keyboards than a mono keyboard or guitar amplifier. In the case of powered speakers, you can always buy and use two separate speakers to fully reproduce the stereo image your keyboard delivers. These speakers are crowned as the best by the most popular guitars and keyboard players. No one likes the feedback factor but buying a whole new feedback elimination processor is not an option. Ultratone K900fx is equipped with a Feedback Detection System that automatically clears the feedback so you can concentrate on the performance.

Few things in life are as enjoyable as good music. But as you've probably noticed, that music only sounds as good as the system it's playing through. Many PCs and Macs don't come with very good speakers. And that's to say nothing of the tiny built-in drivers found in most laptops. Even if you're on a tight budget, low-cost speakers can noticeably improve your listening experience. Here are things to consider when picking the best speaker system for your computer.

Stereo, 2.1, or Surround Sound: What's the Difference?

Stereo speakers consist of only a left and a right speaker, '2.1' refers to a pair of speakers augmented by a subwoofer, and surround sound involves between five and seven speakers plus a subwoofer. The role of the subwoofer is to cover deep bass frequencies, generally below 100Hz. A solid sub at a reasonable volume can add rumble to film explosions and depth to kick drums, bass guitars, analog synths, orchestras, and more. Some stereo speaker pairs, however, sound great even without a subwoofer, primarily because their woofers (the drivers dedicated to low-mid and low frequencies below 1KHz) are perfectly capable of handling the bass response.

See How We Test Speakers

The vast majority of desktop speakers are stereo pairs. Some have accompanying subwoofers, but you won't likely have more than two or three satellites to deal with. Some serious gamers and cinephiles might want to look for a 5.1-channel (or higher) surround sound system, but the extra cost and inconvenience of placing all those speakers around the room isn't worth it to most users.

There are also one-piece solutions (or one-piece with a subwoofer) that offer plenty of power but don't provide the stereo imaging you get from multiple satellites. Even portable Bluetooth speakers can serve as one-piece systems for your PC if they have a 3.5mm audio input or support a USB connection (or if your computer has Bluetooth).

Best Keyboard Monitor Speakers Reviews

What About Bookshelf Speakers?

The term bookshelf speaker generally describe any speaker that can comfortably fit on a bookshelf and is intended for use in a stereo pair or other multiple speaker setups. However, especially among audiophiles, it has a much more important implication: Bookshelf speakers are small, unpowered stereo speakers. That unpowered part is a very big detail that will please anyone who knows how to set up a high-end home sound system and will frustrate everyone else.

All speakers require power to run. Without electricity flowing into the drivers, a speaker is just a box with some weird paper and metal bits in it. The vast majority of computer speakers, along with all Bluetooth-enabled speakers and wireless speakers, are powered, or 'active.' That means an amplifier is built into the speaker itself to take the signal it receives and feed enough power into the drivers to reproduce it. This is very handy, because it means you don't need to get a separate amp to drive your speakers; you just plug them into your computer and they work.

Bookshelf speakers are typically unpowered, or 'passive.' They're intended for use with a separate amp. That means whatever music you want to hear through them needs to be put through the amp, which then connects to the speakers. They're more expensive and take up more space when everything is configured, but the benefit is much more powerful and clear sound.

There are a few exceptions, in the form of active studio monitors. Here the distinction between bookshelf speaker and computer speaker blurs. Basically, some powered speakers are designed for high-end audiophile use, like home studio mastering. They don't need an amp, but generally sound better and are more expensive than speakers designed for use with a computer. Of course, you can use them with a computer just as easily, since it's still just a matter of plugging the speakers into your sound card.

We primarily test active speakers with their own built-in amps. That covers the vast majority of computer speakers, wireless speakers, and consumer-oriented home theater speakers and soundbars.

Keyboard Speakers Reviews

Do Extra Features Matter?

You might not think much about extra features when it comes to PC speakers, but there are some things to consider: Do the speakers include bass and treble controls so you can tailor the sound to your tastes? How about a Mute button? Or a remote control?

High-quality sound and robust extra features are not necessarily mutually exclusive; it depends on the set. If your PC has a limited number of USB ports, you'll probably want to go with the more common 3.5mm audio output connector, though USB-powered speakers sometimes come with extra features, or even software that enables special functions. And, if your PC has Bluetooth, you can stream music wirelessly to any speaker that accepts it (which is the vast majority of portable speakers, and a large number of desktop speakers).

Listening at Home or at the Office?

How you plan to use your speakers will also help determine your best option. You probably don't need a mammoth subwoofer if you're listening at work—small speakers with decent clarity might be the wisest choice, particularly if you're just using them to watch YouTube videos or listen to internet radio streams. For home, maybe you want larger or more stylish speakers, and the ability to blast them without distortion (especially if your PC is your main music source). For more, see our guide on how to set up your speakers.

How About Speakers for Music Recording?

Are you a musician and want to record and mix your own music at home? Look for a pair of active studio monitor speakers that represent your work as accurately as possible, and don't color the sound in a way that way hide flaws in a recording that could show up on other listeners' systems. Audioengine does this nicely. And be sure to pair them with a good microphone.

Check out our speakers product guide for the latest reviews. And our list of the best wireless speakers offers even more recommendations depending on how you want to listen.

Best Computer Speakers Featured in This Roundup:

• Audioengine A5+ Wireless Review

  
  MSRP: $499.00
  

  Pros: Excellent audio performance with solid bass depth and clarity throughout the frequency range. High-quality Bluetooth streaming with 24-bit upsampling. Wired connectivity options. Can be used with a subwoofer.

  Cons: No source knob. Limited remote control.

  Bottom Line: Audioengine's A5+ Wireless speakers deliver a stellar sonic experience aimed at audiophiles with 24-bit upsampling to ensure high-quality Bluetooth audio.

  Read Review

• Audioengine HD3 Review

  
  MSRP: $399.00
  

  Pros: Accurate audio performance with rich lows and pristine highs. Attractive design. Can be used with a subwoofer for increased bass depth (not included). 24-bit DAC.

  Cons: Not for booming bass fanatics. Always-active input design is not ideal.

  Bottom Line: The handsome, versatile Audioengine HD3 stereo speakers deliver excellent Bluetooth and high fidelity wired audio in a traditional bookshelf design.

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• Edifier R1280T Review

  
  MSRP: $99.99
  

  Pros: Powerful audio performance with rich lows and bright, clear highs. Adjustable bass and treble. Can connect to PCs and mobile devices, as well as any gear with an RCA output.

  Cons: Can be pushed to distortion at absolute top volumes. No wireless capabilities.

  Bottom Line: Edifier's R1280T speakers deliver rich, balanced audio with adjustable EQ in a handsome design for an affordable price.

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• Creative Pebble Review

  
  MSRP: $24.99
  

  Pros: Very solid audio for the low price. Attractive design.

  Cons: Hardwired cables create a messy desktop. USB is for power only, not audio. Only one input.

  Bottom Line: Creative's USB-powered Pebble speakers look cool and deliver surprisingly solid audio for just $25.

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• Fluance Ai60 Review

  
  MSRP: $299.99
  

  Pros: True stereo separation. Includes aux input and optical connections. Output for optional subwoofer.

  Cons: Not for those seeking serious sub-bass (unless you plan to install a subwoofer).

  Bottom Line: The Fluance Ai60 speakers integrate Bluetooth in a traditional bookshelf design that delivers a rich, bright sound signature.

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• JBL Series 3 LSR305 Review

  
  MSRP: $199.99
  

  Pros: Accurate, clean audio performance with powerful output. Adjustable high frequency, low frequency levels. Affordable.

  Cons: No RCA input.

  Bottom Line: The JBL Series 3 LSR305 speakers deliver powerful, accurate audio performance with rich lows and a focus on the high-mid range.

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• Klipsch R-41PM Review

  
  MSRP: $399.00
  

  Pros: Excellent audio performance with rich bass and clear, articulated highs. No stereo receiver required. Excellent connectivity, including built-in Bluetooth. Handsome design.

  Cons: Doesn't automatically pair with recently connected devices. Not for those seeking sub-bass rumble.

  Bottom Line: The Klipsch R-41PM speakers are designed to work with a subwoofer, but even without, they offer powerful audio from both wired and wireless sound sources.

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• M-Audio BX5 Carbon Review

  
  MSRP: $149.99
  

  Pros: Accurate audio performance with a focus on the midrange. Clear, robust bass presence. Acoustic space switch adjusts sound signature for placement closer to walls.

  Cons: High-mids are slightly dampened. Volume knobs are hard to adjust precisely.

  Bottom Line: The M-Audio BX5 Carbon studio monitor speakers deliver accurate, dependable audio in an affordable price range.

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• Razer Leviathan Review

  
  MSRP: $199.99
  

  Pros: Powerful sound for the size and price. Solid music performance. Wired subwoofer adds plenty of low-end kick. Bluetooth connectivity.

  Cons: No remote. Lacks high-end clarity to really make movies stand out as well as games.

  Bottom Line: The Razer Leviathan puts out large sound for such a small speaker system, but its lack of a remote makes it better suited for your desk than your home theater.

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• Razer Nommo Pro Review

  
  MSRP: $499.99
  

  Pros: Powerful, bass-heavy sound. Crisp, clean music performance.

  Cons: Relatively expensive for desktop speakers. THX and Dolby sound modes tend to focus a bit too much on sub-bass.

  Bottom Line: Razer's Nommo Pro desktop speaker system features attractive satellites with programmable, colored lighting, and a powerful subwoofer to give PC gamers booming sound.

  Read Review

If your keyboard doesn’t have onboard speakers and you want to share your playing with others, you can connect your instrument to a number of different devices or speakers. The main requirement is that the other device must have its own power source.

Here’s a general rule for turning electronics and audio gear on and off when connected to a separate amplifier, powered speaker, or whatever: With both devices off, always turn on the sound-producing item first. Then turn on the amplifier/powered speakers.

Best Keyboard Monitor Speakers For Laptop

This order ensures that any pops or wake-up sounds the device makes don’t go out your speakers. When shutting down, turn off the amplifier/powered speakers first, followed by the sound-producing item. First on, last off.

Connecting to your home stereo

All home stereo systems include some form of additional input, usually labeled as an AUX or Auxiliary input and sometimes Tape input. Home stereo audio/video gear commonly uses a different type of connector called an RCA plug, which has a small, thin plug connector surrounded by a metal shield.

These plugs are mono, which means you need two cables to connect to your home stereo/theater device.

Here are the most common situations for connecting:

• If your keyboard has two 1/4-inch line outputs labeled L/Mono and R (left/mono and right), you need two cables that have male mono 1/4-inch plugs on one end and male RCA plugs on the other.

• If your keyboard has a single stereo 1/8-inch jack (labeled as an output), you need a special type of Y cable that has a male stereo 1/8-inch plug on one end and splits out into two cables with male RCA plugs.

• If your keyboard offers no jack labeled as an output, you can use the headphone jack to connect to your stereo. If it’s a 1/4-inch jack, you need a cable with a male stereo 1/4-inch plug on one end that breaks out into two male RCA plugs on the other. This Y cord is readily available in musical instrument stores and online.

Use a cable long enough to make the connection without requiring adapters or additional connectors. These items can weaken the signal and make noise.

When you’re armed with the correct cables, here’s how to connect them:

1. Make sure both devices are turned off and their volumes set to 0.

2. Connect the L output of your keyboard to the L AUX In and the R output of your keyboard to the R AUX In.

3. Turn on the keyboard first, waiting until it has fully powered up before moving on.

4. Set your home stereo to AUX and then power it on.

5. Bring the keyboard’s volume up to around 50 percent.

6. While playing some notes on the keyboard, slowly bring up the home stereo volume to around 10 to 25 percent.

   If you need a little more volume, go back to your keyboard and raise its output slightly.

Using your computer speakers

Computer speaker systems can range from sounding okay to very good. These speakers usually accept a single stereo 1/8-inch plug. The easiest connection is if you have a stereo 1/8-inch output or headphone jack on your keyboard. Then you only need a long cable with a stereo 1/8-inch plug on each end. If that isn’t available, here are the two other common scenarios:

• The next easiest connection is to use the stereo 1/4-inch headphone output. This option requires a male stereo 1/4-inch plug on one end with a male stereo 1/8-inch plug on the other.

• You can use the two 1/4-inch main outputs if you really want to, but this strategy is the least desirable of those presented here. To go this route requires a Y cable that joins two mono 1/4-inch plugs into a single male stereo 1/8-inch jack.

Plugging into amps and other 1/4-inch jack devices

The main thing you need to know is whether the device is stereo or mono. Many keyboard and guitar amplifiers you find in a musical instrument store are mono. If you have only one powered speaker, you’ll be playing in mono.

Your keyboard always sounds better when connected in stereo, but if you have to, you can listen to it in mono. Some better keyboard amps are stereo devices; even if they have only one cabinet, they still have dual speakers inside.

These amps are better for keyboards than a mono keyboard or guitar amplifier. In the case of powered speakers, you can always buy and use two separate speakers to fully reproduce the stereo image your keyboard delivers. And you could always plug the right channel into one guitar amp and the left into another.

To connect in mono, use the line output labeled L/Mono. This output treats the internal signal properly for listening in mono, so you don’t lose any of the frequencies or information. This output is almost always a 1/4-inch jack, so use a common male 1/4-inch to male 1/4-inch instrument cable, sometimes referred to as unbalanced or guitar cables.

Some smaller portables and digital pianos with onboard speakers don’t have line outputs, so your only choice is the headphone jack. In this case, you need a cable that has the matching connector to your headphone jack with the mono 1/4-inch plug on the other end.

If you need to use a PA system, connect your 1/4-inch line outputs to two channels of the mixer, which always has 1/4-inch jacks. Two normal line/instrument cables will do. Locate a control called pan and set one channel all the way left and the other all the way right so your sound comes out of both speakers in true stereo.

Some mixers have stereo channels, which simply means that one channel can accept two 1/4-inch inputs and doesn’t need the individual pan control(s). It will have a knob called balance, which should be kept straight up.