Improve the audio on your PC

It used to be that the family computer was seen and not heard. It sat quietly in the corner of the living room or office, and made no sound other than an occasional whir or beep-but no more. Today, computers are complete multimedia stations, letting you download videos from the Web, play games, listen to music, and even watch TV and movies. But for all of the power packed into these modern dream machines, one thing is often missing—high quality sound.

A great home theater system demands a great set of speakers, and so does a high-powered gaming or multimedia PC. The tiny speakers packaged with most PCs can't reproduce the full range of sound packed into most games or the surround sound audio encoded in DVDs. To get the most out of your PC, consider upgrading to a powered speaker system. 

Basic systems

If you just want to make your games and media sound better, a 2.1-channel system may be your best choice. You'll get two speakers that sit on your desk and a subwoofer to rest on the floor. Everything will sound clearer and crisper and the subwoofer will help you hear those low notes that you didn't even know you were missing. These 2.1-channel systems start for less than $20. Some even feature flat-panel speakers that can be mounted on your walls. These systems are compatible with most PC sound cards; all you have to do is hook it with up when you're ready to rock.

Surround sound systems

If you're a gamer, look into a surround sound speaker system. Many companies are making 5.1-channel systems specifically for PCs—some even make 7.1-channel systems. The added channels will make you feel just like you're in the middle of action, which is great for first-person shooting games. And the subwoofer will really make you feel those big explosions. A surround sound system is also a great idea if you have a new Media Center PC or watch a lot of movies—you'll get real theater sound from your PC.

Choosing speakers

Here are some factors to check out when shopping for powered speaker systems:

Wattage

Higher system power will help your sound stay clean at higher volumes and minimize distortion.

Shielding

PC speakers should be shielded from electromagnetic interference so they don't create screen distortion.

Size

Make sure the speakers you buy fit your computer station. Remember that subwoofers are usually designed to sit on the floor, not on your desk.