Josh Miller/CNET Once upon a time, there was this scary idea that computer manufacturers would lock down our machines with a purely-digital, 'protected,' end-to-end music delivery system. The fear driving this shift, which did not happen: the so-called 'analog hole.' The analog hole can allow someone to record otherwise 'protected' audio on its way to speakers. The person who recorded the song can then share it via P2P with millions of music fans who would never bother connecting an analog recording device to a computer's output and hijacking the audio that way.
One solution that was bandied around back then: to create a all the way from the playback software to our speakers, protecting then whole chain with digital rights management (DRM). This would close the analog hole.
Happily for music fans, that vision was never realized, meaning that USB Audio devices-a standard compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux-can play music from any source normally handled by your regular analog output-the one most people connect to headphones or speakers. Connected devices have largely obviated the need for onerous DRM technologies in the first place by letting listeners prove they have the right to listen to a piece of music simply by signing in to an app or Web site. DRM is invisible. Luckily for us, it doesn't care whether your output is analog (the regular kind) or digital (USB). Now, to the main topic at hand: your computer's USB audio port, which can connect to external audio devices that play music from any Web site, file, music service, or app.
ELEGIANT Portable USB Speakers, Wired Stereo Sound Bar USB Powered Speaker Multimedia Speaker Music Player Music Sound Box for Computer Laptop Desktop PC Notebook Smartphone MP3 MP4 Walk-Man.
So why would you want to use USB Audio instead of your computer's regular input? The answer is simple: mainly, because USB Audio devices tend to sound better than your computer's regular output, because they process the audio (turning it from digital to analog) farther away from your computer's other electronics, which tend to add audio interference. (Using the regular output, you can actually hear a buzz from some computers with sensitive headphones-especially with a laptop.) In addition, USB Audio devices can offer surround sound (5.1- or 7.1-channel sound), even if your computer lacks that option. This is probably the simplest tutorial I have ever written in terms of the steps you'll need to take. The trick is mainly just knowing that USB Audio works with everything.
You can buy any USB Audio-compatible module, amplifier, speaker, headphone, or microphone (examples below), and simply plug it into your computer and you're pretty much good to go. It will be able to play music from any desktop or web app:, -you name it. Here's how you switch your output to a USB audio device in Windows: Eliot Van Buskirk/Evolver.fm Then select the USB audio device: Eliot Van Buskirk/Evolver.fm And here's how you do it on a Mac (I'm not on a Mac today, so this screenshot comes courtesy of ): Chris Bowler/Evolver.fm Plenty of options exist for USB Audio devices online and at your local tech store. All of them will work with all of your desktop and web music apps, making them sound better. Have a nice, tubular design, and any USB-powered speakers make for easier travel, because you don't need to carry a power cord with you-they get all the juice they need from your computer. (Frequent travelers might also consider a completely cordless Bluetooth option like the.) Courtesy of Glow Audio That said, larger speakers that get their power from the wall rather than from your computer's USB port will always sound better. If you're looking to boost your sound quality in your home, dorm room, or office, go with a USB audio module like the ones (disclosure: I worked at CNET from 1997 to 2005) and then connect those to powered speakers or your sound system of choice.
There is one more, far more 'out there' option for music fans with some extra scratch (about $800) who want to turn extremely 'digital' sources like Spotify into warm, tube-amplified sound: the , pictured to the right, which runs your sound through four vacuum tubes-the same kind found in some high-end audiophile systems. It's a great conversation piece, and sounds great too, although it's definitely for the desktop at 5 watts per channel for powering speakers (you can also use headphones). More practically-minded folks will want to stick with the less-expensive (and still great-sounding) digital options listed.
Computer Speaker For Mac When it comes to choosing the best computer speakers for your Apple gadgets, the same rules that you would use to choose a speaker system for your stereo or home theater system apply. Cheap, no-name speakers are no bargain, but there are many quality, inexpensive entry-level models from reputable manufacturers that will do a great job of accurate sound reproduction for your Apple handheld or Mac computing needs. Wired Speakers For Apple Gadgets The conventional 1/8' or 3.5mm speaker audio input jack remains the most common way to get audio out of Apple gadgets. So wired speakers, earbuds and headphones still rule the day. Especially in a fixed, desktop enviroment where wires are inevitable, conventional computer speakers are an easy choice. However, for roaming laptop and mobile device users, other snag and tangle-free audio connections may make better sense.
Mac Music To Your Ears Regardless your musical tastes - These Mac audio peripherals One-Up Apple's standard issue headphones or built-in speakers for an improved listening experience: 2.1 Desktop Speakers USB 3.0 Powered Speakers Affordable 3-Piece Speakers Whether used for personal music listening, watching TV over the internet or DVD playback, as portable stereo speakers for use on the road, or deep bass thump at your Mac's desktop: These are a sample of some exceptional Apple audio accessories to improve your Apple computing experience. Wireless Speakers For iPad - iPhone - Mac Going wireless is all the rage: Frankly most of us already have a rat's nest tangle of wires clogging up our computer lives. So the prospect of wireless speakers for our Apple iGadgets and Mac laptops and desktops is highly appealing.
With A2DP stereo audio support in Bluetooth, high-quality listening of stereo streaming audio became possible and was first implemented in Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard. With Apple now including built-in Bluetooth hardware and software in all Mac's and iOS gadgets these days, wireless Bluetooth speakers are an easy match. USB-Powered Speakers For Macs Equally at home at your Apple computer's desktop - and ideal for MacBook laptop users on the go, USB speakers deliver clean digital stereo sound AND get their 5 volts of power all from a single USB cable. Unlike Bluetooth Apple loudspeakers, you needn't futz with recharging or device pairing issues to use them.
USB audio isn't terribly demanding of bandwidth, so even if you have an old Mac or iBook with slow USB 1.1 ports USB speakers work fine, they really don't need the speed of USB 2.0 or SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports. In simple electronic terms, VOLTS times AMPS equals WATTS. So given the 5v, 500ma available from a USB 1 or 2 port, USB-powered speakers typically deliver about 1.5 to 3 watts audio power at most. With good, sensitive, and well-engineered speaker drivers this can provide a good close-range listening experience that falls a bit short of 'room-filling' sound. Note: Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Macintosh iMac, Mac mini or MacBook, OSX and others are a registered trademark of Apple Computer in the U.S. Or other countries and regions. Other computing accessory, peripheral, add-on, upgrade and gadget and gizmo manufacturers, products and brand names which may be referred to on this web site are officially registered trademarks of each related business corporation.
![Z-5 Usb Stereo Speakers For Mac And Pc Z-5 Usb Stereo Speakers For Mac And Pc](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125381347/206141298.png)
![Computer speakers for mac Computer speakers for mac](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125381347/975000318.jpg)
Apple Computer Speaker Recommendations Whether at your Apple desktop or on the road with your MacBook laptop or iGadget, these USB powered computer speakers, wireless Bluetooth speaker systems and Analog 1.8' audio solutions can enhance your Macintosh computer and Apple handheld gadget audio experience. A great 1-Piece A/C powered desktop speaker is Logitech's AudioHub. Ideal for iMac or MacBook laptops it provides great full-range audio loudpeaker with subwoofer and a buil-in 3 port USB 2.0 hub for other Mac accessories and gadgets.