Comparison Edifier S760D vs Microlab H-500 II

The range of audio frequencies supported by acoustics. The wider this range — the fuller the reproduced sound, the lower the likelihood that some of these details at low or high frequencies will remain “behind the scenes”. At the same time, the human ear is able to hear frequencies of the order of 16 – 22,000 Hz, and with age, this range narrows even more. In modern audio equipment, especially at the top level, there may be more extensive ranges, but from a practical point of view, this does not make much sense. In addition, it is worth noting that a wide frequency range in itself does not guarantee high-quality sound — a lot also depends on the frequency response.

The electrical resistance of the speakers to alternating current. This parameter is important primarily for normal compatibility with the amplifier: too low speaker impedance can lead to distortion, overload, and even damage to the speakers, and too high impedance can reduce the sound volume. At the same time, the vast majority of modern computer acoustics have their own amplifiers and are connected via a line input. Therefore, the impedance data is more of a reference value; in fact, this indicator may be needed only when connecting speakers to a “non-native” power amplifier, bypassing the standard one.

Total speaker power rating — the sum of the power ratings of all components (front, rear, centre, etc.)

Rated usually means the highest average sound power that the speakers can produce without overloading and damage. Individual peaks of sound can significantly exceed this figure, but it is the average value that is key — in particular, it is it that determines the overall loudness of the acoustics. However it should be borne in mind here that in sets with a subwoofer, the latter can account for about half of the total power of the entire system, while the actual volume is determined mainly by the main speakers. In fact, this means that with equal total power, acoustics with a subwoofer can sound noticeably quieter than a model without a subwoofer: for example, a 2.0 system at 20 W will have 10 W per main channel, while in a 2.1 model at 20 W with 10- watt subwoofer on the main speakers will have only 5 watts.

As for specific values, in the quietest modern PC speakers, the power does not exceed 10 watts. An indicator of 10 – 25 W can be called relatively modest, 25 – 50 W — average, and values of 50 – 100 W and above are found mainly in sets with subwoofers, where a significant part of the power falls on the bass speaker (although there are also ordinary stereo speakers with similar features)....

Theoretically, the power of acoustics also affects its compatibility with a specific amplifier: speakers should not be inferior to it in terms of rated power, otherwise sound distortion and even equipment damage are possible. However, computer acoustics in the vast majority of cases are used with their own amplifiers, optimally matched to the speakers installed in the speakers. So this moment becomes relevant only in some very specific cases — for example, when replacing a complete external amplifier (see below) with another one.

The power rating of each individual front speaker provided in the speaker system. This parameter can be specified for a system with any number of speakers (see above) — all sound formats used in computer acoustics provide a pair of front speakers.

In the most general terms, the higher the power, the louder the speaker is capable of sounding. For more information about this parameter, see "Total power" above. Also note here that for stereo systems without a subwoofer, the power of one front channel is half of the total power; in more advanced acoustics, the power ratio between the channels may be different.

The power rating of each individual rear speaker provided in the speaker system. Usually there are two such columns.

This parameter is relevant only for multi-channel systems like 5.1 (see "Number of speakers") — in simpler acoustics, rear channels are not used. On the nominal power as a whole, see "Total power", here we note that in the case of rear channels, this indicator is of secondary importance: the power of the rear speakers is selected by the manufacturer in accordance with the power of the remaining acoustic components, so that all speakers work normally "in conjunction".

Rated power of the centre speaker provided in the speaker system. Usually there is only one such speaker, and its power corresponds to the total power for the centre channel.

In general, this parameter is relevant for systems with an extended sound format — 5.1 (see "Number of speakers") and relatively rare 3.1; conventional 2.0 stereo systems do not have a separate centre channel. On the nominal power as a whole, see "Total power", here we note that in the case of the centre channel this indicator is of secondary importance: the power of the centre speaker is selected by the manufacturer in accordance with the power of the other components of the acoustics, so that all speakers work normally "in conjunction".

Rated power of the complete subwoofer of the acoustic system.

Recall that a subwoofer is a specialized speaker for low and ultra-low frequencies; such a speaker is especially useful for games and movies, it is for such content that well-defined bass is most important. Accordingly, the saturation and (to a certain extent) the overall sound quality of low frequencies depends on the power of such a speaker. "Subs" are usually matched to the power of the rest of the system components, however, sets with a similar total power of the main channels may still differ in the characteristics of the subwoofers.

It is also worth noting that the power of this component can be a very significant part of the total power of all acoustics: in some models, about half of the “total watts” (or even more) falls on the subwoofer. This should be taken into account when comparing; see "Total power" for more details.

A phase inverter is a tube of a special design that connects the inner volume of the speaker housing with the outer space. Due to the precisely selected length, such a tube improves the sound of low frequencies, making it more saturated and uniform. The main disadvantage of a phase inverter is that a hum may occur due to the movement of air in the tube; however, manufacturers design speakers in such a way as to minimize the likelihood of this phenomenon.

Note that the presence of a phase inverter is especially useful for subwoofers, but this feature can also be found in general-purpose stereo speakers — for the same reasons.

— mini-Jack (3.5 mm). The 3.5 mm jack is used as a standard analogue audio output in almost all modern PCs and laptops; in addition, it is installed in most smartphones, tablets and pocket players, and in many other types of technology is very common. Thus, most modern computer speakers are equipped with a mini-jack plug (with the exception of Bluetooth models). This can be a plug on a non-detachable or detachable cable, or an adapter from another connector — for example, “2 RCA — mini-jack”.

— RCA. RCA connector, also colloquially known as a "tulip", in this case is used as a line input, for receiving an analogue audio signal — similar to the same 3.5 mm mini-jack. The differences lie in several important points. First, RCA works on the principle of "one connector per channel", and the number of such connectors will depend on the audio format. For example, stereo acoustics will need a set of two such connectors, a 5.1 system will need six, etc. Secondly, RCA is quite popular in traditional audio equipment, but it is rather uncommon among computers. Therefore, this input is relatively rare in computer acoustics — mainly in fairly advanced models (including solutions with an external amplifier). In addition, we note that in sets with a subwoofer for connecting a “sub” in the main satellite, an RCA connector can also be provided, which in this case plays the role of an output.

— Subwoofer output. The presence of a connector for connecting a subwoofer allows you to further saturate the sound of the system with low frequencies. Naturally, a subwoofer is purchased separately. And the output itself serves as an option and allows you to expand the acoustics as needed.

— Headphone output. Headphone output located directly on the body of one of the speakers. Such a connector can be especially convenient when using headphones with a traditional desktop PC: connecting the “ears” to the speaker housing on the table can be much more convenient than pulling the wire to the system unit. Usually, the role of this output is played by a standard mini-Jack 3.5 mm jack — it is under it that most modern "ears" (both computer and general-purpose) are made.

— Microphone input. An input for connecting an external microphone, located directly on the speaker cabinet. The meaning of this function is the same as that of the headphone output described above: it is often more convenient to connect a microphone to a speaker standing on a table than directly to the system unit. The speakers themselves with this feature, usually, have an additional plug connected to the microphone input of the sound card.

— USB B. An interface that allows you to connect speakers to the USB port of a computer, laptop, etc. as an external peripheral. Such a connection can be useful, for example, in cases where the standard audio output is busy or located in a hard-to-reach place; in addition, it allows the speakers to work even if there is no sound card in the system (although this is very rare today). At the same time, speakers can also be powered via USB, which, with low power, makes it possible to do without a separate power source (for more details, see "Power from the USB port"). In addition, this connector may be responsible for additional functions — for example, controlling speaker functions from a PC through special software.

— Optical input. Digital input for high quality sound transmission, including multichannel. Such a connection is remarkable for its complete insensitivity to electrical interference, however, the fibre optic cable does not tolerate bending and strong pressure.

— Coaxial input. Digital audio input. Provides the possibility of transmitting multi-channel audio. Uses an RCA connector (colloquially referred to as a "tulip"), but is not compatible with the RCA interface described above. A coaxial connection, unlike an optical one, is subject to electromagnetic interference, but it does not require special delicacy in handling the cable.