Comparison Genius SP-HF160 vs Logitech S-120

The ratio of the level of the useful signal (actually reproduced sound) to the level of extraneous noise provided by the speaker amplifier in normal mode.

Any amplifier inevitably creates its own noise; You can't get rid of them, but you can reduce their level. The higher the signal-to-noise ratio, the clearer the sound will be, the less noticeable extraneous interference will be. In modern computer speakers, this figure can vary from 52 – 55 dB (the minimum figure so that the noise does not cause much discomfort) to 90 – 95 dB (comparable to fairly advanced Hi-Fi equipment). However, note that the signal-to-noise ratio is far from the only parameter that affects the sound quality, and its high value does not guarantee a pleasant sound from the speakers.

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.

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.

The ability to power the speakers from the USB port of a computer or other device. In some models, the main connection is made through the same port, but more often the speakers receive a signal via the classic mini-Jack (see "Connections"). Anyway, the advantage of this power supply over mains power is that the speakers do not depend on the outlet; this facilitates their use with laptops and other portable equipment. If there is no free connector on the computer, you can use a USB adapter for an outlet, car cigarette lighter, etc. At the same time, the power supply via USB is initially very low, so this option is typical mainly for small and relatively “quiet” speakers. For the same reason, some models with this feature may require connection to a special type of connector — ports that support USB Power Delivery. This technology allows you to increase the power supply up to 100 W, but even in modern computer technology it is not so common.

The location of the own volume control provided in the speakers. In modern computer speakers, there are regulators installed in the front, back, side, top, on the signal cable, on the amplifier and on the remote control (the latter can be either the only regulator or in addition to the regulator with a different location; see below for details). Here are the features of each option:

— Front. The most popular arrangement nowadays: the front panel of the speaker is the easiest to reach, the regulator can be twisted at any time without any problems, and even if the speakers are tightly surrounded by foreign objects from the back and sides, the front panel usually remains free. Of the shortcomings, one can only note the moment that not everyone likes the extra handles on the front panel of the speaker — however, this is a purely aesthetic nuance that does not affect convenience.

— Behind. The knob mounted on the rear panel of the speaker is not very convenient for frequent volume changes — you usually have to find it by touch, and some free space around the speaker is required to access it. So on such speakers it is most convenient to initially select a certain optimal sound level, and then, if necessary, adjust the volume through the computer's software settings and not reach out to the regul...ator once again. Therefore, this option is quite rare. On the other hand, such invisibility has its advantages: acoustics acquires the most accurate appearance, without unnecessary small elements on the outside.

— Sideways. A kind of compromise between the two options described above: the regulator is not as noticeable as the front one, and at the same time it is easier to get to it than the rear one. However there should be enough free space on the corresponding side of the speaker for this, but this drawback is not particularly critical. So the lateral arrangement is found, although less often than the anterior one, but noticeably more often than the posterior one.

— Above. Pretty specific option. In terms of general specifics, it is similar to the side arrangement described above, however, for a number of reasons it is extremely rare — in speakers of non-standard design, as well as in some sets in which the system control is located on the subwoofer (this component is often installed on the floor, and the top position of the regulator is the most convenient).

— On the signal cable. A regulator placed directly on the wire carrying the audio signal. It is used mainly in inexpensive compact speakers: it is easier and cheaper to install a regulator in this way than to build it into a case, and the dimensions of the case itself can be reduced due to the absence of “extra” parts inside.

— On the amplifier. Option for models with external amplifier (see above). It is the parameters of the amplifier that determine the volume of the sound, so it is more logical to place the volume control on it, and not on one of the speakers. Theoretically, the specific location of the regulator can be different; in fact, this knob (like other controls) is usually mounted on the front panel. Note that such equipment is often supplemented by a regulator on the remote control (see below) — the amplifier is not always conveniently located, for frequent adjustments it is more convenient to use the remote control.

— On the remote control. The controller mounted on the remote control — this can be either a wired or wireless accessory (see "Remote control"). Actually, the presence of a remote control is almost guaranteed to mean the presence of a volume control in it, exceptions are extremely rare; and if there are two such consoles (wired and wireless), then the regulators are often installed in both. Also note that volume control from the remote control can be supplemented by a knob located in any of the places described above (except for the signal cable).