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Does Anyone Still Make Decent Sounding Computer Speakers With ONLY A 3.5mm Jack?

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October 21, 2021, 03:21 PM
PASig
Does Anyone Still Make Decent Sounding Computer Speakers With ONLY A 3.5mm Jack?
We are now allowed to listen to streaming music like Spotify at work BUT I cannot have anything where I sit that is USB-based which seems to eliminate most of the offerings out there.

I'd like to be able to listen to music with some decent speakers and not your average crappy computer speakers but I can only use the 3.5mm jack which used to be standard but has seemed to have been replaced by USB.

Does anyone know of any speakers with decent treble and bass that uses only that connection to the computer?

I could use headphones I guess but I don't like not being able to hear what's going on around me.


October 21, 2021, 03:24 PM
steve495
I do not have an answer for you concerning quality, but I assume Bluetooth is not an option?

There seems to be plenty of options out there.


Steve


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October 21, 2021, 03:34 PM
PASig
quote:
Originally posted by steve495:


I do not have an answer for you concerning quality, but I assume Bluetooth is not an option?




Nope.
BT, USB, etc are all not allowed

Must be 3.5mm jack or nothing


October 21, 2021, 03:38 PM
TomV
I was going to suggest the Bose Companion 2 speakers, but I see they have gone from $99 to $150 and are backordered.
October 21, 2021, 03:40 PM
Aeteocles
I'm confused. I see no shortage of computer speakers with a 3.5mm jack on Amazon.

What's your budget?
October 21, 2021, 03:44 PM
jhe888
I have a pair of these. They come with a 3.5mm to RCA plugs and you can connect them directly to your computer. These are powered speakers, so they have a mini amp built in.

https://www.edifier.com/int/product-r1280dbs.html

The R1280Ts model seems to be the same, but with no Bluetooth, for a few bucks less.

These aren't audiophile speakers, but sound quite nice. Don't judge them straight out of the box - like a lot of speakers, 30 or 40 hours of play will loosen up the cones, and they sound better after a little break in. They sound a little pinched when brand new.

As Aetocles said, though, there are lots of similar speakers out there - all the usual suspects make speakers that can connect to a 3.5mm jack.




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October 21, 2021, 03:51 PM
Aeteocles
Here's a Klipsch 2.1 system for $100.

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000...PP504TFBFJG96AGACEY4

Here's the ever popular Edifier in analog inputs only (no Bluetooth)

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Stereo Active Near Field Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker - Wooden Enclosure - 42 Watts RMS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016..._encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Here's a cheap 2.1 from Logitech.

Logitech Z333 2.1 Speakers – Easy-access Volume Control, Headphone Jack – PC, Mobile Device, TV, DVD/Blueray Player, and Game Console Compatible https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015...BHTRRY4VMMJGD7XH1PHQ


And the most basic 2.0 speakers from a reputable brand.

Logitech S120 2.0 Stereo Speakers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000...1PXQF485JFSWWP984ATH
October 21, 2021, 03:56 PM
a1abdj
^^^^ I have a set of Logitech that I recently purchased at a Best Buy. I got one of the more powerful versions, but they all had great reviews.

Although not a true audiophile myself, I did use to be in the nightclub business. These little Logitechs sound good and are more than loud enough to get you fired from work for cranking them up.


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October 21, 2021, 04:01 PM
myrottiety
Does your laptop have bluetooth?

These will take just about every kind of connection. I've had a pair the last few months and they sounds pretty freaking good.

Audioengine A2+




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October 21, 2021, 04:08 PM
Voshterkoff
Big second to Audioengine.
October 21, 2021, 04:21 PM
Aeteocles
quote:
Originally posted by myrottiety:
Does your laptop have bluetooth?

These will take just about every kind of connection. I've had a pair the last few months and they sounds pretty freaking good.

Audioengine A2+


I think the OP specifically requires a 3.5mm jack "only".

In some sensitive work environments, no connections to external devices of any sort are allowed for "security" purposes. Something like a 3.5mm jack is permissable because it's an analog connection with no possible transmission of data.

That's what I'm guessing the situation is here.
October 21, 2021, 04:35 PM
smschulz
The Klipsch are really pretty good.
I was running my TV off them for a while.
Great for the PC only thing is it needs AC to power the amp section.
quote:
Here's a Klipsch 2.1 system for $100.

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000...PP504TFBFJG96AGACEY4



As far as ONLY powered by the sound card (usually built in) then you will be sorely disappointed.

Powered Audio Engine speakers would be great too but you need Bluetooth to get the signal to them which isn't much of a problem mostly.
October 21, 2021, 04:49 PM
Voshterkoff
Well now I see that Audioengine crams a bunch of junk into their speakers, they used to be pretty bare bones, and cost a whole lot less.
October 21, 2021, 04:55 PM
bobtheelf
I've been using those Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers for years. Definitely a great choice.
October 21, 2021, 06:12 PM
oldbill123
I second the edifier. Mine was 70 dollars on sale.
October 21, 2021, 06:19 PM
old dino
I have a pair of these speakers that work both with bluetooth and an AUX 3.5mm input:

https://www.amazon.com/OontZ-A...tronics%2C271&sr=1-4

Good price at $34 each ... and they sound amazing !
October 21, 2021, 06:27 PM
erj_pilot
I bought the Z523 model of this Logitech 2.1 PC speaker system, and I'm sure this is the replacement. I think they sound really good for PC speakers...

https://www.logitech.com/en-us...stem.980-001053.html

Amazon Link



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October 21, 2021, 06:50 PM
bald1
I consider myself an audiophile with a nice stereo system. That said I was hesitant to embrace a soundbar underneath my monitor. Now over 7 years later I remain impressed with what this inexpensive gizmo delivers. And yes, it uses a 3.5mm stereo plug and are still available.

Dell Monitor U2412M with AX510 soundbar.

https://www.dell.com/support/k...nd-ax510pa-soundbars



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October 21, 2021, 06:58 PM
dsiets
I've got the Klipsch 4.1 but I'm not sure they make them anymore.
I would go w/ the 2.1 at this point if I had to. My brother has them and loves them.
October 21, 2021, 07:55 PM
james_1234
The Klipsch speakers are really nice for a PC sounds system. You will also have to plug into an outlet to power its amplifier.