Smalody Small Computer Speakers Review

Design: Audioengine A2+ is a set of wireless speakers but needs connection between two of them. Build quality is quite good with MDF. It has internal bracing to minimize any vibration. Sound-damping material is used that eliminates any refection within the speaker. It doesn’t have any grille to protect the drivers. The speaker is video shielded so you can place it near any video monitor. Performance: Audioengine A2+ has woofer and tweeter in it. It is suitable for music, movies and games. Voices are crystal-clear and the soundstage is good. It can deliver natural sound that is closer to the original recording. Bass is quite good and remains enjoyable for most contents. In case you are a bass head, an external subwoofer is best for you. On the front side of the speaker there is a thin horizontal slot port. For better bass, place it near walls. That said, low ends are excellent for a desktop speaker. Along with music, this speaker is ideal for PC gaming. Use the speaker stands to tilt them so that the tweeter is at user ear height. This is needed for optimized listening experience. It shows rich and detailed performance. Audiophiles will be impressed with it. Connectivity: It is versatile in terms of connectivity. Wired connection options are plenty. You can connect gaming devices, CD player, turntable, or TV with RCA ports. It supports external subwoofer with RCA out port. Bluetooth connection remains stable within a long distance of 100ft. Wireless connectivity is easier and hassle free. You can stream contents from different music services. For USB, it has an old micro-USB port but that’s not an issue as the speaker includes a micro-USB to USB cable. Use Case: Audioengine A2+ is best for small spaces. It is designed to use as desktop speaker with your PC or laptop. It can also replace soundbars in small rooms as it connects to PC as well. Compatible Devices: In case you want to connect wired headphones, then use a headphone amp with the speaker. For subwoofer, you can go with the Audioengine S8. Or, choose from other brands like MartinLogan, Pioneer, Polk. The audio output has variable stereo preamp. This means you can connect powered subwoofer or compatible active Audioengine speakers. You can also connect Audioengine wireless adapter (772W3) in order to pair with other sound systems. Other devices like Google Home Mini can be paired with the speaker via Bluetooth. Ease of use: The speaker has very easy setup that will take few minutes to complete. doesn’t come with any mobile app or remote control. The control options like volume button is located on the rear side so it might be a bit difficult to reach it. It also doesn’t have any option to switch between inputs. When connected to PC, it will easily work with any need of additional software or app. Cost: This desktop speaker isn’t very cheap. It is a mid-priced speaker and the cost will increase if you purchase speaker stands and a subwoofer.   FAQ: Are bookshelf speakers good enough? Active bookshelf speaker come in different sizes. Large bookshelf speakers with larger drivers can deliver powerful room-filling sound. They can be loud enough for most rooms. When paired with subwoofer, the audio regains its sweet spot. Is Audioengine A2+ a good speaker? Audioengine A2+ is an excellent wireless active bookshelf speaker. It shines in terms of performance and features. You are free to connect different types of devices. It can be used in home or office rooms.

Design:   Amazon Basics Computer speaker has a circular base and is quite eye-catching. At the bottom of the speaker Blue LED glows as you turn them on. It has a simple and clean design. The speakers are lightweight and small so they will take up small space in your computer table. They are available in two different color options. They have a metal finish and padded base that is resistant to any scratch. It uses USB port to power the speakers. If you want to turn them off, then simply unplug the USB port. Performance:   Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer 2 Speakers are quite powerful despite their small size. While you should not compare these PC speakers with bookshelf or other high-end speakers, the sound quality is rich and detailed. The speakers have its limitations and we are considerable about it. They have decent loudness, if you increase it to maximum then you might hear distortion. If you watch series very often, then use the speakers instead of using headphones for long time. Voices are decent and not muddy. The bass is there but it is average. Sound quality is crisp and clear. These speakers are great for general listening purpose where you will not criticize the sound in terms of highs, mids and lows. To increase or decrease the volume use the in-line volume control. Connectivity:   The Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer 2 Speakers have USB plug that goes into the USB port for power. Then use the 3.5mm port and insert into PC, laptop or mobile to play contents from them. Connecting these to TVs is not very straightforward because TVs usually come with optical or HDMI ports. You might look for additional device like a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). The DAC should have USB input and RCA analog outputs. Make connection between DAC and TV port (optical or coaxial). Use 3.5mm to RCA cable to connect DAC and Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer Speakers. Use case: Just as the name suggests, the Amazon Basics speaker is suitable and designed to use as computer or PC speakers. However, you can use it with your smartphone, tab or with additional device you can connect it with your TV. If you have a TV in a compact space with no room for large speakers, the Amazon Basics speakers will be a good solution. Cost: Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer 2 Speakers are available under $50. They are cheap and affordable. You will not need any additional device like amplifier or receiver. FAQ: How to control the sound? Along with the in-line volume control, you can use the computer’s volume settings to adjust the volume. Is Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer Speakers good enough? The Amazon Basics USB Plug-n-Play Computer Speakers is good for near-field listening and in compact spaces. They are great for users who are looking for decent sounding speakers and not the audiophile grade sound.

Ease of use: Klipsch Cinema 800 Review Strengths: Simple Setup: Connecting the soundbar to your TV is straightforward, typically requiring just one HDMI cable (HDMI eARC recommended for best results). The included subwoofer pairs automatically with the soundbar. App Control: The Klipsch Connect app offers convenient control over various soundbar settings, including volume, source selection, sound modes, and EQ adjustments. The app is generally user-friendly and intuitive. Physical Buttons: Although the soundbar itself lacks a physical remote, it does have built-in buttons for essential functions like power, volume, and input selection. Voice Control: You can control the soundbar hands-free with Google Assistant or Chromecast built-in, making it even more convenient. Weaknesses: No Physical Remote: Some users might miss the familiarity of a dedicated physical remote, especially for those less comfortable with app control. App Features: While the Klipsch Connect app provides good control, it might lack some advanced features found in apps for other soundbars, like firmware updates or room correction settings. Multiple Sources: If you frequently switch between multiple sources like HDMI eARC for TV audio and Bluetooth for music streaming, switching sources might require more steps through the app compared to dedicated buttons on a physical remote. Overall: The Klipsch Cinema 800 offers a generally easy-to-use experience for most users. The simple setup, convenient app control, and voice assistant compatibility make it accessible for basic use. However, the lack of a physical remote and limited app features might be drawbacks for some users who prefer more traditional controls or advanced settings. Here are some additional points to consider: If you prioritize a physical remote over app control, consider soundbars that come with one. Explore the features and user interface of the Klipsch Connect app before purchase to see if it meets your needs. Evaluate how often you plan to switch between different audio sources and assess if the app-based control system would be efficient enough for your usage. Klipsch Cinema 800 Soundbar's Build Quality Review: Strengths: Sturdy Construction: While not top-tier, the soundbar feels generally well-built with solid materials. It shouldn't rattle or feel flimsy during normal use. Sleek Design: The slim profile and minimalist aesthetic make it a good fit for modern home theater setups. Weaknesses: Plasticky Feeling: While sturdy, the overall construction comes across as slightly plasticky, especially compared to soundbars made with premium materials like metal. Prone to Fingerprints: The glossy finish easily shows fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain a pristine look. Removable Grille: The speaker grille feels a bit flimsy and prone to accidental detachment. Overall: The Klipsch Cinema 800's build quality is functional but not exceptional. While it's sturdy enough for daily use, it lacks the premium feel of some higher-end soundbars. The plasticky feel, fingerprint-prone surface, and easily detachable grille might be drawbacks for users who prioritize aesthetics and high-quality materials. Here are some additional points to consider: The build quality shouldn't significantly impact the soundbar's sound quality or performance. If you prioritize a premium look and feel, consider soundbars with metal construction or higher-quality finishes. The plasticky construction might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, especially if you prioritize sound quality and affordability. Klipsch Cinema 800: Deep Dive into Connectivity Options Strengths: HDMI eARC: This latest and greatest HDMI connection ensures high-quality audio transmission from your TV, including lossless formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It also supports eARC features like automatic audio format switching and volume control through your TV remote. Optical Audio: A reliable fallback option for TVs without HDMI eARC, offering good audio quality for standard Dolby Digital and DTS formats. Bluetooth: Stream music wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or laptop with ease. Supports SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs for decent audio quality. Chromecast built-in: Stream music, podcasts, and other audio content directly from your favorite apps like Spotify, Google Music, and YouTube Music. Offers convenient control through your smartphone or voice assistants. Weaknesses: No HDMI Inputs: The soundbar lacks dedicated HDMI inputs, meaning you can't directly connect additional devices like gaming consoles or streaming boxes. You'll have to rely on your TV's HDMI inputs if you want to connect multiple devices. No Wi-Fi: While Chromecast offers streaming capabilities, the lack of built-in Wi-Fi means you can't directly access online music services like Spotify without using your phone or a separate device. No Multi-room Audio: Unlike some soundbars, the Cinema 800 doesn't support multi-room audio systems like Sonos or DTS Play-Fi. This means you can't connect it wirelessly to other speakers in your home for a whole-home audio experience. Overall: The Klipsch Cinema 800 offers a variety of convenient connectivity options, including the latest HDMI eARC for high-quality audio from your TV, Bluetooth for wireless streaming, and Chromecast for app-based audio control. However, the lack of dedicated HDMI inputs, built-in Wi-Fi, and multi-room audio support might be limitations for users who want more flexibility or a whole-home audio setup. Here are some additional points to consider: If you have multiple HDMI devices, you might need an HDMI switcher or a TV with enough HDMI inputs to accommodate them all. For Wi-Fi streaming and online music services, you can use alternative methods like your phone or a separate streaming device connected to the soundbar via Bluetooth or optical audio. If multi-room audio is important to you, consider soundbars specifically designed for that purpose, like those from Sonos or Bose. Audio Quality Review Based on Test Reports: Klipsch Cinema 800 The Klipsch Cinema 800 soundbar delivers a powerful and engaging audio experience for its size, based on test reports from rtings.com. Here's a deep dive into its sound quality, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses: Strengths: Punchy Sound: Klipsch's signature horn-loaded tweeter technology shines, delivering impactful bass that rumbles your floorboards and crisp dialogue that cuts through even complex soundtracks. This makes it ideal for action movies, music with prominent bass lines, and clear vocal emphasis. Dolby Atmos Immersion: Despite its compact size, the Cinema 800 uses Dolby Atmos effectively to create a surprising level of virtual surround sound immersion. While not as expansive as full surround setups, it adds depth and dimensionality to movies and games, placing sounds around you for a more engaging experience. Detailed Treble: High frequencies get the Klipsch treatment with clarity and precision. Cymbals, hi-hats, and other treble instruments sound crisp and accurate, adding sparkle and detail to your music and movies. Weaknesses: Limited Soundstage: The compact size comes with a trade-off: the soundstage feels limited compared to larger soundbars. This is most noticeable in movies with wide panning effects or music with complex arrangements, where instruments might feel a bit cramped together. Harsh Treble at High Volumes: While detailed treble is generally a plus, at high volumes, it can become a bit harsh or fatiguing for some listeners, especially those sensitive to treble frequencies. No Room Correction: Unlike some soundbars, the Cinema 800 lacks built-in room correction technology. This means the sound might not be perfectly balanced in all rooms, depending on the acoustics. A small room might get boomy, while a large one might lack bass. Overall: The Klipsch Cinema 800 offers a powerful and engaging sound experience for its size. Its strengths lie in punchy sound, clear dialogue, and surprisingly good Dolby Atmos immersion. However, the limited soundstage, potentially harsh treble at high volumes, and lack of room correction are limitations to consider. Final Verdict: The Klipsch Cinema 800 is a powerful and engaging soundbar for its size, making it a compelling choice for those seeking big sound in a compact package. Its strengths lie in punchy sound, clear dialogue, and surprisingly good Dolby Atmos immersion. However, the limited soundstage, potentially harsh treble at high volumes, and lack of room correction are limitations to consider. Should you get it? Yes, if: You prioritize powerful sound, clear dialogue, and Dolby Atmos immersion in a compact soundbar, and the limitations mentioned above don't deal-breakers for you. No, if: You need a wider soundstage, room correction, or prefer a physical remote control.