Computer Speakers

Computer speakers, or multimedia speakers, are external speakers, commonly
equipped with a low-power internal amplifier. The standard audio connection is a
3.5mm (1/8 inch) stereo jack plug often colour-coded lime green (following the PC
99 standard) for computer sound cards. A plug and socket for a two-wire (signal
and ground) coaxial cable that is widely used to connect analog audio and video
components. Also called a "phono connector," rows of RCA sockets are found on the
backs of stereo amplifiers and numerous A/V products. The prong is 1/8" thick by
5/16" long. A few use an RCA connector for input. There are also USB speakers
which are powered from the 5 volts at 200 milliamps provided by the USB port,
allowing about half a watt of output power.

Computer speakers range widely in quality and in price. The computer speakers
typically packaged with computer systems are small plastic boxes with mediocre
sound quality. Some of the slightly better computer speakers have equalization
features such as bass and treble controls, improving their sound quality
somewhat.
The internal amplifiers require an external power source, known as a 'wall-wart'.
More sophisticated computer speakers may have a 'subwoofer' unit, to enhance bass
output, and these units usually include the power amplifiers both for the bass
speaker, and the small 'satellite' speakers.

Some computer displays have rather basic speakers built-in.
Laptops come with integrated speakers. Unfortunately the tight restriction on
space inevitable in laptops means these speakers unavoidably produce low-quality
sound.

For some users, a lead connecting computer sound output to an existing stereo
system is practical. This normally yields much better results than small low-cost
computer speakers.