Why Desktop Speakers Still Matter For PC Gaming
For a long time almost everyone played PC games through a pair of beige plastic speakers sitting on their desk. Then surround sound headsets, positional audio, and voice chat took over, and speakers became an afterthought for a lot of gamers.
But if you mostly game solo or like to enjoy music and movies at your desk, a good pair of desktop speakers can transform your setup. They let your ears breathe, fill your room with sound, and give games, movies, and soundtracks a sense of space that even great headphones sometimes struggle to match.
The good news is that modern PC speakers have come a long way. You can get compact speakers that look great, connect to pretty much anything, and still deliver rich detailed sound for games and media.
Audioengine HD3: Compact Power For Your Gaming Desk
One standout option for PC gamers is the Audioengine HD3. These are premium compact desktop speakers that are easy to place on your desk but still punch well above their size in both sound and features.
The HD3 set is designed for people who want a stylish setup without sacrificing versatility. They look clean and modern and are small enough to sit next to your monitor without taking over your entire desk. At the same time they deliver a warm and detailed sound that works well for games, music, and general PC use.
Key specs for the Audioengine HD3 include:
- 60 watts of power for surprisingly strong output
- Frequency response from 65 Hz to 22 kHz, enough for solid bass and clear highs
- Multiple connection options: Bluetooth, USB, RCA, and 3.5 mm aux
The connection options are a big deal for PC gamers. With built in Bluetooth you can easily switch between your PC, phone, or tablet without digging behind your computer. The USB input is especially nice because the speakers include their own built in DAC, which means they handle the digital to analog conversion themselves instead of relying on your motherboard audio. That can give you cleaner sound, especially on cheaper or older PCs.
If you want a neat minimal setup these are ideal. You can run a single USB cable from your PC to the speakers and you are done. No extra audio interface required.
Audioengine also makes the A2 Plus Desktop speakers which are marketed specifically for desk use and are a bit cheaper. While they are not the same model, they follow a similar idea: compact speakers designed to sound good at short range while sitting near your monitor.
Harman Kardon SoundSticks: Iconic Style With Serious Bass
If you want something more eye catching for your gaming setup, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks are hard to miss. They have a clear modern design with vertical satellite speakers that look like tubes full of drivers and a matching transparent subwoofer.
These are not just for show though. They can easily fill a desk space and small room with sound, and they have enough low end to literally make your chair vibrate if you turn them up. That can make explosions, engines, and gunfire in games feel more physical and immersive.
Key specs for the SoundSticks include:
- 140 watts of total power, which is plenty for a desk setup
- Frequency response from 40 Hz to 20 kHz for deeper bass than many small desktop speakers
- Bluetooth and 3.5 mm aux input for both wireless and wired connections
The vertical satellites take up less horizontal desk space than traditional boxy speakers, which is handy if you are already juggling a large monitor or multiple screens. The subwoofer usually lives under your desk, so you get strong bass without cluttering the surface around your keyboard and mouse.
This design has been around for years for a reason. A lot of people recognize the clear plastic and LED glow as soon as they see it. Earlier versions built a loyal following and the newer version keeps that same vibe with modern connectivity.
Speakers Versus Headsets For PC Gaming
Headsets are still essential for online gaming and voice chat, and many players stick to them out of habit. Studio style headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro or wireless models like the Sony WH 1000XM4 are great options, but they usually need extra gear like a USB DAC or rely entirely on being worn for long sessions.
Desktop speakers give you a different experience:
- Your ears are not trapped under earcups during long gaming or work sessions
- You can share audio with friends if they are watching you play or hanging out nearby
If you are trying to build a full audiophile hi fi system, you might prefer larger bookshelf speakers and a dedicated amp. Those can sound even better but they often take more space and require more wiring and extra equipment. For most PC gaming setups, compact dedicated desktop speakers hit a nice balance between performance, footprint, and simplicity.
If your budget is tighter, there are cheaper options worth considering as well. For example, the Creative T100 speakers are recommended as a great value choice at around 100 dollars, offering a solid upgrade over basic budget speakers without getting into premium territory.
Whether you go with something like the Audioengine HD3 for its clean all in one connectivity or the Harman Kardon SoundSticks for their iconic look and strong bass, upgrading your speakers can make your entire PC experience feel more alive. Games sound bigger, music is more enjoyable, and you are not locked into wearing a headset every time you sit at your desk.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/we-used-to-be-a-society-in-which-pc-gamers-had-little-speakers-on-their-desks-instead-of-rgb-headsets-here-are-2-speaker-deals-that-i-like/
