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Topic: USB speaker power? (Read 4693 times) previous topic - next topic
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USB speaker power?

I'm looking at cheap computer speakers, something that would let you comfortably watch, and hear, a video on the monitor from the other side of the room.

I've used speakers that plug into the soundcard (the usual green 1/8" socket) with inbuilt amp, powered by a transformer (usually 6V), and these were fine.
I've seen some that use USB, which are neater, not needing a separate power plug.

Can these supply similar power/volume? (I'd plug them directly into the PC, not via a hub).

There isn't a stereo or other sound system in this room, otherwise I'd run it through that.

USB speaker power?

Reply #1 –
I would say no. USB is what, 5v, but is also very low amperage, meaning that it simply cannot produce the wattage needed to drive a speaker without additional power amplification. Or at least not at any reasonable volume level. Just guesswork on my part mostly though.

Edit: Ok maybe it can  ;

http://www.everythingusb.com/logitech_v20_...p_speakers.html

USB speaker power?

Reply #2 –
Just a note:

USB Speakers usually play through its own soundcard. I.e. the USB is not only for power, but also digital data as if they were an external soundcard with speakers attached.

USB speaker power?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: AlanHK on
I'm looking at cheap computer speakers, something that would let you comfortably watch, and hear, a video on the monitor from the other side of the room.

I've used speakers that plug into the soundcard (the usual green 1/8" socket) with inbuilt amp, powered by a transformer (usually 6V), and these were fine.
I've seen some that use USB, which are neater, not needing a separate power plug.

Can these supply similar power/volume? (I'd plug them directly into the PC, not via a hub).

There isn't a stereo or other sound system in this room, otherwise I'd run it through that.


What exactly does the transformer say? USB is 5 Volts with up to 500 mAh (2.5 Watts), however, the 500 mAh are provided only after the USB device asks politely, otherwise the port might only supply 5 Volts with 100 mAh.

USB speaker power?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Sebastian Mares on
What exactly does the transformer say? USB is 5 Volts with up to 500 mAh (2.5 Watts), however, the 500 mAh are provided only after the USB device asks politely, otherwise the port might only supply 5 Volts with 100 mAh.


The one I have uses a generic transformer, so I don't know what nominal power it draws.

Anyway, while we can all theorise, I was hoping for a response from someone who actually uses USB speakers.

But the review of the Logitech speakers linked above certainly indicates they can deliver volume.

USB speaker power?

Reply #5 –
If the transformer came with the speakers, you can tell from the amps at least how much maximum power the device (speakers) should draw. For instance it might say something like 6V 700mA (or 0.7A).

I have the Logitech V20 that was linked above, and they are pretty loud, easily will fill a small room. Although read the reviews, most of them are right. They do have the bass exaggerated, especially if you put them on a flat surface away from the edge, and they will jump around! The sound device in Windows has a bass and treble sliders though.

They're convenient, but still kind of big for full portability, but Logitech also makes the smaller V10, and I'm sure by now other companies are making USB speakers as well.

USB speaker power?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: andy o on
If the transformer came with the speakers, you can tell from the amps at least how much maximum power the device (speakers) should draw. For instance it might say something like 6V 700mA (or 0.7A).

I know that, but I got the transformer separately.


Quote from: andy o on
I have the Logitech V20 that was linked above, and they are pretty loud, easily will fill a small room. Although read the reviews, most of them are right. They do have the bass exaggerated, especially if you put them on a flat surface away from the edge, and they will jump around! The sound device in Windows has a bass and treble sliders though.

They're convenient, but still kind of big for full portability, but Logitech also makes the smaller V10, and I'm sure by now other companies are making USB speakers as well.

I saw several brands around, which is why I was asking. It's not so much portability as just less wiring and plugs needed.

Anyway, thanks for the info, it seems they will do the job.

 

USB speaker power?

Reply #7 –
I recommend Logitech Z10. They are brilliant. They connect via USB, and the sound quality is pristinely clean. and very detailed. I highly recommend them.

I'm sure they'll be in your budget.

The price on their website is listed really high for no reason, because you can get hold of them for much much less.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers...&cl=roeu,en