SOUND VOLUME & QUALITY USB TRADE-OFFS?
Self-Powered USB speakers do vary widely in sound quality. This site aims to point out some of the BETTER CHOICES based on 1st hand experience, product research and customer reviews. But nearly all easily outperform even the best laptop’s tiny, tinny built-in ones. The larger the drivers – the more likely you’ll get better low-end response: Look for drivers that are LARGER than 40mm if possible. But enclosure design, driver quality, and frequency response curve specs all play a part whether the audio is loud, well-balanced and satisfying – or just hollow and lifeless. USB sound volume is largely determined by the amount of power available – and the sensitivity of the driver cones. Completely self powered USB speakers typically output 1.5 up to 3 watts RMS of sound because that’s the most the USB port’s 500 milliamp, 5v voltage can deliver. (Volts x Amps = Watts ) Some speakers that also support AC adaptors however can be MUCH LOUDER – 10 watts or more when they have plenty of power ava
