The key to striking the right balance when buying computer speakers for DJing is sound quality vs size and features.
Digital DJing allows people whose circumstances mean they could not have a full DJ set-up to still enjoy DJing at home. With a small DJ controller and a laptop or desktop PC, all you need is a flat surface to set up on and you’re off. Great if you’re in college, a small apartment, a hotel room, your bedroom, a rented studio…
One thing you’ll need, however, are speakers. DJing needs decent external sound as well as headphone monitoring. But while cheap computer speakers won’t cut it, many people simply don’t have the room or budget for dedicated studio monitors. So in this review, we look at 5 pairs of high-end desktop computer speakers that can also be used as home DJ speakers.
Speakers for DJing
You’ll probably end up doing your DJ practice at home through one of these speaker types:
- Cheap computer speakers – You may already have some of these, but you’ll want to upgrade – fast. You need volume to DJ with, at least to a certain point, and you need good quality sound to get “lost in the groove”. Cheap speakers can get you to first base but they’re not going to cut it in the long run
- Hi-fi speakers – Depending on the quality of your home hi-fi (or cinema system), you could just plug into your home speakers via a spare input. This can be a sensible solution if you are DJing in the same room this system is set up in, but is not much good if you have a computer desk or DJ area in another room
- 2.1 computer speakers- These are computer speaker systems where there are 2 small satellite speakers and a separate bass “sub-woofer” (hence 2.1). Some can be pretty good, but most are like the cheap computer speakers above, with bass added – they sound is very coloured, far from realistic and of course are not very portable (or space-saving). Still, worth considering as an all-round system if you have the space and can afford decent ones. At least you’ll get the bass “thud” for electronic music, which is better than nothing
- Studio/DJ monitors – Either active or passive (ie needing a separate amplifier), if you have the money, the room and a lack of neighbours, a pair of decent active studio monitors dedicated to your DJ set-up will give you the best sound of all
- High-end 2.0 computer speakers – A step up from cheap computer speakers, these have better build and louder amplification, and typically come with extra features for maximum flexibility. While there are necessary compromises, if you’re short on space and/or cash but still want a decent DJ system, these can make it possible for you. They’re easy to set up, with one speaker being powered from the other.
It’s the final ones – the high-end 2.0 computer speakers – that we’re covering in this review.
A good pair of speaker brackets can get your speakers off the desk, at ear-level, free up space and tame booming bass from your desktop.
Choosing 2.0 desktop speakers
We’ve only chosen decent quality speakers here. We’ve looked for flexibility (multiple inputs is good), enough volume to fill a small room, and the difficult compromise between bass (you’re not going to get much, but it’s made up for by high fidelity) and “footprint” (too big and you’ll just have no room for them in a portable set-up).
We narrowed it down to 5 pairs that we feel we can recommend to you. While none is good enough for music production or studio use, all have enough star quality to work in a compact digital DJ set-up. All are magnetically shielded so they’ll work well next to computer monitors (and your mobile phone). Here’s some things to bear in mind:
- Your choice will depend on the amount of desk space you have, the size of the room (less power is OK for smaller rooms), the number of inputs you need, how important things like bass and treble controls are to you, and of course the cost
- One thing to bear in mind is that for speakers to sound at their best, they need to be pointing at your head – consider shelving, mounts or angling the speakers as some of these designs would otherwise point at your hand, and hands don’t have ears
- If you think you may eventually want to add some extra bass, look for models that allow you to add a sub-woofer later on (only the Cakewalk model below has this provision)
- Look at where you’re going to plug your DJ kit in – some have 3.5mm sockets at the front, some are round the back, others have RCAs, some only have one input so you’ll constantly be unplugging them from your computer if you use them as PC speakers too
As usual, we’ve only included products we’ve got first-hand experience of. but we urge you to do your own research before buying, and remind you that inclusion in this review does not imply suitability to your particular circumstances.
Try and see them “for real”, or alternatively get them from a retailer with a return policy in case you decide they’re not for you.
The speakers
Available in either white or black, these speakers scream quality and wouldn't look out of place in most home set-ups.
Audioengine 2 (A2)
Power: 30W RMS; Controls: On/off, volume; Inputs: Dual 3.5mm and RCA jacks; Outputs: none; Size: 6 x 4 x 5.25″ (152 x 102 x 143mm); Total weight: 6.7lb (3kg)
They say: The A2 was designed for your desktop but is also perfect for smaller rooms. Well-suited for all types of music, movies, and videogames, the A2 sounds great with or without a subwoofer. To say that the bass on the Audioengine 2 is substantial for their size may be an understatement, but you should be the judge.
We say: Scaled down from their respected A5 speakers, these offer great components, fantastic build quality and excellent sound. They are the most expensive speakers in our test, but their size to sound ratio is impressive. No frills or extras – all the money has gone into the sound components. Will suit minimalists, with their uncluttered fascias.
See them at: Amazon.com
Available in plain black or the blue and wood finish shown here, these speakers are front ported for punchy, in-you-face bass.
Cakewalk MA-15D
Rating:
Power: 30W RMS; Controls: On/off, volume, bass, treble, bass boost, volume (line 1/digital), volume (line 2), digital input select; Inputs: RCA, 3.5mm, digital (optical/coaxial); Outputs: 6.3mm phones, RCA subwoofer; Size: active 6.3 x 8.8 x 9.8″ (159 x 222 x 250mm), passive 6.3 x 8.6 x 9.8″ (159 x 215 x 250mm); Total weight: 16.8lb (7.5kg)
They say: The MA-15D Digital Stereo Monitors are ideal for a number of professional and consumer uses. They are great options as studio reference monitors. The MA-15D’s offer a wide-range spectrum and crystal-clear audio reproduction. They feature a built-in Bass Enhancer, which operates on psycho acoustic principles that converts low frequencies into a series of overtones the human ear cannot distinguish from the original low frequencies.
We say: Best equipped speakers in the test, including a 24-bit/up to 192kHz digital-to-analogue converter for the digital input. Well made, flexible (effectively there’s a 2-channel mixer built-in). They are pretty deep so make sure you’ve got enough desk space to accommodate them. Would have been nice to have the 3.5mm input on the front for easy access. (Also known as Edirol MA-15D.)
See them at: Amazon.com
Tall, imposing, and with those yellow cones looking slightly (but only slightly) like KRK studio monitors, the T40s would look good next to a large monitor or laptop.
Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II
Power: 32 watts RMS; Controls: On/off, volume, bass, treble; Inputs: 3.5mm; Outputs: 3.5mm phones; Size: 3.5 x 5.5 x 12.3″ (89 x 140 x 312mm); Total weight: 3.3lb (1.5kg)
They say: GigaWorks T40 Series II propels audio enjoyment into the next level of acoustic fidelity. The 3-Driver audiophile configuration, with BasXPort™ technology delivers excellent dynamics with rich extended bass, eliminating the need for a subwoofer. The silk dome tweeter with dual woven glass fibre drivers produces crystal clear highs with full range audio.
We say: Lots to like at this price point. We like the bass and treble at the front (good for getting the best from Beatport previews and the like), and the angle means they’d sound good when you’re dancing round the room. Not the best in sound quality out of the pack, but they are the cheapest. Big, but with a small footprint. Would have liked more inputs. Great computer speakers, but for DJing? Just about OK.
See them at: Amazon.com
Heavy and not the smallest of the bunch, these are nonetheless stylish in gloss/matt black and with a glowing blue power button.
M-Audio Studiophile AV 40
Power: 40W RMS; Controls: On/off, volume, bass boost; Inputs: RCA line, 3.5mm, 1/4″ TRS; Outputs: 3.5mm phones; Size: 8.8 x 6 x 7.3″ (240 x 152 x 185mm); Total weight: 14lb (6.3kg)
They say: Deliver the same proven M-Audio technology favoured by top producers, recording engineers and musicians around the world. Custom cabinets with dense wood construction deliver more accurate bass response than you could ever get from plastic multimedia speakers. The perfect solution for travelling musicians or anyone who wants top-notch sound from their desktop multimedia system.
We say: Heavy, rather large, ported speakers. They look great and sound amazing, borrowing much of their technology from M-Audio’s acclaimed studio monitor speakers. Widest range of inputs of any of the speakers in the test which are mixed, so you can plug all sorts in and keep it plugged in. Good if you’ve got room on your desktop and value for money too.
See them at: Amazon.com
Quality built but rather plainly styled to our tastes, these are big and heavy - and pack a punch in the sound department too.
Samson MediaOne 4a
Power: 40W RMS; Controls: On/off, volume; Inputs: RCA line, 3.5mm; Outputs: 3.5mm phones; Size: active 6.6 x 9 x 9.1″ (168 x 229 x 232mm), passive 6.6 x 7.6 x 9.1″ (168 x 194 x 232mm); Total weight: 16lb (7.3kg)
They say: The MediaOne 4a active monitors are an ideal near-field monitor system for studios, video post-production suites, fixed installations or anywhere else great sound is desired. Thanks to top-notch components and innovative design, the versatility of these monitors guarantees professional audio and reliable performance in any application.
We say: Very good clarity in the mids and tops, from a company better known for providing higher priced monitors. Equally bulky and even heavier than the M-Audio AV40s, but that’s because they’re bordering on studio monitor territory – and it shows in the sound quality. Lacking a bit of bass, and no “bass boost” option like the AV 40s, but good value and great sound nonetheless.
See them at: Amazon.com
Conclusion
If you’re after just one pair of speakers in your life – speakers that can handle movies, gaming, DJing, day-to-day computer use and so on – and you need those speakers to be portable, offer great sound and live happily on the same small desk or surface as your laptop and DJ controller, then a set of high-end 2.0 computer speakers may well fit the bill.
As you’ve seen, many of these speakers offer extras that you don’t get on dedicated studio monitors that may make your life considerably easier.
As you’ve seen, many of these speakers offer extras that you don’t get on dedicated studio monitors that may make your life considerably easier.
As long as the room you want them to fill is not too big, and you choose carefully, you could get the best of all worlds. You’ll never have earth-shattering bass, but you can have clarity of sound and enough volume for you to get lost in your mixing – which is the main thing, after all.
Do you have a tiny DJ set-up? What do you use as monitor speakers? What would you use if you could? Do you have any other unusual speakers that you’d recommend for those with space, volume or cash constraints? Let us know in the comments!
Now go to:
Compact Digital DJ Headphones: 7 Pairs Reviewed & Rated
“Help! I’ve Just Bought My First Digital DJ Kit. What Do I Do Now?”
DJ Midi Controllers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2011
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Tags: audioengine 2, av-40, cakewalk ma-15d, computer speakers, dj monitors, gigaworks t40, M-audio, mediaone 4a, samson
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
hey,
i am not a dj, nor do i aspire to be one…just a music and comp. software fan. normally i avoid commenting on blogs but i have to say that this is an article that anyone with a computer should read because many people (especially those with just laptops) rely on just the basic speaker system and think that it is great, or they think that the 2.1 (i.e. under 100$/€) system) is the way to go because it goes “boom boom boom”. thank-you for giving a run down AND prices for your speaker choices – top notch…props…i assume you do some/a lot of dj-ing??
[ link ]I use my old Pioneer reciever & 2x Magnat Media 100 (HI-FI speaker, pretty old but sounds fine and have more than enough power, 75Watt each).
[ link ]Perfect solution – my reciever has multiply inputs so i dont unplug it, just switch channels. It also has a Rec Out so i can record without having booth & rec out on the controller/mixer (most of the software can record audio, but this is an option).
Got this system years ago for about 150€ (used but fine, just some scratches on the surface).
If someone want to use PC, Laptop, maybe TV & DVD and controller in the same room, this is the best way to get pretty good sound without unplugging stuff every time. A remote control is also included.
But a new system can cost a lot of money, similar to professional monitors.
Great pick of speakers on here and clear reviews as ever.
I use a pair of Behringer MS16′s (http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/MS16.aspx) as my ‘portable’ speakers and can’t really fault them for computer speakers on a budget – They are only £45
They are a bit tinny at the high-end but having the bass/treble controls on the front you have a certain amount of control to change the sound to suit the space you are in
[ link ]Thanks for the potable speaker tip Alan, anyone else got budget speakers they want to share with us that double up as nice and cheap DJ monitors?
J Malchance, you’re right, good sound is good sound… and too many people don’t know the difference.
[ link ]Hi Phil
[ link ]Great article. Will you be doing one on mid sized monitors at all soon as I’m in the market at the moment. Procrastinating between Genelecs (expensive but great sound) and Yamaha (reasonable price bit bulky).
Cheers
DJ
Yes, we will be doing one on “real” monitors at some point soon. Have you looked at KRKs?
[ link ]My Dj set up consist of a pineer ergo v and a Mac book Pro 13 connected to a pair of Genelec 8030 and an Energy XL8 subwoofer. It sounds absolutely amazing and it delivers power enough for outside partys that i do a lot. Couldn’t reccomend it more!!
[ link ]I have a pair of KRK V6′s that were the best value when they were around. I got my little brother a pair V4′s that were just mind-blowing in the soundstage and accuracy and response for such a small unit. I believe the VXT line is the current equivalent. While these are on the pricier side compared to the other products you’ve listed, the value you get for the incremental price increase is worth considering, especially if you plan on trying your hand at original production.
[ link ]Agreed, once you’re into music production, the stakes are upped. Then again, good quality headphones…
[ link ]I have the AE A2′s in black. These things rock…and not just for the money. Can get really loud if in a smaller space so be careful. Really clear for a cheap speaker too, have heard things in music I wasn’t getting on more expensive livingroom setup.
[ link ]I have a question i am hoping someone here could help me with..we are having a small wedding next month..in a park shelter house..probably 25×60 foot building..have laptop with our music on it…would one of the above sets of speakers be loud enough to enjoy some dancing and be all i need to hook up to a laptop? your help would be greatly appreciated..
[ link ]His Lisa – No, definitely not. See this post for the warning!
Borrow or rent a small PA system. Phone DJ/disco hire places in your area and ask for the smallest powered PA speakers they’ve got. Tell them what you’re plugging it into as well and make sure they lend you the right leads too (or take your laptop with you to be sure). In Europe, you’d pay maybe up to €100 but you may get rental for as low as €50. But it’s better than buying a set of speakers then immediately blowing them when they can’t go loud enough.
[ link ]thanks for your help
[ link ]which of these two speakers do you recomend me?
The M-audio AV40 or the Cakewalk Ma-15d?
[ link ]Hello Phil,
Once again a great article!
As I have just started out I bought some cheaper monitors, they’re from ‘kurzweill’.
[ link ]Not sure About the type, but for in the bedroom
Hello Phil,
Once again a great article!
As I have just started out I bought some cheaper monitors, they’re from ‘kurzweill’.
Not sure About the type, but for in the bedroom they produce plenty of clear sound.
Decent baas response And clean highs is all i Needed And It’s what I got.
Look them up of you Need some cheaper monitors (About 70€)
Cheers!
[ link ]Great article for people buying their first new set of computer speakers. Two things you fail to mention.
The first and most important is that not just ANY pair of speakers will work. The best manufacturers specifically shield their driver components to not harm your delicate computers drives and anything else that would be affected by the magnetic field of a woofer. I see so many people, plop a pair a regular bookshelf speakers right next to their hard drives and equipment and then wonder why they have so many corrupt files. DUH!
Second and what I personally use, is that old receiver that is just sitting in the garage or in the spare bedroom. I happened to have an old pair of JBL monitors that are shielded and KABLAM, instant computer speakers that will blow away ANY store bought desktop computer speaker. And I even have a radio for those days I don’t feel like mixing or clogging up the bandwidth with streaming music.
BTW Great Job with all the articles.
[ link ]Great and much welcomed article, Phil. You read my mind, I was looking for some compact but decent auto-amplified speakers for use at home and small parties (with my Vestax Spin)
I thoght in something like the TDK Sound Cube http://www.tdkperformance.com/en-eu/Home-Audio/Boomboxes/Sound-Cube-Audio-System/ but
a) It´s not cheap at all.
b) Cannot find it, at less not in Spain.
Any suggest, by the way?
Happy 2012 everyone!
[ link ]I use the Logitech Z623 and am pretty happy with it. It’s a 2.1 great sounding, big bass quality system and the Sub has a RCA input in the which is perfect for directly connecting my Kontrol S2 for when I’m recording my mixes.
[ link ]Hi,
Nice article and usefully informative. I recently purchased some KRK Rockit rp5′s which, after about 3 weeks of testing them out, i think are excellent for accurate audio imaging and really great if you are starting out at producing your own tracks and sounds.
P
[ link ]Cant go wrong with the Logitech 5500 series.
[ link ]Hi! Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I’ve noticed in all of the recent reviews of monitor speakers that you’ve been doing, everything seems to end up being compared to the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 – they are literally the standard by which everything else is measured. This is the only place I can find that you actually reviewed them.
Especially since I just found them from GuitarCenter for an amazing price in a cool color (http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-STUDIOPHILE-AV-40-RED-EDITION-H77292-i2094478.gc) I was considering getting some.
But my question is this: I already have two sets of old Monsoon MH-500 2.1 speakers (so a 4.2 system) set up in my room and I love it. Is there any reason for me to prefer the M-Audios over those? Thanks for the input, and I love this site so much! Read it every day.
[ link ]Hope I don’t get flagged for link spam…here’s a link to a review of the Monsoons. http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/mh500/
[ link ]We like the AV40s because they’re small, cheap, you can plug a few things into them, and they’re better than standard computer speakers. They’re certainly not a standard – they’re nowhere near the quality of decent monitors.
[ link ]Oh! Good to know…thanks, Phil!
[ link ]These are great!
[ link ]http://www.krksys.com/krk-studio-monitor-speakers/rokit/rokit-5.html
Hey Phil and all! Good read (even though it was published in 2010!)
I started out (about 6-7 years ago now) with a pair of M-audio BX5a’s. At the time they were about $300 (Can), but I see many of them on ebay, and the like, going for $100-ish. Clear sound, lacks a bit in the base, and heavy. Was quite happy with them, but are no good for music production. For everything else though, they will be just fine. Look good too. The cones are made out of kevlar!
For really losing myself in the music, I use a pair of Celestion Ditton Studio Monitor 66′s. Wow!
Cheers!
[ link ]Thanks Benjamin!
[ link ]