While considering the sound quality of a speaker for the purpose of gaming, one must consider two factors – a sound card and the speakers. In the most recent computers, a sound card comes pre-installed in the mother board. To get the best possible results, it is a good idea to gather information about the kind of sound card installed in the mother board. Before buying a computer, you might want to read reviews about the sound card in question. The other component which determines the audio output is the quality of speakers. Typically, a surround sound system consists of multiple speakers, a subwoofer and sound controls. These elements work together to create a complete gaming experience, one where you will be immersed in the virtual world of gaming.

At alaTest, we have put together a list of some of the best PC speakers for gaming:

1. Logitech Z2300 – The Logitech Z2300 speaker system is composed of a subwoofer, two speakers and a console that can be used to control sound. The system comes with top notch 2.1 THX certified audio quality, a response bandwidth of 35Hz to 20kHz and the subwoofer boasts of 120 watts power. In simpler words, these speakers from Logitech provide excellent sound quality. The audio output is powerful enough to shake a large room even as the detailing is immaculate.

2. Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra MX6021 - The PC speakers from Altec Lansing ship with 2.1 THX audio system along with 200 watts of sound. The entire system consists of two speakers, one front firing subwoofer and a desktop controllers which allows users to control volume, bass and treble. This control also has a set of audio jacks for headphones. The sheer power of the subwoofer makes for a delightful audio output which has the potential to please any gaming enthusiast.

3. Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System – Bose has been one of the pioneers of the world of audio devices. The Multimedia speaker system lives up to the pristine glory associated with Bose. Unlike other speaker systems, the Bose Companion system offers connectivity through USB ports and is equally suitable for a large living room and a smaller study room. The TrueSpace surround-sound feature promises to overwhelm you within sharp and crisp sound quality.

These five computer speakers all offer great value for money, clocking in at a little under $50. Don’t expect them to match up to a pair of $500 Bowers & Wilkins speakers or compete with an expensive Bose setup, but for the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find better deals:

1. Logitech S220

What can $23 get you? Meals for two at a Chinese takeaway, the cheapest pair of Levi’s on sale, or even a set of powerful Logitech computer speakers.

The Logitech S220 has long been a favorite among price-conscious buyers who want big, round sound that – pardon the cliché – burn a hole in their pockets.

The Logitech S220 includes a sub-woofer and 17 watts of RMS, 34 watts of peak power. The satellite speakers are surprisingly clear and lucid that’ll be right at home in cramped dorms as well as large living rooms.

For $23, one of the best value-for-money computer speakers on the market!

2. Logitech Z313

Logitech is the reigning king of the cheap speaker market, and it’s products like the S220 and Z313 that have led it to this enviable spot. The Logitech Z313 is the more powerful cousin of the S220 and promises greater clarity, richer sound and deeper bass, courtesy of its 25 watts of RMS power.

A useful puck-shaped controller lets you change the volume and bass settings on the fly, and the speakers themselves don’t skimp on the looks either.

Highly recommended for gamers and music aficionados who would enjoy deep, rich price at an affordable price ($39).

3. Sony SRSM50

The Sony SRSM50 favors portability over sheer glass-shattering, wall-shaking, neighbor-waking power. The two tiny 3″ speakers will fit in just about anywhere – in a nook above your computer monitor, in your backpack, or between the books on your bookshelves. The speakers can also be powered through batteries for the ultimate portable music experience.

At just 5 watts of RMS power (2×2.5 watts), the sound is, by all standards, puny. But at a mere $32, these are also perhaps the cheapest portable speakers you can lay your hands on.

4. Altec Lansing VS2621

The Altec Lansing VS2621 is stunning. There can be no two ways about it. The straight, minimalistic lines and silver accents will upgrade the oomph factor of your computer twofold, while with 28 watts of RMS power, you can be sure of waking up the neighbors with late night renditions of Led Zeppelin guitar solos.

The sound is good if not great. The low frequencies suffer from adequate bass response, but the performance in the mid to high tones is nothing short of spectacular, courtesy of the Audio Alignment Technology that strives to reproduce sound as accurately as possible.

At $41, it is priced aggressively to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

5. Cyber Acoustics CA-3602

Powered by an 18W sub-woofer and twin 6W speakers, the CA-3602 sounds suspiciously like a $200 speaker, with smooth, rich high tones and deep, thumping bass. The sound scarcely breaks even at high volumes, and the $38 price-tag will be music to your wallet as well!

CD boom boxes and stereo systems belong to the past now. In an age where everyone is using an iPod to listen to music, a dock speaker is on its way to becoming a must-have. It has its share of advantages- it simultaneously charges your iPod while playing music from it, it is light, affordable and has great audio quality. On top of everything, the design is just as modern and minimalistic as is an iPod’s.

Here is a list of the criteria we followed while trying to choose the best out of the many iPod dock speakers available in the market:

1. Audio quality- It goes without saying that this would be our topmost criterion. While an iPod dock might not have the fanciest features, it does promise top-notch audio quality and that’s exactly what we are looking for.

2. Looks and Design: Under normal circumstances, this would be the last on our list of criterion but iPod dock speakers have been branded with looks as their USP. One look at some of the dock speakers in our list will tell you exactly what we are speaking out.

3. Convenience: Let’s get this straight- an iPod dock speaker was designed on the principle of minimalism in design and efficiency in performance, quite like an iPod itself. ‘Let’s keep things simple’ could be the motto of any iPod dock speaker. We are looking for ease of use and performance at the same time.

Now, let’s get down to our list.

1. Bose Sound Dock 10 Digital Music System

When it comes to the sheer pleasure of listening to music played on a high quality audio device, nothing can compare to a Bose product. The company has delivered yet again with its dock speaker. It is not exactly lightweight or portable but it makes up for everything by the impeccable quality of audio. The only downside, its high price.

2. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin AirPlay Speaker Dock

Supposedly, Bowers & Wilkins worked in close collaboration with Apple during the production stages of this product and the result is quite evident. This iPod dock speaker is just as elegant and sleek as the iPod itself. The sound is powerful and crystal clear and a lot of detailing must have gone into the acoustic properties. The downside again is the price though.

3. Altec Lansing inMotion MIX iMT800 Portable Digital Boom Box

Looking for something more affordable? The Altec Lansing could solve that problem. It looks quite like a boom box, comes with several features and delivers on the audio part- the surround sound is great and so is the audio quality. Thanks to its light weight, it is portable and has two auxiliary inputs for convenience. All in all, an excellent dock speaker to invest in.

4. Harman Kardon Go+Play iPod Speaker Dock

The design of the Harman Kardon Go+Play iPod Speaker Dock is also inspired from the boom box and might take some getting used to. But once you have gotten past that, the sound is detailed and deep. It comes with a USB and auxiliary input, is easy to use and portable. The flipside- it has some compatibility problems with a few iPod models.

5.  Philips Fidelio DS3000

The Philips Fidelio DS3000 made the cut only because of the sheer value for money it offers. It is a perfect dock speaker for anyone who is looking for something which is extremely affordable but also delivers on the quality front. It is surprisingly lightweight, it has a very modern, simplistic and sleek design and the sound quality is decently good. It is the price that is its USP.