Monitors with Integrated Speakers

[Bill_Bright]

I don't really like polls and don't normally participate in them. I think in nearly 20 years of "working the forums", this is my first because this topic really has me flustered.

It is getting harder and harder to find computer monitors without integrated speakers. I note a quick search of Newegg shows 1017 monitors, but only 46 are without speakers. Even most fancy high-priced monitors have them.

Who uses them? I can see office workers using them. And folks with basic computer needs looking for a new monitor. But are they buying the expensive and fancy monitors? I don't think so.

I would think anybody who enjoys listening to music or movie sound tracks on their computers, or modern gamers would have a decent set of computer speakers, or at least a nice set of headphones. They just cannot make decent "fidelity" speakers fit in computer monitors. Even expensive big screen TVs struggle with decent sound - hence the increasing popularity of sound bars.

Many, including yours truly, cannot live without 2 monitors. How are you supposed to set them up for proper stereo separation? Left audio to the left monitor and right audio to the right speaker? That's a PITA - if possible at all. And of course, there's no bass at all.

Now I have to confess, audiophile quality electronics and the faithful reproduction of music was my first love in electronics, going back several years before I got into computers (and I got into computers in 1975!). So I may be biased against poor quality sound. But I have talked to a lot of people and most don't care for the sound quality of integrated speakers. In fact, the best review I have heard is "they are okay".

What say you?

 

[trparky]

Most of the time built-in speakers suck worse than cheap speakers, the big issue is that there's little to no bass and I like bass. I mostly use Bluetooth headphones so speakers really don't matter to me.

 

[Ferrum Master]

Most of of them have analog in, cheat out using that route making a Y shaped 3.5mm cable from motherboard audio, so each panel turns into mono.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Most of of them have analog in, cheat out using that route making a Y shaped 3.5mm cable from motherboard audio, so each panel turns into mono.

Yeah, as I noted, it can be done but that's a pain - especially if using HDMI or Display port. And again, no bass or decent fidelity.

 

[GreiverBlade]

vote option 1 actually option 2 is better suited ... albeit my current monitor having them
shush ... i still use DVI over HDMI/DP and i couldn't bother to put a male/male jack between the PC and the screen when i have a Logitech Z-333 sitting on the desk

nonetheless ... i bet i would be happy if my speaker failed and had to rely on the monitor feeble 1w speaker until i could get a replacement ... a bit like a IGP: useless until you need it ... (situational for the IGP i know )

 

[Ferrum Master]

Yeah, as I noted, it can be done but that's a pain - especially if using HDMI or Display port. And again, no bass or decent fidelity.

I've seen funny things including old TV's with an integrated subwoofer... the thing was huge. The more things you have the more problems they cause. There are no simple solutions really... at least some sound bars?

 

[P4-630]

The G-Sync Dell monitor I buy next month has speakers as well, with or without, I'm not using them anyway.
I have a 2.1 Logitech set for my audio.

 

[Sasqui]

I always choose tuna fish

... I always go component route if it's an option. Had too many TV's with crappy sound, just hook up a pair of PC speakers and problem solved. Assuming there's an audio out connection to go with.

 

[twicksisted]

I currently use the built in speakers on my LG 34" monitor for daily use and plug in a USB headset when I game or want to listen in higher fidelity.

I didn't buy the monitor because of the speakers and it was kind of a bonus that it works ok. Perhaps the fact the monitor is huge gives it more of a speaker box to resonate inside.

I do have some high end monitor speakers as I do appreciate quality sound (Genelec M040 and Audioengine A5S) but these are setup with my music production gear and not situated on either side of my monitor in a stereo configuration.

 

[INSTG8R]

Mine are a source of frustration. Every time I install new GFX drivers it defaults to them and I have to turn it back to my soundcard...

 

[Aquinus]

I don't care about them, if they're there then they are there. There is one exception to this where I used my old 28" 1080p monitor with an Xbox 360, in which case I liked having the speakers, even if they were crap but, for a computer, there really is no reason. I have better speakers for such things and headphones if audio needs to sound extra good or if extra noise cancelling is required.

 

[Ferrum Master]

I would better have a good Mic in the monitor actually.

 

[dorsetknob]

Ever since i had a Sound Card (sound Blaster in a 286 ) i been using External speakers
Currently run 5.1
Got speakers in 28" Samsung Monitor/TV ( Stereo for when its used as Tv with Option of Sound over HDMI but got that Disabled).

why bother with Stereo when i can have 5.1 Surround Sound

 

[INSTG8R]

Ever since i had a Sound Card (sound Blaster in a 286 ) i been using External speakers
Currently run 5.1
Got speakers in 28" Samsung Monitor/TV ( Stereo for when its used as Tv with Option of Sound over HDMI but got that Disabled).

why bother with Stereo when i can have 5.1 Surround Sound

Ditto! 5.1 FTW!

 

[jboydgolfer]

monitors are like cars, and anything else that comes with options. Dealers/manufacturers add as many options as possible, since for each one (useful/needed or not) they can charge a massive mark up in cost Percentage on each added goodie over what it cost the manufacturer in bulk.(hypothetically) Dell buys 500,000 speaker units to add to some monitor, they cost $1.00 each, ($500,000 for the entire lot of speakers). Dell adds them to a monitor that sells for $200, and now marks the monitor up to $225-$250 with the added title (includes built in speakers), at the same time, they remove the ones with NO speakers, to remove the choice, essentially, any seller worth theyre salt is going to sell you as much as they can, like it or not. Capitalism

just be thankful theres no cup holder on Your monitor

my monitor (for its time, and still now) has More options needed or otherwise than MANY others on the market, and it was released 10 Years ago.... My monitors Spec list. keep in mind it was released in 2007 SPECS speakers come in an optional add on piece.

 

[dorsetknob]

Ditto! 5.1 FTW!

I AM THE MASTER OF THE VOLUME SWITCH HERE no one tells me to turn it down or use headphones

 

[INSTG8R]

I AM THE MASTER OF THE VOLUME SWITCH HERE no one tells me to turn it down or use headphones

Same. That is why that monitor speaker thing annoys me. So many times I've put in new drivers, forgotten to switch and fire up a game to silence...

 

[Bill_Bright]

I would better have a good Mic in the monitor actually.

Not me. You can't even turn your head then without greatly affecting the sound levels. And because monitors typically sit ~24 or more inches away, the mics would have to be set fairly sensitive. That would mean they would pick up all sorts of background noise compared to a headset or a stand speaker, and not sound good to the listener.

why bother with Stereo when i can have 5.1 Surround Sound

I definitely agree with that too. In fact, when I redid the ceiling in my basement (my computer room is above that), I ran the cables for the rear speakers between the floor/ceiling joists. So I have my rear speakers mounted on the wall behind me.

 

[INSTG8R]

If you note on the left of my desk my innovative rear speaker solution. It's nigh on perfect imaging.
You can also see my "clever" solution for TrackIR with speakers

 

[Jetster]

I was wondering what that 3.5 jack was for on my monitor.

Never have used any

I have a ASUS PB278Q 27" 1440X 2560 monitor I paid $500 for and yes it has integrated speakers

Just like a $2000 LCD 60 in TV. It has $15 speakers built in. If they cost that.

 

[jboydgolfer]

If you note on the left of my desk my innovative rear speaker solution. It's nigh on perfect imaging.
You can also see my "clever" solution for TrackIR with speakers

Hey its not upside down anymore

 

[Bill_Bright]

@INSTG8R - you have the same problem I have. I love the hutch over my desk, but it means I MUST have monitors with height adjustment too. And they are harder to find than monitors without speakers.

 

[INSTG8R]

@INSTG8R - you have the same problem I have. I love the hutch over my desk, but it means I MUST have monitors with height adjustment too. And they are harder to find than monitors without speakers.

Totally. My MG279 just ticks every box, 1440,IPS, 144hz, Freesync AND height adjustment. Oh and terrible speakers.
You at least have the option for multi monitor. I'm kind "in a corner" literally and have to be happ with one big monitor

 

[newtekie1]

Hell, I have a HDTV in my bedroom that has speakers so crappy I put external PC speakers on it. Thankfully it has a 3.5mm audio out jack on the back, that outputs any audio the TV receives, including from HDMI sources. I hooked up the cheapest 2.1 set of speakers I could find to it.

 

[cornemuse]

Over the years I have installed (XP!) os so many times, I've lost count. First thing I do/did was 'switch mouse buttons', then 'turn off sounds', , , , , <-even before sound drivers installed!