[spence2cool]

I'm looking to buy some upgrades for my computer. The 2 big things I'm after right now are a decent sound card and speaker system. (preferably 5.1)

what specs determine how good each thing is? I'm not looking for super cool, super expensive stuff.

[Crysalis]

For speakers:

Frequency range. The lower the first number and the higher the second number, the better.

50hz-20khz (20,000hz) is good. 100hz-12khz is bad.

Sensitivity or SNR: Over 90 is good. Below 89 is bad.

Wattage: Remember, wattage is divided among the 6 speakers. So if you get a 100watt system, that means the sub probably gets 25 watts and the rest get some miniscule amount. Higher, the better, though not necessarily louder.

[The General]

Aren't they usually 20hz - 20,000hz? Or are you talking about the speakers?

[EricB]

Originally posted by The General
Aren't they usually 20hz - 20,000hz? Or are you talking about the speakers?

that's a home audio spec, not a computer speaker spec. you will never get a 20 hz note in a plastic enclosure

[DarkMortar]

35Hz - 20kHz is good for the computer speaker