STACK #181 Nov 2019

GAMES FEATURE

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I f you’ve followed our PC hardware guides for long enough – and, really, you’re missing out if you haven’t been – you’ll know that we’ve had a big push towards headsets. Why? When it comes to the raging battles of the Audio Wars, a solid set of stealthy cans has a better chance of crowning you victor than a set of booming speakers. If you’ve ever suffered through a microphone-wielding, speaker-using squaddie, you’ll know the pain of hearing game audio whenever they open their mouths. While speakers aren’t recommended for online play, it’s not all bad news for those not wanting to be trapped beneath a headset. Because if a noob falls in the forest and you have inadequate audio hardware, did they even cry “BS”? Words Nathan Lawrence

Sound investment While gaming headsets are more common than campers in online shooters, gaming speakers are about as common as positive chat in a Last Jedi thread. Logitech is the consistent brand for gamer-focused speakers, the sound stick by which others are measured, but that’s mainly because it’s been a big name in PC peripherals for years.

Though it’d be easiest to recommend speakers with the best sound, the reality is there are initial considerations. For starters, space is probably the biggest one. A two- speaker setup is usually easy for flanking around

Watt the? As with any tech thing, speakers aren’t spared from associated jargon. Take wattage, for example. You may think that double the wattage number equates to double the volume. But that’s not the case. Bigger numbers only incrementally increase the dulcet decibels. So forget the numbers and focus more on quality. Yes, power and volume matter. But THX or DTS certification are much better indicators of audio expectations.

your monitor, or placing between two or three screens for multi-monitor mavericks. Plus, you need to keep them clear of your mouse mat.

For a super tight budget, try the Logitech Z150s, but it’s worth forking out for the superior sound of the Logitech Z200s. For those totally addicted to bass, you’ll get the necessary audio kick out of the Creative GigaWorks T40 Series II speakers.

Catching bass Add a ‘.1’ to that common two-speaker

Desktop domain When it comes to speakers, they’re really meant for desktop setups. The main exception to this is if you have a gaming laptop that you hot-desk in and out of a desktop-like configuration. While the average gaming laptop speakers aren’t usually anything to write home about, speakers aren’t particularly mobile, which is why a solid set of gaming cans is recommended. While sound is usually the first sacrifice at the altar of slim form factor, the Razer Blade Stealth, Advanced, and Pro gaming laptops offer impressive Dolby Atmos stereo sound.

configuration, which is a fractional tech number for the big-sound subwoofer, and things get trickier. On the pros front, you can expect bigger and better bass, which adds a much-needed bite to the comparatively hollow bark of treble- focused speakers. As for cons, standalone subs (particularly

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NOVEMBER 2019

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