Small computer speakers surprise with big sound

By Kevin Hunt | Special to the Tribune

May 11, 2008

Special to the Tribune

To the generation of music lovers raised on the iPod, a set of tiny plastic PC speakers is the successor to Dad's rockin' hi-fi system.

Axiom Audio's new Audiobyte might be among the few PC speaker systems that actually sound as good as dear old Dad's stereo. Maybe because it is, in fact, a conventional stereo system adapted to the computer.

The tiny Audiobyte speakers, which start at $349 a pair and include a svelte amplifier, resemble Axiom's discontinued MZero surround-sound speakers with redesigned drivers and minijack connectors suitable for both computer and iPod. The 55-watt amplifier module, slightly bigger than a child's shoebox, fits readily on a desktop, its oversize silver volume dial easily accessible.

The optional basic-black EPZero ($179), likewise, is a scale-model subwoofer, maybe a foot tall, 8 inches wide and 14 inches deep. Together, it's a $528 system that belongs among the world's elite PC sound systems in both price and performance.

I auditioned the high-gloss synthetic Burled Walnut ($399) Audiobytes, though a real-wood Burled Walnut edition is also available ($559). They're all shaped like previous speakers I've tested from Axiom, an online seller from Dwight, Ontario, with an asymmetrical design that tapers toward the rear. The contour, says the company, enhances clarity by minimizing internal standing waves, but it looks sleek too.

The Audiobytes, each with a 1-inch titanium-dome tweeter and 3-inch aluminum cone driver, take maybe 90 seconds to set up. Each Audiobyte — and subwoofer — connects to the amplifier with a single minijack cable. The amplifier then links to the computer, or an iPod, with yet another minijack cable. The amplifier's USB connection is limited: It charges an iPod or hooks up to a dock but cannot play music directly from an iPod or computer.

The amplifier's on/off switch resides on the back panel, which loses points for convenience but gains style points with a clean front panel populated only by the Big Ben volume dial and a blue power LED. The subwoofer has a similar silver dial, but this one has three output settings: Flat, Half and Full.

The amplifier also has a RCA connection for a standard subwoofer, the type found in a home theater's surround system. This is an important option because a standard subwoofer will do a better job than the EPZero if you don't mind a bigger, more boxy presence at your feet. (For the budget-minded, look for the Pinnacle AC Sub 100, which I have seen online for as low as $140. Visit pinnaclespeakers.com.)

Axiom's house sound was instantly identifiable as soon as the Audiobytes, only 5 inches high and wide, began playing music. Both Axiom bookshelf speakers I've heard, the M2i and the M22, had the same exquisite tonal balance and midrange clarity. Axiom, in fact, says the Audiobytes were designed to match the original M2's sound.

With the Audiobytes, I listened to a diverse set that included Amos Milburn, Elvis Presley, T-Bone Walker and Sleepy LaBeef on my PC, then hooked up my iPod and listened to Sun Ra, a young Frank Sinatra and Junior Brown's butt-kicking guitar.

All digital music files were either uncompressed.wav or Apple Lossless. Spending $500-plus on PC speakers is a waste of money if you're listening to digital formats such as MP3, which throw away data from the original song.

With limited range in the lower frequencies, the Audiobytes can't quite match the other Axiom speakers' full-bloom midrange. They reach only 100 hertz, where larger bookshelf models extend to 50 or 60 hertz, increasing their reliance on a subwoofer.

Even though I have never heard sound like this from PC speakers, I'd still prefer to integrate a computer into a stereo system or home theater than adapt stereo speakers to the computer's world. It's less expensive if you have an existing sound system.

But if you're committed to adding PC speakers, the Audiobytes have few peers. But why stop there, Axiom? Where's the 5.1-channel surround system?

Try it
What: Axiom Audiobyte PC speaker system

Price: $349 to $559 in various finishes, including real-wood Burled Walnut. Includes 55-watt amplifier module. EPZero subwoofer optional ($179).

Hot: Superb PC speakers

Not: For best sound, subwoofer is mandatory. Expensive

Power usage: Amplifier: 9.5 watts in full-operation mode

Alternative: Audioengine A2 Desktop Speakers, with built-in amplification but no subwoofer ($199, audioengine usa.com)

Available: axiomaudio.com