If you’ve read the Music section, well, ever, you know how much we love to keep you in the loop about our favorite new releases. But our recommendations mean nothing if you’re stuck listening on shitty speakers. Below, check out our favorite speakers at a variety of prices and get ready to listen hard.
Cyber Acoustics CA–2014RB Speakers Price: $14.99 at radioshack.com Ideal For: Music lovers on a budget High Notes: For their small size, the CA–2014RBs offer pretty good sound quality. Low Notes: In terms of volume, you get what you pay for. These speakers are made more for gaming than for music, and get fuzzy at high volumes.
Loop NYC Audio Couture Boombox Bag Price: $39.95 at amazon.com Ideal For: Theme parties — or 80's lovers. High Notes: Speakers on the go! Neon colors! Boombox graphics! Low Notes: Both volume and sound quality are honestly rather sucky.
JBL Duet 2.0 Speakers Price: $49.95 at apple.com Ideal For: A cramped dorm room. High Notes: Incredibly easy to set up and use, the Duets offer great sound for their size and price. Low Notes: These speakers are rumored to lack in longevity; they probably won’t last you past your year in the Quad.
iHome iP40 Speakers Price: $69.99 at ihomeaudio.com Ideal For: Waking up to your favorite songs. High Notes: A tried and true speaker option, the iP40 also charges your iPod or iPhone as you use it. It also has an FM radio in case you get sick of your own tunes. Low Notes: Obviously, these speakers aren’t for your computer. The sound can also be a bit grainy at times.
JBL Creature III Speakers Price: $99.95 at apple.com Ideal For: People who want their speakers to be the center of attention. High Notes: Funky design and a killer subwoofer make these speakers a great buy. Low Notes: The touch controls for volume are alternately too sensitive and not responsive enough. Annoying.
Harmon Kardon SoundSticks III Sound System Price: $169.95 at apple.com Ideal For: Satisfying impossibly high standards. High Notes: Music sounds crisp and clear, allowing for nuanced listening. Low Notes: A slightly massive subwoofer requires a large desk or floor space.
