Speakers that are best for tight spaces
The $199 Audio-Technica AT-SP3X computer speakers jump into the market with no shortage of rivals. This pair of speakers stands out for its small size and big sound, but limited connection points and no sub-bass leave them somewhat short of competitors. The Fluance Ai41 speakers ($249.99) have a more balanced sound and a wider array of connections in a package that’s only slightly bigger for a little more money, making them a better pick at this price.Design: Just the Right Size for a Desk
The Audio-Technica AT-SP3X speakers are tame-looking with little in the way of flair. They’re almost completely black except for the silver finish of the Audio-Technica badge that sits at the bottom edge of each speaker. The cabinets are compact, measuring 7.9 by 4.9 by 5.4 inches (HWD). The right speaker houses the electronics and weighs 3.5 pounds, while the left speaker is passive and is slightly lighter at 3.3 pounds. The Fluance Ai41 speakers are larger at 10.9 by 6.5 by 7.6 inches and 8.5 pounds.
Each AT-SP3X speaker includes a 3-inch woofer, a 1.1-inch tweeter, and a small bass reflex port that fires out the rear. The speakers produce 30W and have a frequency range of 55Hz to 20kHz. There is no front cover. The woofer is fully exposed, though the tweeter has a simple grille that both protects it and helps disperse the audio.
Given the small stature, Audio-Technica couldn’t fit all of the electronics inside. While the amplifier is contained in the right speaker, the power supply isn’t. Instead, the speakers include an external power brick. This is less convenient and less elegant than an internal power supply, such as that of the larger Fluance Ai41.
The right speaker includes the controls, which are on the far side of the cabinet. This makes them hard to see at a glance and renders the little indicator light, which tells you which connection is active, useless. The controls consist of an input-selection button to cycle between the Bluetooth and RCA inputs and a volume knob. The volume knob has hard limits, so it’s easy to tell when it’s at its minimum or maximum setting. Further, there’s a small notch that lets you know when it is positioned midway.
The box includes eight little rubber feet that you can stick onto the speakers. However, the speakers don’t include any stands to angle the drivers up toward your ears.
