2 and 2.1-channel units remain dominant

	Foshan Huaxinmei’s model 11 2-channel speakers have 80Hz to 20kHz frequency response and 2x2W rms power output.

Portability dictates design innovations to match smaller electronics.

Models delivering 2 and 2.1-channel audio continue to drive China’s computer speaker line with an aggregate output share of about 75 percent. Besides meeting basic requirements, these units leverage low price, generally 20 percent less expensive than traditional multimedia varieties, which are limited to the high end due to inhibitive quotes. The latter segment, which targets professional users such as audiophiles and avid gamers, is dominated by 5.1-channel types.

All-in-one systems are in the pipeline. These have two speakers, an FM radio, a memory card reader and an alarm. The units can connect to other electronic products, including an iPod or a flash drive, via USB.

As for designs, the trend for portability is resulting in ever smaller and thinner form factors, which complement personal electronic devices such as netbooks and even portable media players.

Guangzhou Wowetech Co. Ltd and Compupal Group Corp., for instance, will increase the output share of such varieties to 30 and 35 percent, respectively.

At Foshan Huaxinmei Electronics Fty, nearly 65 percent of current yield, excluding wooden models, is portable.

Some manufacturers have introduced modes of operation beyond the traditional button switch. These constitute remote controls, membrane switches and human body induction. A few others are focusing on wireless types.

	Guangzhou Wowetech’s model M3500 2.1-channel speakers with 45Hz to 20kHz frequency response have USB and SD card slots.

Makers expect rising demand will sustain market momentum through next year. Growth will be spurred by 2 and 2.1-channel units, while orders for 5.1-channel versions will likely drop due to high prices.

China sold 9.7 million computer speakers in 2009, accounting for nearly 26 percent of the world’s supply. Total yield is expected to grow 5 to 10 percent by year-end.

The positive outlook comes on the heels of a two-year economic downturn that forced OEM-centered manufacturers to scale down production to stay afloat.

For example, Guangzhou Wowetech reduced its OEM output share from nearly 60 percent before 1H08 to only 30 percent, with the rest made up of OBM orders.

Climbing OEM inquiries spurred by recovering economies, however, are encouraging output expansions. Widening applications are fueling the momentum further, creating new opportunities for enterprises to specialize in niche fields such as home appliances and consumer electronics. Suppliers see a boost in demand in the former in the next three years.

With overseas orders gradually increasing, many enterprises are keen to continue providing specialty goods.

Compupal, which exports 70 percent of output to North America and Europe, is in cooperation with the Institute of Acoustics of Nanjing University to develop models with high sound quality to meet customers’ requirements.

Meanwhile, Guangzhou Wowetech obtained C-Tick and SAA certificate in Australia in 2H09, strengthening its shipments to that area.

In addition to PCs, computer speakers from China work with various devices such as MP3 and DVD players. They have a typical power output of 2.5 to 100W, S/N ratio exceeding 40dB and 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response range.

Models in the 2-channel category provide 2.5 to 25W rms, 40 to 75dB S/N ratio and 50Hz to 20kHz frequency response. Low-end releases have a satellite driver 4in in diameter, a power button and volume control. Midrange devices have a 2 or 3in satellite driver and remote control function.

For 2.1-channel setups, the subwoofer enables 25W rms, 55 to 75dB S/N ratio and 25 to 220Hz frequency, while it is 15 to 25W rms, 55 to 95dB and 150Hz to 20kHz, respectively, for the satellite.

Low-end speakers have a 4in subwoofer and 2in satellite drivers, a power button and volume control. Midlevel types support a 5in subwoofer and 3 or 4in satellite driver, bass, treble, play and pause buttons, and a remote control. High-end models have a 6in subwoofer driver and 3 or 4in satellite driver, and an infrared remote control.

Units delivering 5.1 and larger channels integrate a subwoofer with 25 to 30W rms, 65 to 95dB S/N ratio and a 20 to 220Hz frequency response range. The satellite provides 5 to 10W rms, 40 to 75dB S/N ratio and 120Hz to 20kHz frequency.

Midrange releases have subwoofer and satellite driver diameters of 5in and 3 or 4in, respectively. Upscale versions integrate a 6.5in subwoofer, 3 or 4in satellite driver, IR remote control and Bluetooth.

The key components are the transformer, speaker and IC, which respectively account for 15, 15 and 20 percent of the production costs. Although suppliers can source from domestic vendors, NXP, TI, Maxim and National Semiconductor are the main amplifier chip providers at present. Models supporting 2 and 2.1 channels generally adopt solutions with a mono channel, while 5.1 and higher units use those with dual channels.

Plastic and wood are still the main materials for the casings. Entry-level types use ABS and PVC. HIPS and wood are adopted in most midrange and all high-end versions.

Foshan Huaxinmei’s wood lineup is available in the $14 to $18 range. Its plastic-encased variants listed from $8 to $12.

A plastic enclosure contributes 5 to 15 percent to the total costs. MDF, which accounts for 10 to 20 percent of the outlay, is more expensive than ABS or PVC, and some housings made of such material are made by hand. Suppliers see stable quotes for PC speakers in 2H10 amid steady component overhead.

Nonwired models account for 10 to 15 percent of total computer speakers output in China, 80 percent of which are shipped abroad.

There are about 30 companies that offer the product, dominated by large-scale suppliers. For now, businesses are still focused on the wired variety. Wireless speakers production, however, is predicted to grow about 10 percent next year as tier 1 manufacturers increase output and new players enter the field to meet an increase in demand.

Foshan Huaxinmei will roll out two 2-channel nonwired speakers in 2011. Microlab also plans to launch four models, in addition to the five released this year. Units without wires use FM, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz RF. The majority adopts the first, which is a mature technology and therefore low-cost. More makers, however, are looking to migrate to 2.4GHz in 2011 as reliability and range improve.

Except for the wireless module, corded and cordless variants have the same basic functions. The main factor that is limiting the adoption rate for the latter is the high price. In 2010, quotes for 2 and 2.1-channel cable-free models are $15 to $20 and $35 to $45, respectively, higher by 20 percent than wired counterparts.

Computer speakers from Hong Kong deliver 2, 2.1 and 5.1-channel audio. There are also portable, USB and wireless subcategories.

Most models are compatible with MP3 and DVD players, and Apple’s iPod and iPhone. Some versions use optional battery power to be independent of AC or USB input.

Several suppliers target the laptop and netbook segments. Most products for these sectors are miniature 2 and 2.1-channel units that run on USB. Conventional rectangular housings are shunned by many makers in favor of more creative and modern designs. Novel shapes cater to the gifts and promotions markets. Decorative features such as sound meter, ornate prints and LED light rings have been added. Detachable and retractable USB cables are optional.

Some 2.1-channel systems double as MP3 players with the addition of a memory card reader and USB host port. Special techniques are employed in a number of models for enhancing sound intensity and effects. Audio technologies used in a few units enable virtual surround sound.

Only a handful of high-end varieties are available from the territory. Multimedia 5.1-channel systems and computer speakers with wooden cabinets are mainly from audio appliance specialists.

These suppliers typically have their own woodworking facility. Years of experience in making hi-fi speakers enable them to integrate advanced electronic components such as automatic voltage regulation into their models.

Hong Kong has 50 manufacturers in this line. Some specialize in PC peripherals, while others provide a range of small acoustic devices. Many mobile phone and MP3 player accessory and gifts and premiums suppliers have also added portable computer speakers to their catalogs.

Connectland Technology Ltd’s model 806019 USB stereo speaker comes with a 3.5mm stereo jack and an innovative magnetic design that converts the 2-channel system into a soundbar. It has 2x2.5W rms output, volume control and 100Hz to 20kHz frequency response.

Technology Innovation (HK) Ltd’s latest USB speakers, the SP-928 and SP-9281 models, are conveniently small for laptop owners. These provide loud, dynamic sound through the adoption of High Audio-Scene, VAST and Strong Vocal audio technologies. A decorative light in each speaker unit follows the sound rhythm.