2.1-ch computer speakers

	The CA-307 2.1-channel multimedia speaker from China's Shenzhen Aivtech has a 65dB S/N ratio and 0.5 percent THD+N.

Makers ride out declining PC sales by offering better models that fit buyers’ form factor and performance requirements.

Amid the current economic situation, China’s computer speaker export industry faces tough challenges. Makers expect lower output in the next 12 months due to various factors.

Worldwide PC shipments are projected to fall 11.9 percent this year, the industry’s steepest drop, according to the research firm Gartner. Although laptop sales are foreseen to rise 9 percent, those of desktops will decline 32 percent. Even orders from emerging markets will diminish by 10.4 percent.

China computer speaker companies expect their sales to follow suit. As a consequence, certain makers have stopped trading overseas and shifted completely to the domestic market. Some OEM suppliers left the line in 2008 due to a dim sales outlook, tight competition and increasing production outlay.

To ride out the financial difficulties, the remaining suppliers are strengthening their foothold in markets where others quit. They are also offering better models that meet buyers’ form factor and performance requirements.

	From China, Xiamen LianFa (Group) Forever's model 168 is a 2-channel computer speaker with a 57mm 4ohm3W speaker/bass.

China makers offer 2, 2.1 and 5.1-channel speakers. The 2.1-channel models are dominant as they fulfill the basic audio needs in the PC environment.

The products have a power output of 4 to 70W, and support various input devices, including PCs, TV sets, and VCD, DVD, MP3 and MP4 players. The S/N ratio usually exceeds 60dB. The common frequency response range is 50Hz to 20kHz, but there are some that start at 20Hz.

Product development efforts center on small and thin form factors with better portability and precision rates. Since laptops are in vogue, makers see greater potential for notebook PC speakers, particularly miniature types. Some suppliers are releasing models with add-ons that enhance the functionality.

Microlab Technology Co. Ltd has introduced a 2.1-channel hi-fi speaker that supports an iPod or radio-based wake-up alarm. The model also has an FM radio and an infrared remote control.

Another model, a 2.1-channel multimedia speaker, has a remote control, MP3 input and headphone output ports. Considered by the company as its best-seller among the 2.1 systems, the product has a power output of 2x12W+16W. The S/N ratio is 80dB and the separation is 45dB.

A new speaker system from Dongguan Earson Audio Technology is designed as a Chinese-style treasure box. It is equipped with a USB flash drive, SD slot, LCD, FM radio and full-function remote control. The supplier has also introduced a mini 2-channel portable speaker suitable for notebook PCs and MP3/MP4 players.

Shenzhen Aivtech Co. Ltd is offering multimedia and home theater speakers, and a rocker audio chair. While it does not foresee substantial sales growth for rocker audio chairs, the company expects mini speakers and fancy designs to be trends.

Most raw materials used in the production of computer speakers can be sourced from local suppliers. Some key components such as amplifier chips are purchased from companies in the US, Japan or Taiwan. Several electronic component providers have agents in Guangdong province, mainland China.

Export prices start at $1.50. Low-end versions have basic functions, including power and volume control, 65dB S/N ratio and 4 to 25W power output. These go up to $10.

Midrange models provide 25 to 50W power output, 70/75dB S/N ratio and 50Hz to 20kHz frequency response. Priced at $10 to $40, the products support wired remote control with MP3 input and headphone output, and clock functions.

High-end designs are usually more than $40. These have more than 40W power output, 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range and 80/85dB S/N ratio. The more-upscale models, which may have LCD, FM radio, alarm and wired/wireless remote control, can reach $200.

	The M-200 2.1-channel multimedia speaker from China's Microlab has a 2x12W+16W power output, 80dB S/N ratio and 45dB separation.

China is a major exporter of computer accessories, including computer mice, keyboards, microphones, computer cases, USB flash drives and computer speakers. Most outbound shipments go to North America, Europe and the Middle East.

More than 1,000 companies supply computer speakers. They are mainly small and midsize enterprises with OEM capability that offer low-end and midpriced products. Some larger makers, however, provide OBM models. These include Edifier, Microlab and Shenzhen 3NOD, all based in Guangdong.

Some computer speaker makers also produce Bluetooth handsfree kits, headsets, rocker audio chairs, computer mice, keyboards and PC cameras.

Most perform R&D, tooling, plastic injection, wooden case and speaker driver unit production, silk-screen printing and final assembly in-house.

Certain factories are equipped with anechoic chambers for speaker testing.

Guangdong is the largest manufacturing center for speaker systems.

With its healthy chain of electronic component providers, trading agents and electronics subcontractors, the hub is pivotal to the development of popular product lines.

In 2008, Guangdong achieved the highest GDP among all provinces in China. It also houses several multinational and state-owned corporations.

About 80 percent of China’s speaker products are made in Guangdong. Sixty percent of these are exported. Most suppliers are based in the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Huizhou. Guangdong companies have the strongest R&D capability.

Approximately 20 computer speaker suppliers are based in Zhejiang province. These makers are generally not R&D-centric, but their prices are more competitive than those of Guangdong.

Jiangsu province is another production center for speakers. It hosts the factories of Logitech, a major global supplier of computer accessories.

Hong Kong offers a range of computer speakers produced by more than 50 companies. The supply includes portable and USB speakers, and standard desktop models in 2, 2.1 and 5.1-channel versions. Mainstream products are compatible with MP3 and DVD players, TVs and other common A/V devices. Some come with add-ons such as a built-in FM radio, remote control and LED/LCD. Others integrate a USB hub and an Internet radio.

There are 2.1-channel systems that can create a virtual surround sound effect. One of these is Technology Innovation (HK) Ltd’s USB speaker set, which uses Xear 3D Sound technology from C-media to split sound frequency components and achieve open area, hall or theater sound effects. The subwoofer has a 4in paper cone driver with 3W rms output at 10 percent THD. The front speakers have 1.5W rms each at 10 percent THD, 50Hz to 20kHz frequency response and 1.5in aluminum cone tweeter drivers. The model comes with an audio input for iPods and other stereo audio players.

Among portable speakers, some models integrate an amplifier to enhance performance. Foldable, thin-profile designs have been released for greater portability. These are offered in clamshell and book styles at iLike Electronics Co. Ltd. The company’s foldable USB speaker comes with a cable and supports virtual 5.1-channel and 3D surround sound effects. Power output is 2x3W and impedance is 4ohm. The product provides a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz and 120dB sensitivity.

Suppliers of gifts and premiums offer portable computer speakers, some of which come in novelty shapes such as egg, tripod and tube. A few models adopt a tilted layout to widen sound dispersion.

Multipower supply is an emerging trend. There are USB speakers that run on both batteries and AC power when connected to an MP3 player or another audio device. Some have built-in rechargeable batteries.

Hong Kong’s supplier base is a mixture of companies specializing in computer peripherals, iPhones, iPods, mobile phones, gifts and premiums, and audio devices.

Taiwan offers wired and wireless computer speakers in 2, 2.1 and 5.1-channel models. The 2-channel systems fall under the entry-level category but they comprise the mainstream supply among wired products in terms of shipment volume.

Bluetooth speakers head up the wireless segment.

Wired models support 2, 2.1 and 5.1 channels. The 2.1-channel units are classified as midrange and target home multimedia applications. The upscale 5.1-channel system, however, is not a major line as only a few companies manufacture such designs for PC use.

Wired speakers are equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB port.

Bluetooth speakers are available with 2 and 2.1 channels and use either a Bluetooth 2.0 or 2.1 chipset.

Basic models offer only music playback, but high-end units can support handsfree and handset profiles.

New releases of Bluetooth speakers can work with advanced audio distribution, A/V remote control, handsfree and headset profiles. These have 2x1W to 2x5W power output, 10 to 20m operating range in an open area, 150Hz to 20kHz frequency response and less than 80dBm sensitivity.

High-end 2.1-channel systems come with a remote control and a subwoofer.

The more-expensive 2-channel sets are considered mature and are going through an intense price war. For this line, Taiwan makers are keeping quotes competitive.

Portable models, including small 2-channel and Bluetooth types, are gaining ground because of the popularity of mobile phones and laptops.

Mainstream USB speakers use 2, 2.25 or 2.5in drivers. Those with a 3.5mm audio jack have 2, 3 and 4in driver units. These products are available with 2x0.5W or 2x1W output. The 2-channel models with a 3.5mm audio jack can have 2x2W, 2x3W and 2x5W output.

Larger audio output, better cosmetic design and value-added features are the main product development priorities. More than 80 Taiwan companies supply computer speakers, mainly wired models. Only 30 of them manufacture Bluetooth types. Most exports are OEM and ODM contracts. Makers such as Kinyo, JazzHipster and Juster Co. Ltd, however, also promote their own brands.