Compact Stereo Speakers?

I'm looking for a decent set of compact stereo speakers. Something powered by USB preferably and either driven by USB or headphones/audio out jack is fine. I'm tired of the tin can sounding speakers in my laptop. I use headphones frequently but also like to use the speakers periodically and at times I can't hear people speaking or lose some audio fidelity in certain situations.

I want them fairly small, but they don't need to be super portable as I plan on using them primarily at home in the same spot usually, just don't want them taking up a huge amount of space.

Any recommendations?

Thanks

edit: I found these that look decent for cheap: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XE3X8Q

 

I would get something from a name brand like Logitech. Those speakers look like trash. Here in China there are tons of generic non-branded speakers just like that and they are all of poor manufacturing and audio quality. Most people think they sound fine, but if you are used to listening to decent headphones, you won't be very happy. Although I guess they sound better than 95% of laptop speakers. Also keep in mind that their MAXIMUM lifespan is a year.

 

I agree I'd probably get some Logitech USB speakers which are still in the same price range (~20$).

Something like:
S150 Digital USB Speaker System
or

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Logitech-usb-speakers.jpg

Sound is mediocre, but still better than most laptops'

 

I like the how the ones look in the second image, but what kind is that?

 

SoundScience QSB - 30W USB has got good reviews.

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/20256520/700446290/-/ListingDetails.html?_%24ja=tsid:13315%7Ccat:20256520%7Cprd:20256520&$$ja=cgid:7111954617|tsid:48121|cid:130773177|lid:54119198937|nw:g|crid:37478042817|rnd:13532526746908821532|dvc:c|adp:1o1|mt:

 

I had these before:
Amazon.com: Lenovo USB Speaker M0520 (Red): Electronics

They worked decently for the price.

Since then, I've moved on to this:
Amazon.com: Anker® Portable Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker with Super-Sized 4W Driver & up to 20 Hours of Playtime: Computers & Accessories
I have two of them and use a y splitter if I want a cable input
But usually I'm fine with one since I leave one at home and carry one on the go and just use bluetooth.

 

The problem with purely USB powered speakers is that even if they get good reviews it's 'Great sound, considering it's USB powered' - that applies to the SoundSciences. I would personally say put up with an extra wire for better sound... but it depends on the usage scenario of course.

I still really like the Creative Gigaworks speakers, particularly the T40 II. Fairly compact, good performance for the size. They also do wireless ones now, not sure how good these are.

If you're feeling spendy the Genelec 6010's are pretty wow for the size... but it'll be around $700 for a pair.

 

All I want is something better and louder than the tinny crappy speakers in my laptop. The fact that the speakers are behind the laptop and on the bottom doesn't help matters. Sometimes I can't hear it with all the background noise going on, but don't want to wear my headphones. I ended up buying these Logitech Z110 speakers from Logitech Store dented box for $11.49+free shipping: Stereo Speakers Z110 - Dented Box

 

I don't get why people get USB powered speakers... Sure, there are a few who travel a lot and, when they are in their hotel room, find it very convenient to just plug in the speakers into the USB port, without worrying about the charger. For the rest, I believe there's basically 2 groups: the ones that just the laptop as a desktop replacement (95% of time it stays at home) and the ones who carry their laptop daily to work/school/whatever. I don't think they use their speakers and the office/school/starbucks, but rather they leave their speakers at a fixed position at home/office: so, why USB and not the standard powered ones?

Am I missing something??

 

Because it suits my needs.

 

Big fan of logitech for things like this. Always been satisfied with their speakers for the price.

 

Got my Logitech Z110 speakers. It said "dented box" but the box was like new and the speakers perfectly fine. Best $11 I've spent, lol. Plenty loud for my needs, great stereo sound too. Although a bit bigger than I was expecting, but they can push out a decent amount of volume and actual audible bass.

 

I would have said look into the bluetooth speakers that randomly go on sale for 30 to 50 dollars, they're a bit more than USB powered since they use their own internal battery, but charge over USB, and you're 100% wireless. But that depends if you're one to complain about compression because bluetooth

That's what I did, since the Asus Q500A speaker are crap compared to the HDX18s.

 

I use https://www.sharpusa.com/ForHome/HomeEntertainment/Audio/Models/DKKP80P.aspx got it for $30 new six months ago and think its awesome.

 

These are great. I just hooked mine up yesterday after not using them for a year. Man what a difference. Awesome sound for their size. Awesome imaging. Voices seem like they're coming from the screen.

Sent from my SM-N9005

 

I wouldn't mind a more compact system myself; currently running a pair of Koss M85-Plus hand-me-downs and they're not exactly space saving D: