We discuss the pros and cons of using passive bookshelf speakers as computer speakers, and break down the alternatives.
Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch are beautifully engineered products designed to maximize sound in small- to medium-sized spaces. And while they look and sound great on an actual bookshelf, you can get creative with placement to suit your room layout and needs, like if you need a pair of computer speakers. But because bookshelf speakers are passive – that is, they require amplification to produce sound – they usually can’t be plugged straight into a computer to function as computer speakers.
Say you have a pair of R-50M Bookshelf Speakers leftover from a previous home theater setup. You already know the Tractrix® horns sound amazing and you love the high-quality cabinet design, so you’d like to give them new life as you setup a home office space. You can absolutely use these speakers for your computer by connecting them to an appropriate amplifier, like an Onkyo TX-8220 Stereo Receiver so long as you’ve got the correct cables and adapters, and/or Bluetooth connectivity options for your computer or laptop. But…
POWERED MONITORS ARE BEST FOR COMPUTER SETUPS
We applaud anyone repurposing passive bookshelves for computer speakers. It’s technically possible if you’ve got the cords, know-how, and space. But for most people, it’s easier to get a pair of Klipsch’s legendary powered monitors.
Our powered monitors are similar in size to passive speakers, so they still work great in small- to medium-sized spaces. But because they’re powered or “active,” they’ve already got an amplifier and connectivity options built into them. This saves you extra space, budget, and having to hook up extra cords to a separate receiver or amplifier.
