Get better sound from your PC

Types of kit
The simplest and cheapest stereo speaker systems plug into the headphone socket, such as the Argos Value Range set at just under £6.

Many PC gamers like to go a step further with 2.1 speakers ­ these plug into the headphone socket for the stereo channels and into the orange-coloured socket on the soundcard, to give bass effects via a subwoofer.

Logitech’s LS21 set costs less than £20. Full surround-sound speakers cost anywhere from about £25 (for the Trust Soundforce 5.1 set) to around £500 for the very best quality systems.

Examples include the Creative Gigaworks G550W, which include wireless speakers, at around £200 and Logitech’s Z5500.

Headphones present more options. Any headphones that you use with a hi-fi are suitable, or you can get a headset, which includes a microphone for use with internet telephony, instant messaging or online games.

These range from about £5 for the most basic versions to £50 for types optimised for gaming.

Another option for a clutter-free life is wireless headphones, which use Bluetooth, Wifi or even FM signals via an adapter that plugs into the PC’s USB socket. You can expect to pay between £25 and £100.

Then we have noise-cancelling headphones, which improve sound quality by blocking out background sound and enable you to play sound at a lower volume.

They use tiny microphones that record and invert the frequencies of background noise and play the inverted signal into the ear. One drawback is that active noise-cancelling headphones require batteries.

You can also try headphones that block noise by creating a firm seal between your ears and the world. Sometimes, but inaccurately, called ‘passive noise cancelling’ sets, they offer extensive padding around the ear or are designed to fit snugly in the ear canal.

Ear canal models come with a selection of earbuds in various sizes so you can use the ones that fit best and are most comfortable. Sennheiser has an interesting tool for choosing the right type of headphones. Click the panel ‘Headphone Finder’ in the right-hand column of the page.

Headphones can also include surround sound, with additional speakers inside the headset positioned in the appropriate places. These, of course, add weight to the headphones, which you may not find comfortable.

Your soundcard’s driver may offer a way to experience virtual surround sound. Look for an option in the main Control Panel named the same as the manufacturer of the soundcard and double-click it to see what options are available.

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