Comparison Ergo ST-29 vs Ergo ST-2

The ability to power the speakers from the USB port of a computer or other device. In some models, the main connection is made through the same port, but more often the speakers receive a signal via the classic mini-Jack (see "Connections"). Anyway, the advantage of this power supply over mains power is that the speakers do not depend on the outlet; this facilitates their use with laptops and other portable equipment. If there is no free connector on the computer, you can use a USB adapter for an outlet, car cigarette lighter, etc. At the same time, the power supply via USB is initially very low, so this option is typical mainly for small and relatively “quiet” speakers. For the same reason, some models with this feature may require connection to a special type of connector — ports that support USB Power Delivery. This technology allows you to increase the power supply up to 100 W, but even in modern computer technology it is not so common.

The location of the own volume control provided in the speakers. In modern computer speakers, there are regulators installed in the front, back, side, top, on the signal cable, on the amplifier and on the remote control (the latter can be either the only regulator or in addition to the regulator with a different location; see below for details). Here are the features of each option:

— Front. The most popular arrangement nowadays: the front panel of the speaker is the easiest to reach, the regulator can be twisted at any time without any problems, and even if the speakers are tightly surrounded by foreign objects from the back and sides, the front panel usually remains free. Of the shortcomings, one can only note the moment that not everyone likes the extra handles on the front panel of the speaker — however, this is a purely aesthetic nuance that does not affect convenience.

— Behind. The knob mounted on the rear panel of the speaker is not very convenient for frequent volume changes — you usually have to find it by touch, and some free space around the speaker is required to access it. So on such speakers it is most convenient to initially select a certain optimal sound level, and then, if necessary, adjust the volume through the computer's software settings and not reach out to the regul...ator once again. Therefore, this option is quite rare. On the other hand, such invisibility has its advantages: acoustics acquires the most accurate appearance, without unnecessary small elements on the outside.

— Sideways. A kind of compromise between the two options described above: the regulator is not as noticeable as the front one, and at the same time it is easier to get to it than the rear one. However there should be enough free space on the corresponding side of the column for this, but this drawback is not particularly critical. So the lateral arrangement is found, although less often than the anterior one, but noticeably more often than the posterior one.

— Above. Pretty specific option. In terms of general specifics, it is similar to the side arrangement described above, however, for a number of reasons it is extremely rare — in speakers of non-standard design, as well as in some sets in which the system control is located on the subwoofer (this component is often installed on the floor, and the top position of the regulator is the most convenient).

— On the signal cable. A regulator placed directly on the wire carrying the audio signal. It is used mainly in inexpensive compact speakers: it is easier and cheaper to install a regulator in this way than to build it into a case, and the dimensions of the case itself can be reduced due to the absence of “extra” parts inside.

— On the amplifier. Option for models with external amplifier (see above). It is the parameters of the amplifier that determine the volume of the sound, so it is more logical to place the volume control on it, and not on one of the speakers. Theoretically, the specific location of the regulator can be different; in fact, this knob (like other controls) is usually mounted on the front panel. Note that such equipment is often supplemented by a regulator on the remote control (see below) — the amplifier is not always conveniently located, for frequent adjustments it is more convenient to use the remote control.

— On the remote control. The controller mounted on the remote control — this can be either a wired or wireless accessory (see "Remote control"). Actually, the presence of a remote control is almost guaranteed to mean the presence of a volume control in it, exceptions are extremely rare; and if there are two such consoles (wired and wireless), then the regulators are often installed in both. Also note that volume control from the remote control can be supplemented by a knob located in any of the places described above (except for the signal cable).

A material used to finish speaker cabinets. It is believed that this parameter can significantly affect the characteristics of the sound; however, in fact, the sound quality is determined by so many other factors that against their background this influence is practically not noticeable. In addition, the shortcomings of various materials are easily compensated for by certain technical tricks. Thanks to this, for example, plastic, which was originally considered a low-cost material, is quite successfully used in premium acoustics. And the main advantage of wood ( MDF) is not so much practical properties as a characteristic appearance. Therefore, the main selection criterion for the material is how much you like the design of the columns.

The material used for the woofer enclosure — subwoofer (of course, if there is one in the kit).

The most popular material options for such finishes today are plastic and MDF(medium density fibreboard). Plastic is often considered a more budgetary material, MDF is more advanced and acoustically of high quality. However, in fact, this difference is not critical, and the sound quality is more related to the price category of the acoustic set than to the material of the subwoofer. But what the finishing material affects unambiguously is the appearance.