Speakers for laptop

[chrbb]

Total lack of knowledge re speakers audio etc. Need to buy a set of speakers for a SEN child to use with a reading program. So thought I'd take the opportunity to downgrade the speakers we use in the hall with the portable projector and laptop. We currently use a pair of Optronix speakers - ones that came free with a PC and I thought I'd replace them with a set of Hercules XPS 2.0 60 SPEAKERS, Total power output: 30 W RMS (2 x 15 W). Peak power: 60 W.

Really silly question I know these will be loads better than the current ones but are they suitable for use with a laptop? Not too powerful? (sorry said it was a silly question!)

[rad]

Why not get a set of headphones for said student, no need for them to be plugged in to wall etc and no one else has to listen to the program.

Any speakers will work, no problem.

[3s-gtech]

are they suitable for use with a laptop? Not too powerful?

Should be ideal for use with a laptop, how big is your hall? 15W is okay, more is better!

[Andrew_C]

15W for a hall? OK for my hall at home, but I'd guess the school hall is MUCH bigger. For any sort of volume, without straining things, in a small/medium hall, 100w RMS is much more like it. Assuming fairly efficient boxes.

Peak power is "snake oil" territory.

[chrbb]

15w isn't much but I'm working on the basis that they would be better than the ones we've got, which are adequate. They don't come with an amp, just the two speakers, does that make a difference?

[SYNACK]

15w isn't much but I'm working on the basis that they would be better than the ones we've got, which are adequate. They don't come with an amp, just the two speakers, does that make a difference?

If the originals have a power cord and a volume dial then they also have an amp integrated, how big is the hall in question and does the sound need to fill it? What kind of sounds are you expecting through them, is is just speaking or is it important that the sounds should be reproduced properly like if they were being used to play music or DVDs also? For classrooms we have sometimes got the midrange three speaker setups with a small sub/integrated amp and a left/right speaker. These are generally loud enough and are not awefully tinny in reproduction. Probably around the 100/150W range.

[3s-gtech]

Power ratings are not the be-all. Efficiency and good enclosure design play a big part. We used a pair of Edirol MA-7As in our (large) school hall while working on our PA system - they were fine for music and film, and they were 7W RMS per side.

[RyanBTBizDirect]

Good recommendations above Synack. Agreed 150W should be more than enough.

[DarrenC]

3s-gtech is correct it depends on a huge number of things as to what would be sufficient.

What are the acoustics in the room like?
What size is the hall?
What audience are you playing to?
What content are you playing?

Also what one person thinks is acceptable another may not.

As for your original question, yes they would be much better than your current set up. As for amplifiers if they are passive speakers (no power required and just have audio cable inputs) you would need an amplifier to run them. If they are powered you could run them straight off your PC.

I believe the Hercules are powered so you should be ok.