# Am I weird for not wanting wireless speakers? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 18, 2023, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790 "2023-12-18T23:11:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/1 "2023-12-18T23:11:00Z")
Maybe I’m just being curmudgeonly, I know most people love the option of placing them wherever works best; but I really wish a set of desktop PC speakers with decent music fidelity could be found that don’t broadcast whatever I’m listening to into the aether. Do any Bluetooth or WiFi speakers come with the option of using USB cables? ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/2 "2023-12-18T23:41:52Z")
How much you want to spend? I use powered bookshelf speakers for my computer and they have many options for audio in and out, along with Bluetooth. A bit pricier than standard computer speakers. At work we use some less expensive USB attached speakers that are a bit “meh” for music compared to my home speakers, but sound great for Zoom meetings. I think they are “Creative Pebble v3”. They also do bluetooth but have wired connection options. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/3 "2023-12-18T23:43:20Z")
Why would you want wireless speakers for your desktop? Why would you want wireless _anything_ (except earphones) for your desktop? Wireless peripherals are for laptops. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/4 "2023-12-18T23:47:53Z")
Not to me. But I don’t want any speakers. However, if I did want speakers I doubt I’d want wireless speakers for a desktop PC. Isn’t there something else you’d really like to have? ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/5 "2023-12-18T23:54:17Z")
I’ve been using these on my desktop (which is also where I watch most of my streaming media from) for a few years without any issues: > **[Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speaker System](https://www.bose.com/p/speakers/bose-companion-2-series-iii-multimedia-speaker-system/C2III-SPEAKERCOMPUTR.html?srsltid=AfmBOopn295a74-IP_CkSRtLOb--JgfjfZ4gX99F8S3WH_XTNhCsqq0nkb8)** > > Upgrade your computer audio quality with the Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speaker System for best-in-class computer speakers or PC speakers. Another solid option is a mid-priced soundbar, it all depends on how much you want to spend, and how much audio quality you need. I will grant that wireless travel speakers seem to be the norm for most portable media (smartphones and tablets) but that’s probably because they don’t have unified standards (or even the existence) of physical audio out. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/6 "2023-12-19T00:51:12Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Why would you want wireless _anything_ (except earphones) for your desktop? That makes me wonder what’s the percentage of current desktop keyboards and mice that are wired. I’ve been using wireless for both for over 20 years now. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/7 "2023-12-19T01:04:55Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > it all depends on how much you want to spend, and how much audio quality you need. Yep. Those Bose computer speakers are fine and a great deal at $89. If music quality was a main concern, these are on sale at $1000. > **[LSX II](https://us.kef.com/products/lsx-2?gclid=CjwKCAiA-P-rBhBEEiwAQEXhHxjmuE1Juq53EI9J4N5Az6zyuEycPvLD0po5QSTp99doRudfEBzJ2BoC5bUQAvD_BwE)** > > KEF US ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/8 "2023-12-19T01:07:35Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Why would you want wireless speakers for your desktop? Yeah, that’s what I’m wondering. Do you need the speakers to have Bluetooth or Wifi capability? For what it’s worth, this is what I have plugged into my desktop: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NWLWM9B/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NWLWM9B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/9 "2023-12-19T01:10:52Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Why would you want wireless speakers for your desktop? Why would you want wireless _anything_ (except earphones) for your desktop? Wireless peripherals are for laptops. ⁢ I do agree that wireless speakers don’t make much sense for desktop. Their main purpose is to connect with portable devices that you carry around with you. But a wireless mouse and keyboard allow you to place the computer wherever you want, tucked out of the way, while not worrying about running the wires. And you can pull out the keyboard and mouse and use them on your lap if you want to lean back in your chair (which is what I’m doing right now). The main downside is that they’re easier to drop and have to hunt a bit to find, rather than just following the cord. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/10 "2023-12-19T01:14:00Z")
I used to have the [Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified](https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO/) speakers. Great sound, and at 200 watts they get as loud as you could possibly want. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/11 "2023-12-19T01:45:06Z")
Mainly my current cheap speakers have only the poorest bass sound and so I miss a lot for example that post about the ultra-long piano. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/12 "2023-12-19T01:52:18Z")
One point to mention (now that I’ve stopped drooling over the $1k speakers!) is that with wired speakers, you will of course want to make sure said wires are shielded. One of the reason I upgraded to the Bose (which are, to my preference, great bang-for-buck rather than the best out there) was my past couple of sets had interference from touching other powered wired behind my PC and even occasional beeping from cellphone interference! ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/13 "2023-12-19T01:57:45Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Why would you want wireless _anything_ Cables are lame. I wish I could reduce the number I have even further. The batteries in my wireless keyboard last for months. The wireless mouse goes for weeks, but recharges quickly. I’ve tried to tidy up the cable situation with conduit, but it only helps so much. I still have a rat’s nest of cables. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/14 "2023-12-19T02:03:38Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Why would you want wireless speakers for your desktop? I have my desktop plugged into my excellent powered speakers I posted at the top BUT I can also connect to them with bluetooth from my phone. Double-duty. I have Audioengine speakers and they sound excellent when positioned correctly. > [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > what it’s worth, this is what I have plugged into my desktop: That’s what we have at work, sans the woofer. For music, that woofer would make a big difference. These are some of the best “office” speakers we’ve found for Zoom/Teams calls and they are fairly inexpensive. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/15 "2023-12-19T03:18:50Z")
Oh, the Audioengine speakers would be a nice step up without blowing $1k. Not sure what Lumpy is looking for, fidelity wise - am I missing something about an ultra-long piano? ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/16 "2023-12-19T04:02:47Z")
Only my cellphone is wireless. I use wired keyboard, wired mouse, wired speakers, wired mic, and a wired VR system. I don’t like wireless peripherals. For that matter, I don’t like laptops either (though I do have a chromebook, just in case I might need it). ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/17 "2023-12-19T04:03:50Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > Great sound, and at 200 watts they get as loud as you could possibly want. I challenge this claim! ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/18 "2023-12-19T06:07:51Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > I’ve been using wireless for both for over 20 years now. You obviously do not have a cat. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/19 "2023-12-19T14:37:28Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > > [@Alessan](#): > > > > Why would you want wireless _anything_ > > Cables are lame. I wish I could reduce the number I have even further. The batteries in my wireless keyboard last for months. The wireless mouse goes for weeks, but recharges quickly. Batteries die at the most inopportune times. Never had an issue with a wired device not having power, nor do they get misplaced as you can’t get up with the mouse in your hand. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790/20 "2023-12-19T14:50:32Z")
The thing about a wireless mouse or keyboard is that they work perfectly 99.9% of the time - but a wired mouse or keyboard works perfectly 100% of the time, and that 0.1% can be a real pain in the neck. I’m happy to sacrifice esthetics to avoid it. > [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > I’ve tried to tidy up the cable situation with conduit, but it only helps so much. I still have a rat’s nest of cables. If you keep the PC on your desk, I can see where wires can be a problem. My computer is on a shelf _beneath_ my [desk](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/fredde-gaming-desk-black-10496062/), all the wires go down a hole where I don’t have to worry about them. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-weird-for-not-wanting-wireless-speakers/994790.md?page=2)