While an expensive stereo system will give you quality sound, not many students can afford the high price tags.
After all, setting up a dorm requires spending hundreds on shelving, a laptop, bedding, new clothes, and maybe even a more comfortable new Casper mattress – depending on the residence hall.
But just because your stereo is on the bottom of your priority list, a limited budget doesn’t mean your dorm room should remain dull and boring. There are several brands of stereo dorm speakers that are super-affordable and will deliver exceptionally great sound quality.
Here are four dorm speakers that you should seriously consider.
1. Cambridge SoundWorks Oontz XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Oontz XL dorm room speaker
The Oontz XL is certainly not the best of Bluetooth dorm speakers, but for under $100, you will not find anything better than this. It works well for small, medium and large rooms. The sound is also loud enough to handle a party.
To get the Oontz XL thumping, all you need to do is wirelessly connect your device (iPod, iPad, iPhone, and any other Smartphone, tablet or PC) to the speaker. For non-Bluetooth devices, or for when you don’t want to use your Bluetooth, connect to the speaker’s AUX-IN jack using the provided 3.5mm audio cable.
When it comes to sound output, Cambridge SoundWorks has focused a lot on making the bass sound great. This is achieved through the speaker’s three passive bass radiators.
With two other drivers for high and midrange sounds, the Oontz XL can handle a wide range of music and sound.
For $99, this is a budget speaker system for students who desire quality.
2. Dayton Audio B652 Speakers with Lepai LP-2020A+ Amp
If you prefer something more compact and stylish yet low-cost ($39), a pair of Dayton Audio B652 dorm speakers would be perfect. But since these are passive speakers, getting good sound requires an amplifier.
To keep sound quality high and costs low, go for the $26 Lepai LP-2020A+ Amp, too (via the same link above). The speakers are small enough to fit inside an actual bookcase.
You can also place them in a cabinet or on a speaker stand. The good thing is that they do not overwhelm the typical small-sized dorm room. There is even a keyhole to facilitate wall mounting should you opt for it.
The get the best stereo expense, make sure that you have positioned the two speakers on opposite sides of the room. When on, the bass is surprisingly satisfying for such compact speakers.
For most students, the bass is deep enough, and they will find no need to add a subwoofer, besides remember your neighbors in the next dorm room. The speakers also perform surprisingly well in other sound ranges.
3. Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Speakers and a Topping TP21 Amp
Pioneer SP BR22 LR speakers
Topping T21 amp
If you are willing to part with a little more money to be among the best sounding dorm speakers in your residence hall, the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Speakers are what you are looking for. Pair them with a Topping TP21 Amp, and you have a stereo system that easily outdoes most others.
The bookshelf speakers (at $126) can easily fit in any bookcase or shelving unit. This is perfect for small dorm rooms or for those who desire a minimalist stereo.
The finishing of the speakers, from the exterior surface to the grills, is a very stylish exterior that will satisfy the aesthetic demands of even the most demanding listeners. Combined with the $82 Topping TP21 Amp, the resulting sound will easily impress you and any other admirers passing by.
Of course, you have to be ready to spend a combined $208, but what you get is something stylish, long-lasting, and with great sound.
4. VIZIO S4221w-C4 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Of the four options discussed, this is the most expensive and the best-looking dorm speakers system setup of the bunch. For $249, you get a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer.
The VIZIO S4221w-C4 Soundbar is for those who want to create a home theater-like experience in their dorm rooms. The soundbar can be installed to connect with your television.
The wireless subwoofer creates even richer sounds to make your watching even better. You also get to avoid all the clutter that comes with wired connections.
But perhaps the best feature of the VIZIO S4221w-C4 is the fact that it is Bluetooth enabled. This means that you can wirelessly stream your music from your PC, tablet, or smartphone through Bluetooth.
So whether you feel like watching a series or listening to music, you are guaranteed the best sound. Different students will have different needs.
While some may prefer something budget-conscious, others worry more about sound quality and aesthetics. Look through the above four suggestions for dorm speakers and see which one fits your budget and your dorm room best.
