What Are the Best Speakers for Your Trading Computer?

If you're like me, you sometimes like to listen to music while you're watching the market on your trading computer. In this post, we'll look at some of the better speaker options that make sense for traders.

Most traders use over-the-head headsets for video and/or voice calls (via apps like zoom or skype). And often they end up using them for watching videos or listening to music while they work.

But over-the-head headsets are bulky and can feel uncomfortable for all-day listening. A good speaker for your trading computer can give you reprieve from wearing a headset all the time.

When you are looking for a speaker for your trading computer, it’s important to understand what your needs are.

How frequently do you listen to music while you work? Are you looking for something that will have high audio quality? Or do you only need the speakers for listening to news and interviews? Are the aesthetics of the speakers important to you?

Depending on your needs, there are plenty of options available. Here are some great choices:

Edifier E25HD Luna Eclipse

The Edifier E25HD Luna Eclipse speakers combine sleek design and great sound. If your trading office has a post-modern look, these speakers would fit right in.

The speakers are Bluetooth 4.0-compliant and come in three colors: black, white, and red. They are designed with the latest in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Range Compression (DRC). So, they provide a deep and powerful sound.

Pros

• Beautiful design
• Great value for the price
• Excellent sound quality
• Remote control

Con

• The sound might be too weak for larger spaces

Logitech G560

The Logitech G560 system is a great accessory if you are into gaming as well as trading. These speakers are flashy and powerful. The 240-watt peak power capability can deliver a big bang.

The speakers have built-in LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting. The flashes can sync up with the sound. When you are listening to music or playing a game, you can create quite a show.

The system has a subwoofer and two satellite speakers. It's also Bluetooth enabled. If you are a gamer as well as a trader, you'll love these speakers.

Pros

• High-quality DTS:X Ultra 2.1 sound
• Integrated LIGHTSYNC-based RGB technology

Con

• Some reviewers have complained that the software drivers need work

Audioengine A2 Plus

The Audioengine A2 Plus speakers are premium quality sound devices. The design is classic with hand-finished wood cabinets. The system is available in black, white, and red.

The build-in analog power amplifier will give you an extra boost when you need it. The speakers have dual analog and USB inputs. You will not need any drivers or apps to connect them to your trading computer.

Pros

• High-end, warm full-stereo sound
• Looks great in a professional setting
• No software required

Cons

• Intended for smaller rooms
• No Bluetooth

Harman Kardon Soundsticks III

The Harman Kardon Soundsticks III system offers a unique high-end design with a transparent exterior and a jellyfish shape. If you want to project an out-of-the-box-thinker persona, this futuristic design would be a great fit.

Besides great design, it also has excellent sound quality with tons of bass power. You can configure the subwoofer and satellite speakers to get the desired directional sound effect you want.

Pros

• Incredible industrial design
• Exceptional sound clarity with outstanding bass performance

Con

• Minijack inputs only

Conclusion

Choosing speakers for your trading computer set-up can be a fun experience. Consider both style and sound quality when selecting them. We hope our suggestions will help you find a system to complement your taste and needs.

There are more trading computer tips like this in our buyer's guide. Check out our "How To Buy a Trading Computer" e-book. Remember, we are here to help with all your technology-related questions. If you're confused about how to upgrade your computer or have other hardware questions, give us a call. My team and I are here to help. We're happy to answer any of your questions about trading computers via phone: 800-387-5250.

Photo by Seyi Ariyo on Unsplash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best speakers for a trading computer?

Any decent set will handle what a trader actually needs — background music and alert sounds. The real constraints are desk space and whether they fit under a monitor array. The Edifier E25HD, Audioengine A2 Plus, Logitech G560 and Harman Kardon SoundSticks III all work well and differ mainly in footprint and appearance rather than in anything you will hear.

Do I need speakers or a headset for trading?

Both, for different jobs. A headset with a microphone is what you need for trading rooms, webinars and calls, where being heard clearly matters. Speakers are for the rest of the day, when wearing something on your head for six hours stops being comfortable. Most traders end up with both on the desk.

Do speakers affect trading performance?

No. They have no effect on execution, latency or how the machine performs. This is one component where the only considerations are comfort and how much desk space you are prepared to give up. Spend accordingly.

Where should I put speakers on a multi-monitor trading desk?

Wherever they fit without stealing space you need for screens — usually to the outside of the monitor array, or on a shelf above it. Small speakers earn their place on a trading desk precisely because desk space is the scarce resource. Sound quality differences between decent modern speakers are far smaller than the difference between having room to work and not.

Are gaming speakers good for trading?

Perfectly good, and you are paying for features you will not use. Gaming speakers emphasize bass and lighting effects that do nothing for background music or an alert tone. If you already own a set, use them. If you are buying, a smaller set will suit a trading desk better and usually cost less.