Good speaker for Chromecast Audio?
October 19, 2015 2:07 PM   Subscribe

I just bought a Chromecast Audio device so I can stream podcasts and audio while (mostly) cooking or working on my laptop on the kitchen table. My question is: is there a good cheapish speaker that would work well with this? Stereo would seem to work well, but most stereo speakers I've seen on BestBuy (the only real choice for online shopping in Canada) are unpowered. Most of the selection I've seen here and there are for home entertainment systems, and I just want something basic that is good for streaming radio or music.
posted by Nevin to Technology (7 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
These Audioengine ones are supposed to be OK. Maybe that's too expensive? Most bluetooth speakers have an aux-in line which would work fine with Chromecast Audio. (ironically you don't need bluetooth, but that's how all these things are packaged these days)
posted by GuyZero at 2:14 PM on October 19, 2015 [1 favorite]


I've got an Oontz Angle (from Cambridge SoundWorks). It's about $30 on Amazon, and it's pretty solid for your needs.
posted by mkultra at 2:36 PM on October 19, 2015 [2 favorites]


If you want cheap and don't really care too much about sound quality, then I'd go for computer speakers at a price-point you can live with. They won't be the best speakers, but they will be powered.

That said, the Wirecutter recommends these M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 speakers, and I've heard good things about these Powered Monoprice Portable Monitors.
posted by Aleyn at 2:46 PM on October 19, 2015 [3 favorites]


Most Bluetooth portable speakers have an auxiliary input for this sort of thing. They can be had for relatively little money, as there are a slew of them. I picked up one with a Craig brand name (surely licensed) for $25 - surprisingly good sound and a rechargeable battery that lasts a long time.
posted by DandyRandy at 2:56 PM on October 19, 2015 [1 favorite]


I have the M Audio AV 40s (two pair for different rooms). They're fairly directional, haven't got earth shaking bass, but are accurate, sound great, and get as loud as I would ever want.
posted by LucretiusJones at 3:01 PM on October 19, 2015 [1 favorite]


I use an old set of logitech computer speakers (like these ones but older) in the shop to listen to podcasts and music and it works just fine.
posted by Poldo at 5:24 PM on October 19, 2015


I'd caution against any m-audio product. I have four dead monitors from them i've been meaning to repair for a while, and several friends have had issues with them, including those av-40s.

I was recently very impressed with these at a friends place. Like seriously wow impressed for the price.

Audioengines are also fine, and i've also heard good things about those monoprice speakers.
posted by emptythought at 7:59 PM on October 19, 2015


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