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on December 14, 2015
This is just an all-so-typical, not-quite-flimsy USB-powered "set" of computer speakers (one physical piece, intended to be installed underneath a flat-panel monitor). There is no particular advantage to purchasing this unless you have a DELL monitor which it is specifically designed to fit, and you are not interested in playing music or listening to videos at anything other than a low to low-medium volume level. This is not for folks that want great sound out of their computer speakers. It is, however, perfect for someone like me who merely needs to hear system sounds [beeps and the like] and audio from the odd video that plays inside a web browser every now and then.
VINE VOICEon June 16, 2016
My newly acquired Dell Ultrasharp monitor has no speakers, so I assumed this soundbar would be an easy fix. It works well, with one major foible - when connecting the soundbar to a Dell monitor, you MUST have a USB connection from the Dell monitor to your computer for the soundbar to operate, in ANY mode.
The quick-start guide for the Ultrasharp monitor shows a Display Port connection from the computer to the monitor, and also a USB connection from the computer to the monitor. Inasmuch as HDMI carries both video and audio, however, and inasmuch as the monitor has its own powered USB hub on the back, I hoped that when I was connected via HDMI I would be able plug the soundbar into the USB hub and the monitor/soundbar combo would do the right thing. Not so. The power light goes on on the soundbar in this configuration (which will certainly confuse some people), but no audio signal is passed. Further, the line-in port on the soundbar won't work either. That is, if you want to connect your player to the soundbar to use it as a speaker, with no computer involved, you will *still* need to have a USB connection from a computer to the monitor for the soundbar to operate.
I do appreciate the features of this device - the form factor is unobtrusive and integrates well with my Dell monitor, the volume knob interacts directly with the volume setting on my computer instead of having to keep track of two settings (my Lenovo had no trouble recognizing the hardware), and the headphone port and line-in are value-added given that the monitor has neither of these. This inter-functionality comes at a cost, however. Hopefully I have just saved some other buyers from a frustrating set-up experience.
The quick-start guide for the Ultrasharp monitor shows a Display Port connection from the computer to the monitor, and also a USB connection from the computer to the monitor. Inasmuch as HDMI carries both video and audio, however, and inasmuch as the monitor has its own powered USB hub on the back, I hoped that when I was connected via HDMI I would be able plug the soundbar into the USB hub and the monitor/soundbar combo would do the right thing. Not so. The power light goes on on the soundbar in this configuration (which will certainly confuse some people), but no audio signal is passed. Further, the line-in port on the soundbar won't work either. That is, if you want to connect your player to the soundbar to use it as a speaker, with no computer involved, you will *still* need to have a USB connection from a computer to the monitor for the soundbar to operate.
I do appreciate the features of this device - the form factor is unobtrusive and integrates well with my Dell monitor, the volume knob interacts directly with the volume setting on my computer instead of having to keep track of two settings (my Lenovo had no trouble recognizing the hardware), and the headphone port and line-in are value-added given that the monitor has neither of these. This inter-functionality comes at a cost, however. Hopefully I have just saved some other buyers from a frustrating set-up experience.
on May 17, 2017
Okay - so I didn't want to spend a lot, so I bought this soundbar to go with a new U27170 UltaSharp monitor, and I'm disappointed. It's not the sound quality that's an issue - it's the incredible problem with static. When it's first plugged in it works great, but after my Computer goes to sleep or is idle, I come back to nothing but static and sound cutting in and out. I have to unplug the output wire and the USB connection and re-connect everything EVERY time to clear it. It is very annoying. I should have read reviews, as it seems this is a known problem with this soundbar and Dell has not come out with a solution for it. I will be shopping for a better soundbar and will read all the reviews next time. Sorry, but I cannot recommend this one. If I hadn't thrown the box away, I would be returning it. I'll be donating it to charity.
on August 14, 2015
I bought this as I didn't want a full speaker setup to clutter my desk space. It comes in really simple packaging with pretty lame instructions, but it isn't that hard to figure out yourself. On my monitor, a dell u2515h, i had to remove some plastic tabs at the bottom of my monitor. After that, the soundbar just slid on. Plug in the usb cable into the back of your monitor and you are good to go! By the way, this soundbar is intended for DELL MONITORS WITH USB PORTS ON THE BACK. For example, the dell Ultrasharp series. It does include a usb extension cord if you don't have one so you can plug it into your computer. This would be kinda lame for laptop setups, but fine for a desktop pc. I wasn't expecting much after the reviews here ( and some dell monitor reviews mention this soundbar ). However, after playing some music, I think it sounded great! Maybe its dependent on what you are coming from, but I found the sound pleasing to the ear at all volumes. It can get a little harsh at the highest volume, but as a college student, this gets as loud as I need it to plus some. Lastly, this DOES WORK ON MAC. You just have to make sure to go to settings and audio and make sure the "output" is set to the dell soundbar.
This is my setup:
Dell U2515H Ultrasharp
Late 2013 rMBP, plugged into the monitor via display port and the soudnbar plugged in via usb.
This is my setup:
Dell U2515H Ultrasharp
Late 2013 rMBP, plugged into the monitor via display port and the soudnbar plugged in via usb.
on June 13, 2016
Dell AC511 USB Wired SoundBar ... by Dell
IN THE BOX ... was the Dell AC511 USB wired SoundBAR, and a USB (male to Femaile) extender. The Dell AC511 is packaged in a heavy corregated box by the manufacturer and shipped inside a shipping box.
CONDITION AND OPERATION... is very good. The Dell AC511 is brand new and was designed to work with designated DELL monitors. Overlooking the design intent, I have used the DELL AC511 on my Dell 755 SFE and my Lenovo laptop. There is no power supply, the power is supplied through the USB cord. There is NO AUX JACK. Only the USB connection.
... The AC511 bypasses your sound card and you don't need any additonal software.
... If you dont have sound, look at your sound source in your computer. Should list the AC511 as a selection. True with Linux systems as well.
... If the sound is noisey, or scratchy, which may happen if plugged into the monitor, try a different USB port, try a port on the computer.
... The AC511 has head phone jacks on the side. If the jacks are noisy, try cleaning the jack and plug.
... The AC511 DOES NOT HAVE AN AUX JACK to plug in a MiniDisc player or MP3 player. Does not have that capability. Only USB input.
... The AC511 was designed to work on designated DELL monitors because DELL installed a USB port for the soundbar on the monitor. However, the AC511 does work on most computers with a USB port.
THE LAST WORD ... The Dell AC511 has a pretty good sound for a small-ish sound bar. It is a quality product and may be an answer for a computer with a bad sound card as the AC511 replaces that sound card. Sound control is from the volume control on the AC511 on the side and/or from the computer volume controls. The sound is rich and good quality. the only way you will get better sound is with separate speakers and then unless you add a sub woofer, you may not experience that big of a difference.
... For a laptop with those built in speakers or a computer that needs a set of speakers, this should work fine. All you need is a USB port.
I would recommend the DELL AC511 speaker sound bar.
R 160613 1255
IN THE BOX ... was the Dell AC511 USB wired SoundBAR, and a USB (male to Femaile) extender. The Dell AC511 is packaged in a heavy corregated box by the manufacturer and shipped inside a shipping box.
CONDITION AND OPERATION... is very good. The Dell AC511 is brand new and was designed to work with designated DELL monitors. Overlooking the design intent, I have used the DELL AC511 on my Dell 755 SFE and my Lenovo laptop. There is no power supply, the power is supplied through the USB cord. There is NO AUX JACK. Only the USB connection.
... The AC511 bypasses your sound card and you don't need any additonal software.
... If you dont have sound, look at your sound source in your computer. Should list the AC511 as a selection. True with Linux systems as well.
... If the sound is noisey, or scratchy, which may happen if plugged into the monitor, try a different USB port, try a port on the computer.
... The AC511 has head phone jacks on the side. If the jacks are noisy, try cleaning the jack and plug.
... The AC511 DOES NOT HAVE AN AUX JACK to plug in a MiniDisc player or MP3 player. Does not have that capability. Only USB input.
... The AC511 was designed to work on designated DELL monitors because DELL installed a USB port for the soundbar on the monitor. However, the AC511 does work on most computers with a USB port.
THE LAST WORD ... The Dell AC511 has a pretty good sound for a small-ish sound bar. It is a quality product and may be an answer for a computer with a bad sound card as the AC511 replaces that sound card. Sound control is from the volume control on the AC511 on the side and/or from the computer volume controls. The sound is rich and good quality. the only way you will get better sound is with separate speakers and then unless you add a sub woofer, you may not experience that big of a difference.
... For a laptop with those built in speakers or a computer that needs a set of speakers, this should work fine. All you need is a USB port.
I would recommend the DELL AC511 speaker sound bar.
R 160613 1255
on April 15, 2017
I wasn't expecting much when I ordered this but I've been pleasantly surprised. First you have to temper your expectations in the sense that you are only paying 20ish bucks. It's not going to sound better than a Klipsch 2.0 stereo speaker system that cost 150 bucks or other similarly priced speaker systems.
That said, for the PRICE it does what it needs to and sounds great. I am using this with a Dell U2715H monitor and haven't noticed any static, hiss, or popping sounds that others have mentioned, either when plugged into the USB port on the back or the ports on the bottom of the monitor. I'm guessing some of the non Dell ultrasharp monitors don't provide as clean USB power as the Dell ultrasharp line which probably uses better components.
If you don't have hearing problems, then it is plenty loud. I can watch my video lectures and clearly hear what the professor is saying. I can watch the occasional YouTube video and the sound quality is good enough to enjoy the content, and the same for music. Audio similarly sounds fine in games and was decent enough that I could still enjoy games with good musical soundtracks like bastion and transistor and still enjoy shooter games like borderlands. It's also similarly fine for movies, interstellar was still enjoyable using the sound bar. Of course if you have a great home theater system or great headphones it's probably better to watch on that or use your headphones if settling in for a longer listening session.
If you are someone who is not listening to audio on your computer constantly and you are not an audiophile and you are looking for something that is decent for the occasional audio content then this is great. It is better sounding to me than the Logitech z200 speakers I tested out at Fry's and better than the creative speakers up to the $50 range I found. The creative t20s sound better but also cost $90 and take a bunch of room up on your desk.
The only thing that would make this better would be if it could take the audio passed through HDMI/DisplayPort and send it directly to the Soundbar rather than having to connect the monitor to your computer. However it's not really advertised as being able to do that and I knew this going in so can't reasonably knock a star off for that.
So overall I give this great marks, it sounds good enough for the occasional audio content and takes up no desk space keeping your desk clean and clutter free.
Want better sound quality, buy this, it's only $20 (aka 4 coffees) and invest in a quality pair of audiotechnica or Sennheiser headphones for the moments you want a better listening experience and enjoy a nice clean workspace
That said, for the PRICE it does what it needs to and sounds great. I am using this with a Dell U2715H monitor and haven't noticed any static, hiss, or popping sounds that others have mentioned, either when plugged into the USB port on the back or the ports on the bottom of the monitor. I'm guessing some of the non Dell ultrasharp monitors don't provide as clean USB power as the Dell ultrasharp line which probably uses better components.
If you don't have hearing problems, then it is plenty loud. I can watch my video lectures and clearly hear what the professor is saying. I can watch the occasional YouTube video and the sound quality is good enough to enjoy the content, and the same for music. Audio similarly sounds fine in games and was decent enough that I could still enjoy games with good musical soundtracks like bastion and transistor and still enjoy shooter games like borderlands. It's also similarly fine for movies, interstellar was still enjoyable using the sound bar. Of course if you have a great home theater system or great headphones it's probably better to watch on that or use your headphones if settling in for a longer listening session.
If you are someone who is not listening to audio on your computer constantly and you are not an audiophile and you are looking for something that is decent for the occasional audio content then this is great. It is better sounding to me than the Logitech z200 speakers I tested out at Fry's and better than the creative speakers up to the $50 range I found. The creative t20s sound better but also cost $90 and take a bunch of room up on your desk.
The only thing that would make this better would be if it could take the audio passed through HDMI/DisplayPort and send it directly to the Soundbar rather than having to connect the monitor to your computer. However it's not really advertised as being able to do that and I knew this going in so can't reasonably knock a star off for that.
So overall I give this great marks, it sounds good enough for the occasional audio content and takes up no desk space keeping your desk clean and clutter free.
Want better sound quality, buy this, it's only $20 (aka 4 coffees) and invest in a quality pair of audiotechnica or Sennheiser headphones for the moments you want a better listening experience and enjoy a nice clean workspace
on March 16, 2016
I purchased this product for Dell monitor and Windows PC. Fits perfectly and easy to install. I purchased another one home (P2715Q) and had difficult time to make it working. The installation guide shows that you need to connect Sound bar with your monitor and then Monitor to your laptop (I have MacBook Pro). It didn't work! I also had to purchase additional cable because the Sound bar didn't have USB to USB cable. It didn't work either. Was very disappointed. However, customer support service did amazing work! That is why They contacted me and explained what to do. So, for everyone who has same difficulties:
Do not follow the instruction! You just need to hook the Sound Bar directly to the computer via a USB extension (comes with a product) instead of to the USB slot on the back of the monitor. You need to use only one cable instead of two. Also it can be a little problem if you don't have USB hub, because this cable is very short. Make sure you have it or you need to purchase another cable.
About sound: If you complain about bad sound - go and buy subwoofer or professional sound speakers. For this speaker size sound is really good! You pay for the compact product which doesn't take too much space on your desk, not for the perfect sound.
Do not follow the instruction! You just need to hook the Sound Bar directly to the computer via a USB extension (comes with a product) instead of to the USB slot on the back of the monitor. You need to use only one cable instead of two. Also it can be a little problem if you don't have USB hub, because this cable is very short. Make sure you have it or you need to purchase another cable.
About sound: If you complain about bad sound - go and buy subwoofer or professional sound speakers. For this speaker size sound is really good! You pay for the compact product which doesn't take too much space on your desk, not for the perfect sound.
on December 14, 2016
A little bit of context. I wanted to replace my affordable Logitech 2.1 system for something that has less clutter. I really don't need powerful sound for my office computer, and if I want higher quality audio I switch to my headphones.
Fortunately, my P2715Qs were listed as compatible with this speaker.
I expected to merely suffer through it, volume and quality wise, but it really isn't bad at all. It is noticeably lower quality than the 2.1 system it replaces, as should be expected given that it cost half as much and is probably 1/5th its overall size, but it's more than satisfactory for ordinary activities.
It is by no means a great system, but it is very impressive for the money, and it did substantially clean up my cables, both above and below the desk. It also has the pleasant side effect of covering the cables your monitor already has. It's fairly well thought out. I like that it has its own analog volume knob on the right since my keyboards lack true dedicated audio buttons/knobs, and while my headphones are wireless, I can see the benefit of the headphone jacks on the other side.
I gave it 5 stars because of the value, not for the outright performance. You're still better off with a larger and more expensive 2.1 if you care about high quality audio.
I've attached photos of my setup so you can see how it does or doesn't blend.
Fortunately, my P2715Qs were listed as compatible with this speaker.
I expected to merely suffer through it, volume and quality wise, but it really isn't bad at all. It is noticeably lower quality than the 2.1 system it replaces, as should be expected given that it cost half as much and is probably 1/5th its overall size, but it's more than satisfactory for ordinary activities.
It is by no means a great system, but it is very impressive for the money, and it did substantially clean up my cables, both above and below the desk. It also has the pleasant side effect of covering the cables your monitor already has. It's fairly well thought out. I like that it has its own analog volume knob on the right since my keyboards lack true dedicated audio buttons/knobs, and while my headphones are wireless, I can see the benefit of the headphone jacks on the other side.
I gave it 5 stars because of the value, not for the outright performance. You're still better off with a larger and more expensive 2.1 if you care about high quality audio.
I've attached photos of my setup so you can see how it does or doesn't blend.
on May 26, 2016
It's hard to believe that $20 will get you a sound bar this good. Is it great? No. Will you trade you Klipsch or B&O speakers for it. Never. But what you will get is an unobtrusive speaker bar that clips into the Dell UltraSharp monitor (U2415) and eliminates all the wires and power supply from your desk. It's easy to set up and easy to operate. Because it is USB based, the audio has some occasional static that is just slightly audible even at the highest gain. These speakers are crisp and clear for SKYPE, and are even just good enough for listening to a few tunes while you work. While definitely not the world's best speakers, they're a monster bargain at twenty bucks. Plus they look real fine attached to the monitor. In short, if you want a cheap, neat, clean, quality sound bar for your computer or monitor, this puppy is for you.Did I mention cheap? Because it is USB, it will likely work with any USB computer or operating system. I'm a Mac guy and the sound bar required ZERO software set-up.
on January 20, 2016
I think I expected too much when I bought this. I was really excited and I even paid extra for one day shipping. First off, it looks awesome on the new ultrasharp monitors with the slim bezels. The color matches the bezel and blends in nicely. I wish I took a picture of it while I still had it installed. All it needs to work is a normal USB port. It comes with a really long cable attached but I am pretty sure most monitors have one right underneath. It also comes with a circle volume adjuster and a headphone jack and mic input on the right side.
Sound wise is where it got me. I know, it's just a sound bar, its not going to be that good. I will say though, compared to other ones I have heard, it's probably the best. I originally bought it to use instead of my big monitors, because they have really bad white noise, and this did not. Some other reviews said they had static but I didn't get any while I was using it. It sounds decent and it gets pretty loud, which was surprising. It is great for just the occasional YouTube video or something but not that good for music, or anything with bass. Over all for the price it is worth it, but it just wasn't for me.
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Sound wise is where it got me. I know, it's just a sound bar, its not going to be that good. I will say though, compared to other ones I have heard, it's probably the best. I originally bought it to use instead of my big monitors, because they have really bad white noise, and this did not. Some other reviews said they had static but I didn't get any while I was using it. It sounds decent and it gets pretty loud, which was surprising. It is great for just the occasional YouTube video or something but not that good for music, or anything with bass. Over all for the price it is worth it, but it just wasn't for me.
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