Why are most if not all, desktop PC speakers designed to use a 3.5mm Jack connector with a USB cable just for the power? Surely one can find some that send the audio and the power too, over a single USB cable? Does anyone know of any? I'm scouring Amazon and having no luck, seems totally insane.

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OK just found this, but it seems this is not very common:

https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Spe...92862&sprefix=usb+pc+speakers,aps,169&sr=8-58

 

Not insane at all.
The PC jack is for analog audio, which a USB cable cannot carry, being strictly digital.

 

Not insane at all.
The PC jack is for analog audio, which a USB cable cannot carry, being strictly digital.

So is TCP strictly digital.

 

So is TCP strictly digital.

What's TCP and what does that have to do with the discussion?

 

What's TCP and what does that have to do with the discussion?

Audio can be digitized, that's all I'm pointing out, as for TCP I assumed it was well known that this is Transmission Control Protocol as used for the internet, as you know I can listen to audio on the internet despite that audio originating as analog. I have a pair of headphones that are 100% USB for example.

 

If Iook up USB speakers, nearly all take sound over USB, many have bluetooth, and some have an audio jack as well.

 

USB speakers could include an audio CODEC chip and amp capable of driving a speaker:
https://www.cmedia.com.tw/applications/speaker
But that costs more, and every computer built this century includes a 3.5 mm audio output. And running a speaker from 5V USB doesn't allow drawing very much power, so you're likely to end up with speakers that cost more and don't play as loud.

 

Audio can be digitized, that's all I'm pointing out,

Did you somehow think I didn't know that?

 

They really aren't uncommon. Monitor sound bars are usually USB-connected, with their own sound card to drive the amp.

Here is a random AliExpress search and there are many options.

 

Actually, having wall-powered speakers for home use is a much better solution. Even if the wall wart is a nuisance, at least from a design standpoint, it is a better solution.
Cheaper elsewhere but...

One very nice feature that the PCs have ignored is a separate subwoofer volume control. And yes, the small speakers have cloth covers. Actually, I prefer them over the Bose. YMMV