IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII (pair plus ARC mic)

For students looking to maximize desk space without sacrificing what IK refers to as “physics-defying sound,” the iLoud MTM MKII speakers are a no-brainer. The full kit, priced at $799, comes with a pair of 3.5” high-performance woofers and a 1″ high-def tweeter to sandwich between them. (The components can be bought separately.) It’s not just that the speakers are small, but that they’re designed specifically for small spaces. Another major selling point is its Automatic Room Correction (ARC) technology, which auto-adjusts the EQ to any room using a mic (comes with the kit), a simple enough process for even audio noobs. Download IK’s free X-Monitor software to access 20 studio monitor presets, letting you test how your audio might sound from a phone speaker or car, for example. While these professional-grade, albeit compact speakers are marketed to producers and engineers, gamers who prioritize sound quality, no matter when or where, simply can’t do better.