If the survey, conducted by Strategy Analytics is correct, the sound quality of speakers has not improved, it is just that standards of the world are slumping.

Strategy Analytics said that just over half of people aged between 18 and 65 named their computer's speakers as a musical source.

The Standalone radio was the next most popular option, with 43 per cent. Headphones on a portable device was done by 41 per cent and TV speakers, 35 per cent. Before smart arses post below that that adds up to more than 100 per cent, users were able to make more than one choice.

Only 14 per cent said that they still use a hi-fi system, indicating that the era of the dedicated music-playing setup is well and truly on the way out. Wireless speaker systems are only being used by 9 per cent of those questioned.

So users indicate that they can listen to the awful audio quality of their plastic backed six inch speakers until their ears bleed, which they probably do,

More than 46 per cent of those questioned said that they're 'very satisfied' with what they're using, with another 42 per cent saying that they're 'somewhat satisfied'.

David Watkins, Strategy Analytics' director of Connected Home Devices said music's focus over the past decade has been about usability and convenience - being able to get it on as many devices as possible. In such a nightmare scenario sound quality is irrelevant, you just need noise and content delivered.

"It's bred a generation of listeners who've never really known what it's like to listen to high quality sound and, consequently, is already sounding the death knell for the likes of the hi-fi system."

Watkins said that while many people are interested in hi-fi they cannot be bothered buying one.

"There is an appetite among consumers to go beyond the limitations of what they get today but companies face a tough job in convincing people to upgrade to more expensive equipment." he said.