It is always nice to listen to music or watch a good movie with high-quality sound. Today, the choice of audio systems is simply huge, and it’s easy for a person who does not understand such technology to get confused. Learn how to choose your home speakers for your preference. The speaker system should have not only an attractive appearance, but also optimal parameters for specific purposes.

Speaker Types - Short Description

Any speaker system consists of a complete set, which can be indicated by the numbers 2.0, 2.1, 3.1,5.1, 7.1. The first digit in this marking indicates the number of speakers (satellites), and the second indicates the presence of a subwoofer. That is, if the speakers are designated as 2.0, this means that they do not have a separate low-frequency speaker (subwoofer), and the lower bass is built into the speakers themselves.

Dividing the system into main speakers and a subwoofer allows you to get better, surround sound, creating the effect of presence. The more accompanying speakers the system has, the better and more effective the sound.

Consider what types of columns exist:

  1. Computer The simplest and cheapest PC speakers do not have a subwoofer. There are those that consist of system 2.1, 3.1. As a rule, acoustics for computers are small and designed for desktop placement. Speakers can be connected not only to a stationary PC, but also to a laptop, tablet, smartphone.
  2. Floor standing. These are more powerful and dimensional audio systems used in home theaters and large rooms. To reduce vibrations on the floor and walls and make the sound clearer, the floor speakers are equipped with special stands made of stone (granite, marble). Cheaper models have rubber coasters. The floor type of acoustics is more sensitive than others and is demanding on amplifiers.
  3. Ceiling. Not too large speakers placed under the ceiling can be used both front satellites, and as two-channel audio systems. They are suitable for small rooms and are very practical in that they take up little space.
  4. At the racks. Such speakers are placed on the floor, but differ from ordinary floor standing speakers. They are not large, and their speakers are designed for installation at a certain height. It is thanks to the correct placement that you can get a spectacular, surround sound. The height of the racks in most models is adjustable.
  5. Soundbars The difference between such acoustics is that all elements and channels are placed in one horizontal panel. Outwardly, the speaker looks primitive and simple, but in terms of sound quality, it can exceed 5.1 and 7.1 systems. This effect is achieved thanks to high-tech algorithms that feed signals from the amplifier to the speakers separately. This is one of the most expensive types of home audio systems.
  6. Portable. Usually this is just one column, capable of working autonomously from 4-5 to 20 hours. Connection with devices is via Bluetooth. This type of acoustics is focused on use in a small room or outside the house. Portable speakers have become an excellent solution for relaxation, they are loved by young people and travelers. For high-quality mobile speakers, the sound is quite powerful, clean and surround. Although, of course, you can’t call it a full-fledged audio system.

These are the main types of home speakers that can be purchased today in our market.

Key Features and Their Importance

Large and beautiful-looking speakers may have very weak characteristics.Conversely, compact and inconspicuous are able to surpass larger systems with power and purity of sound. The sound quality depends on the technical parameters. To select truly good speakers, you need to learn to understand the basic criteria of performance.

Speaker power

It is worth noting immediately that the power indicator is not a volume indicator. This factor indicates how long the speaker can sound at maximum volume without distortion, wheezing and other noise. It is important that the speaker power level is below the amplifier power level. Otherwise, the system will burn out very quickly from excessive load.

In the parameters, two types of power are distinguished - peak and root mean square. Regardless of what type of speakers you choose, you should pay attention to the root mean square indicator. It determines the duration of the speaker at high volume without distortion and overload.

The optimal indicator for home acoustics can be considered the total speaker power in the range of 40-70 watts.

Number of stripes

This characteristic indicates the number of speakers in the column. For example, small computer speakers most often have only one lane. 3.1 systems can stand out from 2-way speakers. One of the best are three-way audio systems, where the separation is high, medium and low frequencies. There are more advanced systems with dividing sound into 4-5 and even 7 channels.

The more bands the acoustics have, the better and more versatile is its sound.

Frequency response

The amplitude-frequency characteristic (AFC) is the dependence of the amplitude of the sound at the output on the frequency of the reproduced signal. Frequency response is usually shown in graphs. The range of these frequencies is displayed in hertz and kilohertz, and any deviations in decibels. In the equipment passport it is indicated in hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz). This is an important indicator, but for a person who does not understand all the intricacies of musical equipment, it is useless.

In simple words, the smoother the frequency response graph for a speaker, the better. Sharp fluctuations and bursts indicate that the speakers distort the sound.

To choose the right audio system according to the frequency response parameters, it is better to consult a specialist.

Sound coding system

Today, there are various digital encodings of sound, allowing you to play it in volume. First came the “stereo” effect, then formats like Dolby Stereo Surround. These encodings assume the separation of sound into several channels, due to which the effect of presence and complete immersion in sound is achieved.

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Not every speaker system is capable of reading and reproducing sound in multi-channel encodings. Single-loudspeakers may also have stereo sound, but they will not be able to convey all the luxury of a multi-channel system.

Those who want to listen to their speakers audio files in modern surround encoding, should buy a 3.5 or 7-channel speakers and a player that reads formats such as Blu-ray.

Phase inverter

High-quality modern speakers are equipped with a bass reflex. This is a certain pipe or hole located in the speaker housing. The resonance of this element allows you to expand the low frequency range. In systems consisting of small satellites and a subwoofer, the bass reflex is installed only in the low-frequency column.

For small rooms it is better to choose speakers with side or front bass reflex. In large halls, speakers with side and rear locations for this part are used.

Body material

Columns are made from a variety of materials. Case quality also affects sound.

A variety of materials that make the body of audio systems:

  • plastic;
  • MDF;
  • Chipboard;
  • natural wood;
  • glass;
  • plexiglass;
  • marble or granite;
  • metal.

The most popular today are plastic speakers. Good durable plastic does not distort the sound and is quite suitable for lining speakers.In addition, it is the cheapest material.

The best equipment is considered wooden. Natural wood has unique acoustic properties and improves sound. For large and low-frequency speakers, a stone is suitable, it muffles the distortion of the bass. A good choice would be a system of MDF and particleboard. But glass and metal do not in the best way affect the reproducibility of sound notes. Here a lot depends on the number of bands, the size of the speakers and the room.

Additional functionality

Additional functions include wireless control (using the remote control), as well as the ability to configure each speaker separately. Such options are present in more expensive models.

Some systems have a display that displays all current settings. A very convenient extension that allows you to configure the speakers not only by ear, but also visually.

Some speakers may have additional wall mounts. This is very convenient for those who have a small computer desk (if the system is bought specifically for a PC).

If we compare the wireless speakers and ordinary speakers, then the sound quality of the latter clearly benefit. Despite the convenience of portable audio systems, a wireless signal loses some of the power and clarity of sound.

Rating

So, now you know how to correctly select the columns, given their parameters and characteristics. We present the rating of the best home models with optimal parameters and good reviews.

Edifier R980T

Edifier R980T

A small stereo pair of speakers (2.0) has an output power of 24 W and a front phase inverter. Acoustics are designed for desktop placement. Speakers are perfect for a computer. The body is made of MDF in a stylish black color. The equipment looks expensive and solid.

The model has a frequency range of 70-20000 Hz and a class D digital amplifier. The speakers are designed in a 2-way scheme, based on 4-inch bass speakers. On the back of the case there are toggle switches for adjusting the reproduced volume and bass level.

pros
  • stylish design;
  • there are settings on each column;
  • good, strong bass;
  • clear sound, no hissing and wheezing;
  • inexpensive.
Minuses
  • switch on the back; it is not always convenient to reach for it;
  • few high frequencies;
  • not very high quality wires.

Edifier r12u

Edifier r12u
The Edifier R12U is a practical choice of speakers for your tablet or computer. Small but powerful speakers total 4 watts. On the front panel of the acoustics is a phase inverter and a toggle switch. The case is made of plastic and is presented in 3 colors: red, black, white.

The range of reproduced frequencies of the speakers is 180-20000 Hz. Speakers are connected via a USB connector. Also, the model has a linear mini jack output and a headphone jack.

pros
  • lightweight, compact;
  • there is control on the front of the case;
  • very good bass;
  • inactive completely silent;
  • cheap.
Minuses
  • at maximum volume they may wheeze a little (depending on the music);
  • glossy plastic quickly gets dirty;
  • if operated for a long time and at a loud sound, they get very hot.

SVEN SPS-820

SVEN SPS-820

The 2.1 speaker system in an elegant design has a total output of 38 watts. A distinctive feature of the model is the possibility of desktop and wall placement. The body is made of MDF, which positively affects the sound quality. The range of reproducible frequencies is 20-20000 Hz. On the front of the case there are regulators through which you can adjust the treble and bass. The bass reflex on the subwoofer greatly enhances bass.

The sound quality of this acoustics will please both lovers of computer games and music lovers.

pros
  • clear, high-quality sound on all ranges;
  • high level of strength, serve for a very long time;
  • very high-quality housing that does not wipe with time;
  • very powerful volume; glass can rattle in a small room;
  • the ability to adjust the bass and treble;
  • No noise from mobile phone.
Minuses
  • short wires.

Microlab Solo-2 mk3

Microlab Solo-2 mk3

Model SOLO-2 is positioned as an audio system for a player or computer.Its power is enough to fill the large room in the house with sound. The body of the equipment is made of MDF under a dark wood. The phase inverter is displayed on the rear panel. The total power of the speakers is 60 watts, which is an excellent indicator. On the rear panel are volume controls, high and low frequencies. The audio equipment uses a powerful amplifier with a microcircuit from ST Microelectronics. Thanks to this, the level of distortion at high volume is minimized.

pros
  • stylish, strict design;
  • reliable strong case;
  • very clean and powerful sound;
  • good bass.
Minuses
  • the bass reflex is located behind, so do not put the speaker close to the wall;
  • in inactive mode, a rumble from the amplifier can be heard;
  • wires are not as high quality as the speakers themselves;
  • high price.
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If you make a comparison of the models in the ranking, the first place should be given to the acoustics SVEN SPS-820. She has the best value for money. It will allow you to arrange a real disco at home, enjoy immersion in a computer game, comfortably watch a good movie.

But we should not forget that it all depends on the personal preferences of each user. And if the speakers are needed only for easy musical accompaniment while working on a PC, then there is no need to take expensive ones. While music lovers, it makes sense to fork out for a more “sophisticated” audio system.