How to choose speakers for your TV?

Types of speaker systems for TV

Skip the information about types and choices and go straight to the best TV speaker systems.

Devices for sound reproduction are divided into professional, inexpensive and budget models. Professional studio-quality systems for audiophiles usually come with prohibitive price tags. Relatively inexpensive devices have good sound and good equipment. And finally, budget acoustics generally have average sound and minor drawbacks.

Audio systems are also divided into active and passive devices. The main difference is in the way the amplifier is installed. In active speakers it is located inside. In passive systems, the power part is installed in a separate housing, and the speakers are connected using a wire.

Since modern TVs have rather average sound quality, new options for additional acoustics have begun to appear. In addition to the usual home theaters, to achieve high-quality surround sound, you can install the following elements:

• soundbar;
• stereo system;
• subwoofer;
• central audio systems;
• multimedia center;
• wireless speakers;
• rear speakers.

Types of TV speakers

A high-quality speaker should be three-dimensional; this ensures deep and clear sound reproduction. An important parameter is the presence of air to create vibrations. However, modern TVs themselves are flat, and there is simply nowhere to fit a good speaker. The result is a rather thin sound that cannot provide the depth of transmission of the atmosphere of a high-quality picture on the screen.

Another important nuance is that standard television speakers are not always directed in the right direction. Additional sound dispersion also does not add quality to the final sound.

The solution is to purchase an additional audio system, configure and debug it. A detailed analysis of the topic is offered in the video

When selecting speakers for your TV, you should start by clarifying the capabilities of your TV model, as well as the availability of special connectors for audio systems. They come in several types.

TV speakers have a classification based on the equipment and system configuration:

• just separate columns;
• media support centers;
• stereophonic systems;
• home cinemas (complexes of devices of different sizes and purposes, placed around the perimeter of the room).

When installing additional gadgets for sound reproduction, an amplifier and special cables will also come in handy to place the speakers in the right place in the room chosen for viewing.

Active or passive

The key difference in speakers of this type is the presence of a built-in amplifier.

In active versions it is present and due to this, the sound is enhanced and the power of the overall sound flow increases.

Passive gadgets do not have a built-in amplifier and are more designed to be built into an existing audio system. For better sound, you will need to purchase a receiver and amplifier separately.

Design features

A lot depends on the design features of the column. The most common forms of columns are:

• rectangle or square;
• pyramid;
• ball.

Despite this, the form may be different. However, rectangular analogues are still the most optimal.

In addition to the geometric shape, the material used to make the speaker body is important. Plastic options are considered the cheapest, but do not provide the highest quality. It is best for the column to be made of chipboard, MDF or fiberboard (i.e. have a wooden base).

Based on the arrangement of elements on the body, closed speakers are distinguished, as well as more complex models with a bass reflex, which are more complex equipment for subwoofers.

Stereo speakers and multi-channel systems

Depending on the purpose of using TV speakers, there are several options:

• devices that operate on two channels, that is, stereo systems. Usually consist of two speakers that are placed on either side of the TV;
• multi-channel analogues providing more surround sound. In this case, the system consists of several types of columns that perform a specific function.

Multichannel systems, as the name implies, operate across multiple playback channels. Specialized equipment is used for different tasks and frequencies:

• front speakers with full-range speakers that create the basis for sound reproduction;
• main speaker with surround sound, which is responsible for deeper reproduction of low frequencies;
• subwoofer that generates bass and low frequencies;
• small rear speakers designed to provide the effect of full presence;
• auxiliary side speakers are usually considered additional and are especially relevant when there is a large area or a complex layout.

Wireless and cable headphones are also a means of reproducing sound of fairly good quality, but are not considered in this review.

By connection method

Speaker systems are connected through several types of connectors that modern TVs are equipped with:

• SCART is a universal connector. This is a wideband plug that is responsible for transmitting both audio and video signals, as well as control commands;
• The tulip or composite AV plug was commonly used on earlier models and is also often referred to by the acronym RCA. It is needed to create a stereo effect. Typically consists of two different-colored outputs: red (right) and white (left);
• In some brands, analog outputs for connecting sound are relevant, usually there are two of them - on each side of the TV;
• the headset is often connected via the TRS-jack standard;
• There is also a universal digital standard HDMI port. This option provides the highest standard of audio quality on your TV. It is the most advanced at the moment.
• The TV may also be equipped with an optical output, which also transmits audio signals; it is often also called a digital input.

How to choose speakers for your TV

To choose high-quality acoustics, you don’t need to buy expensive studio equipment or spend long nights mastering the equalizer. Modern solutions allow you to get decent sound quality without lengthy settings and complex connections.

In order to decide on the choice of a specific audio system, you must first become familiar with the variety of devices. To do this, you need to roughly understand what content will be played. For example, if a TV is purchased exclusively for watching movies with a lot of action scenes, then the presence of a subwoofer and rear speakers is mandatory. For quieter films and lyrical music, on the contrary, a central audio system is better suited.

The system housing plays an important role. For example, if the dimensions of the soundbar are too large, problems may arise when installing it under a TV. It may be that the high walls of the speakers will block the view. Power indicators that are too bright can distract from viewing at night. Finally, bulky home theater systems may simply not fit in a small apartment.

Before purchasing, you should familiarize yourself with the additional features of your audio device. You need to figure out what positive or negative aspects it has. It is important to determine the ratio of price and quality, and for this you should understand the importance of the main characteristics. The TV acoustics rating will help you choose the best option.

You might also be interested in: 10 Best Headphones for Music

Acoustics for home cinema

To achieve truly good sound, it is not enough to buy a pair of speakers. To completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of what is happening, you need a soundbar with a central audio system and rear speakers.

YAMAHA NS-C444

A closed-type central audio system with two woofers and an acoustic suspension inside. The main task of the device is to transmit human speech correctly and without distortion. And this system does an excellent job without distorting even a low male voice.

Since the system will always be visible, it must have an acceptable appearance. Luxurious piano varnish applied to the MDF body will highlight the design of any TV. Strict black color and consistent shapes will be appropriate in both large and small rooms.

The built-in speakers are made of durable PMD membranes. The proprietary composite is wear-resistant, does not dry out and retains its elasticity.

Pros:

• a stable aluminum frame that allows the speakers to vibrate at high speed without damage;
• screw terminals are used to connect the cable - this type of connection has high-quality contact and also significantly speeds up installation time;
• The frequency response ranges from 55 Hz to 55 kHz.

Minuses:

• the glossy surface collects dust strongly;
• At maximum volume you can hear some noise.

Customer Reviews

Vladimir The central speaker is simply super, the sound is incredibly crystalline and clear, powerful. Maximum volume is not needed, I did not bother the neighbors. Personally, I didn’t hear any wheezing. I thought that the speaker would be smaller, but it turned out that it was larger than the receiver, even bulky. Very stylish design, the body is covered with black piano lacquer. I recommend to all. Definitely worth the price!

Feodosius K. This acoustic system works for me in combination with NS777, NS333 and YST-FSW100 subwoofer. I am absolutely satisfied with the sound, design and workmanship too. A very harmonious set. Watching movies with high-quality sound has become inexpressibly pleasant. Even familiar films make a new impression, you can hear something you haven’t heard before, sounds and dialogues are not confused and balanced. Of course, if good quality and multi-channel sound is recorded. I recommend to buy!

Samsung SWA-9000S

Stylish rear speakers with wireless connection to the soundbar. These speakers are not an independent product, but serve only as an addition. Therefore, you should not expect high volume or massive bass. The total power of the speakers is 160 W.

Thanks to the frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, as well as the high quality of interfacing with the main system, you can achieve surround sound. It is the rear speakers that contribute to the effect of full presence

The dark metal grille on the speakers will fit perfectly into the interior of the apartment and make them more invisible. The speaker housing has a hole for wall mounting.

Pros:

• the base has a built-in WiFi module and is able to connect to a soundbar without unnecessary wires;
• the translucent silver cable is barely noticeable, allowing for virtually unnoticeable installation;
• The connectors have different colors; it is impossible to make a mistake when connecting speakers.

Minuses:

• Quite low volume;
• The module to which the speakers are connected does not have a wall mount.

Customer Reviews

Veronica M. My husband and I chose and settled on this model - the best value for money. Connected at home without any problems. The speakers are powerful, we immediately sat down to watch Guardians of the Galaxy, we watched it as if it was completely different... the sound is dynamic, but at the same time smooth, every sound is clearly audible. We don't regret buying this model. We definitely recommend purchasing

Name Absolutely cool, I finished it, I took the Samsung HW-MS6500 to the soundbar, the sound became voluminous and rich all around, and if, for example, a train passes in a film, then you really feel it on the left and then on the right as it moves. I didn’t expect miracles from these speakers, I thought they would complement the sound a little, I didn’t expect them, I’m delighted. I recommend! and you don’t need to run wires from the soundbar to the rear speakers; that’s the whole point of this acoustic system: the soundbar + these rear speakers. I plan to buy an additional subwoofer; the price is steep, but even without it I’m extremely pleased with the sound. The sound is great both from the movie pub and from the ottplayer in edem.tv, I was just afraid that these programs would somehow cut the sound tracks or volume, I’m an amateur in these matters, but no, everything is cool!

HECO Victa Prime Center 102

The acoustics are designed for the center channel, which is mainly designed for human speech in films and lyrics in music. The column more than copes with its immediate task. Thanks to two woofers and one tweeter, a frequency range of 35 Hz to 40 kHz is achieved.

Good sound quality also depends on securely fastening the speaker wire. The system housing has a screw terminal made of metal. Thanks to the screw mechanism, quick installation is possible with a reliable connection and minimal losses.

Pros:

• the front part of the case has a removable cover, which, in addition to its decorative function, protects the speaker membrane from mechanical damage;
• the speaker system is made of MDF, which gives a clear and pleasant sound output, unlike cheap plastic analogues;
• the impedance is 8 Ohms and the maximum power is 140 W, which will allow the speakers to pass through a more powerful signal from the amplifier.

Minuses:

• no wireless connection;
• It is not possible to make separate volume adjustments.

Customer Reviews

Damir I assembled a speaker system for my home theater and this speaker is located directly under my screen, and two long speakers from the same company are on either side of it. I want to say that the speaker is worth the money. It has a wooden body that is very well made. The filling is also good, high-quality membranes are used, in general I am sure that it will serve me for many years. I am very pleased with the quality of the sound produced. It is loud, but at the same time clean, without interference or grumbling.

Oleg A. I decided to assemble the speaker system myself and purchased such a speaker for it. I really liked her. First of all, I would like to note that it is made of wood. This is the best choice for this type of equipment; wood will protect against vibrations and speaker failure or deterioration in sound quality. The speaker is very good, powerful, 150 W. Produces high-quality sound and pleases the ear.

We recommend that you read: 15 best projectors for organizing a home theater

Acoustic kits

In some cases, it is better to buy a ready-made audio system kit. Such speakers will be made in the same style, and the sound quality will be at the same level. The rating is completed by the best acoustic sets for TV.

1.VECTOR HX 5.0

A basic cinema set suitable for almost any genre of audio listening. The rear and front speakers will provide surround sound, and the center channel will take over the bulk of the high and low frequencies. The total power of the set is 500 W, which is quite enough for an average room.

The design of the acoustics is not overloaded with unnecessary elements and is made in a simple style. A dark case with decorative veneer will be an interesting addition to the TV and give it a more expensive look. The case does not have bright indicators or unnecessary backlights, which means it will not distract from viewing content in the dark.

Screw terminals are used for installation. This fastening method does not require special tools. This technology is distinguished by the reliability and quality of the audio cable connection.

Pros:

• due to their weight, floor-standing speakers have a stable position;
• the speaker membrane is protected by a removable fabric mesh;
• The system is capable of covering the frequency range from 28 Hz to 33 kHz.

Minuses:

• there is no way to control the volume and functions of the cinema using the remote control;
• You cannot adjust the sound using the equalizer.

Customer Reviews

Vanya P. An excellent find for those who like to have good sound at home, watch movies on a projector, and just listen to the radio. I use it with an Onkyo TX-NR525 AV receiver. Now, if desired, the speakers can output sound from computers and TVs. I placed the speakers on stands, ran the wires, and connected them using a banana connector. Completely satisfied with the power and frequency range. I don’t need a subwoofer for them, when I set them up for myself, I even removed a little low end.

Anatoly Great sound! I changed several acoustic options and settled on this one. Up to 50 thousand rubles you definitely won’t buy anything better. The set plays better than those that are twice as expensive. I was struck by the detailed and balanced sound, and the power and depth of the bass was in no way compatible with the size of the speakers and speakers. I am delighted and definitely recommend everyone to buy this device.

TOP 10 best models

The rating below includes speakers that are in highest demand among buyers and receive the most positive reviews.

Best budget model

Defender Aurora S20. This is a system of a pair of two-way computer speakers with a power of 10 W each. Dimensions - 7.6x25 cm, frequency range - 20-20000 Hz. The speaker is connected using a mini-jack connector and is powered from the network with standard parameters. The speakers are made of MDF panels, equipped with two controls - for volume and timbre of low-range frequencies. They are suitable for small rooms.

The most powerful model

LG SK10Y. This is a 5.1 system. (soundbar) with a total speaker output power of 550 W. It can be connected in several ways: in addition to the line input, there is an HDMI connector and an optical audio input. The subwoofer connects via Bluetooth. There is an Ethernet socket and mini-jack, Wi-Fi support. The kit includes a horizontal panel (for wall mounting), a subwoofer and a remote control. This is ideal for LG TVs.

Best wireless model

Edifier R2730DB. The speaker includes a pair of three-way speakers, the total power of which is 136 W. They can be connected via Bluetooth, RCA, optical or coaxial input. There are adjustments for high and low frequencies, as well as the ability to connect a subwoofer. The kit includes a remote control.

Best Active Model

JBL Bar 2.1. This is an active audio system that is capable of creating surround sound thanks to two elements: a soundbar and a subwoofer. Output power - 300 W. Connectors: USB, optical and analog. The subwoofer connects via Bluetooth. The panel can be placed on a shelf or attached to a wall. Control is from the remote control.

Best floor model

YAMAHA NS-777. These are two passive three-way speakers with an impressive frequency response of 30Hz to 35kHz and an input power of 100W. High and low channels are connected separately using a screw connector. The height of the speakers is 1.1 m, each weight is 24.4 kg.

The best speakers with optical input

Edifier S760 D. These are speakers with a 5.1 optical input configuration and a power of 540 W. This system, in addition to RCA connectors for audio and video, has three jacks for connecting using an optical cable, which allows you to connect the speakers to several high-quality sound sources at once. The model is equipped with two remote controls: wired and wireless.

Best 5.1 model

Sony BDV-E3100. This is a home theater that is ideal for working with Sony Bravia TVs. In addition to five speakers and a subwoofer (total power 1000 W), the kit includes a receiver that is capable of playing popular video and audio formats, as well as playing several types of discs and receiving radio in the FM range. You can connect a keyboard (via USB port), external hard drives and an iPod to the device. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth supported.

Best 7.1 model

YAMAHA YSP-5600. This soundbar's small and powerful 128W drivers easily rival a set of eight separate speakers. Connection options include linear, coaxial, optical, HDMI or Bluetooth inputs. The speaker is characterized by support for common digital formats, AirPlay and Wi-Fi. There is an Ethernet connector.

Best frontal model

YAMAHA NS-6490. This is a pair of passive three-way stereo speakers for front placement. Their rated power is 70 W, frequency range is 45 Hz-23 kHz. The speaker is a classic, time-tested option.

Best wall model

JBL Bar Studio. This is a lightweight (1.4 kg) and compact soundbar that can be easily attached to a wall or placed on a shelf. The power of 30 W allows you to use the model for TV sound in a small room, in particular in the kitchen. Connections via HDMI, optical cable, line-in or Bluetooth are provided. There is a remote control and a wall mount.

So, external speaker systems are optimal for solving sound issues when used with a TV, PC and other devices for playing music. Taking into account the size of the room, connection features, interests and capabilities of the buyer, the acoustics will last for many years without complaints or calls to professionals.