23. Choosing speaker systems for the home

General criteria for selecting speakers

Next, we will help you choose the right speaker model based on the existing characteristics.

Acoustics

First, let's try to figure out what the characteristics “2.0”, “5.1” and the like, which are found in descriptions of audio equipment, mean.

1.0 – portable speakers . The sound quality is not very good, but they are travel-friendly due to their small size. Read more about how to choose portable speakers here.

2.0 – two front speakers . The effects are in stereo mode, your favorite melodies are perfectly voiced, and the sound is clearly transmitted when broadcasting movies.

2.1 – two front speakers and a subwoofer . The bass is sent to the subwoofer, and other frequencies are sent to the speakers. If you place the first device on the floor and the satellites on the table, watching movies will give you maximum pleasure; all sound effects are perfectly reproduced. This system is not suitable for lovers of high-quality music sound, because the subwoofer drops low frequencies and the sound is slightly distorted.

4.0 – two rear and two front speakers . Provides clear stereo sound, designed for film buffs, but also quite suitable for enjoying music.

4.1 – two rear and two front speakers, complemented by another speaker with a subwoofer.

5.1 – two front speakers, two rear speakers, center and subwoofer . Maximum sound effect guaranteed. Designed for lovers of high-quality films and games with special effects.

Power

Here you need to rely not on your preferences, but on the scale of the room. For an average apartment, 25-40 watts per channel is quite enough. If the room is large or your own home, 50-70 watts is acceptable. For those who purchase audio equipment for parties, 60-150 Watt is suitable for a large room, and from 120 Watt for an outdoor format.

Models of music centers have been created for discos, in which the emphasis is placed specifically on performance and low frequencies. The best representative of this class is called Sony Shake-66D or LG CM9540. If you buy such equipment for a room, the sound will not reflect the proper quality and bass; it is designed for a different space.

Frequency range

Clear and pure sound is guaranteed when the frequency bands approach the range of frequencies that can be heard by hearing: from 20 to 20 thousand Hertz. High-quality equipment produces sound with higher performance levels. The lower the frequency, the stronger the bass, and the shooting in games and movies is much brighter. So bass lovers should pay attention to speakers that reproduce a frequency of 10 Hertz, while music lovers will prefer up to 40 thousand Hertz.

Material

It's not just the design, the sound also depends on the materials. For example, a wooden case gives better sound quality than a plastic one. Even at high volumes, rattling and extraneous noise should not appear. If the model has legs, check that they are attached well to the body and that they are the same length. If the speaker does not stand level, the sound will also “float”.

Models made from MDF are considered to be of the highest quality; those made from chipboard are more fragile and do not tolerate moisture well. Plastic ones wear out quickly. Aluminum protects the body well, but distorts the sound.

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.

TV speakers

TV speakers have their own sound characteristics, which also need to be taken into account when purchasing.

1. Sensitivity . Responsible for the volume of the sound; the higher it is, the louder the sound. If the indicators are high, then an amplifier is not needed, the data for this indicator is noted in the technical book. Acoustics with low sensitivity reach up to 88 decibels, with high sensitivity - from 94 to 102 decibels.
2. Power . An important rule here: the power of the amplifier should not be higher than the power of the speakers, otherwise the equipment will simply burn out. For a small room - up to 17 square meters, 80 watts is enough.
3. Frame . The best is considered to be one equipped with a bass reflex; a closed type option would be simpler. If you need low frequencies, we choose floor-standing speakers, and for high frequencies, we choose ones installed on shelves.
4. Soundbar . It is called a “magic wand” that will improve any audio system. For the TV, you should choose an acoustic stand when the equipment is placed on a speaker.

The dimensions of the speaker must fit the TV stand!

Models from this series from LG, Maxell, Panasonic and Denon have proven themselves well. Excellent sound, when watching movies you get the feeling that the sound is coming directly from the center. But there is also a negative point. The stand-mounted soundbar does not cover a wide range and low bass may be felt. High-quality models provide an excellent level, but their design is poorly designed for TVs.

If you are sure that you cannot do without a soundbar, it is worth considering the following points:

1. If the device will be located far from the TV, it is recommended to equip the equipment with a Bluetooth receiver. The aptX audio codec will provide good sound, but it is important to consider that wireless speakers for a TV are characterized by signal instability.
2. For a room of 20 square meters, you can choose a power of 50 watts. If the TV will be placed in a room that is about 30 square meters, it is better to choose a power potential of 100 watts. Further - in increasing order. The main thing is to find out when purchasing whether the TV, according to its parameters, can transmit sound through a stand or a set of sound bars.

Read more about how to connect speakers to your TV.

The best floorstanding speakers

The most traditional and popular type of acoustic speakers is floor-standing. This type of acoustics is characterized by its large size and full sound range. Floor-standing speakers tend to reproduce low tones better and play louder than other types of acoustics at the same power.

Heco Celan Revolution 7 – expensive, but worth it

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

Celan Revolution 7 floor-standing speakers from the world-famous Heco brand are distinguished by a beveled top panel and a stable podium made of brushed aluminum on massive spikes. The latter are height adjustable for more precise installation on uneven floors.

Pros:

• Bi-Amping/Wiring connection;
• Heco Kraft paper diffusers;
• Fluktus tweeter with PFC Dome fabric dome;
• natural timbres.

Minuses:

• price 200 thousand rubles.

Despite the somewhat futuristic design, the Heco Celan Revolution 7 speakers will not only harmoniously complement any interior, but will also make the room more modern and respectable.

Dali Oberon 7 – luxury speakers

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Oberon 7 speakers from Dali, which replaced the Zensor line, are distinguished by improved speakers, the magnetic systems of which are developed based on elements made from proprietary SMC material. The total nominal power of the system is 150 W per channel, the frequency range is greatly expanded towards the highs (36-26000 Hz), the number of bands is 2. The average cost of such acoustics is 72 thousand rubles.

Pros:

• realistic “live” sound;
• independence of sound quality from proximity to the wall;
• tweeter dome – textile, impregnated;
• the magnetic gap of the tweeter is filled with a special liquid so as not to “sand”;
• Titanium-tinted aluminum base.

Minuses:

• Not designed for listening to complex orchestral music.

The body of the Dali Oberon 7 speaker is made of high-density MDF and reinforced with two cross braces. All internal surfaces of the product, including the front panel, are covered with damping material to protect against unnecessary vibrations.

Canton GLE 476.2 – high-quality speakers at a reasonable price

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

An external feature of the Canton GLE 476.2 floor-standing speaker system is an aluminum-manganese tweeter housing built into a 0.9-inch lacquered baffle. The speakers are characterized by a high degree of sound transparency and lack of compression even at high volumes. You can buy these for an average of 44 thousand rubles.

Pros:

• bass reflex;
• Wave Surround technology;
• two-color stylish design;
• veneer finishing.

Minuses:

• To obtain clear sound, you should leave a gap of 20-30 cm from the speaker to the wall.

The GLE 476.2 model from Canton differs from the previous version of the manufacturer in its compactness, as well as the use of a 2.5-way circuit with bass-reflex acoustic design. This solution is optimal in the mid-budget price range.

READ ALSO

10 best smart speakers

Home theater speakers

In home theaters, speakers are divided into:

• central, provide quality and sound effects;
• front ones, play music and audio effects;
• rear, support acoustics in general.

If there is no subwoofer, then the bass sound deteriorates and the playback load is scattered on the front speakers.

There are wired and wireless connection models:

• passive, receive a signal from the central unit;
• active, activated via a power supply of 220 Volts.

Assembly options

For assembling a home theater, two schemes have been developed: boxed and individual. The second requires the involvement of specialists and substantial financial investments, since the parts are selected at the request of the customer and adjusted to the model. It is more convenient and simpler to use the so-called boxed one, when the equipment is assembled in the form in which it was purchased. Here it is worth taking a closer look at the model with wireless rear speakers, this one costs a little more. The set includes an additional unit - a wireless amplifier for the rear speakers; it picks up the signal from the central unit. Power supply – from 220 Volts, you will also need wires to the rear speakers.

Power

What power will be optimal for a home theater? The simplest calculation: 8-10 watts per square. If the room is up to 20 square meters, feel free to buy a system up to 200 watts. Models of 2 classes have been developed for such equipment:

• Hi-Fi. Reproduces sound well, the cost is moderate.
• Hi-End. The sound quality is much better, but the price is also higher.

For home theaters with a large diagonal, you can use systems with a total power of up to 500 Watts.

The data sheet usually indicates the highest peak power, and each manufacturer measures it differently.

Suspension systems

JBL Control 28

This is a fairly large system, the maximum power of which is 175 W - it is quite enough for home listening to music of absolutely any complexity. The body is plastic, but the sound quality of this design is almost impossible to distinguish from a product with a wooden body. The diameter of the main speaker is 200 mm. The kit includes a swivel bracket, so if necessary, the speaker can be directed to almost any corner of the room. The cabinet is quite deep, the components are characterized by a high level of power, thanks to them it is possible to form a complex network that will ensure smooth operating properties. The speaker is a front-facing device; its workmanship is significantly superior to most products of a similar type. The emitter is made of paper with increased sound permeability, the horn is made of titanium.

If the column is used correctly, its estimated service life will be about 10 years. No distortion of mid and high frequencies was noticed when playing melodies. It is advisable to use peak volume points sparingly.

Advantages:

• Reliable protection against overloads both in terms of sound and in the area of ​​voltage surges in the network;
• The kit includes a swivel bracket that allows you to provide the most suitable direction of sound;
• The titanium grill allows you to operate the system in quite difficult conditions.

More: Top 10 best laser MFPs with Wi-Fi

Flaws:

• The bass line gets weaker at times.

JBL Control 28

2. Monitor Audio Radius R225

One of the most compact models in our review of the best speaker systems of the year. First of all, this concerns the width of the case, which is only 65 mm - this allows the design to be used in conjunction with modern flat-panel TVs. Such a system can be used in the central or all three front channels that will surround the listener. The manufacturer notes that it is also possible to use the product as a stereo pair. The column can be mounted on the wall in both horizontal and vertical orientation; if desired, it can be installed on a shelf of the required size. The unit monitor is equipped with two proprietary speakers, the diameter of the diffusers is 100 mm. It is worth noting that these elements are characterized by a combined structure. They are made of an alloy of magnesium and aluminum, and are covered with a layer of ceramic on top.

Thanks to this technology, a fairly durable and lightweight material is obtained, with the help of which it is possible to reproduce the bass line with very good dynamics, and the balance will be neutral. In addition, the outer surface of the diffuser is covered with a significant number of recesses made in the shape of hemispheres, so the anti-resonance qualities are quite impressive. The diameter of the dome of the built-in speaker is 25 mm, and it is coated with a thin layer of gold. In order to maximize the range of low frequencies, it was decided to equip the system with two HiVe II bass reflexes, and their output holes are located on the front panel, which allows the structure to be installed in niches, which is quite convenient. The outside of the product is coated with black or white varnish, which is used to process natural wood veneer.

Advantages:

• The appearance lasts for a very long time;
• The resonance was reduced to almost zero;
• Long service life;
• Many unique solutions that improve sound quality.

Flaws:

• Relatively expensive.

Monitor Audio Radius R225

Sonus Faber Wall Domus

It is unlikely that any suspended speaker will be able to fully compete with floor-standing products in terms of sound quality, but this particular speaker system managed to be at a quite decent level. Italian-made products are equipped with an original pair of acoustic speakers that are capable of creating a clear and complete sound picture. The rated power of the equipment is 150 W, the sensitivity, however, is not too high - about 88 dB. In this regard, many experienced users recommend using the design together with an amplifier, the characteristics of which should be slightly lower.

The device has a very attractive appearance, high-quality assembly and a long service life. The latter was achieved largely thanks to the presence of a magnetic protection system, which allows you to create reliable protection of the device from overloads of various kinds - both from acoustic and from voltage surges in the electrical network. The sound quality fully justifies the rather high cost of the system.

Advantages:

• High level of reliability;
• Long service life;
• Made exclusively from high quality materials;
• Good sound quality throughout the entire range.

Flaws:

• Decent weight, reaching about 10 kg.

Sonus Faber Wall Domus

Speakers for music

Experienced buyers will certainly study the data sheet and the characteristics indicated in it. When purchasing equipment for your home, it is important to consider:

1. Loudspeaker sensitivity . It is a characteristic of the degree of vocal pressure. For example, if you connect speakers of different sensitivity to the same amplifier, those with a higher sensitivity will reproduce the sound more strongly. It is better to focus on 90 decibels.
2. Frequency range . We pick up sound from 16 Hertz to 20 kilohertz, so the optimal range is 18-20 kilohertz.
3. Impedance . Standard - 4.6 or 8 Ohms. If you are planning an amplifier, you can choose a model with any indicators.
4. Highest continuous electrical power . The data sheet usually indicates the largest or shortest, and it is important for you to know which speakers can produce for the longest possible time, without damaging the equipment. It is better to buy a system whose power is 30% higher than the power of the amplifier. For a home, 30-100 watts is enough.

Useful tips

When buying speakers, experts advise looking at the following important details:

1. The sensitivity of the system must be at least 75 decibels.
2. Active devices have amplified speakers, and partitive filters are located at the output of the amplifiers.
3. Type of connection. The most convenient one is with a mini jack cable.
4. To save space, it is better to choose wall-mounted models.
5. Before purchasing, be sure to listen to the sound, insisting that the amplifier only has a tone stabilizer. Sometimes sellers use a multi-band equalizer to tweak the frequency range.
6. The audio source connected to the amplifier must only be a CD or DVD player with an Audio-CD disc. MP3 disrupts the sound of even expensive models.

Which speakers to choose is up to you. But before you pay for them, take a few minutes to listen to the sound at different volume levels. This will help to avoid unpleasant surprises later when connecting equipment at home. Don’t forget about the warranty card and technical instructions to defend your rights if you forget to take something into account.