To fully enjoy music or the sound in movies, a good quality speaker is your best option. If you are thinking of purchasing speakers, there are various factors considered to guarantee a quality sound experience.
Purpose
Consider your purpose when choosing a speaker. Loudspeakers are the norm with models such as floor-standing, bookshelf, and surround sound. HiFi or High fidelity systems are also becoming the standard with HiFi pertaining to a higher quality of audio reproduction. The JB Hi Fi catalogue includes some of the speaker systems that avail of this technology. The list also includes various audio systems, speaker types, headphones and more.
The following is a guide for the type of speaker and its specific purpose.
- Subwoofers are utilized if you intend to hear the low-frequency band in audio.
- If you want to hide speakers from view, you may opt for in-wall or in-ceiling speakers.
- To complement sleek TV monitors or other entertainment devices are soundbars. These speakers are the choice for dynamic sound without the need for installation.
- Multi-room speakers enable users to project the same music to all connected rooms. However, it also offers functionality for each location to play a different tune.
- Smart speakers are capable of receiving voice commands and performing them. It can be integrated into your sound system through wires or wireless connection. These speakers not only play music but can manage other functions such as controlling the lights or ordering products online.
- If you intend to experience music outside, then outdoor speakers are best which are designed for extreme weather and temperatures.
- For professional music production, studio monitors are required. This type is utilized in recording studios that project at very short distances. It also lacks the powerful sound that average consumers may look for but is a useful tool for sound referencing. It can project all the flaws of the sound for music producers to correct.
Features and the Layout of the Room
The size of the space help determine the type of speaker you need to install. Room layout and the shape also helps determine the placement of the speaker and what type you should acquire.
- If your entertainment system is in the living room or a small space, compact speakers are ideal. You may choose from the bookshelf, in-ceiling or in-wall types of speakers.
- If you have enough room with no toddlers or pets that may topple your setup, floor-standing speakers may be purchased. This type of offer sounds similar to what you can experience in theatres.
Connectivity
One must also consider how their sound system is to be connected. Speaker systems are still wired in the sense that it needs electricity to function requiring the use of electric wires. However, there are speaker systems that require cables for connection and various connectors or converters to integrate with different devices.
Wireless systems utilize radio frequency for speakers to accept signals. Wires are removed, but this also limits the capabilities, such as distance and some quality compromises. Furthermore, at least one wire is needed to connect to an electrical outlet. The types of wireless systems can be WiFi and Bluetooth. WiFi connected speakers utilize the WiFi network for communicating with the source. WiFi connection is better than Bluetooth because it is designed for larger datasets while the latter is designed for short-range.
Home Theatre Systems
If you are opting to complete a home theatre system, you must be aware of the different speaker types in this setup. Each of these elements has its own special function.
- The center channel delivers most of the soundtrack, sound effects, and the dialogue in movies. It is usually located in the middle of the layout, just below the viewing monitor.
- Positioned on either side of your viewing space are the left and right speakers, which are usually bookshelf or floor-standing speakers.
- Adding more to the sound experience is the surround channels. Most setup utilizes bookshelf types for its ease of installation behind the seating area.
- Subwoofers are optional, but it definitely completes the experience. These devices deliver the sound that soundtracks embed in a dedicated channel of bass and those in the low-frequency spectrum.
Quality speakers depend on the user’s purpose and setup requirements. Note that the best sounds do not always come in big packages. Rather, it is recommended that consider the size of the space and the purpose. Small rooms will have a great sound with a compact sub and with properly positioned speakers. On the other hand, larger rooms can be fitted with a complete home theatre system, complete with surround channels.
