Good speakers alone don’t always guarantee favorable results, however. Other essential elements include the speaker type, listening space, personal preferences, and other home audio stereo considerations. Here’s a look at five factors to consider before purchasing stereo speakers.
5 Things To Consider When Buying Speakers
Regardless of the specific necessities of what you may or may not need from stereo speakers, there are some critical areas you’ll want to think about while you shop around. Each of these criteria has several different options, and what’s perfect for one person may not be ideal for another. But there are the five most important things to look for when on the hunt for new speakers:
CostSound QualitySpeaker TypeRooms and AcousticsMatching the Right Components
How Much Will a Set of Stereo Speakers Cost?
The cost of stereo speakers can vary wildly, from around $70 to several thousand, depending on size, brand, quality, and complexity. Remember that the most expensive option isn’t automatically the best because much of a speaker’s effectiveness depends on its environment. For instance, there’s no need to spend thousands on a giant pair of speakers if the room you’ll use them in is small. Likewise, a small $30 speaker probably isn’t ideal for an immersive home theater setup. Listen to several models with music you know well when shopping for speakers. Bring along your favorite music on CDs or a flash drive with digital tracks when you shop to get a feel for the speakers that appeal to you. Listening to live music is also a good gauge for evaluating speakers. The music should sound natural to your ears, have a balanced tone, and be easy to enjoy for long periods.
Types of Speakers
There are a variety of speakers to choose from across many brands. While the number of options can feel intimidating, narrowing down the speaker type you want helps move the process. Examples of speaker types include floor-standing, bookshelf, satellite, subwoofer, soundbar, portable, and more. Some, such as on-wall speakers, can be placed and plugged in immediately, while in-wall or in-ceiling types may require installation or fixtures. Speakers can be wired or wireless, or both as a simple stereo pair or multi-channel for surround sound. Personal preference and need should drive your choice. Floor-standing and bookshelf speakers generally have the best overall sound because the drivers and enclosures are matched for performance. However, such models take up floor space, a consideration for room layouts. Satellite speakers tend to be tiny speakers that are best when combined with a subwoofer, resulting in a far more compact audio system. A soundbar is another convenient option for those who want to enhance audio (usually for televisions) without much fuss or space. In-wall speakers usually have grills you can paint to match the walls for an invisible (or close to it) speaker effect. Portable speakers are fun and easy, often featuring wireless connectivity and rechargeable batteries, but frequently lack robust sound compared to more traditional types.
Rooms and Acoustics
Not every kind of speaker will sound great in the chosen area. Smaller speakers may work for a regular bedroom, but they may sound weak or pale when placed in a family room. More prominent speakers can easily overwhelm tiny spaces. Room dimensions, contents, and materials also affect audio. Sound can bounce from exposed walls, large furniture, and bare floors, while rugs, carpets, and cushions often absorb sound. It’s good to have a balance of both. Vaulted ceilings create a more open atmosphere, while narrower spaces lead to a more intimate feel.
Matching With the Right Components
For best results, match speakers with an amplifier or receiver that can deliver the right amount of power. Manufacturers usually specify a range of amplifier power necessary to power each unit correctly. For example, a speaker may require 30 to 100 watts of output power to operate well. If going with a multi-channel or surround-sound setup, stick with the same brand of speakers for performance reasons. However, if it’s a mix-and-match situation, you may need more fine-tuning.
Speaker Variations
There are a few additional variations to stereo speakers, too. For example, center-channel speakers can be essential for a home theater setup as they provide a separate source of sound from your left and right speakers. In addition, they’re handy for making sure dialog can be heard and understood more easily. Like in-wall speakers, some in-ceiling speakers aren’t necessarily as helpful as a more standard surround sound system, but they still serve a purpose. In particular, in-ceiling speakers work great with sound formats that support or simulate more vertical audio (like Dolby Atmos).
Who Should Buy Stereo Speakers?
Complex, expensive sound systems are probably best left to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. That said, if you feel like you aren’t getting what you want out of your current setup when listening to music or watching a movie, a few speakers could be just what you need.
What to Do After You Buy Stereo Speakers
After you get your speakers home, take time to correctly connect, install, and place the speakers to get the absolute best performance possible. A little patience now pays off in the long run. Some speakers sound best when near or up against a wall, while others do well when given more breathing room. Tweeters and mid-range drivers tend to sound better when positioned at ear level.
More Tips for Buying Stereo Speakers
Don’t rush it. Start small if you aren’t sure whether or not you want to dive into setting up a sound system. Find one or two affordable speakers that you think will fit your needs, and see how it goes. You can always get more if you decide you want an even heartier sound.Check with friends and family. You may already know someone with a sound system or home theater. Ask if you can visit them and check out their setup. If you like what you hear, ask them about what they’re using.Be aware of your location. The bigger and more complex your setup becomes, the more likely it will get loud. Think about your cohabitants, where your speakers would reside, and any neighbors sharing a wall or floor.
