The optimal choice of hi-fi speakers. Hi-Fi workhorses: putting together a budget system

We discuss these topics with our in-house experts, who are well versed in their field, be it smartwatches, gaming gadgets or even hi-fi.

Wearable gadgets can last a long time, but still their life cycle is somewhat limited - new models come out and the device manages to become obsolete faster than it fails.

Stationary Hi-Fi speakers, on the contrary, can last for years without actually requiring any care or maintenance (don’t tell me you’ve never found old speakers at home that are collecting dust for some unknown reason in the far corner).

When choosing acoustics (especially built-in ones) or assembling a set of equipment for a home theater or game room, you always want to focus on quality and durability. But in times of crisis, investing in expensive acoustics is not very successful. Is there an alternative? Let's ask our expert - Dmitry T.

iCover: Hello Dima! Tell us where your passion for Hi-Fi audio comes from? How did you come to this?

Dima:Hello. It all started with my work at a chain store that had a large area dedicated to hi-fi. As a matter of fact, the first thing I listened to was the Yamaha RX-V376 and NS-555 from them. As I later realized, this was not the most ideal package, but the seed of love for good sound was sown. Later I began to attend almost all exhibitions on this topic, and my work was directly related to Hi-Fi.

iCover: What kind of acoustic set do you use? Did you help your friends or acquaintances assemble a set of acoustics?

Dima:I have a stereo pair at home from a wonderful Danish brand– model.

I listened to a lot of things before settling on this particular model, but Zensor hooked me the most.

The interior is not mine, but the acoustics feel about the same!

Now everything is connected through an amplifier, the sound source is a PC, the connection is made via USB Wireworld Croma 7. The stereo pair is mainly used for listening to music (I used to do it myself, so I collected a large collection of jazz). You can tell many stories about selection and configuration to friends and acquaintances, but this will most likely require a separate article.

iCover: How do you realize that you need your own “special set” of acoustics? After all, even modern TVs have some kind of speakers (or even two).

As practice has shown, among mass TV brands there are no models whose built-in acoustics are capable of adequately reproducing an audio signal. Even if you don’t consider yourself a music lover, by installing just a budget stereo pair or soundbar you will feel the difference “with the naked ear.” And for cinema, in which sound now rules the roost along with resolution, a good audio system is simply necessary.

iCover: Perhaps the most banal question about acoustics in the world - so which one should you take, passive or active?

Dima: If I had been asked this question 3 years ago, I would have answered unequivocally – passive. But now there are good brands on the market with active multi-room acoustics that serve perfectly as a home theater. Let's take, for example, the same thing - networked acoustics, which, like a Lego set, can be assembled gradually, starting with the most accessible components.

iCover: Is assembling acoustics for your home an expensive pleasure? To save money, take “noname” Chinese acoustics - do such acoustics even exist?

Dima: In fact, if we compare ordinary home theaters from mass brands and budget lines of Hi-Fi acoustics, the difference in price will not be so great. But you have more opportunities to upgrade and update your system. I wouldn’t risk taking pseudo-brands; I myself witnessed how the speakers delaminated after the first wet cleaning.

Nowadays it is quite easy to buy ready-made sets of Hi-Fi acoustics at a budget price. For example:

Minimalist kit

iCover:What does this kit consist of?

Dima: To create a Hi-Fi home theater, you just need to purchase a receiver and 5.0 acoustics. The subwoofer is purchased as needed - it is often not used, because... the front pair often reproduces the low-frequency signal at the desired level. The signal source is up to your taste; lately the sound has simply been taken from the TV via ARC, and the built-in media player has been used.

iCover:Often in the description of acoustic sets you can find references to “classic” or “modern” design. How justified is such a division? Where did the concept of “classical acoustics” come from?

Dima: Classic is what many people imagine when they mention the term “Hi-Fi” - massive speakers trimmed with wood, straight lines, screw terminals. As an example, we can name classic models from

American classic

Or a little more modern

Modern classics from seasoned Hi-Fi manufacturers

iCover: The question often arises about ceiling systems - what is it, why bother installing it? Is it possible to get by with shelf ones?

Dima: Typically, ceiling speakers are used if you need to create an acoustic design for a room with a minimum of visible speakers, but now ceiling speakers will also be in demand, thanks to Dolby Atmos.

Usually, when I am asked to recommend bookshelf speaker options, I offer five time-tested options (for collecting 5.0 acoustics):

The same classic set
Also with a discreet design
Passive bookshelf kit
Shelf set
Central channel
Central channel

iCover:Which acoustics (which set in which form factor) would you choose for yourself and why?

Dima:Personally, the 2.0 system is enough for me, but this is due to the fact that I mainly listen to music. For movie lovers, I recommend installing a 5.1.2 system; this form factor is acoustics for Dolby Atmos.

iCover:Is there innovation in this product segment? Or have they not come up with anything better than a modern speaker?

Dima:Products in this area are constantly being improved, new materials and technologies are used. Often, a lot of time and human resources are spent on developing new technologies.

iCover:In what cases is it worth paying more than 100 thousand rubles for acoustics?

Dima:When you buy Hi-Fi speakers, you pay for the opportunity to get a completely new sound experience, to feel like a participant in the events of a movie or a spectator of a concert. At the same time, Hi-Fi acoustics are something that will serve you for a long time and will be relevant for many years.

Choosing acoustics is not an easy task. It would seem that there are dozens of good models on the market, each with its own characteristics and price. It looks like identical equipment, but with different power and cost, what should you pay attention to? Do the size and number of speakers affect the sound quality?

General criteria for selecting speakers

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 -.

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, a center speaker and a 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.

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

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.
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.
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.
Soundbar. It is called a “magic wand” that will improve any audio system. For a 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:

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.
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.

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.

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:

Speaker 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.
Frequency range. We pick up sound from 16 Hertz to 20 kilohertz, so the optimal range is 18-20 kilohertz.
Impedance. Standard - 4.6 or 8 Ohms. If you are planning an amplifier, you can choose a model with any indicators.
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.

Top 10 best speakers

We present to your attention the 10 best speakers, sorted by their recommended purpose.

Floorstanding speaker system

There are low-frequency and mid-frequency speakers, an amplifier. Thanks to the crossover filter, the signal is almost not distorted. The speakers are very sensitive, the system is protected by fuses. Channels 2.0, frequency 38-20 thousand Hz, sensitivity 92 decibels.

large-scale sound;
good volume;
original design;
high level of security.

For home theaters

Powerful 5.1 channel speaker system. Power 250 W, has spacious multi-channel sound. Elite build.

clear and soft sound;
3D Blu-Ray receiver;
robust housing that absorbs vibrations;
magnetic shielding technology;
wide frequency range.

Cons: price from 100 thousand rubles.

Middle class home cinema. Channels – 2.1, power – 275 Watts.

can be installed on a shelf or hung on the wall;
deep bass.

Cons: high cost, both the model and the brackets.

Budget-friendly acoustics option for home cinema. Channels – 5.1, total power – 1000 W, Speakers are made of plastic.

many decoders;
wireless subwoofer;
Bluetooth module.

For large rooms

Three-way floor model. Wooden case, passive amplifier, power – up to 250 watts. Sensitivity 92 dB.

surround sound;
separate connection of LF and HF (Bi-wiring);
monopolar acoustic radiation.

Cons: not suitable for small spaces.

For TV

Wireless subwoofer, HDMI, Anynet+, USB. Power – 310 Watt. The soundbar is divided into two speakers, the volume is well adjusted, and easy to set up. System 2.1.

small sizes;
many exits;
reliable body;

settings are lost after turning on or off;
The subwoofer requires arrangement with sound sources.

Universal

System type – passive, power – up to 150 Watt, amplifier, bass reflex, magnetic shielding. Sensitivity 98 dB, frequency 35-40 thousand .

high power;
there is a loudspeaker;

Cons: the bass reflex ports are located at the rear.

Best wireless speaker system

High-frequency speakers, supports Bluetooth. Line-in input, and a separate one for headphones. Channel 2.0. Power 30 W.

powerful bass sound;
Conveniently adjustable volume;

Cons: there is no jack5 cable for PC.

High design

Takes originality: the body is made of dark wood, black protective grilles for the speakers. 6 loudspeakers, 2 high monitors, speakers of different frequencies. The subwoofer breaks up the sound using a driver. Sensitivity 91 dB.

high performance;
deep bass;

Cons: significant price.

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

The sensitivity of the system must be at least 75 decibels.
Active devices have amplified speakers, and partitive filters are located at the output of the amplifiers.
Type of connection. The most convenient one is with a mini jack cable.
To save space, it is better to choose wall-mounted models.
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.
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.

In contact with

For those just starting out on their journey into the world of audio and those looking to upgrade their experience, the budget speaker market has a lot to offer. For two years our favorites, the Q Acoustics 2020i, had been successfully dispatching all the newcomers, but the arrival of the stunning Wharfedale Diamond 220 before last year's awards ended the 2020i's winning streak.

Both of these kits will compete with new models from Cambridge Audio, Monitor Audio and Polk for category leader status. And the brilliant DALI Zensor 1 is hoping to extend its five-star status for another year.

If you already have a decent system, then a pair of quality bookshelf speakers costing no more than $500 will allow it to reach its full potential - and today's test proves it. The only question is, which one will make it shine brightest?

We will soon find out the answer.

Cambridge Audio Aero 2 $480

The Aero line is familiar to us. Some of its models make up the Aero 5.1 kit, which has won awards in the 1,500 - 2,500 pound category two years in a row. The Aero 2 bookshelf speakers are not included in this kit, but can be purchased separately. You get quite a decent volume: 37 cm high and quite deep, Aero 2 is more suitable for rooms with a lot of free space. However, their size has many advantages.

Aero 2 doesn't have the most impressive appearance; standard rectangular MDF cases look a bit boring. However, the neat black or dark walnut vinyl trim is quite nice.

The front panel deserves mention: although it seems completely ordinary, in fact there is a BMR driver located above the 16.5 cm woofer.

The BMR head operates over a wider frequency range than a conventional tweeter (from 250 Hz to 20 kHz). This moves the crossover point to an area where our hearing is less sensitive to inevitable distortion. The result is improved clarity, sound integration and a wider angular radiation pattern.

The spacious and authentic music scene easily fills the room. Aero 2 have a very tight and confident sound, for which they do not require installation close to the wall. On the contrary, these speakers prefer to be located 30 centimeters from it - this slightly improves balance and stereo panorama. Epic orchestral works - such as Duel of the Fates from John Williams' Star Wars soundtrack - are very much to Aero's liking: choral chants, frantic strings and dominant horns demonstrate scale, conviction and dynamics. And their energy and rhythmic drive will make you dance to the sounds of Michael Jackson's Bad album.

However, vocal expressiveness is not one of the main advantages of the speakers; They convey the emotions in Jackson’s voice in the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving” not at all as successfully as the Wharfedale Diamond 220. However, the voice sounds clear and full, it is so focused and straightforward that you can completely forget about the instrumental accompaniment.

The large cabinet volume enhances the bass - deep and controlled, although less intelligible than the Wharfedale. The latter also have higher detail throughout the entire frequency range. But even if the Aero's sound isn't the best in the category, it is truly immersive, especially in a larger-sounding system. These speakers remain among the leaders in a highly competitive market segment.

Grade: 4

BEHIND: Huge music scene; enviable scope; persuasiveness and dynamics

AGAINST: Rivals have a more detailed and refined sound; appearance

VERDICT: Quite competitive, but not outstanding enough to become leaders

Figures and facts

Sensitivity:90dB
Resistance:8 ohm
Maximum power:120W
Dual cable connection:No
Finish options:2
Powered by mains: No
Dimensions (H×W×D):37×20×31 cm

Construction: 4

Compatibility: 3

DALI Zensor 1 $330

When we needed to recommend budget speakers, we always chose the excellent Zensor 1 - they pleased us with the highest rating for four years in a row, and even now, having lost it due to the emergence of even stronger competitors, they are still good. DALI remained at the top of their game after losing the crown to the Q Acoustic 2020i in 2010, but the Wharfedale Diamond 220 has raised the bar. By today's standards they lack refinement, dynamism and meticulousness, but what competitors can't take away from DALI is the fact that they are pure pleasure to listen to.

DALI has a remarkably lively and musical character; listening to the album Random Access Memories by the Daft Punk duo performed by them is very pleasant. Zensor 1 willingly picks up his funky melodies, thanks to the precise attack and powerful drive they saturate the catchy rhythms with energy. In one of the album's calmest compositions, Within, every note is delivered with weight and clarity. When placed close to the rear wall (on stands or wall brackets), the DALI sound becomes tighter and more confident, and the low frequencies become more pronounced.

Considering the small size of these speakers, the openness of their music scene is amazing. It is also worth noting the detail and balance. The bass is elastic and precise, the treble is ringing and clear, the midrange is clear and expressive. The quality of speakers in this category is often determined by the development of dynamics, and DALI does not lose face: their mobility ensures the smooth sound of the piano in Within. However, their dynamics lack a bit of expressiveness, especially in quiet sections, as well as scale; Q Acoustic and Wharfedale are stronger in this regard.

Nevertheless, Zensor 1 is worthy of retaining its place in the system even after updating its other components. At the same time, components from higher price categories - the Arcam A19 FMJ amplifier ($1200) and the Marantz CD6005 CD player ($700) - play just fine with them.

The workmanship is also excellent: the partially glossy finish is compact and durable, much better than most comparable models. They have a clean, clean design, although not as flashy as the Monitor Audio or Q Acoustics.

But the Zensor 1's greatest strength is its sound quality. Even having lost an excellent rating, they have not lost their attractiveness. If you like versatile and energetic speakers that are ready to endlessly please you, look no further.

Grade: 4

BEHIND: Lively, moving sound; musicality; rhythmic drive; open and spacious sound stage

AGAINST: Inferior to leaders in refined dynamics

VERDICT: DALI is no longer the best, but still good and will bring a lot of joy

Figures and facts

Sensitivity:87dB
Resistance: 6 ohm
Maximum power: 100W
Dual cable connection:No
Finish options:2
Powered by mains: No
Dimensions (H×W×D):27×16×22 cm

Construction: 4

Compatibility: 4

Monitor Audio MR2 $180

When a famous hi-fi manufacturer announces the release of a series of inexpensive speakers, the news sounds better than any music. The BR (Bronze Reference) series was just such a budget line for Monitor Audio; in 2010 it was replaced by the slightly more expensive BX series. A year later, the company decided to give a new interpretation to its concept of “entry level” by releasing its most affordable line - MR (Monitor Reference).

In essence, the MR series is the same BR, only with some modifications and at a lower price. The dimensions of the kit have become larger, and the MR2 boasts significant technological innovations for this category. Beneath the protective grille is a tweeter made from the familiar C-CAM (ceramic-coated aluminum-magnesium alloy): a stiff but lightweight composite material, gold anodized for even greater rigidity and damping. The MR2 also features its own proprietary MMP II mid/bass drivers.

As one of Monitor Audio's most affordable models, the MR2 exudes the style and class that the company has come to expect from its speakers. The cabinet has slightly rounded ribs in a walnut or stained oak vinyl finish and is equipped with a front bass reflex port. MR2 requires high-quality stands (for example, Atacama Moseco 6), but they are not too capricious in placement: in any position they produce a detailed, balanced and fairly accurate sound. When installed in the center of the room, it becomes somewhat less dense.

The MR2's sound has a maturity unusual for this price range. In Michael Symon's composition Any Other Name, they carefully and precisely record the gentle touches of the piano keys. There are many variations in the part, each note meticulously placed on the soundstage. They also do wonderful vocals, as Kate Bush's 50 Words For Snow proves.

Monitor Audio flawlessly conveys the unique timbre of the singer’s voice and all the nuances of emotions. Listening to Michael Giacchino's composition Married Life from the soundtrack to the film Up, it is impossible to sit still: the speakers fully recreate its playful and cheerful character, while the orchestra sounds not only exciting, but also very dynamic, emphasizing the meaning inherent in the work. The sound is melodic and controlled; It took about 100 hours of warm-up for the HF to fully open and integrate, but even after that they are inferior in sophistication to the strongest competitors.

The new award-winning Wharfedale Diamond 220 raises the bar for detail and dynamic refinement beyond the MR2's reach. However, they are still quite good for their category.

Grade: 4

BEHIND: Accuracy and punctuality; a lot of enthusiasm; design; classic design

AGAINST: HF lacks development; more meticulous competitors

VERDICT: High-quality speakers for fans of precise and detailed sound

Figures and facts

Sensitivity:90dB
Resistance: 6 ohm
Maximum power: 100W
Dual cable connection: Yes
Finish options:2
Powered by mains: No
Dimensions (H×W×D):35×19×25 cm

Construction: 5

Compatibility: 4

Polk TSx220B $430

The new budget TSx line has been released to replace Polk's well-known TSi series. Most entry-level lines include only one set of speakers under $1000, but the TSx line has two: in addition to the bookshelf TSx220B, there is a smaller version priced at $300. The line also includes three pairs of floorstanding speakers and two center channel speakers for home theater fans.

Most x-series models are equipped with larger speakers (16.5 cm versus 13 cm for the i-series); A multilayer diffuser made of impregnated paper and polymer materials is lightweight and rigid. The set is completed by an inch tweeter with a dome made of silk and polymer material. The crossover uses improved components, in particular Mylar decoupling capacitors for increased HF detail. The cases of the new line have become rounded; This approach provides increased rigidity and suppression of internal standing waves, allowing for cleaner sound.

The TSx220B's unusual body shape and stylish cherry wood (or stained oak) vinyl finish set it apart from most models in its category.

Polk has hefty dimensions: 37 cm high and 32 cm deep. In small rooms this can be a problem, especially since the sound becomes more balanced when installed further away from the wall. The sharp corners and edges of these solid and weighty speakers are slightly rounded.

The power and breadth of sound like the TSx220B is not often found in this category (although expected given its size).

The instrumental theme of the film "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" performed by the Philharmonic Brass Band is presented strongly and grandiosely; in an open space, the Polk produces clear, tonally balanced sound. The melodious melody of the flute is clearly audible against the background of the rich voice of the orchestra.

The good depth of the abundant low frequencies gives the drums a booming sound and the trombones additional persuasiveness. A large amount of bass is often accompanied by a decrease in speed and agility, and Polk could not avoid this either: instead of a cheerful trot to Prince's song I Wanna Be Your Lover, they depict a slow and ponderous gallop. The dynamics lack energy and refinement. Voices sound clear and focused, but the TSx220B fails to capture Prince's signature agility.

Ultimately, Polk's core strengths remain scale and power. Unfortunately, the strongest competitors boast a more versatile sound.

Grade: 3

BEHIND: Powerful, large-scale sound; emotionality; clear and accurate sound; robust construction

AGAINST: Lacks subtlety, frankness and agility

VERDICT: A little more courage and sophistication - and Polk's chances would be higher

Figures and facts

Sensitivity:90dB
Resistance:8 ohm
Maximum power:125W
Dual cable connection:No
Finish options:2
Powered by mains: No
Dimensions (H×W×D):36×20×30 cm

Construction: 4

Compatibility: 3

Q Acoustics 2020i $400

If Q Acoustics plans to maintain top marks for the award-winning 2020i speakers, which recently lost the top spot to the Wharfedale Diamond 220, they are doing exactly the right thing. Now these speakers can be yours for as little as $400 if you opt for a graphite or walnut finish (the gloss black or white versions cost $120 more).

With any finishing option, these speakers look luxurious; Their durable, rounded-edge cabinets are some of the highest quality and best looking in the budget segment of the market. Compact and not capricious, the 2020i will easily fit into any interior. They sound best when installed in an open space, but even close to the wall behind them they will not feel discomfort, despite the rear bass reflex port. Q Acoustics' own Concept 20 stands, designed for the more expensive speaker model (the Concept 20 itself), serve as ideal partners for the 2020i; however, the less expensive and Award-winning Atacama Moseco 6 is also a good choice. If you're shopping for other components at the same time, we recommend a pair of Marantz: the excellent CD6005 CD player ($700) and PM6005 amplifier ($920) with speakers will set you back just over $2,000.

When the 2020i is at the end of the signal path, pressing play always promises a powerful experience - and Broken Bells' self-titled album does not disappoint. The balanced and incredibly musical sound delights with dynamic dynamics and agility usually found in much more expensive speakers; It is worth noting the high level of detail.

An open and expressive music scene - precise and multi-layered. The composition Louder Than Words by Pink Floyd is very much to the liking of these speakers; The voices of the instruments are distinguished by their fullness and texture, the vocals are written in unusual detail. High-quality mids are combined with clean, refined highs and tight, full-bodied bass. The 2020i are unafraid of a decisive attack and willingly bite into lush guitar riffs, combining enthusiasm and persuasiveness with poise and control. Guitars float smoothly against the background of the choir, all instruments are clearly distinguishable.

And only when directly compared with the new Wharfedale Diamond 220 does it become clear why Q Acoustics are no longer the best in their segment. Wharfedale has a slightly more dynamic and sophisticated sound and better rendering of rhythmic structures.

And yet Q Acoustics are truly good - both in appearance and in action. Even after losing the lead, they remain great.

Grade: 5

BEHIND: Open, musical, energetic; attack and determination; strong and compact; impeccable finishing quality

AGAINST: Strong new competitors

VERDICT: The wonderful Q Acoustics are still amazing

Figures and facts

Sensitivity:88dB
Resistance: 6 ohm
Maximum power:75W
Dual cable connection: Yes
Finish options:4
Powered by mains: No
Dimensions (H×W×D):27×17×28 cm

Construction: 5

Compatibility: 5

Wharfedale Diamond 220 $280

The Wharfedale Diamond 121 speakers were excellent in every way except the quality of their finish; The company took note of the criticism and corrected the flaw in the next model, the Diamond 220. The excellent sound and excellent design quality earned them an award and ended the two-year reign of the Q Acoustic 2020i. Since the last meeting they have fallen in price by $70.

The cabinet construction is still three-layer, but now the chipboard layer is sandwiched between smoother layers of MDF, with vinyl glued to the outer layer. The finish on the test unit (ebony) fits flawlessly; There are other options - walnut, rosewood and plain white. The changes were not limited to this: next to the inch soft-dome tweeter is a 13-centimeter midrange/woofer driver with a woven Kevlar cone and an enlarged magnet, which increases its responsiveness; The crossover has been redesigned for better speaker matching.

The unusual slotted bass reflex port, first used in the 100 series, has been slightly redesigned to reduce distortion. Unlike the popular rear port, it directs air down into the gap between the base of the case and the plinth, which increases its efficiency and expands the possibilities of speaker placement. And in fact, despite its rather modest dimensions, Wharfedale have a rare depth of low frequencies that will do credit even to such compositions as Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin; The bass is very low and moving.

It's amazing how big and powerful the sound can be produced by speakers that are just 32cm tall. The Diamond 220's sound becomes tighter and more convincing when placed close to or next to a wall: in an open space it loses some confidence, bass becomes less clear and voices become less clear. dense. Speaking of voices: their clear and frank delivery is very expressive; Eminem’s abrupt rap in the Relapse album is conveyed impeccably accurately. The integration of all sound components is excellent.

It is the high precision and dynamic talents of the Diamond 220 that set them apart from the competition. All the instruments in Grieg's piano concerto demonstrate fine detailing and subtle variations; The piano melodies are smooth and eloquent, the violins are textured. Excellent microdynamics helps to follow the development of the composition. These speakers do an excellent job of conveying tension and richness when the orchestra makes a particularly powerful entrance.

The talented Diamond 220 will decorate any system in the entry-level and mid-price range. Undoubtedly, these are one of the most brilliant representatives of the category of hi-fi products under $500.

Grade: 5

BEHIND: Agile and powerful dynamics; exceptional detail; bass depth and control; balance; scale and persuasiveness; quality of finish

AGAINST: Nothing

VERDICT: Once finishing issues have been corrected, these speakers are virtually flawless.

Figures and facts

Sensitivity:86dB
Resistance:8 ohm
Maximum power: 100W
Dual cable connection: Yes
Finish options:4
Powered by mains: No
Dimensions (H×W×D):32×18×26 cm

Construction: 5

Compatibility: 5

Let's sum it up

Winner Wharfedale Diamond 220 $280

With great sound, versatility and value, the Wharfedale Diamond 220 have defended their title against the competition.

The budget speaker market is so dynamic and the competition is so high that the leaders have to regularly confirm their positions. A prime example of this is the change in status of the DALI Zensor 1. Even the arrival of the even more talented Q Acoustics 2020i in 2012 did not lower their rating, but now the Zensor 1 have lost their fifth star due to the Wharfedale Diamond 220. We still really like the DALI, despite even though they now cost $50 more than the current test winners. Listening to Zensor 1 is extremely pleasant: they are fast and musical, they are excellent at conveying rhythmic structures. In addition, they are better suited for installation against a wall than others.

On the other hand, the respected Q Acoustics maintained their excellent rating. You won't find anything better for $400. But is it worth spending that much when you have a Wharfedale model? Definitely not; However, the diminutive 2020i doesn't make it any worse - they have a very open, energetic and dynamic character and will sound great from anywhere in the room.

A few words about the winners. The Wharfedale pair managed to retain the championship they fought so hard for during the awards period. Diamond 220 is an ideal example of budget acoustics: they have an extremely informative, balanced, but at the same time musical sound that will delight you for many years, complete with a microsystem or with a set of good individual components. Not only equal partners, but also models twice and even three times more expensive than Wharfedale play with them simply wonderfully. Add clear cables and good stands and you'll be proud of your purchase.

Among the models that we have not encountered before, there are both very good and quite average. Monitor Audio MR2 and Cambridge Audio Aero 2 can be called the best among the rest; They both get good grades. The MR2 is another great new product from the British company; Its advantages include accuracy and scale, and its disadvantages include insufficient HF development. Aero 2 confirmed our favorable impressions of the Aero line; They will especially appeal to fans of large-scale and dynamic sound. But, like DALI, they cannot boast the same detail or handle the subtleties of dynamics as well as the category leaders.

And finally, we are left with the Polk TSx220B. They have a solid, strong design and approximately the same sound character. Its size and high-quality bass will appeal to many, but these speakers lack meticulousness and enthusiasm when reproducing music. Because the Polk is not as fun to listen to as other models, it receives a minimum score in this competition.

In most of our tests, applicants are divided into two categories: those for which we can do without, and those for which we lack enthusiastic words. Wharfedale deservedly fall into second place.

How to buy a pair of new speakers

Buying acoustics is not as simple as it seems. It doesn’t come down to choosing speakers with the best sound or the most suitable finish and dimensions for your apartment.

Not all speakers are equally capricious, but some models play better against a wall, while others play better in an open space; This is worth considering if you don't have a lot of space in your room.

It is important to pay attention not only to other components of the system, but also to accessories. High-quality cables and stands for acoustics must be included in the budget in advance. We call these speakers bookshelf, but they still sound much better on special stands.

Most home audio users do not experience any particular inconvenience when listening to music in MP3 format and even when watching movies with a simple stereo channel soundtrack. However, some people want to get the highest quality sound, and constantly adjusting the equalizer while using cheap speakers is a tedious task. If you are one of these users, and you don’t need exaggerated bass that shakes not only glass, but also concrete floors, Hi-Fi systems exist just for you.

It is worth noting that Hi-Fi is not a cheap pleasure. Most likely, you will have to assemble such a system gradually, buying literally a column per month. But it's worth it if you want to completely protect yourself from disappointment when using speakers.

Selecting Hi-Fi System Components

Probably, several months will pass between the decision to assemble a high-quality system and, in fact, its purchase - a lot of time will be spent studying all the intricacies of this type of acoustics. It’s worth looking through specialized magazines; after reading some of them, expressions like “warm tube sound” and “bold, poisonous receiver” will become more than empty words for you.

But before you become a full-fledged audiophile, it's worth understanding the basic concepts associated with Hi-Fi speaker systems. For example, it is worth understanding what affects the cost of acoustics.

Unlike Hi-End systems, Hi-Fi acoustics cost exactly as much as they should. Moreover, each of its elements - be it an insignificant satellite speaker or a sound amplifier - costs approximately the same. We emphasize: it should cost the same. In simpler terms, it is necessary to buy devices from the same price category, because degradation in quality will inevitably affect the final sound of the system. It is also important to take into account the operating conditions: if the system is not installed in a special octagonal room, and there are various objects in it that greatly influence the propagation of sound (for example, furniture) - the system components will be able to sound high quality only if they are as close as possible in their technical characteristics.

Any Hi-Fi system should consist of the following components:

a set of speakers (from two to eight);
sound amplifier or AV receiver;
sound source (computer, stereo, player);
a set of speaker cables - for connecting the sound source to the amplifier and for connecting the amplifier to passive speakers and a subwoofer.

For inexperienced users, all these components are combined into a common set and sold in beautiful boxes at inflated prices. The seller will praise you about the sound quality, demonstrating all its nuances using the example of an mp3 file with a bitrate of 128 kb/s or even turning on the radio. This will allow him to justify all the flaws in the sound and mislead the buyer. You will think that your music files, collected with love and attention, will sound just right. But you just have to take a closer look at the individual elements of such a system, and it will immediately become obvious that in terms of quality, the speakers are not far from Chinese computer stereo pairs for 500 rubles. Therefore, the best choice would be to assemble a Hi-Fi system with your own hands from individual elements.

Front Hi-Fi speakers

If financial possibilities are limited, and the size of the room does not allow you to fully accommodate all the elements of 5.1 or 7.1 acoustics, you should pay attention to high-quality stereo systems. They consist of two speakers that output sound from the front channels - left and right.

There are two types of front speakers:

floor-mounted – large in size and, as a rule, multi-lane;
shelf or wall-mounted - smaller in size and, according to some users, create a less saturated sound picture.

The advantage of the second type over the first in the case of a small room is that all the sound will flow directly into the room. In the case of large floor-standing speakers, some problems may arise, mainly with the bass - due to the physical characteristics of low-frequency waves, the sound will not go to the center of the room, as it should, but in the opposite direction - to the neighbors in the next apartment. In addition, sound distortion is possible - humming of bass lines.

We can say that bookshelf speakers are inferior to floor-standing ones in scale. But they also have a noticeable advantage in microdynamic characteristics, which is confirmed by numerous test runs and tests. Subjectively, one can notice that small stereo systems provide depth of sound instead of its scale: thus, it is easy to notice the smallest nuances of music performance, the subtleties of drum hits, individual rattling of strings, and so on.

Selecting an amplification device

Amplifier or receiver? This question worries many users who are encountering Hi-Fi speaker systems for the first time. The difference between these devices mainly lies in ease of use and number of functions.

The functionality of an amplifier, as a rule, is limited only to sound amplification; Some models can also collect a signal and transmit it to several speakers at once or change a wider range of physical characteristics of the sound. The receiver is a multifunctional device that includes:

radio;
audio signal decoder using various technologies;
A DAC is a device that transforms an analog signal into a digital one and vice versa, which is very important if the sound source does not allow connecting digital hi-fi speakers via the appropriate interface;
amplifier unit (unlike a conventional stereo amplifier, it has not two channels, but from six to eight, which allows you to connect all elements of the surround sound system along with a subwoofer, rather than assembling a set of amplifiers, one for each speaker);
device for combining acoustic signals;
video processing unit.

Thus, we can draw a simple conclusion - the receiver is best suited if it becomes the center of a surround multimedia system, for example, a home theater with eight-channel acoustics. For a simple stereo system, an appropriate stereo amplifier is enough - there is an opinion that the quality will be higher in this case.

Installing speakers

You spent a long time choosing a suitable system, saved for six months, finally brought it home, connected it and... nothing happened. Nothing special, at least, and the differences from old speakers for 500 rubles are not noticeable at all. Don't worry - this is a completely normal situation. Just buying high-quality Hi-Fi speakers and connecting them correctly is not enough - it is also important to install them correctly.

Warming up

Before putting the system into full operation, the columns must be warmed up. This is necessary so that the parts of the devices are balanced and come into harmony with each other, the diffusers of the emitters stretch and gain elasticity, and in general, so that all the characteristics of the system reach the level intended by the engineers. But how do speakers warm up?

To warm up, you need to use music that covers the entire spectrum of frequencies - the best way for this is some radio station that broadcasts music of different genres. You need to turn on the speakers for a day, setting the volume to about a third of the maximum, avoiding overloading the devices.

Of course, it won't be easy to play loud music for 24 hours without pissing anyone off. Some tricks will help you with this:

the speakers switch to mono mode to achieve identical sound on each of the dynamic drivers;
one speaker is connected to the amplifier correctly - plus to plus, minus to minus, and the second - reversely, that is, plus to minus and vice versa;
the speakers are placed opposite each other with the speakers facing each other - their proximity should be maximum, but without touching;
The top of the speakers can be covered with a material that does not transmit sound - a blanket or foam rubber.

The result will be a system similar to active noise reduction - the sounds from the speakers will be in antiphase and will drown out each other. Roughly speaking, the sound power will remain the same, but you will not hear anything.

In addition, you should not turn on the speakers immediately after you bring them home. Let your devices sit for a while so they can adjust to room temperature—nothing will kill electronics faster than condensation caused by temperature differences.

After warming up, all that remains is to empirically determine the ideal places to place the speakers - and you can enjoy high-quality Hi-Fi sound.