Choosing a hi-fi system for home. Floor-standing acoustics - budget option - comparative test
And so, you decided to buy budget-level Hi-Fi acoustics for home, but here a dilemma arises - either buy what suits you according to the budget allocated for it, and be content with the sound you get for that money, or choose something better, but in a more expensive segment. As usually happens in life, good and cheap rarely go together. In this review, we tried to collect those models that combine these two seemingly incompatible qualities. Of course, everyone can make the final choice only by direct listening, but we highly recommend taking note of these models.
Cambridge Audio S30
The front panel of the tweeter is cut out as such in order to bring the two drivers (high-frequency and low-frequency) closer together for better integration. The design of the speakers allows a simplified crossover to be used between them, and for an even better effect, the speakers are connected separately with two sets of cables.
The volume of the cabinet (casing) is quite deep; the connection block and bass reflex are combined on the rear panel. The speakers are designed to be used at least 8 cm from a wall.
Victorious power and clarity. This is a wonderful speaker system that combines the winning power of the beat and the purity of sound. Bass doesn't become rumbly even when the frequency range drops to 59Hz, it's impressive without being annoying, being fast and precise, infusing any music with energy, be it hard rock or classical music.
But the S30 is particularly good in the mids and highs, and this seems to have a lot to do with the minimum crossover used. Voices are open and clear, and instruments - from acoustic to electronic - sound excellent and powerful when required.
These speakers sit on fairly heavy stands at a slight angle towards the listener, and you get a well-focused audio cabin, with really good, spacious sound.
The S30 follows the famous Cambridge acoustic formula: it looks cool, sounds great, and offers an intriguing alternative to established favorites at its level.
pros
Powerful
Very decent bass for such a small speaker system
Beautiful design
Great price
Minuses
The design won't be to everyone's taste.
A case of significant depth is not suitable for all users
Specifications:
Number of lanes - 2
Sensitivity: 90 dB
Frequency range: 55 Hz - 20 kHz
Nominal resistance: 4-8 ohms
Speakers: Tweeter: 1 x 25 mm (1") Woofer: 1 x 115 mm (4.5") Midrange/Woofer
Recommended maximum amplifier power: 100 W
Magnetic shielding: Yes
Dimensions (H x W x D): 226 x 160 x 235 mm (including grill)
Weight: 3.75kg
Boston Acoustics A 25
Compact and slightly arched, the Boston Acoustics A 25 speakers feature magnetic, removable grilles and are expertly crafted from an unusual combination of cutting-edge (gloss black) and traditional materials (leather-look vinyl) - it feels like watching your granny in Nikes. .
The A-25 features a 25mm dome tweeter and a 13cm mid-bass cone on the front panel, and a bass port at the rear along with a movable suspension mount.
The system is completely free and unpretentious in terms of placement and can serve well as a suspended speaker, but in order for it to sound better, a small free space is required and this inevitably leads to the choice in favor of placement on special racks or shelves.
The sound is impressive. Firey but not overzealous, open but pleasantly focused, the A-25 sounds balanced and without excess. With its help you can appreciate how good First Aid Kit's are in the song When I Grow Up.
This model has excellent resolution at the top end, sounds just as balanced and confident at the midrange, and has enough tonal variation at the bottom to make up for any slight lack of punch.
Decent item. The entire frequency range is perfectly integrated, and the Boston sound evokes a wonderful feeling - even the most complex recordings delight with a harmony of sound that can hardly be found anywhere else at this price.
pros
Surround, immersive, non-childish sound, with medium resolution
Minuses
Bass is not very convincing
Body made from an intricate mixture of materials
Specifications:
Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Set includes: 2 loudspeakers
Number of lanes - 2
Recommended amplifier power - 10-150 W
Sensitivity - 89 dB
Impedance - 8 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 55-25000 Hz (±3 dB)
Crossover frequency - 2.4 kHz
Gold-plated connectors - yes
HF emitter - 25 mm, dome
LF driver - 133.3 mm
Removable grill - yes
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 183x271x225 mm
Weight - 4.58 kg
Price - 9,990 rub.
DALI Zensor 1
Given the high quality of this model and even some pretentiousness of compact, well-made cabinets, Dali speaker systems are quite consistent with their price tag - but the difference between the sound they produce and the numbers on the labels is quite significant.
The Zensor 1 handles the storm und drang of Kenny West's Power and the delicacy of Kate Bush's Flower of the Mountain with equal ease. Its sound is open and clear.
Amazing attention to detail. Clear, but not sterile sound, immersing you in the very core of music, where sounds merge and split - this sound quality is usually characteristic of acoustic systems that cost an order of magnitude, or even two, higher in price. They manage to combine meticulous attention to detail with ease of listening, making the longest audio session fly by in a flash.
Achieving the perfect balance between clarity and power is very difficult at any price point, so the confidence with which the Zensor 1 walks this fine line is astonishing.
pros
Quite sufficient height, sound clarity and drive
Great feeling of ease when listening
Minuses
Nothing significant
Specifications:
Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Number of lanes - 2
Sensitivity - 86.5 dB
Maximum sound pressure - 106 dB SPL
Impedance - 6 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 53-26500 Hz (±3 dB)
Crossover frequency - 2.9 kHz
Connector for connecting to a power amplifier - screw
Gold-plated connectors - yes
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm, dome, textile
LF driver - 133 mm
Removable grill - yes
Fastenings for installation - yes
Magnetic protection - yes
Finish options - black, walnut
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 162x274x228 mm
Weight - 4.2 kg
Price - 12,790 rub.
Mission MX1
The sound of this model is simply stunning: the Mission MX1 speakers attack any music with boundless enthusiasm, which creates an excitingly resonant sound. The key to this sound is synchronicity: James Blake's synth rhythms in The Wilhelm Scream start and stop with superb precision, and all frequency bands are clearly separated from each other, creating a seamless unity of the overall experience.
The MX1 sounds better with its removable grilles, achieving the best tonal balance when standing closer to a wall, where the rear-facing ports pump out bass without causing rumble. But actually it sounds good almost everywhere.
It's fair to say that the treble, while generally bright and pleasant, is unlikely to be the highlight of a high-quality recording, but that's more than worth it at a price that most people will be happy to pay.
pros
Impressive, clear and powerful sound
Free layout
Rugged housing
Minuses
Doesn't hide recording flaws
It is preferable to avoid atmospheric-sounding electronics
Specifications:
Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Number of lanes - 2
Recommended amplifier power - 25-100 W
Sensitivity - 86 dB
Impedance - 8 Ohm
Frequency range - 58-20000 Hz (+/-3 dB)
Crossover frequency - 3 kHz
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm, dome
LF/MF driver - 127 mm
Removable grill - yes
Finish options - black, cherry, mahogany, walnut
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 172x280x258 mm
Weight - 5.1 kg
Price - 8,890 rub.
Q Acoustics 2010i
The 'i' version has a new tweeter, a higher mid-bass cone driver and an updated crossover to match the changes made. The tweeter is now located outside to minimize the possible negative effects of any vibrations caused by the midwoofer.
The body remains unchanged, except for the new neat front panel; Considering that the system looks good, this is not a problem.
Connection is made through a pair of terminals on the bottom, each for a separate set of cables.
This system sounds a lot like its beefier, award-winning 2020 variant, which isn't surprising given the similar specs.
They are characterized by the same combination of purified sound and increased level of aggressiveness of the sound, and the degree of immersion in the recordings is the same.
It's not surprising that larger speakers have an advantage, but at this size and price, it's unlikely that any other model can compete with the 2010.
It's more powerful than you'd expect for its weight and will work just fine with a Denon D-M38, but if your budget stretches to something like Marantz's 6004 CD player/amplifier combo, you'll find that in exchange for For the money spent, it can give you simply magnificent sound.
It's not easy to find speakers that can boast the same harmonious and clear sound, while - thanks to a beautifully thought out and improved balance - remaining so unpretentious in terms of connectivity.
pros
In an improved form it is even more interesting
Impressive resolution
Thoughtfully built frequency balance
Minuses
Big 2020 is more tempting if you can afford something more substantial
Specifications:
Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Set includes: 2 loudspeakers
Number of lanes - 2
Recommended amplifier power - 15-75 W
Sensitivity - 86 dB
Impedance - 4-6 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 68-22000 Hz
Crossover frequency - 2.8 kHz
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm
LF driver - 100 mm
Removable grill - yes
Additionally
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 150x235x203 mm
Weight - 3.5 kg
Price - 16,340 rub.
Tannoy Mercury V1
The fifth model is certainly one of the best yet, thanks to a host of upgrades including a stiffer cabinet and a lighter cone-shaped midbass cone.
Just listen and you will see how easy it is to succumb to Tannoy's charm. The sound platform is larger than others in this class, and this system manages to combine the effects of space and proximity better than any other.
The fusion of flexibility and strength makes the instruments sound delightfully rich and dynamic transitions beautiful. You might evaluate it and find no fault with it, but comparison with other top speakers also shows that the Tannoy is unlikely to be inferior to anyone in terms of power and punch.
It has a slightly convex dome high-frequency driver, and although this assumes the most sharp sound, believe me - it's worth it.
pros
Excellent tonal balance
Flexible, well-synchronized and dynamic
Detail-filled sound
Minuses
The drive of some competitors will be harder
Specifications:
Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Number of lanes - 2
Power - 50 W
Maximum power - 100 W
Recommended amplifier power - 10-70 W
Sensitivity - 86 dB
Impedance - 8 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 45-25000 Hz (-6 dB)
Crossover frequency - 3.2 kHz
Connector for connecting to a power amplifier - screw
Gold-plated connectors - yes
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm
LF driver - 130 mm
Case material - MDF
Removable grill - yes
Magnetic protection - yes
Finish options - maple, walnut
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 170x300x255 mm
Weight - 4.5 kg
Price - 10,800 rub.
Wharfedale Diamond 9.1
The driver integration is almost perfect, with the 13cm Kevlar mid-bass cone and 25mm textile tweeter working in unison to create a wonderful, balanced sound. It's remarkably clear - although some rivals may have an edge in this department - but the speaker is quite capable of rediscovering a touching track like Nina Simone's Tomorrow with an impressive amount of detail.
The same confidence is exuded by the Wharfedale speaker system when playing the alternative rock band Camper Van Beethoven's "Take the Skinheads Bowling". Academic and thoughtful in its focus and attention to detail, the 9.1 model nevertheless retains all the necessary qualities to make work not only your head, but also your legs.
From the top (recognizable and solid) to the bottom (robust and reliable), Diamond performs well in even the toughest materials. She can set the pace, easily return when needed, and balance the voices on her own. Exactly.
pros
Sleek design at an affordable price
Transparent, clear and rhythmic sound
Minuses
Small size for the money
Specifications:
Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Set includes: 2 loudspeakers
Number of lanes - 2
Separate connection of LF and HF (Bi-wiring) - yes
Recommended amplifier power - 20-100 W
Sensitivity - 86 dB
Impedance - 6 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 50-24000 Hz (-6 dB)
Crossover frequency - 2.3 kHz
Connector for connecting to a power amplifier - screw
Gold-plated connectors - yes
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm
LF driver - 125 mm
Removable grill - yes
Magnetic protection - yes
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 194x296x278 mm
Price - 7,200 rub.
Almost everyone talked about the sound industry in the eighties of the last century. However, today this topic is discussed quite rarely. Publications about it can only be found in some specialized publications. But many of us are not even aware of the possibilities that modern audio technologies can provide.
Entertainment systems
For every person, home is a place where, after a hard day at work, he can relax by spending time reading books or watching TV. For many of us, it is no less pleasant to listen to our favorite music or enjoy watching a movie.
In order to get a complete feeling of comfort, you will need a good sound system. Of course, any technology has built-in speakers. However, they are usually of low quality. This is why many people seek to purchase additional devices for audio output. What are the best
Requirement Criteria
How to choose a speaker system for home use? First of all, you need to decide why it is needed. Of course, good for a sensitive music lover and for an ordinary housewife is far from being an equivalent concept. After all, their needs are fundamentally different from each other.
In addition, you will need to make a realistic assessment of the capabilities of the premises. Even if it’s good, but with high power, it’s unlikely to be suitable for a small room of nine square meters.
That is why choosing speakers for your home is not an easy task. And when solving this issue, you will need to proceed not only from the parameters of the equipment that reproduces sound, but also from its key features. Don’t forget about your own preferences, as well as your personal financial capabilities.
Acoustic strips
Sound reproduction systems are divided into five groups. The first of them includes single-way acoustics, the second - two-way, etc. How to choose based on this parameter? For people who do not have any special needs or are simply deprived of an ear for music, it is quite enough to purchase a single-way system. All sounds from such speakers are emitted from only one speaker.
The best system is considered to be two-way. In it, one of the speakers reproduces sounds of mid and low frequencies, and the second - high frequencies. This is a good speaker system for watching movies or listening to music, as it delivers deep bass separately. This uses a subwoofer. This is a speaker that reproduces the low-frequency range of sound frequencies. It has a fairly powerful speaker built into it.
Good for people with more refined musical taste - three-band. In it, high, mid and low frequencies are reproduced in separate speakers. This system allows you to hear smoother sound and more intelligible speech.
Power
How to select speakers based on this parameter? Some buyers believe that the most powerful speakers allow for maximum volume. However, it is not. The power of the acoustics does not at all indicate the strength of the sound it produces.
This parameter indicates the mechanical reliability of the system. The higher it is, the more durable the speakers will be. When choosing acoustics, one nuance should be taken into account. It will be of better quality when the power of the speakers is higher than the same amplifier parameter.
Active and passive
The loudspeaker systems available on the market are divided into two types. The first one is active. In such a system, the amplifier is located in the speaker. In the passive type it is located separately.
With an amplifier, you simply plug it into a power outlet. At the same time, they immediately begin to produce sounds. Passive systems will not work this way. In order to hear sound from such speakers, you will need to connect an amplifier. Simply put, active speakers work like regular computer speakers. The passive system is similar in its operating principle to headphones that are not plugged into an outlet.
Speaker systems with active amplifiers have a big advantage. It lies in the ease of use. In this regard, the entire system is quite mobile. It is easy to put it in another place or unmount it. Another advantage of active acoustics is that each of its bands, that is, the speaker, has a separate amplifier, at the output of which there are separation filters. They are also active. This filter is easy to adjust. And this allows you to get high-quality sound.
An important criterion when choosing is the wider frequency range of the active system, as well as the presence of a volume control on the speakers, which is very convenient during operation.
The second type of system also has some advantages. First of all, they lie in their relatively low cost. At the same time, passive systems, as a rule, are more powerful than active ones, and they can always be combined with an amplifier available in the house. In addition, such speakers do not need to be supplied with a linear signal and voltage.
Sensitivity
A good speaker system, capable of reproducing the loudest sounds, has high sensitivity. This indicator is measured in decibels. Their number determines the sound pressure that the speakers are capable of exerting on the surrounding space. The higher the sensitivity value, the louder the sound. Speakers with this value equal to 85 decibels are perfect for home use.
Frequency
This parameter is also important for those who are interested in a good speaker system. A person is able to hear only those sounds that are in a certain range. It ranges from 20 to 20,000 Hertz. In this case, the frequencies are distributed as follows:
Low, ranging from 10 to 200 Hertz;
- medium - from 200 to 5000 Hertz;
- high - from 5000 to 20000 Hz.
An acoustic system purchased for a home theater may have a frequency in the range of 100-20,000 Hertz. Speakers with a wide spacing are recommended for music lovers. The best for them will be speaker systems with frequencies from 20 to 35,000 Hz.
Type of shell
You should also pay attention to this parameter when choosing a speaker system. The most popular are closed-type and bass-reflex speakers. The body of the first of them is the simplest. It can have a variety of designs and satisfy the tastes of various categories of buyers.
However, in a closed space, the lower resonance frequency increases significantly. This negatively affects the transmission of low frequencies. In this regard, most acoustic systems use a bass-reflex type housing.
It is an open box with perfectly selected dimensions. There is a vent in the cabinet that directs sound from the back of the speakers to the front. This allows you to significantly enhance the bass volume.
Material
On sale you can find speakers made of plastic, wood and chipboard. Each of these materials has its own advantages. Thus, plastic allows you to implement the most daring design solutions. It is quite cheap and light. However, the sounds produced by such speakers are much simpler. This is due to plastic rattling at high frequencies. Such speakers usually find their use when using a computer. They are not suitable for watching movies. In such cases, the best option is an acoustic system made in a wooden case.
Those who have opted for plastic are recommended to select speakers without sharp corners, edges and wide panels, as well as having a high-quality, reliable assembly.
Formats
For a small room, ceiling speakers are suitable. They are quite compact, have a low cost and provide good sound. Their main disadvantage is shallow bass. In addition, ceiling speakers have low sensitivity. To reproduce loud sound you only need 40 watts of power.
Good for the hall - rack-mounted. It is larger in size than the ceiling one, but at the same time provides sufficient depth of low frequencies.
Very convincing bass sounds thanks to floor-standing speakers. It's also a great hall speaker system that can shake the floor of the room. These speakers produce good sound and do not require a super powerful amplifier.
However, the size of the speakers is the main reason why they need to be anchored to the floor to eliminate additional cabinet vibrations. In addition, when such speakers are moved away from the walls for better sound, the space they occupy increases significantly. Such acoustic systems can be quite massive and attract attention. And their cost is not so small.
Professional equipment
According to some lovers of good music, such audio systems are of the highest quality. However, in reality everything is different. Professional acoustic systems do not get their name from their advantageous differences in certain parameters. They are simply used to carry out activities related to sound reproduction.
Professional acoustic systems do not have any design frills, and expensive materials are not used in their production. Their main difference from amateur speakers is the use of certain elements that can withstand constant load. After all, such systems operate in stores or fitness clubs constantly, during the entire working time. In addition, professional speakers have great power. It is this that allows them to voice a fairly vast space.
Manufacturers
Those who want to purchase the best speaker system and have sufficient funds should consider the equipment of those manufacturers who are leaders in the sound reproduction equipment market. And first of all, I would like to say about the company Bowers & Wilkins (B&W). It rightfully occupies one of the first places in the list of the best manufacturers of speaker systems. The company specializes in producing the most advanced home theater systems. At the same time, she offers her clients only the best acoustics that perfectly reproduce any music. Such systems are not cheap. However, with their help you can hear almost perfect sound.
The ranking of the best manufacturers continues with Rotel equipment. It originated as a small family business, and today it is a reputable company that professionally deals with audio equipment. Reviews from consumers who bought its equipment for home use confirm the high quality of the devices. In addition, the company produces audio systems that are suitable for buyers with different income levels.
Yamaha offers affordable and high-quality speakers. This Japanese manufacturer knows a lot more than just speaker systems. Some branches of the company also produce classical and other musical instruments, which are highly valued by consumers all over the world.
Jamo audio equipment is also well known to many users. The speakers it produces are of high quality and are in different price categories.
Brands such as JBL, Magnat, Dali and HECO also produce products that are worthy of their sound.
Hi-Fi – there’s so much in this word... When the first Japanese audio systems poured into the USSR in the late 80s, it became fashionable to assemble entire sets with good sound. Much time has passed since then, and Hi-Fi audio systems began to be used not only for listening to music, but also for accompanying films and computer games. And most importantly, Hi-Fi is now available to almost anyone. The only question is needs and sound quality.
Many people sooner or later face the need to improve the sound of their audio equipment. For most, at some point, simple computer speakers are not enough: there is not enough bass, and the middle is a little thin. And some have outgrown their current audio system and want to dive even deeper into the wonderful world of sound. In any case, you will have to choose a new Hi-Fi audio system. But it's not that simple. As soon as you start choosing the right model, a truly grandiose waterfall of companies, characteristics, lines, models, and configurations falls on your head. On the one hand, this is good. But on the other hand, how to choose?
Understanding the huge market for Hi-Fi audio systems is difficult, but possible. The most important thing is to understand what exactly you need and for what purposes you will use your system. Next, understand a number of simple technical parameters. That's all. Or rather, the preparatory stage has ended. But the most difficult thing is ahead, and there is no escape from it.
There are audio systems of different price levels, there are many variations in the selection of equipment, and there are all kinds of technical characteristics. But only your ears can choose the right audio system for you. The fact is that each of us perceives sound differently. Not only do we hear a different range of purities, but our habits and musical preferences play an important role. So you need to go to the stores and listen, listen and listen again. Otherwise, you risk pointing your finger at the sky and buying a system that you won’t be happy with. Another question is that prices in stores are often higher. But no one is stopping you from choosing a system there and buying it on the Internet?
It’s worth starting an analysis of Hi-Fi audio systems with the fact that they consist of three main parts: a player, an amplifier and the speaker system itself. In this article we will only talk about speaker systems. At the same time, choosing a subwoofer is a separate big topic, and we will cover it in another article.
How are speaker systems different?
Do you have a long love story with hi-fi audio systems? Are you an audiophile who can hear the most elusive frequencies? Can you afford the best?If you didn't answer yes to any of these questions, then don't rush to the best audio systems right away. Not even because you most likely won’t feel the difference in sound between budget and the most expensive systems that audiophiles hear. That’s because the cost of the best systems starts at about $7,500. Are you ready to spend that amount? If not, then it’s better to start with a budget option. For a newcomer to the world of Hi-Fi, a basic and mid-range system will be sufficient. And over time, you may understand the difference and decide to upgrade to a higher-class system.
Kit contents
This is a key parameter, since the composition of the speaker set determines whether the system suits your needs.Why do you need an audio system?
If you are an avid music lover, collecting a collection of rare discs or vinyl with the Beatles and Michael Jackson, then a traditional stereo pair (or a triphonic set - two front speakers and a subwoofer) is suitable for you. This option is also yours if you like to “drive battles” or CS and want to completely immerse yourself in the game world. If you love movies, are planning to install a large screen or projector (or maybe you already have one) and want to enjoy deep immersion while watching a movie, then it is better to opt for a set of 5.1 acoustics (6.1, 7.1, etc. ) The same advice can be given to the most sophisticated music lovers, audiophiles, lovers of classical music and electronics.
If you need a universal option, then you can choose any of two options: a good stereo pair and a 5.1 system will cope with the required load. But keep in mind that a good 5.1 set will be much more expensive than a good stereo pair.
Floor and shelf
One of the most important differences between speakers is their dimensions. Small bookshelf speakers can be placed on a table (but still better on a special stand), large floor-standing speakers stand on the floor.
If you know the basics of physics, then most often (primarily in the low frequency range) the statement is true that the larger the speaker, the better the sound. Of course, it all depends on the tasks and your premises. But don't rush to conclusions. Firstly, floor standing speakers are much more expensive. Secondly, if you plan to install a speaker system in a standard one-room apartment, then the size of the room is simply not enough to fully unleash the potential of floor-standing speakers - they need more space.
Therefore, for a small room we take “shelf holders” (it will be better if you put them on special racks), and for a large room – “floor holders”. But still, you shouldn’t buy front speakers that are too small.
Speaker sensitivity
This characteristic is the sound pressure level that the system will create when a signal from the amplifier arrives at it, measured in dB/W*m. With the same power, the higher the sensitivity of the speaker system, the louder the sound it can produce. Speakers with high sensitivity will sound louder with a less powerful amplifier. But a low-power speaker system paired with a powerful amplifier will produce louder sound than a high-sensitivity speaker system. Also be aware that a powerful amplifier can damage sensitive speakers.
Frequency range
Sound is a phenomenon that represents the propagation of mechanical vibrations in the form of elastic waves. The human ear is capable of hearing sound vibrations in the range from 16 Hz to 20 kHz. If we talk about this range, then it is conventionally divided into bass, mid and high frequencies. Bass - 10 - 200 Hz; medium - 200 Hz - 5 kHz; high - 5 kHz - 20 kHz.Frequency range is one of the most important parameters. The closer the frequency range of the speaker system is to 16 - 20,000 Hz (perceived by humans), the better. For comparison, the average performance of bookshelf acoustics is 60–20,000 Hz, and that of floor-standing acoustics is 40–20,000 Hz. But there are exceptions, so it is better to pay special attention to this characteristic.
By the way, many models of medium and high price categories have the highest limit of the frequency range above 28000 Hz. You shouldn’t rush to such speakers without thinking: don’t forget about the range perceived by the human ear.
Number of lanes
Ideally, an audio system should consist of a single full-range speaker with a full frequency range of 20 - 20,000 Hz. But in practice this is very difficult to achieve, so speaker systems are divided into strips, most often two or three.
Speaker systems in the mid-price range usually have two bands: low-frequency (which is also responsible for mid-range frequencies) and high-frequency. More expensive speaker systems add another mid-frequency band.
If you listen mainly to vocal music, then two-way systems will be enough for you. The same applies to those who are looking for speakers for gaming and computer work.
To listen to electronic or classical music and watch movies in a home theater, it is better to purchase a three-way system.
Resistance (impedance)
This characteristic means the total electrical resistance of the system. The most common values are 4, 6 and 8 ohms. This parameter is most important for selecting an amplifier: its impedance parameter should be the same. An impedance mismatch between the speaker and amplifier can cause serious problems. If, with the same power of both devices, the impedance of the speakers is higher than the rated impedance of the amplifier, then the speakers will sound quieter. If the speaker impedance is lower, the amplifier may burn out. So, if you already have an amplifier, this will simplify the choice of speaker system: choose from those that match the impedance.Maximum power
This is the maximum possible supplied electrical power at a certain normalized nonlinear distortion factor. Many people think that this setting means how loud the speakers will sound. But this is not entirely true. The power indicator indicates that when a signal of the specified power is supplied, the dynamic head or speaker system will not fail. Therefore, it is very important that the power of the speakers matches or exceeds the power of the amplifier.
When choosing an amplifier and speaker system, it is desirable that the actual maximum power of the speaker system exceeds the power of the amplifier by 30 percent or more. In this case, you will be insured against failure of the acoustics due to the supply of a signal to it at an unacceptably high level. If you choose an option for home, then 100 W is more than enough. At the same time, you are unlikely to ever listen to something at maximum volume. For larger rooms, you should pay attention to higher power ratings - depending on the area of the room.
System as a whole
Having purchased very expensive acoustics and connected it to a weak audio card, you should not expect fantastic sound, but distortion is quite likely. Conversely, if you buy the best amplifier on the market for cheap speakers, you will simply throw money away.It is very important that all links of the chain (amplifier - speaker system - subwoofer - switching) are combined correctly with each other.
Firstly, all equipment must match each other in terms of technical characteristics (for example, resistance).
Secondly, the equipment must be of the same class (example with a built-in audio card and expensive acoustics).
Thirdly, everything must be combined with each other for a harmonious sound. If you are a beginner and do not particularly understand the audio system market, it is better to purchase a complete set from one manufacturer. So you definitely won't go wrong.
