Budget acoustics for home. How to choose a Hi-Fi speaker system? When quality doesn't matter

Hi-Fi and Hi-End class acoustic systems differ from others in the highest sound quality. However, in order to maximize their potential, the entire audio equipment path must be of the appropriate class, including switching. Therefore, if you bought a Hi-Fi speaker and connected it to old equipment in the budget segment, then there can be no question of any quality. It will be noticeable by ear that the system has potential, but this is still far from the level that the speakers are capable of. Before buying an acoustic Hi-Fi system or Hi-End class, you need to carefully consider the entire path of the equipment that you are going to purchase and how to connect it. The leading leaders in the production of acoustic systems of this class are:,.

The lion's share of home speaker systems high class are passive due to the fact that at home there is no need to use active speakers. The advantage of active acoustics is that it is somewhat easier to switch, and there is basically no problem with selecting the optimal amplifier, since the amplifiers are already built-in, as in the example of the model. However, the disadvantage of active speakers is that the higher their power, the more the amplifiers are subject to vibrations, which, over long-term use, can damage the radio elements. Therefore, for a household Hi-Fi system it is better to buy passive speakers, since at home they are the most optimal and durable. The passive analogue of the above system is the model.

Before purchasing, you should be guided by the technical specifications. This mainly concerns the rated power of the speakers, impedance, frequency range and sound pressure. It is better to prefer power with some reserve, with the expectation that the system should not operate at the limit of its capabilities. The resistance is selected in conjunction with the parameters of the amplifier. When paying attention to the frequency range, it is necessary to be guided by the fact that the human ear perceives sound approximately in the region from 20 Hz of the lower threshold to 20 kHz of the upper threshold. Accordingly, the closer the indicators are (or even wider), the better.

Connecting passive acoustics mainly requires the use of high quality speaker cables. There are several connection types:

• traditional;
• bi-wiring;
• biamping;
• triamping.

Traditional connection speaker connection assumes a generally accepted connection, which is used to switch the lion's share of speaker systems using a double cable.

Bi-wiring connection carried out in cases where the speaker system has two independent pairs of terminals. One pair supplies a signal to the low-frequency section, the second to the mid/high-frequency section. In this case, there are already two speaker cables per speaker.

Biamping connection It works on the same principle as bi-wiring, however, the amplifier in this case has two independent outputs, that is, to the LF and MF/HF sections separately. Or, two independent amplifiers are used.

Triamping connection is the rarest and is used exclusively in Hi-End systems Oh. In this case, three power amplifiers are used for the LF, MF and HF sections and are connected by three speaker cables.

Buy a speaker system

Before buying a Hi-Fi speaker system, we recommend that you contact our sales managers, who, in turn, will give professional advice and select the best acoustic option based on your preferences. Also, you can always place an order through the shopping cart by filling out simple form on our website. When purchasing any product from our company, you receive the best price offer and official guarantee from the manufacturer.

The company is a leading specialist in high-quality audio and video equipment. All company products are official, certified and with a quality guarantee.

Achieving clear and spacious sound is not the most simple task, especially when it comes to budget segment acoustics. Quality systems allow you to transmit sound with maximum detail, balanced reproduction of highs, mids and low frequencies. What acoustic speakers exist, and how to choose the right equipment for home use?

An acoustic system is a device for sound reproduction, consisting of an amplifier, several emitters (most often dynamic) and electrical filters for dividing the reproduced frequency range between loudspeakers. The optimal spectrum for mid- and high-class speakers is considered to be a frequency from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This allows you to produce a noticeable “springy” bass and crystal clear vocals. Of course, frequency range indicators cannot fully reflect sound quality. For this purpose there is an amplitude-frequency characteristic.

There are two main types of speaker systems - active and passive. Active speakers, in addition to the crossover and speaker, contain a built-in power amplifier inside the housing. This makes them more versatile and compact compared to passive ones. component systems. Active acoustics a closed type can include not only a sound source, but also a player, a primary processing console, and even an entire instrument. This allows you to quickly configure and assemble the equipment. However, active systems are not suitable for large halls and clubs because they concentrate sound in one specific location.

Passive acoustics require a separate amplifier, and in some cases a crossover. It will not be convenient for small halls or clubs, since it takes up quite a lot of space. But such equipment copes better with creating a sound atmosphere in large rooms. Another advantage is the even distribution of power, reducing the risk of amplifiers overheating.

Placement

Based on their location in the apartment, acoustic systems are divided into shelf, floor, built-in and wall-mounted. They differ in size, sound transmission quality, ergonomics and service life. Let's discuss each type of accommodation in more detail.

Shelf

Such speakers are installed mainly in small rooms up to 18 square meters, but there are models that can fill even large concert halls with sound. Shelf systems are not nearly as compact as they seem at first glance. They can only be installed on special mounts. That is, saving space, as is the case with built-in or wall-mounted acoustics, will not work. If you try to install bookshelf speakers on regular table or shelf, it will begin to resonate and vibrate strongly, which will certainly spoil the sound quality.

Some believe that bookshelf speakers great for home theater. But it’s still better to use floor-standing equipment, as it gives richer bass and creates an immersive effect. At the same time, the quality of sound transmission depends not so much on the type of speaker, but on the quality of the speakers, components and room area. For small rooms it is better to use shelf units, for large rooms - floor units.

Advantages:

• good sound quality;
• take up less space than floor systems;
• more resistant to external damage than floor-mounted equipment;
• Suitable for small clubs and bars, as well as for background playback in mega centers or sports clubs.

Flaws:

• resonate when placed on the floor or table;
• not as compact as built-in and wall-mounted models.

Floor-standing

Floor-standing speaker systems are most often used in halls and clubs with an area of ​​more than 20 square meters. The richness of the sound in such systems directly depends on the chosen amplifier. As a rule, floor-standing devices are more demanding of load, so an incorrectly selected amplifier can damage the equipment. Before purchasing, be sure to compare the power ratings of the speakers with the power ratings of all components. If you over- or under-estimate your receiver, it may not deliver its full audio potential or may cut out when the volume is turned up.

Advantages:

• the sound is more powerful than other types of speaker systems;
• suitable for large concert halls, clubs or other public areas;
• the bass is more noticeable compared to similar devices in other categories;
• wide functionality.

Flaws:

• take up a lot of space;
• the cost is usually higher than for wall-mounted and shelf-mounted devices;
• more difficult to configure.

Built-in

Built-in speaker systems are most often installed in ceilings or walls. Unlike shelf and wall-mounted devices, their housing is completely hidden and does not take up space. Usually only the speaker grilles remain visible, but there is special “invisible” equipment where even the radiator is covered with a thin layer of plaster. These speakers are suitable for commercial premises such as clubs, supermarkets, sports centers, etc., as they are resistant to external factors. They are distinguished by less natural sound transmission, but good compactness. However, you will also have to pay a large sum for the process of installing acoustics.

Advantages:

• do not stand out from the general interior;
• do not take up space in the room;
• Excellent for both home theater and commercial premises, such as sports centers, shops, etc.
• protected from external damage.

Flaws:

• installation takes a lot of time and effort;
• don't sound as good as other devices;
• They are much more expensive due to their compactness and ergonomics.

Hanging (wall-mounted)

Hanging speakers are a budget-friendly and fairly compact alternative to shelf systems. They save space in the room because they have a small emitter and a lightweight body. Hanging systems are great for home theaters and TVs because they have sufficient sound performance for watching movies and other video files. However, the playback quality is not up to par with floor-standing or bookshelf acoustics, so music lovers are better off paying attention to more professional models.

Advantages:

• affordable cost, in comparison with other types of acoustics;
• take up little space because they are placed on walls or ceilings;
• serve great addition to a home theater or TV;
• do not require expensive components;
• easy to install in any room.

Flaws:

• they lag behind other types of acoustics in sound quality;
• do not fit well into the interior;
• not suitable for large rooms as they are quite quiet.

How to choose for your home

When choosing speakers for your home, you need to pay attention to specifications, such as frequency range, number of bands, playback area, impedance level, extreme sensitivity and compactness. Here are a few useful tips that will help you choose acoustics for your home:

1. The frequency range does not matter. Often, budget models have a wider frequency range than professional speakers. The fact is that it is quite difficult to measure exact spectrum indicators, so manufacturers sometimes indicate range limits at random. It is better to focus on the amplitude-frequency characteristic, which more accurately indicates the expressiveness of different tones.
2. The more stripes, the better. Bands are emitters that reproduce different parts of the frequency range. How more speakers speakers, the better the sound will be. Two-way and three-way audio systems are perfect for home use, but for professional use it is better to take more functional models.
3. The larger the room, the more powerful and louder the system should be. For small rooms up to 18 square meters, an active built-in, suspended or bookshelf speakers. For large rooms, it is better to choose a floor-standing one with several modules.
4. Sensitivity controls volume. The higher the sensitivity, the louder the device will sound. The main thing is to make sure that the sound does not distort at high volume levels.
5. The power of the speakers should be equal to the power of the amplifier. Do not underestimate or overestimate the potential of the device - just compare the power ratings of the speakers with the power of the receiver.

Also pay attention to the dimensions of the device. You should not choose bulky speakers for small apartments, as they will take up a lot of space and will not provide the desired sound. Powerful acoustics in small rooms can hum or distort the sound.

Manufacturers

Buying a home audio system from a reliable manufacturer means getting a long lasting guarantee period, good service and constant customer support. If you are ready to spend enough money to buy a quality device, we present you a list the best manufacturers audio equipment:

• Edifier
• Microlab
• Genius
• Logitech
• Klipsh
• Yamaha

Each of these brands creates excellent equipment for any occasion. The equipment lasts a long time and pleases with good sound quality.

Rating 2018

Manufacturers produce many models of acoustic speakers, but not all of them sound good. It is especially difficult to find a high-quality device among representatives of suspension systems. We have compiled a rating of the top 9 best acoustics different types, based on reviews and customer feedback:

Floor-standing

• high sound quality;
• excellent assembly;
• no need to get tangled in wires;
• suitable for any interior thanks to its laconic design;
• Hi-Fi sound lovers will like it.

• need a subwoofer;
• require warming up.

The best acoustics from model range"Censors". It has a durable aluminum base that protects the case from external damage. Side panels made of MDF and covered with high quality laminate. The suspension design and patented wood-finished diffuser provide excellent sound transmission and long-lasting music listening.

• high quality sound;
• suitable for home cinema;
• Excellent sound in both stereo and five-channel mode.

• low quality cladding;
• great weight and size.

Home acoustics that can provide excellent sound quality even in large rooms. The speaker cones are covered with a layer of craft paper. Thanks to a special ferromagnetic fluid, the system operates stably at high volumes and does not overheat. The device is suitable for both home and commercial use.

• high power;
• deep and springy bass;
• smooth amplitude-frequency response.

• you need an equally expensive amplifier.

Premium acoustics from the famous American manufacturer Polk Audio. Balanced six-layer laminate construction with five fluid layers creates better system cut suppression. The special rounded wall shape reduces resonance and reduces distortion.

Hanging

• affordable price;
• two playback bars;
• high sensitivity;
• quick installation.

• not enough bass.

Inexpensive 2-way wall-mount stereo system. It is positioned by the manufacturer as all-weather, since it has a protected housing and speakers. Equipped with high quality surge protection and a 90 by 90 degree HF horn.

• suitable for outdoor use;
• takes up little space in the apartment;
• high sound quality.

• you need a good amplifier.

All-weather speaker system from the GLE range - one of the most popular series in Europe. Equipped with an innovative frequency filter and bass resonant hole. Suitable for both connection with a home theater and for use in music classes, cafes, restaurants, sports clubs, etc.

A good home speaker system allows you to maximize your sound capabilities while listening to music or watching movies. How to choose best equipment, corresponding to the parameters of the room and your own expectations? An overview of the main evaluation criteria, reviews and ratings will help you understand the issue. various models systems, as well as reviews from customers and specialists.

Classification by type of accommodation

When choosing for your home, it is important to consider where it will be located. Based on this feature, four subgroups of equipment can be distinguished:

• ceiling;
• floor;
• wall;
• built-in

The first option is very common for small spaces, but individual models can provide good sound in fairly spacious rooms. Such speakers, despite the name, are not attached to the ceiling, but on special stands.

Attention! You should not save space and install speakers of this type on the floor or other surfaces. Such acoustics will strongly resonate with the surface, which will lead to a significant deterioration in sound.

Floor-standing speakers are very effective for rooms whose area exceeds 18 m2. Before purchasing a system, you should analyze the compatibility of its performance with the power of the amplifier. If the amplifier “doesn’t measure up”, the speakers will not be able to fully reveal their capabilities. It is also possible that the equipment may inadvertently turn off while increasing the volume settings.

Wall-mounted ones will help save space in the room, because they are quite compact and conveniently mounted. They are a good analogue to ceiling acoustics. This category includes sound bars and sound panels. They can be installed above or below, improving the sound quality of the built-in speakers.

Built-in acoustics are usually mounted in the ceiling, but in some cases also in the walls. Indispensable in conditions of limited space. They are often used where it is impossible to install larger equipment - in corridors, bathrooms, saunas, etc. For placement in conditions of high humidity or temperature, a separate category of speakers is produced, with protection from these influences.

Housing materials

Modern manufacturers offer speaker models made from the following materials:

• tree;
• plywood;
• plastic;
• aluminum;
• glass.

There is an opinion that the best raw material for a speaker is wood. This statement is based on knowledge about the acoustic qualities of this natural material. Experts refute this opinion, arguing that sound production does not occur from the body itself, as is the case with a guitar or other musical instruments. The sound is produced by the system speakers.

Taking this into account, the column material can be very different. It is important that it meets the required level of strength and does not “add” unnecessary sounds during operation. The choice of material affects appearance and the cost of equipment. The physical size of the speakers also affects sound production.

Advice. Quite expensive speakers are produced from rare wood species. As a budget analogue, you can use systems covered with vinyl film of the appropriate texture.

Specifications

The quality and depth of sound, as well as the practicality and functionality of the equipment, are determined by several parameters.

Number of lanes

The sound spectrum, conditionally, can be divided into separate sections called bands. All of them can be emitted from one or more speakers. A special feature of acoustic systems is the ability to distribute sounds different frequencies between several columns. Choosing one or more speakers depends on personal preferences and room capabilities. For an organization with deep, realistic sound, it is better to choose a 2 or 3-way system.

Power

This parameter is responsible for the overall reliability of the system, including mechanical. Power has a fairly indirect effect on the volume of sound production. To determine the optimal value of the parameter, you should compare it with the size of the room.

• for a room up to 20 m2 - from 60 to 80 W;
• for a room from 20 to 40 m2 - from 100 to 120 W;
• for a room over 40 m2 - from 150 W and above;

In addition, it is important to make sure that the system amplifier power does not exceed the power of the speakers.

Frequency and sensitivity

The sound volume is determined by such a parameter as sensitivity. The dependence is as follows - the higher it is, the more powerful the sound produced. Sensitivity is measured in decibels; 85 dB is sufficient.

The optimal frequency range for a small home theater is from 100 to 20 thousand Hz. In some cases, a wider spectrum may be appropriate - from 20 to 35 thousand Hz.

A separate category is monitor speakers, with the most even amplitude-frequency response. They are more intended for professional use, for example, in recording studios. However, installation at home is also possible. They can be passive or active. The latter are distinguished by a built-in amplifier.

How to test the sound of your speakers

When choosing equipment in a store, you should take advantage of the opportunity to test listen. You should pay attention to the following points:

• for test sound, use a recording in Audi-CD format or other similar formats, but not MP3, which does not allow you to perceive all the capabilities of the speaker;
• For a more realistic sound, you should ask your consultant not to use an amplifier with a multi-band equalizer. With its help, some sellers are trying to expand the frequency range. The usual one, with a tone control, will be enough;
• It’s best to listen to familiar music or classical music, with a lot of instruments;
• listen to music for several minutes, while changing the volume level, including maximum.

If listening is not possible, you should familiarize yourself with detailed reviews and reviews describing in detail the sound of the selected model.

Recommendations and advice from experts will help you choose a good speaker system for your home. It is important to consider how technical specifications equipment, as well as the dimensions and characteristics of the room in which it will be located. It is also better to test the sound of several models of the same class before making your final choice. Before purchasing, you should study the system parameters according to the technical data sheet and compare them with the characteristics of the existing equipment.

How to choose a speaker system for your home: video

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 convenient for travel because they have small sizes. 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, everything is transmitted perfectly sound effects. 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. Equipment High Quality They also produce sound with higher 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 there should be no rattling or extraneous noise. 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.

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

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

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

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:

• passive, receive a signal from central block;
• 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 additional block– a wireless amplifier for the rear speakers, it receives a 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:

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

Top 10 best speakers

We present to your attention 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 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.

A budget option acoustics 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 input Line-in, 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: dark wood body, black protective grilles 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:

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

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 “impudent, poisonous receiver” will not be an empty phrase for you.

But before turning into a full-fledged audiophile, it’s worth understanding basic concepts related to Hi-Fi speaker systems. For example, it is worth understanding what affects the cost of acoustics.

Unlike Hi-End systems, Hi-Fi acoustics It costs exactly what it 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. Speaking more in simple language, you need to buy devices from one price category, because drops 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, music Center, 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 individual elements 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. That's why best choice It will be assembling 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 - have big size and, as a rule, being multi-band;
• 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 the 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 different technologies;
• DAC is a device that transforms analog signal to digital 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, by 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. One purchase of 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 does the 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 annoying anyone. 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 of the type active noise cancellation– 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.