Floor-standing hi-fi audio systems review. Floor-standing acoustics - budget option - comparative test
– extraordinary design and excellent sound; 2 - the best floor-standing acoustics.
Having an active speaker system and a large screen in your apartment, you can enjoy all the delights of a cinema without leaving your home. Modern systems have very powerful, high-quality sound and are able to work in intensive mode. Speakers located in different parts of the apartment provide surround sound without losing sound quality, even in large rooms. Mid-price and premium systems can work not only at home, but are also used for professional purposes. Especially popular for home use are sound systems that include two front speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker and a subwoofer, or, as they are also called, 5.1 systems. In this article we will try to find out which systems were the most popular among users last year.
Best Budget Speaker Systems
Score (2018): 4.5
Advantages: Great price
Manufacturer country: China
| Advantages | Flaws |
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The Defender Hollywood 35 is in third position in the ranking of popular budget sound systems. A characteristic feature of the model is the ability to control the volume both separately for each channel and for the entire system as a whole. The system is capable of functioning efficiently in rooms with an area of about 25 m2. The cost of the system is the best in the Hollywood model range with the corresponding parameters. All elements have wooden cases using magnetic shielding, which allows nearby equipment to work without interference. The set includes a cable for connecting DVD, control is carried out using the remote control or subwoofer.
Users most often cite excellent sound quality and the ability to place the system around the entire perimeter of the room as advantages. The system is also convenient to manage thanks to separate control of each separate element. There are separate entrances for both computer equipment, and for the player. The disadvantages are the insufficiently long cable for the speakers, a fragile remote control and the impossibility of attaching elements to the wall.
Score (2018): 4.5
Advantages: Budget passive speaker system
Manufacturer country: Japan (Indonesia assembly)
The second position in the rating of the best models in the budget category belongs to the passive system of the Japanese manufacturer, made in Indonesia - Yamaha NS-P150, which consists of two rear and one center speakers. The body material is MDF, finished in ebony or mahogany. The system can be placed on a shelf or attached to a wall; fastening elements and terminals are provided for this purpose. The frequency range covered is quite sufficient for comfortable watching movies at home and listening to music. In the best way This system can be applied by expanding functionality available front speakers. According to consumers, this system is one of the best in the budget segment for use as rear and central systems. In this case, the name of a global company and the best ratio of cost and quality enjoys trust. The main advantages are also excellent sound on medium and high frequencies, nice design. Well, the disadvantages include the insufficient cable length, lower sound quality at low frequencies and the fact that the system requires maintenance (dust is instantly noticeable).
Score (2018): 4.7
Advantages: Best selling acoustics. Best value for money and power
Manufacturer country: China
The leader among budget sound systems is the BBK MA-970S, which is one of the best-selling budget sound systems. The model immediately attracts attention with its interesting design. The rear 1-way speakers are slightly smaller in size than the front 2-way speakers; the speakers have a housing made of MDF with a dark wood finish with silver edging. The system has a power of 280W, this best indicator in this category. The subwoofer has a simple design that matches the overall composition. The scope of application is slightly expanded due to the presence of audio and stereo inputs, as well as a decoder capable of converting stereo sound into multi-channel. An undeniable advantage here is a rich sound palette with a full range of frequencies. Control is carried out using the remote control.
Users consider the main advantage of the system to be sound; it is quite sufficient for apartment conditions and is especially well revealed when watching movies. Good appearance is also often mentioned, convenient use and full compliance with cost and offered power. Well, the disadvantages are the short range of the remote control signal, the impossibility of manual control, insufficient cable length, and also the fact that the system requires extra space for installation.
The best mid-price acoustics
Score (2018): 4.4
Advantages: Best Value between price and quality
Manufacturer country: Japan (China assembly)
Model Japanese brand, produced in China - Pioneer S-ES3TB, takes third position in the rating and is, perhaps, the best option to create a home theater for little money. The system is capable of operating in the frequency range 40-3000 Hz and has a total power of 660 W, while the front floor-standing speakers have a power of 150 W. This is not quite enough for listening to complex musical compositions with high sound quality. In addition, the sound quality is affected by the lack of magnetic shielding of the speakers and crossover filters. But, nevertheless, despite this, the system was able to surpass the majority of inexpensive music centers and budget home theaters. This sound system has proven itself well as a budget, but at the same time quite effective element of a cinema for viewing at home, coping with the reproduction of all special effects and musical compositions very well. Among the advantages, users note excellent transmission of low frequencies, balanced sound with minimal distortion. The downside is the sound quality, which can be improved if necessary by connecting a stereo amplifier. According to users, this significantly improves the system's capabilities.
Score (2018): 4.6
Advantages: Great design. Purity and transparency of sound
Manufacturer country: Japan
The sound system of the Japanese manufacturer Onkyo HT728, which is in second position in the rating of this category, has a wide frequency range (25-50000 Hz). Owners of this system note excellent clean and transparent sound. Stylish front speakers have a power of 520W. This modern system with excellent sound quality. Users also note the excellent assembly of the model and the excellent level of playback, including MP3 files, as the main advantages. In its price segment, this is probably the best system with virtually no drawbacks. Except perhaps for some vulnerability of the subwoofer when increased loads and the fact that the model does not have an internal amplifier. But this only to a small extent affects the popularity of the system among consumers.
Score (2018): 4.9
Advantages: Great sound and build quality
Manufacturer country: USA
The first place in our TOP of mid-price acoustics belongs to BOSE Acoustimass 5, made in a minimalist form factor and equipped with a pair of compact Direct/Reflecting Series II speakers. This set has already firmly established itself on the tops comparative reviews acoustics, while competing equally with higher price category. Almost everything in this set of acoustics is admirable, because in terms of sound transmission quality it is difficult to find an alternative in its segment. As for the build quality, here you can be absolutely calm - it is perfect. The Acoustimass module is responsible for transmitting the sound palette in general, as well as bass in particular. And he copes with this simply superbly. Further confirmation of this is the reviews on specialized forums from the owners, in which the overwhelming majority are laudatory epithets. The kit includes branded high-quality cables and fasteners that allow you to install the system without any problems. The ergonomics and appearance of the satellites allow it to fit into absolutely any living space. If we compare it with the previous Acoustimass 3 model, we can talk about a noticeable increase in the system’s power. At the same time, the hero of our today's review is the undisputed leader when using this kit in fairly large spaces.
The best premium speaker systems
2 Jamo S 628 HCS
Score (2018): 4.5
Advantages: The best floor-standing acoustics
Manufacturer country: Denmark
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The silver medalist in the rating of this category of sound systems is a model made in Denmark - Jamo S 628 HCS, which has long proven itself to be excellent among both amateurs and professionals. A distinctive feature of this system is its fundamental sound, which can be felt especially well in the lower frequency ranges. The total power of the system is 390 W, with a wide frequency range (from 37 to 20000 Hz), front speakers with a sensitivity of 86 dB, and rear and center speakers with 87 dB each, this provides very high quality sound. The passive type system has a very thoughtful design. The presence of an aluminum-coated diffuser included in the kit ensures smoothing of mid frequencies. The speakers and center channel have acoustically inert housings, so there is no deformation of sound vibrations. The heat from the voice coil is dissipated quite quickly due to the diffuser material. And all this ensures excellent undistorted sound even under extreme loads. The most beautiful, “velvety” sound, according to users, is in the lower registers. Some buyers note that they do not use a subwoofer, since at maximum volume you can feel the wave vibrations of the sound literally throughout your body. The appearance of the system is typical for this manufacturer - these are elongated rectangular housings with three possible options colors: dark apple, black ash and white. For rooms with an area of about 30 m2, this sound system is ideal for watching movies or listening to music.
Score (2018): 4.8
Advantages: Extraordinary design and great sound
Manufacturer country: China
This six-channel ceiling-type set from a Chinese manufacturer is a kind of symbiosis of realistic sound transmission and innovative ideas in terms of design and ergonomics. All satellites are made in an oval, streamlined shape, and just one glance at them is enough to tell which model is in front of our eyes. What can I say? Major League... And this is our champion!
An undeniable advantage of this model is the sound panorama. All its components, such as volume, detail, etc. receive a well-deserved 10 out of 10. This set received many praises due to its excellent parameters: a huge frequency range, an increased sound pressure threshold. Modern technical solutions, implemented in this model, also place it in the premium segment. All this is designed so that the owner can immerse himself in an ocean of realistic and detailed sound.
Speaking about the transmission of low frequencies, one cannot fail to mention the subwoofer of this model. It has high power, but, nevertheless, does not push all frequencies of the sound picture into the low range. The design of the speakers uses special plastic that suppresses noise. Owners speak very flatteringly about the transmission of high and medium frequencies. It is worth noting that as the volume decreases, the sound picture loses its saturation.
And again let's return to what attracts the eye - ultra-modern design, which cannot leave indifferent a person who appreciates beauty. In addition to ceiling installation of the system, you can also mount the kit on walls, as well as on special rack mounts. This sound system will absolutely various designs premises, from hi-tech to art deco.
As for the minuses, we can only talk about the rather small angle of rotation of the satellites, which causes certain problems in installing the system.
What to do when you want to listen to music loudly, with high quality and good bass, but your budget is limited? What to choose? There are no magic recipes to solve this problem, you just need to find the best floor-standing speakers you can afford. Even if you are within a very strict price range, you can find many interesting models from well-known manufacturers
Test participants
15,000-21,000 RUR *
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
Since it is obvious that floor-standing acoustics of such a cost are a set of compromises, we will be prepared in advance for the fact that complete set none of the models may receive stars for all three criteria. In this test, we will give the “design” and “quality/price” ratings a reference nature, and the “sound” rating will be the decisive factor. The criteria for sound quality will be basic properties: smooth tonal balance, expressiveness (as a combination of dynamics, resolution and richness of timbres), good volume reserve, as well as the ability to reproduce bass deep enough so that when listening there is no desire to connect a subwoofer.
Pivot table
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Firm |
Boston |
Energy |
Neso Victa |
Magnat |
Polk Audio |
Wharfedale |
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Number of lanes |
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Frequency range, Hz |
45—25 000 |
43—20 000 |
26—38 000 |
19—38 000 |
35—25 000 |
38—24 000 |
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Sensitivity, dB |
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10—175 |
20—200 |
30—300 |
30—360 |
20—150 |
20—120 |
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Impedance, Ohm |
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Crossover frequency, Hz |
No data |
1600, 2000 |
400, 3200 |
300, 3500 |
No data |
140, 3800 |
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HF diameter, mm |
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Midrange/bass diameter mm |
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Dimensions, mm |
891x320x225 |
915x313x180 |
1050x305x230 |
950x320x210 |
924x292x177 |
850x278x194 |
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Weight, kg |
No data |
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Sensitivity (1 W/1 m, 1 kHz), dB |
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Impedance max/min, Ohm |
6,79/33,59 |
5,97/33,10 |
4,29/15,67 |
3,94/9,30 |
3,62/22,87 |
5,25/11,64 |
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Impedance, average value, Ohm |
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Average THD (100-20,000 Hz, 94/88/82 dB), %: |
0,29/0,25/0,24 |
0,22/0,18/0,17 |
0,22/0,21/0,25 |
0,35/0,26/0,33 |
0,22/0,19/0,20 |
0,29/0,22/0,22 |
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Frequency response unevenness (100—20,000 Hz), +/-DB |
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Frequency response unevenness (160—1300 Hz), +/-dB |
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Frequency response unevenness (1300—20,000 Hz), +/-DB |
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Frequency response unevenness (300—5000 Hz), +/-dB |
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Lower limit frequency (-10 dB), Hz |
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results
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BOSTON A250 |
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***** Sound |
The winner was chosen based on a combination of sound characteristics,
but it turned out that this is also the most stylish test model.
Each acoustic that participated in the test showed its own individual character, which in itself destroys the myth that inexpensive acoustics are not fundamentally different from each other. It was nice to realize that each manufacturer offers something truly original and even “poor students” have a very rich choice. If you primarily expect assertive, meaty bass from floor-standing speakers, feel free to take the Magnat Monitor Supreme 1000, you won’t go wrong. For those who love sophisticated vintage sound in the spirit of paper wideband speakers, I highly recommend getting acquainted with the Neco Victa 701. For connoisseurs of jazz and any beautiful, sublime music, I recommend taking a closer look at the Energy Connoisseur CF-30, and for those who want to experience the classic English sound, I suggest listening to Wharfedaie Diamond 10.4, acoustics from the legendary series of the famous British brand. A contender for the role of monitor acoustics for a stereo system, which periodically turns into home studio, it is quite possible to consider the Polk Audio TSi 300. Well, the Boston A250 model demonstrated, in my opinion, the most balanced sound, combining good resolution, genre versatility and exceptional expressiveness. Ironically, this particular model turned out to be the least bassy, but the quality and dynamics of the bass completely compensate for its quantity. As a result, the winner of the test is the Boston A250, and the prize of choice is the vintage sound of the Neco Victa 701 model and the exceptional price/quality ratio that the Energy Connoisseur CF-30 acoustics showed us. If we talk about general impression from the tested models, then, in addition to the sound, I would note interesting design and high-quality manufacturing of the majority of participants, which is certainly pleasing in this price range. And in general, all the speakers performed better than could be expected.
*THE PRICE IS APPROXIMATE
A common mistake when comparing speaker systems is to place too much emphasis on the stated frequency range. In the technical specifications of many budget speakers the range of reproduced frequencies is indicated from 20 Hz to 20 kHz or even more, although more expensive acoustics may have a more modest range indicated.
The mere ability of a speaker to reproduce certain frequencies does not mean anything. It is important how evenly in volume and with what distortions the sounds will be reproduced on different frequencies, compared to the signal they received at the input. Therefore, if you really want to understand what frequencies and how exactly a particular speaker system can reproduce, look for its amplitude-frequency response (AFC) - a graph that shows how correctly (quieter or louder compared to the input signal) ) certain frequencies are reproduced.
There are many different acoustic systems produced in the world, and each of them has its own “sound signature”. And it’s not just a matter of frequency response, there are others important parameters. Unfortunately, write in simple words or it is impossible to summarize the description of the sound of a particular speaker into a clear and small table. But you can give a few useful tips.
When choosing speaker systems, you must first of all be guided by the parameters of the room in which the speaker systems will be installed, and the recommended amplifier power in combination with the specified impedance. Be sure to check the minimum acoustic impedance level allowed for your amplifier.
If you want to clarify how loud a particular speaker system can produce, pay attention to the “sensitivity” parameter. It shows what sound pressure (in dB) the system produces from a distance of 1 m with an input power of 1 W. Doubling the power will result in a 3 dB increase in sound pressure. For example, if the acoustics have a sensitivity of 88 dB/W/m, then when applying a power of 4 W we will get a sound pressure of 94 dB at a distance of 1 m. Some manufacturers list sensitivity based on a 2.83V applied voltage rather than 1W power. In this case, for comparison, 3 dB should be subtracted from the indicated number.
Finally, it is recommended to listen to the selected speakers yourself. Fortunately, listening rooms in specialized stores are not uncommon. If this is not possible, try to find the most detailed review, telling how exactly this acoustic system sounds. Even better if this is a comparison of several models of the same class.
When listening, it is advisable to use equipment that is as close in parameters as possible to what you have at home - the same class and preferably the same manufacturer, and it is also important that the listening takes place in a similar room. All speakers sound different when used with different equipment. To the audition, bring with you the music that you usually listen to and know well. This is the only way you can find exactly “your” speakers.
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 usually have low quality. This is why many people strive to purchase additional devices to output sound. 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 hardly 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 medium 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 audio 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 you to get 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 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.
Acustic systems with amplifier active type 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. Wherein 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 that have given value equals 85 decibels.
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 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. Music lovers are recommended speakers with large interval. The best for them will be speaker systems with frequencies from 20 to 35,000 Hz.
Type of shell
On this parameter You should also pay attention 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 speaker 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 reproduced 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 most the best option There will be an acoustic system made in a wooden case.
For those who have opted for plastic, it is 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 produce 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 give out good sound and do not need 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 manufacture. 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). On the list the best manufacturers acoustic systems, it rightfully occupies one of the first places. 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.
Available and quality speakers offered by Yamaha. 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.
Achieving clear and spacious sound is not the easiest task, especially when it comes to budget segment acoustics. Quality systems allow you to transmit sound with maximum detail, balanced reproduction of high, mid and low frequencies. What types of 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 than passive component systems. Active closed-type acoustics can include not only a sound source, but also a player, a pre-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 a regular table or shelf, they will begin to resonate and vibrate strongly, which will certainly spoil the sound quality.
Some believe that bookshelf speakers Great for home cinema. 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 devices, for large premises– floor.
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 as an excellent addition to 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 technical characteristics, such as frequency range, number of bands, playback area, impedance level, maximum sensitivity and compactness. Here are some useful tips to help you choose acoustics for your home:
- The frequency range does not matter. Often in budget models a wider frequency range is indicated than that of 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 of the best audio equipment manufacturers:
- 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 have good sound. It is especially difficult to find a high-quality device among representatives of suspension systems. We have compiled a ranking of the top 9 most the 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 design with five liquid layers creates the best shear suppression system. 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.