How do you choose a HiFi speaker?
Choose HiFi speaker
If you're looking for HiFi speakers, there are a number of things to look out for. Ask yourself the following:
- Do you want a stereo or surround sound?
- What type of speaker do you want at home?
- Do you want even better sound from your speakers?
Stereo or surround speakers
Stereo speakers for music
Most music is recorded in stereo. That's why music sounds lifelike via two speakers. To get the best stereo representation, place the speakers at the front of the listening area, a few meters apart. The most used speakers are bookshelf speakers or column speakers. Do you often listen to music with a prominent bass? Consider a subwoofer for bass reproduction.
Surround speakers for movies
Movie sounds sounds extra impressive if you have a surround set. If the speakers are set up properly, it's like you're in the middle of the action and you can experience movies as if you were in the cinema. A surround speaker set usually consists of 2 front speakers, 1 center speaker, 2 surround speakers, and 1 subwoofer.
Different speaker types
Floor standing column speakers
Column speakers are good HiFI speakers. Because of the large sound box, these speakers have a fuller sound and reproduce bass better than bookshelf speakers. Due to the size and the powerful sound, column speakers are less suitable for small spaces. Floor standing speakers are usually used as front speakers in the front of the listening area.
Bookshelf speakers
Bookshelf speakers are smaller than column speakers. They take up less space, but don't reflect low tones. Because of their size, bookshelf speakers are suitable for small spaces. These speakers come function best as front speakers or rear speakers either on a stand or on the wall.
Satellite speakers
Satellite speakers are even smaller than bookshelf speakers. They're easy to hide or to hang. Combine the satellites with a subwoofer and create a compact surround set. Satellite speakers are suitable as side or rear speakers.
Different speaker types
Center speaker
The center speaker is made to reproduce speech in movies and series clearly and accurately. In front of or under your TV, the speaker is the center of your surround set. The speaker is larger than most bookshelf speakers and doesn't always fit in or on a small TV cabinet.
Subwoofer
A subwoofer is a speaker that only plays low tones. In some movies and music styles, powerful basses are indispensable. The subwoofer displays the low frequencies that other speakers don't reproduce. Subwoofers have an integrated amplifier, allowing you to control the amount of bass yourself.
Better sound from your speakers
The correct cable, listening height, and damping of the vibrations contribute to a better sound and sound quality. The manual of the speakers usually describes where you can best place the speakers. Place bookshelf speakers or satellite speakers with speaker stands at listening height or hang them on the wall with wall mounts. Speakers dampers disconnect a speaker from the surface and absorb vibrations, so the floor doesn't vibrate.
