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Types of Speakers
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Bookshelf Speakers
Bookshelf speakers are compact speakers designed to fit on a shelf or desktop. They come in passive and powered options. Bookshelf speakers are great for smaller rooms or as surround speakers in a home theater system. They provide detailed sound quality but may lack deep bass.
Floorstanding Speakers
Floorstanding speakers, also called tower speakers, use their larger size and multiple drivers to produce room-filling sound with strong bass. They don't require stands and make a bold statement. Floorstanders work well as front speakers in home theaters.
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Powered Speakers
Powered speakers have a built-in amplifier, so you just plug them straight into a wall outlet. This makes setup simple. Powered bookshelf speakers work well with computers and turntables. Some higher-end models offer WiFi and streaming features.
Wireless Speakers
Wireless speakers connect to your devices via Bluetooth or WiFi, eliminating the need for speaker wires. Popular options include:
- Smart speakers with built-in voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Portable Bluetooth speakers you can take anywhere
- Multi-room systems that let you stream music wirelessly throughout your home
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home speakers not only stream music, they also feature built-in voice assistants. You can use voice commands to ask questions, get news, control smart home devices and more.
Surround Sound Systems
Surround sound systems use multiple speakers placed around the room to create an immersive listening experience. A basic 5.1 system has three front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. Surround sound is ideal for home theater.
Choosing the Right Speakers
Consider the following when shopping for new speakers:
- Room Size - Larger speakers can fill bigger rooms with sound.
- Layout - Plan speaker placement for optimal sound.
- Volume and Power - You need sufficient wattage for your room.
- Usage - Optimize speakers for music or home theater.
- Budget - Determine how much you want to spend.
- Ease of Setup - Powered and wireless options are simpler.
Latest Speaker Technology
Built-in Voice Assistants
Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Sonos One have built-in Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing voice control of music, smart home devices, information, and more.
Multi-room Streaming
Wireless systems like Sonos and Denon HEOS let you stream music to speakers in multiple rooms, all controlled by an app.
High Resolution Audio
Some high-end speakers support lossless audio formats like FLAC and ALAC, providing sound quality that exceeds CD quality.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos audio on supported speakers creates immersive, object-based surround sound, with audio coming from all directions.
Types of Speakers
There are many different types of speakers available to fit a variety of needs. Here is an overview of some of the most common speaker types:
Bookshelf Speakers
Bookshelf speakers, as the name suggests, are compact speakers designed to sit on a shelf, desk, or speaker stands. They come in both passive and powered options:
- Passive bookshelf speakers require an external amplifier to power them.
- Powered bookshelf speakers have a built-in amplifier and just need to be plugged into a power source.
Popular bookshelf speaker models include:
- Klipsch R-51M
- Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2
- KEF Q150
- Audioengine A5+ Powered Speakers
Floorstanding Speakers
Floorstanding speakers, also known as tower speakers, are taller speakers designed to sit directly on the floor without stands. They contain multiple woofers and tweeters to deliver powerful, room-filling sound with strong bass.
Well-known floorstanding speaker models include:
- Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F
- KEF R11
- SVS Ultra Tower
- MartinLogan Motion 40
Powered Speakers
Powered speakers have a built-in amplifier, so you just need to plug them into an electrical outlet to power them on. They don't require a separate receiver or amplifier.
Common types of powered speakers:
- Powered bookshelf speakers - Great for desktop use with computers, turntables, and streaming devices.
- Studio monitors - Designed for audio production and mixing.
- Smart speakers - Feature voice assistant technology like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built-in.
Wireless Speakers
Wireless speakers connect to your audio source via Bluetooth or WiFi instead of speaker cables. This allows for flexible placement anywhere in your home. Types of wireless speakers include:
- Bluetooth speakers - Portable speakers that connect to your smartphone, tablet or computer via Bluetooth.
- WiFi speakers - Stream audio over your home WiFi network. Multi-room systems allow grouping speakers in different rooms.
- Smart speakers - Voice-controlled speakers with built-in virtual assistants from Amazon, Google, Apple, and more.
Surround Sound Systems
Surround sound speaker systems are designed to create immersive audio for home theaters. They consist of multiple speakers placed around the room, including:
- Front left, center, and right speakers
- Side and rear surround speakers
- Subwoofer for bass
Popular surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X place audio in a 3D space for lifelike realism.
Bookshelf Speakers
Bookshelf speakers, as the name suggests, are compact speakers designed to fit comfortably on a bookshelf, desktop, or speaker stands. Despite their small size, bookshelf speakers can deliver impressive sound quality and powerful bass response. Here's an overview of bookshelf speaker technology and key considerations when choosing a pair.
Bookshelf Speaker Design
While bookshelf speakers come in different shapes and sizes, they typically share some common design elements:
- Small enclosed cabinet or enclosure
- 5” to 8” woofer for lower frequencies
- 1” tweeter for higher frequencies
- Front port for enhanced bass
Higher-end bookshelf speakers may include multiple woofers and tweeters for better sound dispersion and clarity. Some models have a rear port rather than a front ported design.
Passive vs. Powered
You can find both passive and powered bookshelf speakers:
- Passive - Require an external amplifier or receiver to power them.
- Powered - Have a built-in amplifier so you can connect them directly to a power source.
Key Considerations
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting bookshelf speakers for your needs:
- Available space - Measure shelf or desktop area.
- Room size - Larger rooms may require more powerful bookshelf speakers.
- Usage - Music, home theater, computer audio, etc.
- Sound quality - Frequency response, power handling, sensitivity.
- Budget - Bookshelf speakers range from under $100 to over $1,000.
Be sure to read reviews and compare specifications to choose the right speakers for room size, listening preferences, and budget.
Placement Tips
Proper placement is key to getting great sound from bookshelf speakers. When possible, place them at ear height when seated and angle them inward so the tweeters are directed toward your listening position.
Floorstanding Speakers
Floorstanding speakers, also known as tower speakers, are designed to deliver powerful, room-filling sound. As the name suggests, they are large speakers made to stand directly on the floor rather than on speaker stands or shelves. Here's an overview of floorstanding speaker technology and key buying considerations.
Design and Components
A floorstanding speaker enclosure houses several speaker drivers including:
- One or more woofers for low frequencies
- One or more midrange drivers
- One or more tweeters for high frequencies
Multiple woofers and drivers provide more sound output and better bass response compared to bookshelf speakers. The taller cabinet size reduces internal resonance and distortion.
Passive vs. Powered
Like bookshelf speakers, floorstanders come in passive or powered versions:
- Passive - Require an external receiver or amplifier.
- Powered - Have a built-in amplifier so no separate equipment needed.
Considerations When Buying
Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing floorstanding speakers:
- Room size - Floorstanders can fill large listening spaces.
- Usage - Ideal for home theater front speakers or primary music speakers.
- Sound quality - Look for wide frequency range and low distortion.
- Impedance - Match speakers to amplifier; 6 ohms or 8 ohms are common.
- Sensitivity - Higher sensitivity provides louder sound from less power.
- Budget - Tower speakers range from under $200 to over $2,000.
Placement Tips
Proper placement is important for the best sound. Position floorstanding speakers 2-3 feet from walls and keep several feet between the speakers. Angle them inward toward the listening position so the tweeters face ear level when seated.
Powered Speakers
Powered speakers, also known as active speakers, have a built-in amplifier which powers the speaker drivers directly. This eliminates the need for a separate receiver or amplifier to drive the speakers. Powered speakers make setup simple but offer flexibility and performance to suit different needs.
Types of Powered Speakers
Some common types of powered speakers include:
- Powered bookshelf speakers - Great for desktop use with computers, turntables, TVs, and streaming devices. Examples include the Audioengine A5+ and Klipsch R-51PM.
- Studio monitors - Designed for audio mixing and production. The Yamaha HS5 are popular studio monitors.
- Smart speakers - Feature built-in voice assistant technology like the Amazon Echo and Sonos One with Alexa.
- PA speakers - Designed for public address and live sound reinforcement. JBL EON615 is a portable PA speaker.
Benefits of Powered Speakers
Some key benefits of powered speaker systems:
- Simple setup - Just plug into an outlet and connect your audio source.
- Compact - Eliminates the need for a separate amplifier or receiver.
- Flexibility - Allows moving speakers between locations easily.
- Cost-effective - Avoid buying separate amps or receivers.
What to Look For
When selecting powered speakers, consider these factors:
- Wattage - More watts provide louder maximum volume.
- Input options - RCA, 3.5mm aux, XLR, optical, Bluetooth, etc.
- Speaker size - Bookshelf, studio monitor, floorstanding models available.
- Sound quality - Clear mids and highs, strong bass response.
- Brands - JBL, Klipsch, Yamaha, Mackie offer solid options.
Setting Up Powered Speakers
Connect your audio source like a smartphone, TV, or computer directly to the powered speakers using an appropriate cable. Place the speakers properly spaced apart and angled inward for optimal sound. Adjust the volume and settings on each speaker as needed.
Wireless Speakers
Wireless speakers provide the freedom and flexibility of streaming audio wirelessly around your home. Modern wireless speaker technology includes Bluetooth, WiFi, and smart speakers with built-in voice assistants.
Bluetooth Wireless Speakers
Bluetooth speakers connect directly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer over Bluetooth wireless technology. They allow you to stream music from your device without being tethered by wires.
Benefits of Bluetooth speakers:
- Portable and compact
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable price points
Popular models include the JBL Flip 5, Bose SoundLink Revolve, and Amazon Echo Dot with clock. Look for speakers with long battery life, water resistance, and speakerphone calling capabilities.
WiFi Wireless Speakers
WiFi speakers connect directly to your home wireless network, allowing multi-room streaming throughout your house. For example, Sonos systems let you play music in the kitchen, bedroom, and patio all in sync.
Benefits of WiFi whole home audio:
- No distance limitations like Bluetooth
- Stream different music to different rooms
- Controlled by app on your phone
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home feature built-in voice assistant technology. You can use voice commands to play music, get information, control smart home devices, set timers and reminders, and more.
Top smart speakers include:
- Amazon Echo
- Google Nest Audio
- Apple HomePod Mini
For whole home audio, you can place smart speakers in multiple rooms and control them with your voice!
How to Get Amazon Prime for Free When Buying Speakers
Amazon Prime provides fast, free shipping and other benefits that can help you save money when purchasing speakers. Here are some tips to get a free Prime subscription when shopping for speakers on Amazon.
Sign Up for a Free Prime Trial
If you've never been an Amazon Prime member before, you can start a 30-day free trial. This will give you access to all Prime benefits, including free 2-day shipping on eligible items.
Sign up for the free trial before adding speakers to your cart. Make sure to set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged $139 for an annual membership.
Use an Amazon Household
If someone in your household already has a Prime membership, connect your accounts. The primary member can share their Prime benefits with one other adult, up to four teens, and up to four children.
Log into your Amazon account and select “Add Adult/Teen/Child” under the Households & Family section. Enter the email address of the current Prime member and an invitation will be sent to link your accounts.
Check for Free Prime Shipping
Even without a membership, some speaker items may be eligible for free standard shipping. Look for “FREE Shipping” next to the product, or check if the order meets the minimum for free shipping.
You can filter search results by “Free Shipping” to see qualifying items. Purchasing multiple speakers in one order can help you reach the minimum.
Use an Amazon Credit Card
If approved for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card, you get instant access to Prime benefits plus 5% back when shopping on Amazon. The 5% back can help offset the cost of a Prime membership.
Consider applying for the card to enjoy Prime perks if you shop regularly on Amazon. Just be sure to pay your balance in full each month.
Using these tips can help you maximize the value from an Amazon Prime subscription when buying speakers and other products.
Yamaha HS8 Frequency Response
The Yamaha HS8 studio monitor speakers have a frequency response that ranges from 38Hz to 30kHz (-10dB) or 47Hz to 24kHz (-3dB) . Adding the HS8S subwoofer to the setup brings the frequency response down to 22Hz. The HS8 speakers were designed to provide an honest, precise reference for an ideal sonic platform to build on throughout the mixing process. The frequency range of the HS8 is wide enough for any producer trying to get a good mix. The construction of the HS8 is solid.
Yamaha HS Series
The Yamaha HS Series is a line of nearfield reference monitors that have become an industry standard for their accuracy. Unlike studio monitors with added bass or treble frequencies which may sound more flattering at first, HS Series speakers were designed to give the most honest, precise reference possible, providing an ideal sonic platform to build on throughout the mixing process. The HS Series features newly developed transducers that achieve astonishingly smooth response over a wide range of bandwidth. The second generation HS Series also adds a new 6.5" model to the lineup, bringing its exceptional accuracy to an even greater variety of recording environments. The HS Series includes six models: HS8, HS8I, HS7, HS7I, HS5, and HS5I. The construction of the HS Series is solid.
