The basic hi-fi system uses two speakers that deliver sound from your CD player, tape deck or DVD player to your ears.
Knowing what to look for in speaker systems is important when buying your hi-fi set. This is particularly true if you have a reasonably substantial budget. Before starting your search for a music system, first establish what type of music you want to listen to. For instance, speakers with powerful bass may be more suitable to hip-hop than hard rock.
The two most popular types of speakers are bookshelf and floor standing. Bookshelf speakers are normally small models, under two feel tall and usually placed on shelves, racks or stands for optimum listening. Floor standing speakers, as the name suggests, are placed on the floor and come in larger sizes.
There are other types of speakers such as in-wall and once you decide on which type is suitable for your requirements, you need to consider other features, including size, power, cabinet, drivers and placement.
Size
If you prefer deeper bass sounds, then it is better to go for larger floor standing models. Bookshelf speakers are more suitable for smaller rooms or where lower playback volumes are preferred. Models of both genres are capable of exceptional sound rendition if chosen wisely.
Cabinet
The speaker’s cabinet is designed to enhance the sound generated by the drivers. Because of this, the material used to construct cabinets is important. The most popular material is medium density fibreboard (MDF), which is engineered softwood that has similar applications as plywood. Fibreglass, carbon fibre, metals and other woods are also used for speaker cabinets. Wadding is sometimes used inside the cabinet to cut down on echo. For example, the Jamo E750 has cabinets made of MDF with the edges offset at two degrees to minimise resonance.
Drivers
The classic drive unit comprises a magnet, voice coil and diaphragm with size and material affecting the quality of sound. Many speakers have two or more drivers built in. Remember that more drivers does not necessarily mean better sound quality.
Power
When determining how powerful you want your speakers to be, you must consider sensitivity and the ability of the system’s amplifier to handle the speaker’s load, or impedance. Highly sensitive models generate more volume for certain power levels. Impedance is measured in ohms, and it is essential that your speaker impedence falls within the range required by your amplifier.
Placement
Test your speakers and listen to how they perform at various distances from the wall in order to find the ideal sound balance.
Conclusion
By understanding the essential features of a speaker system, you will be armed with enough knowledge to make a considered decision on your final purchase. Ultimately, the best method is to trust your ears. Listen to the sound and decide for yourself.
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