Speakers can go very expensive, some even cost more than a car or a small house. Most people consider speakers a crucial investment. Doing a little research empowers you with proper knowledge. Taking care of speakers will let them last longer than your home. With this in mind, there are several things to consider when buying speakers for home audio.
Purpose
There are various kinds of speakers and they all have different features. One of the major factors in deciding which one to buy is the purpose of the speakers. Some people prefer more bass when listening to music. A small subwoofer delivers that perfect extra low end. A pair of quality bookshelf speakers are great for a passive music listener. In-wall speakers are also the usual choice of those who do not sit down much to appreciate music.
A pair of monitors or floor-standing speakers are perfect for an active listener. Getting a multiple-driver small floor-standing speaker can deliver full-sounding music. It provides a highly-satisfying music experience and does not take up much space.
A soundbar with a wireless subwoofer works well to beef up the sound of the TV for shows and movies.
Space
Consider the space before buying speakers. It would be awful to get speakers only to end up not being able to set them up due to space restrictions. The size of the room is vital when choosing speakers. The room should be able to accommodate the chosen speakers. Buying large speakers for small, closed-in rooms with walls on all sides is not ideal. A small speaker will not be enough for large, open rooms. Putting speakers in a cabinet can bounce the sound around the cabinet. There will be some unwanted resonances.
Specifications
Matching speakers with the receiver or amplifier is also essential. The amplifier should be capable of driving the speakers in an effective and safe manner. It is also critical to check how the receiver or amplifier sound together with the speakers.
Impedance, measured in ohms, is an electrical characteristic of speakers. It is the resistance given by the speakers to the electrical signal sent by the amplifier. The amplifier has to see resistance to the power it sends. If not, it keeps pumping out power until burning out.
How much power the amplifier has is also of equal importance. It is most important to take a close look at how powerful the amplifier is. This is even more true if you are considering a low-impedance speaker. 8-ohm speakers usually work well with any amplifier. There is no need to worry about overpowering the speakers. Speakers getting damaged by powerful amplifiers are very rare.
Sensitivity refers to how loud a speaker plays per watt. A low-sensitivity speaker needs more power to get louder. The opposite goes for high-sensitivity speakers.
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