Loudspeakers: Home Speakers at Crutchfield.com
How to shop for home speakers
Your speakers are the most important link in your home audio chain. After all, they make the sound.
Below you’ll find some shopping tips and category definitions. For more detailed info, read our home speaker buying guides.
Most home speakers need a separate amplifier. But now some models have their amplification built in. These include:
Portable Bluetooth
® speakers
Battery-powered Bluetooth speakers stream tunes from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. There are compact models that fit in your backpack. Larger ones are perfect for hanging out at the pool or the campground. Many models are dirt-proof and waterproof.
Wireless home speakers
Unlike portable Bluetooth speakers, these must be plugged into an AC outlet. They connect to your phone via Bluetooth, or to your network through Wi-Fi®. Many of these speakers offer app control for switching sources, picking songs, and adjusting volume. Some (like Sonos, Bluesound, HEOS, and MusicCast) are designed to function as part of a wireless multi-room audio system.
Powered stereo speakers
A pair of powered stereo speakers gives you the kind of listening experience the artists worked hard to create. The built-in amplifier is usually housed in one of the two speakers. The left and right speakers then connect to each other with an included wire. Most models have inputs for stereo source components such as a CD player or turntable. Some offer Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connections.
Sound bars
Like the name implies, sound bars are horizontal enclosures designed to sit below your TV. Your TV’s built-in speakers pale in comparison. You’ll hear crisp clear dialogue and dynamic sound effects. Watch a lot of movies? Look for a bar that can simulate surround sound. Many sound bars include a wireless subwoofer for deep bass. And some let you play music through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
Computer speakers
Also known as desktop speakers or multimedia speakers, computer speakers are designed for “near-field” listening.
That means they sound good when you’re sitting up close. Some models have Bluetooth for wireless connection to your laptop. And some have a built-in digital-to-analog converter, which greatly improves the sound of the music coming from your computer.
Smart speakers
What makes a speaker smart? Wi-Fi connectivity and a built-in voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Powered subwoofers
A powered subwoofer adds powerful bass to most any stereo or home theater system. They easily connect to any receiver, amplifier, or powered stereo speakers that have a subwoofer output.
Non-powered speakers, formerly known simply as “speakers,” require an external amplifier or receiver. This group includes the following types:
Floor-standing speakers
Also known as tower speakers, floor-standing speakers are just the ticket for large rooms and anyone who lives life out loud. Their large enclosures help tower speakers deliver more bass than their smaller bookshelf cousins.
Bookshelf speakers
Want clear, detailed sound from a compact set of speakers? Look at bookshelf speakers. Perfect for stereo music systems, they’re also good for the front or rear channels of a home theater system.
Center channel speakers
The center channel of a home theater system is full of important sounds, including most of what the actors have to say. That’s why you’d be wise to get a good center channel speaker. Look for one that’s “voice matched” with your left and right speakers. That means all three speakers should all be from the same brand and the same series within the brand and series.
Surround speakers
Surround speakers create the dramatic sonic envelope that makes home theater so much fun. Placed beside and/or behind you, they transport you into the story unfolding on your big-screen TV. What kind of speakers work as surround speakers? Good question! The most popular options are bookshelf speakers, in-wall speakers, and special bipole/dipole models that fire sound in multiple directions.
Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers provide overhead sound effects by bouncing sound off your ceiling.
Surround sound speaker systems
The easy way to get a well-matched home theater speaker setup is to buy a prepackaged 5- or 6-piece system. All these bundles include front left and right speakers, a center channel speaker, and two surround speakers. Most also include a powered subwoofer.
Outdoor speakers
Weather-resistant speakers help you bring the joy of music to your outdoor living spaces. You can install speakers on an exterior wall above your deck or patio. Or scatter them throughout your landscape. Some are disguised as rocks, so they blend in to your garden scenery. You can even get an outdoor subwoofer to accentuate the bass.
In-wall speakers
Want great sound without the clutter of conventional speakers? Consider in-wall speakers. Most are paintable. Basic models are designed to install vertically and are perfect for background music. Some are purpose-built for hidden home theater and can mount horizontally for use on the center channel.
Ceiling speakers
Want music flowing throughout your home like light from the windows? Ceiling speakers are the answer. They’re even less conspicuous than in-wall models. Wondering how many you need to adequately cover your listening spaces? Contact our A/V Design team for help with a system plan.
On-wall speakers
Most bookshelf speakers can be mounted on a wall. But this special collection consists mainly of speakers that were designed with wall mounting in mind.
Speaker wire
Passive speakers use speaker wire to connect to their source of amplification. Our speaker wire guide has detailed information on choosing the right wire for your speakers.
Speaker stands and brackets
Bookshelf speakers usually sound much better when you place them on stands. Wall-mounting is a good option for surround speakers. You may use brackets for that.
Subwoofer cables
You’ll need a subwoofer cable to connect your powered subwoofer to your receiver’s subwoofer output.
Many stereo receivers and amps also have subwoofer outputs. For more information, read our article on subwoofer setup.
High-end loudspeakers for home systems, professionals and cars
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Confidence
The classic passive speaker has evolved. Confidence takes Dynaudio’s most celebrated audio technologies to startling heights with updated materials, techniques and technologies.
Contour i
Dedicated to detail. Born in 1986… raised in 2020
Leave Dynaudio engineers alone with a speaker and they’ll make it better. They can’t help themselves. And they love nothing more than improving a legend.
Special Forty
Cutting-edge acoustic technology in a classic Dynaudio design.
The Special Forty anniversary speaker draws on 40 years of cutting-edge research – and brings it totally up to date with Dynaudio’s most celebrated techniques and technologies.
Heritage Special
Real. Beautiful.
Dynaudio Heritage Special. Authentic premium Danish hi-fi, handmade with love in Skanderborg.
Evoke
Evoke is for you. It’s for living rooms. Home cinema rooms. Listening rooms. Even bedrooms. It’s serious hi-fi, everywhere.
This original speaker range takes advanced technology directly from our top-of-the-range speakers – including finishes, driver technology and design. And that means each of the five Evoke models can vibe with you, grow with you, and stay with you – however you listen.
Every single part has been looked at from the ground up. Every driver has been optimised in Dynaudio’s state-of-the-art Jupiter measuring lab.
And every finish has been painstakingly formulated and executed to reflect those on our most exclusive speakers.
Focus
Your complete wireless sound system.
Imagine the possibilities… connect to every single streaming service. To internet radio. To your TV. Even your turntable. Now you can experience limitless music in audiophile quality, without cables. Instantly.
Emit
Discover just how good your collection can sound.
Emit is your way into true high-end Danish hi-fi. Enjoy your music and films in a way you never thought possible at the price, thanks to trickle-down technology from Dynaudio’s incredible Confidence, Contour i and Evoke ranges.
Whatever your tastes, you’ll hear the result of 45 years of painstaking research, development and listening experience. From the proprietary MSP cone material and fabric soft-dome tweeter technology Dynaudio has been using since 1977, to the up-to-the-minute Hexis inner dome and magnet systems, Emit lets you join the ‘high-end club’ in style.
Use them in stereo. Use them in a home-cinema system. Stream through them. Play your old vinyl records. Take your next step into authentic audiophile performance.
Dynaudio Magazine
Dynaudio Magazine is our universe of sound and music-related articles, videos, and podcasts, covering everything from loudspeakers and technology to extraordinary people, and our very best tips and tricks.
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top-11 rating according to KP
Listening to music is a pleasant experience. But it is also important to choose the right technique in order to feel the composition in full force. A good sound system can provide a good musical rest. This, as a rule, is a large multimedia device – speakers, amplifier, subwoofer, which allows you to listen to your favorite songs in high quality and can work both independently and, for example, in conjunction with a computer or phone, player or other multimedia device. Fans of noisy parties, it definitely will not hurt.
The best acoustics for the home in 2023 are represented on the market quite extensively. Let’s talk about the most interesting options.
Editor’s Choice
ProAc Response DT8
ProAc Response DT8. Photo: market.yandex.ru
In the 1990s, Response was very popular in the Hi-Fi/High End industry. It has everything you need to provide yourself with high-quality musical accompaniment.
The frequency response of the model lies within the range recommended by experts from 38 to 30,000 Hz. Despite a nominal impedance of just 4 ohms, the DT8s are not overly demanding on amplifiers.
They have a fairly high sensitivity – 90 dB – so most models in a similar price category can easily cope with them. There are two bands of acoustic design here – bass-reflex, which combines high sound quality and impressive volume, and passive.
The devices of this manufacturer are distinguished by a beautiful and high-quality finish. One column weighs 26 kg. The design is floor-standing and will look great beautifully in any corner of the house.
Key features
| Speaker type | front speaker |
| Acoustic design | bass reflex type |
| Maximum frequency | 30000 Hz |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
Pros and cons
Good sound quality, great design, compatible with different types of amplifiers
Bright finishes can get dirty.
There are not enough “grills” (protective grilles) in the kit – this increases the risk of damage to the speaker
Top 10 loudspeakers in 2023 according to KP
1. HECO Aurora 1000
HECO Aurora 1000. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Solid acoustics. Users describe the sound as “crystal clear”. Here you will find excellent dynamics and powerful speakers. According to the manufacturer, the HECO tweeter provides ideal dispersion properties thanks to a 28 mm silk dome and a specially calculated multi-wave front panel. It is extremely stable thanks to ferrofluid cooling and is equipped with a powerful dual ferrite magnet system.
This system looks stylish. In addition, it is quite convenient – because of the stand with spikes under the structure, you can wipe the floor or, for example, get a trifle that has rolled there.
Main features
| Speaker type | front speaker |
| Acoustic design | bass reflex type |
| Maximum frequency | 42500 Hz |
| Impedance | 4 ohm |
Pros and cons
High-quality sound, good dynamics
This speaker system is inconvenient to transport
2.
JBL EON ONE COMPACT
JBL EON ONE COMPACT. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Active speaker system at a very decent price. A full-featured, battery-operated, 4-channel, Bluetooth-controlled mixer in a compact package weighing only 8 kg, a professional-grade model.
Good sound comes from premium effects and presets that can be manually adjusted on your phone using the JBL EON ONE Compact Control app.
Users will also appreciate the mute function of the EON ONE Compact. It lowers the background music volume when it detects a microphone signal that is receiving a signal from a paired audio device. Bluetooth supports peer-to-peer music streaming. Thanks to many hours of operation from a replaceable battery, you can listen to music almost all day.
Main features
| Speaker type | front speaker |
| Acoustic design | bass reflex type |
| Maximum frequency | 20000 Hz |
Pros and cons
Bluetooth control, new sound effects, easy pairing with a smartphone
Not the most powerful among models of this type
3.
Monitor Audio Silver 50
Monitor Audio Silver 50. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Here, buyers first of all note the build quality. Everything is made reliably, nothing leaves, does not break. The sound is also decent – it plays cleanly and without problems. Good AFC performance. This acoustics can be bought at not the highest price on the market, but at the same time it is of high quality and long-lasting. Such a model is not located on the floor, but on a shelf.
The speakers here are protected by a “grill” that can be safely removed. The speaker has a 5.25-inch cone woofer that enhances the sound quality at different frequencies.
Main features
| Acoustic design | bass reflex |
| Maximum frequency | 35000 Hz |
| Impedance | 8 Ohm |
Pros and cons
Convenient location in the apartment, good sound
Doesn’t look the best with the overlay
4.
Focal Chora 826
Focal Chora 826. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The Focal Chora 826 floorstanding three-way speaker system embodies an affordable Hi-Fi speaker that guarantees total immersion into music and has an elegant design that gravitates towards classical forms. This model is equipped with a 165 mm midrange driver and two woofers of the same caliber.
The device is designed for use in large rooms. An oval grill with a magnetic mount helps protect the midrange and woofers. All these speakers are united by Slatefiber technology, which also provides dynamic sound with powerful bass.
Key Features
| Acoustic Design | Bass Reflex |
| Maximum Frequency | 28000 Hz |
| Impedance | 8 ohm |
Pros and cons
Thanks to special technology, the model provides dynamic sound with good bass. Work with various types of amplifiers
Users complain about weak low frequencies
5.
Bowers & Wilkins 607
Bowers & Wilkins 607. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Great compact option. The buyer will be pleased with the sound of good quality and solid bass. The kit includes plugs for a phase inverter – a type of acoustic design that combines high sound quality and impressive volume. The mutes will help if the sound needs to be made quieter and at the same time maintain dynamics. The system has a pleasant appearance, the workmanship also inspires confidence.
Despite its compact form, the 607 S2 Anniversary Edition exudes power and scale. It features a Continuum cone and updated crossovers for exceptional sound detail and musicality. Ideal for stereo or surround sound.
Key Features
| Acoustic Design | Bass Reflex |
| Maximum Frequency | 33000 Hz |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
Pros and cons
Compact shape, good ventilation system
Volumes for connecting to other devices are not very conveniently placed
6.
Canton GLE 496.2
Canton GLE 496.2. Photo: market.yandex.ru
A model with a strict and stylish design. It is made of high-quality materials that do not cause complaints from users, judging by the reviews on the network .. Everything is evenly glued, the body material is MDF, veneer on top. There should be no problems with sound, low and medium frequencies function as expected. Customers will be pleased with the presence of special holes on the back for attaching anthers.
The system is equipped with three-way speakers. The maximum system power is 320 watts. Removable grilles are provided to protect the speakers.
Main features
| Speaker type | front speaker |
| Acoustic design | bass reflex type |
| Maximum frequency | 40000 Hz |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
Pros and cons
Stylish and strict design, soft feet for installation
Metallic sound at high frequencies
7.
Adam T7V
Adam T7V. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Compared to many competitors on the market, this home acoustics has a very attractive price. Despite this, the sound of the device is comparable to more expensive models. For listening to audio in the apartment, this is a very good option. The main thing to achieve the best sound is not to install the speakers close to the walls.
This is a “monitor” acoustic, it is perfect for those who are planning or already playing music professionally. The system provides the correct sound transmission and control over audio material in recording studios. It allows you to hear the soundtrack the way it should be – without “improvements” and “processing”. At the same time, for simple listening to music and watching movies, the device is also great.
Key features
| Acoustic design | bass-reflex type |
| Maximum frequency | 25000 Hz |
Pros and cons
Good build quality.
Works great at low frequencies
Slight bass adjustment per room
8. Monitor Audio Bronze FX
Monitor Audio Bronze FX. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Hanging model. Designed to work with home theater. When watching your favorite movie, the picture on the screen is accompanied by excellent sound. The kit includes a bracket for wall mounting. Also, for the safety of the speakers, you can close the speakers with a special grille.
The construction does not weigh very much – just over three kilograms. There are two sound bands here. They work quite well. There are practically no complaints from users about this model. She does a great job for little money.
Main features
| Acoustic design | closed type |
| Maximum frequency | 30000 Hz | Impedance | 8 ohm |
Pros and cons
Good build. Excellent sound quality for watching movies
A narrow “specialty”.
This model is designed for home theater and not very suitable for other purposes
9. Wharfedale D320
Wharfedale D320. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Affordable shelf model with good performance. Such a system looks very technologically advanced. It will look appropriate, for example, on a computer desk. The speakers play cleanly and are able to saturate compositions with volume and detail.
The device perfectly delivers rhythm instruments – drums and basses, low frequencies are pleasant and legible, highs also prove convincing. According to users, synth basses are not very bright here. To get what you want from electronic music, you have to take a sub.
Main characteristics
| Maximum frequency | 20000 Hz |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
Pros and cons
Good sound at high and low frequencies, quality build
Vocals can be distorted at mid frequencies
10.
RCF ART 715-A MK4
RCF ART 715-A MK4. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Acoustic system with dynamic, detailed sound. Thanks to the built-in energy-efficient class D amplifier and powerful drivers, the RCF ART 715-A MK4 acoustics will become a universal solution for sounding events and concerts. The cabinet design also makes it easy to use the system as stage monitors.
Equipped with a 15″ woofer and a 1″ tweeter. The RCF ART 715-A MK4 is capable of delivering up to 1400W of peak power, and thanks to the volume control and built-in Flat and Boost EQ modes, it allows you to quickly adjust the sound based on the acoustic properties of the room.
Main features
| Maximum frequency | 20000 Hz |
| 0024 |
Pros and cons
Reliable speaker system, has a light sound
Not the most accurate sound detail
How to choose acoustics for your home
Before buying a speaker system, you need to study its characteristics.
How to choose acoustics for the home, “Komsomolskaya Pravda” was told by the consultant of the household appliances store Vasily Ignatiev .
First you need to determine the format of the installation of acoustics. What do you need? Speakers on shelves? System on the floor? Maybe the acoustics need to be hung on the ceiling or built into the wall? Choose a place to install the system and start from it, which model, what sizes you need. You also need to pay attention to the type of model, sensitivity, frequency range and impedance, the number of bands and the materials from which the device is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of acoustics should I choose – active or passive?
These are the two main types of speakers. The first are speakers with a built-in amplifier. They work without additional devices. If you do not like to adjust the sound and look for some solutions, then this option will suit you. Passive speakers need an amplifier or speaker cables.
This is probably more an option for those who are fond of music, like to experiment with sound, set up the perfect one, and not just want to arrange a powerful disco.
Why monitor acoustics?
This option is interesting for those who professionally work with music in the recording studio. Monitor are speakers and subwoofers with the most even amplitude-frequency response. They are both passive and active with a built-in amplifier.
How many bands do you need for a good speaker?
Ideal acoustics, as often described, consists of a single full-range speaker with a full frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz. But more often the acoustics are divided into two bands, and sometimes more. One band, as a rule, is low-frequency, the other is high-frequency. If there is a third, then it is mid-frequency. Many bands sound better, but this isn’t exactly a homemade option.
Top 10: Best Speakers for Music
Our TOP speakers include the best speakers for music , active home speakers and passive stereo systems.
Basically, these are good and inexpensive acoustics for the home, which will suit most. But it was impossible not to mention several interesting audiophile models that fit 100% under the concept of “best speaker systems”. But the prices are there … However, you will see. 😉
To choose the best speakers for your home, you need to decide on a couple of things . For what? From what? And for how much? 😛
- If you’re looking for the ultimate in music speakers, then is the one to choose from. From home models for music lovers to pure audiophile systems with lively and accurate sound. Even active acoustics are well suited for the home. It already depends on taste. Initial Hi-Fi (models that sound better than multimedia speakers, but do not pretend to be ideal) often has accentuated bass, which is now very popular. It is these speakers that are best suited for TV and games, for example. The best active speakers are studio monitors with smooth and accurate sound, but can be boring.
Well, audiophile systems for music usually produce the best sound, but are the most expensive. - What do you plan to connect your speakers to? If you are looking for a system for your computer or TV, then you should not buy expensive professional models. They simply will not open up on such sources, they need a good amplifier. But here again it is worth highlighting active speakers: they already have an amplifier, so they can be connected to both a PC and TV and get good sound. Although, of course, there are nuances, which are discussed below.
- How much would you be willing to pay for the best speakers for home and music? The price range is very impressive. Our speaker rating includes models from $135 to $1015. And not always the most expensive option will be the best for you. Most people just don’t need music speakers over $200-$300. And in this price range there are very worthy models. To each his own. 😉
Well, audiophile systems for music usually produce the best sound, but are the most expensive. 💎 Useful related articles:
Which speakers are better to buy for home (acoustics)?
Which speaker system to buy.
Types of acoustic systems (application).
If you are wondering which speaker system is better than , know that there is no definite answer. When choosing speakers for yourself, you should immediately understand what you want from the speakers. It is possible to conditionally distinguish 2 broad categories.
For home
These are universal speaker systems that are suitable for listening to music even from a low-quality source and amplifier, but will give a good sound. Not only when listening to music, but when watching movies. Perhaps they will be the beginning (or complete set) of a home theater.
This includes speakers purely for TV , for a computer and so on. They will not give a particularly accurate and natural sound, but many do not need this. But the price tag in these categories is quite humane. In the region of $ 300-400 for a pair, you can buy excellent speakers that will “close” all questions about finding a home speaker.
Professional or audiophile
Designed to work with music (studio monitors) or listen to it (for the most demanding listeners). Studio speakers for everyday listening are not suitable for everyone (too many details, tiring, etc.), but many audiophiles prefer professional speakers.
An audiophile music system is a very expensive “toy” that requires, among other things, a high-quality “path” (source, amplifier, even cables matter). But Hi-Fi and Hi-End systems can create extremely realistic images and the full effect of the presence of musicians in the room. Not to mention the exceptional accuracy and naturalness.
Once, when I was listening to a friend’s Monitor Audio Platinum (I don’t remember the exact version), I heard the phrase: “Look, Makarevich, how alive on this record.” Indeed, even the “fronts” from the 5.1 system created a complete effect of presence. Before that, I didn’t even know this was happening.
😉 The best loudspeaker brands
Often the choice of speakers for the house begins with the choice of loudspeakers . For beginners, many of the brands may be new, but there are also familiar names. This applies to manufacturers of audio equipment, which, in addition to speakers, produce, for example, headphones, and are known for this. If, when thinking about which speakers are best, you want to identify the best speaker manufacturers from the very beginning, here are some proven brands:
- Adam
- KLF
- KRK
- Focal
- Monitor Audio
- Yamaha
- JBL
- Sony
Of course, that’s not all. But to start exploring the world of the best acoustic systems, enough.
Types and classes of acoustic systems
What types and classes of acoustic systems can be distinguished?
The main types have been described above : consumer and professional (audiophile).
There is no exact division, everything is “by ear”. 😛 There will be no rumbling bass in professional acoustic systems, for example. But their level of detail and scene building is completely overkill for many.
When choosing, pay attention to the characteristics of listed below. But there is no need to get too carried away with it. Speakers should be chosen, if possible, only after listening. Ideally, in your room.
Main characteristics of loudspeakers
- Loudspeaker power . Everything is clear, the higher it is, the, theoretically, the speakers are louder. Of course, it is worth focusing on the nominal (RMS), and not peak power. In general, 50-70 watts is enough for an average room and a comfortable volume.
- Sound pressure level AC . This is the volume as it is. Measured in dB, the range is 0 (threshold of hearing) to 120 (threshold of pain). Specifies the maximum level. If it approaches the pain threshold, then you can be sure that in the working field of the speakers you can, if you wish, “go deaf”. 😉
- Speaker sensitivity . Also a parameter that determines the volume: the sound pressure level that the system can create at a certain distance. Ideally measured in dB per W at a distance of 1 m. That is, if 9 are indicated0 dB (without additional parameters, you can trust the manufacturer that the measurement is standard), this means that the speaker will create 90 dB of sound pressure at a distance of 1 meter if a 1 W signal is connected to it. It also depends on this parameter which amplifier is needed for a given speaker. The lower the sensitivity, the more powerful the amplifier.
- Frequency band AC . Determines, literally, the range of frequencies reproduced by the acoustic system. The upper limit often goes far into ultrasound (30 kHz and more). We will not hear this, but it is useful for technology: it is possible to “move” the resulting distortions to this part of the range. And we won’t hear them. The closer the lower limit is to 20 Hz, the lower bass the speakers will be able to reproduce. 35-40 Hz is an excellent indicator for almost any speaker system. Anything lower is usually “achieved” by the subwoofer.
- Resistance (impedance) . It has standard values: 4, 6 and 8 ohms. The main thing is that a specific resistance (its “scatter”) is supported by the existing amplifier. Was not below its minimum threshold. Otherwise, it may become unusable.
😉 
35-40 Hz is an excellent indicator for almost any speaker system. Anything lower is usually “achieved” by the subwoofer.
Number of speaker bands
How important is a two-way or three-way speaker? The audible range (20 Hz – 20 kHz), as you know, is conditionally divided into 3 parts: low, medium and high frequencies. On this principle, acoustic systems are designed.
Two way loudspeakers usually have 2 drivers . One (tweeter) is responsible for the transmission of high frequencies, and the second (broadband, midrange or bass – they call it differently) – for all other frequencies.
Three way loudspeakers with 3 or 4 speakers .
In the second case, 2 emitters are responsible for the lower mids and bass. Frequency division depends on the manufacturer and the specific model.
Bookshelf speaker (one that is mounted on shelves or stands) is most often two-way. Such models “by default” have less bass than three-way ones. However, such are found among shelf speakers. Floorstanding speaker systems are most often three-way. This is logical since there is no savings on size. The “tower” can easily fit 3-4 speakers. And maybe more, which they sometimes do.
By and large, it is important how the speaker system plays, and not how many bands it has . Professional 2-way monitors will easily outperform 3-way (or more) multimedia speakers. In addition, the more speakers, the more difficult it is to get a continuous linear sound from them. It all depends on the used crossover and its settings.
Loudspeakers may have coaxial drivers. That is, one “in the other” coaxially.
This is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the classic separate position. Implementation matters.
Other speaker parameters to consider
Field of action . This is the radius within which the system plays “as intended”. Most often, this parameter is indicated for studio monitors and professional speakers. Most of the models relate to the near and middle field. It is important to understand that the near-field speaker system at a distance of more than 2 meters does not play at all “to the maximum”.
Room and installation . This is a huge topic, which is devoted to manuals, books, forums, disputes and so on. The main thing to know is that the sound is affected by the relative position of the speakers, and the position of the listener, and the geometry of the room, and its “content”. Accordingly, there can be a huge difference between the sound that the speaker system gave in the cabin and the one that “turned out” at home.
In this case, you can experiment with the mentioned parameters.
Body, diffuser and suspension material . The stronger and better damped the case, the less distortion from it. Most often, now high-quality acoustic systems are made of MDF wood board. The cones of midrange and woofers are usually made of cellulose (with or without spraying) and composite materials based on it. High-frequency emitters are most often made of silk (artificial and not very) or metal (usually aluminum). Suspensions (on which the diffuser is attached) from one or another type of rubber.
Cables, stands, spikes, etc. . Cables affect the sound of the speaker system quite noticeably. The larger the cross section and the better the material, the better. This applies to audio cables. But, if the internal wiring of the speaker is made of thin Chinese “wires”, there is little point in buying expensive thick wires without updating the internal ones.
Power cables also affect the sound .
But this already applies to expensive and high-quality paths. And yes, audiophile ears. 😛 Properly selected racks (for shelf speakers) and acoustic spikes (legs) should dampen unnecessary vibrations, “remove” part of the distortion from the final sound picture.
And if you are interested in filters, the scheme of the speaker system and its calculation, then you know much more than what is written in this educational program and you can design speakers no worse than many “shop” ones. 😉
Speaker system format (installation)
Shelf
As the name suggests, bookshelf speakers are mounted on shelves . In fact, this is what special stands are called. But the main thing is that such speakers are not placed on the floor, but on something, so that, roughly speaking, the tweeter is not lower than the level of the listener’s ears.
Floor standing
These speakers are respectively installed directly on the floor .
They are usually made in the form of towers: narrow and high buildings. More versatile, more bass, take up more space and are most often more expensive than shelf speakers.
Other types
You can also highlight the ceiling version of the location of the speaker system. Usually, shelf acoustics are installed under the ceiling to achieve the desired sound picture in a particular room. A ceiling speaker is also required in 5.2 home theater systems (Dolby Atmos).
Don’t forget the portable loudspeakers. Most often, they are presented in the form of wireless mono speakers of various sizes. Some prefer built-in speakers. Most often, these are home theaters. Everything is hidden, but the sound is there. 😉
TOP 10: Best Speakers for Music (2023) – Speaker Rating
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. YAMAHA NS-555 $285 | Best floor standing speakers 2023: three-way, for music and TV; |
2. Audioengine A5+ $500 |
The best active home speaker with Bluetooth and aptX HD, for phone and PC; |
| 3. Sonos Five $720 | Wireless digital speaker system with good sound and wide functionality; |
| 4. KEF LS50 1015$ | Best Hi-End Home Speakers for Music Listening; |
| 5. Audio Pro C10 MKII $440 | High-quality wireless acoustics for home with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and multi-room; |
| 6. Focal Alpha 80 $500 | Best active speakers for music in 2023 (under $500), Hi-Fi speaker system |
| 7. Adam A7X $800 | Professional monitors and the best home audio system for the money; |
| 8. Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 $320 | The best bookshelf speaker for the home under $320; |
| 9. YAMAHA NS-BP200 $150 | Good and inexpensive acoustics for home; |
10. Heco Victa Prime 702 $575 |
The best speakers for home (for music) under $600, powerful floor acoustics; |
| Bonus Sony SA-CS9 $195 | Subwoofer for sound system (for 2.1). |
10 Heco Victa Prime 702
Best Music Speakers Under $600 – Powerful Floorstanding Speakers
Heco Victa Prime 702 ($575) – the best speakers for music under $600. This is a 170W RMS 3-Way Bass Reflex Floorstanding Speaker. MDF case, interesting design and very good sound are the main advantages of these speakers. The sound of these speakers for music pleases with excellent intelligibility and naturalness of timbres. The bass is quite rich, there is an emphasis on the middle of the low-frequency range. But in general, the frequency response is very smooth and the sound is harmonious and balanced. This acoustics for music simply “requires” a powerful amplifier to unlock its full potential.
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Do not forget that Heco Victa Prime 702 is a powerful entry-level (but already audiophile) loudspeaker. Therefore, you should not expect ideal localization and complete immersion in music. However, for beginners – a godsend.
9 YAMAHA NS-BP200
Good and inexpensive home acoustics
YAMAHA NS-BP200 ($150) – good and inexpensive acoustics for home (bookshelf 2-way). This, perhaps, is not the best speaker system for a Hi-Fi level home, but it is not trite multimedia-computer speakers either. This is something in between. The sound is quite smooth with good detail, moderately elastic bass. Localization of images and naturalness are at a good level for this price segment. If your goal is inexpensive speakers, this model is definitely worth considering.
This home speaker system plays especially well from a decent amplifier. If you connect these speakers, for example, to a computer or a very simple amplifier, then the sound will be very mediocre.
8 Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5
Best bookshelf speaker for home under $320
The
Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 is the best bookshelf speaker for the home under $320. The speakers are beautiful, compact and, most importantly, they sound great. Delivery is smooth, natural and precise. No overt coloration and no lack of bass. In their price range, these are the best bookshelf speakers of 2020 – versatile and not very expensive.
- Acoustic system (stereo) Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 on the official website of
7 Adam A7X
Best Home Audio – Studio Speakers (Monitors)
Adam A7X ($800) – the best audio system for the home, a professional 2-way bookshelf active bass-reflex near-field speaker system. Modified legendary model A7. Good for a small studio. To work with modern genres, “live” and synthetic without an abundance of instruments. The sound has excellent detail and linearity.
Most likely, they will not be suitable for low-frequency monitoring (the diameter of the emitter is still small). At the same time, they build an excellent stage, the images are very natural, the sound is embossed. This is a powerful audio system for home and studio.
This speaker is also suitable for listening to music. This is a great audio system for the home, whatever one may say. But for full disclosure, room preparation is required.
6 Focal Alpha 80
Best active speakers in 2023 (under $500) – Hi-Fi speaker system
Focal Alpha 80 ($500) – the best active speakers in 2023 under $500, a Hi-Fi class monitor speaker system. These are real studio monitors with all the consequences. Smooth very detailed sound, professional “stuffing” and delivery of one piece, which may be surprising for those who have not encountered this class of equipment. Yes, $500 is for 1 monitor. The sound here is really accurate and detailed.
However, this Hi-Fi speaker system is best suited for fairly large rooms. Ideally, of course, prepared. In small ones, there may even be an excess of bass. But in any case, we are not talking about any dominance of certain frequencies: everything is heard, and it is heard as it is recorded.
The French company Focal is well known to musicians and audiophiles. This line, which includes 3 types of monitors (Alpha 50, Alpha 65 and Alpha 80, the numbers are the diameter of the broadband speaker). And all these active speakers for the home belong to the budget Hi Fi, so the price cannot be attributed to the minuses.
5 Audio Pro C10 MKII
Quality wireless home speakers – multi-room with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and RCA
Audio Pro C10 MKII ($440) – high-quality wireless acoustics for the home. Easy to use speaker with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RCA connectivity and subwoofer output. The sound is excellent for a single speaker: detailed, natural and even voluminous.
A couple of these can be combined “over the air” and you get high-quality wireless stereo acoustics for your home. 😉 A proprietary application is used for control, it is quite convenient and functional. There is support for streaming Spotify, Tidal and more.
- Wireless speaker for home Audio Pro C10 MKII on the official website of
4 KEF LS50
The best speakers for the home – for listening to music (Hi-End)
KEF LS50 ($1015) – the best speakers for home and for listening to music. Hi-End coaxial bookshelf passive bass-reflex speaker system for music and work. Unusual design, compact size and very detailed and natural sound set this model apart from the competition. The speakers sound very realistic, quite large. The scene is built beautifully, the images are very accurate and detailed. It may even be too detailed for someone, it can be tiring. However, these are arguably the best home speakers out there.
This speaker system was released for the anniversary of the company back in 2011. And in 2016 there was an additional edition. Other colors have been added without any design changes. These good speakers for the home are clearly a good model, because they continue to buy it.
3 Sonos Five 🥉
Wireless speaker – App and useful features included
Sonos Five ($720) is a wireless speaker system with wide functionality and high-quality sound. Connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi or cable (Ethernet), after which it can play music (using a very convenient branded application) from a large number of online services and from your home music library. Moreover, not only in electronic form. There’s an analog source connection (3.5mm mini-jack), so if you have a turntable or cassette deck, this digital speaker system will still be able to play them.
- Sonos Five in the official store
It is worth clarifying that this wireless speaker system is sold by one speaker.
We put it horizontally and get a home wireless speaker with great sound. And if you buy a pair of these, you can arrange them vertically, make a couple of clicks in the application and get a great wireless stereo system. 2 Audioengine A5+ 🏆
Best powered home speaker – with Bluetooth and aptX HD
The
Audioengine A5+ is the best active home speaker with Bluetooth and aptX HD, perfect for phone and PC. These are stationary 5 inch home speakers for music, for wired and wireless playback. The main feature of the speakers is the Bluetooth connection and support for the aptX HD high-definition codec. The speakers are universal and it is convenient to use them in conjunction with a computer or phone. And the biggest strength of the Audioengine A5+ is its amazing sound over the wire and Bluetooth, for its $500 price tag.
- Audioengine A5+ — buy in the official store
1 YAMAHA NS-555 🏆
Best floorstanding speakers 2023 – 3-way, for music (TV)
YAMAHA NS-555 ($285) – the best floorstanding speakers of 2023, three-way, for music and TV.
Universal passive acoustic bass-reflex audio system. A pair of such speakers can independently sound any films perfectly, or it can be the beginning of a good home theater. In terms of sound for music, this may not be the best floor acoustics, but everything is generally good: the pitch is smooth, the sound picture is legible. There is a bass, sometimes (on the classics, for example) it can even be too much. The middle is legible, the high frequencies are detailed, not tiring. Good dynamics and fusion.
This is, one might say, the best budget floor acoustics. Not an audiophile version. But as a home speaker system, this model wins back its price by 100%.
0 Sony SA-CS9 🔊
Subwoofer for speaker system (for 2.1)
Sony SA-CS9 ($195) is a relatively inexpensive active subwoofer for a speaker system (2.1). Good for movies. It will perfectly fit into a home theater when you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a subwoofer, but the bass is not enough.