Which kind of speaker is suitable for me?
A plain-English look at soundbars, stereo systems, bookshelf and floorstanding speakers, and how much room and placement flexibility each one asks for.
Choosing the right speaker for your space can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available in the market today. Whether you're an audiophile seeking the perfect sound quality or a casual listener looking for a convenient setup, understanding the different types of speakers and their unique benefits is crucial.
In this article, we will explore three popular types of speakers: soundbars, bookshelf speakers, and floorstanding speakers. We'll delve into their features, advantages, and how they cater to various needs such as floor space, real estate, and ease of transport. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clearer idea of which speaker type suits your lifestyle and preferences best!
What are soundbars?
Soundbars are horizontally mounted speaker setup. They are generally used in 5.1 surround sound systems for the center channel. However recent interest has grown over compact soundbar systems that emulate surround sound setup in a compact form factor.
Soundbars are preferred to save floorspace due to the current market housing in many urban areas, which are more expensive, thus resulting in smaller apartment units. With smaller dwellings, space is a premium, and efforts to minimise it is welcome. Typically the soundbar is placed under the TV, and newer models now come with Atmos ceiling-firing speakers, giving you the immersion of surround sound through a small form factor!
In terms of connecitivty, many soundbars now come with bluetooth connectivity that allows for wireless audio connectivity with TVs and mobile devices, reducing wiring clutter for a simpler, minimalist home entertainment setup.
Stereo systems
Stereo systems consist of an amplifier, and two speakers. You may be familiar with the mini hifi models that were popular in the mid-1990s. They were usually equipped with various functions such as FM radio, cassette playback and CD playback in a single system.
However, more sophisticated options also exist, which separates each function into its own build, thus giving you freedom to assemble your perfect home stereo system. The end results in sound signals being output to 2 speakers usually placed left and right of the system.
What are bookshelf speakers?
Bookshelf speakers are compact audio speakers designed to fit on bookshelves, desks, or any other elevated surface. They are known for their versatile size and excellent audio performance.
Bookshelf speakers can be placed on bookshelves, stands, or mounted on the wall, offering flexibility in terms of placement and integration into various home setups.
What are floorstanding speakers?
Floorstanding speakers, also known as tower speakers, are a type of loudspeaker designed to stand on the floor. These speakers are larger in size and offer a full-range sound reproduction, including deep bass, without the need for an additional subwoofer.
Floorstanding speakers typically feature multiple drivers, including woofers, mid-range drivers, and tweeters, housed in a tall and vertically oriented cabinet. Due to their size and construction, floorstanding speakers are capable of producing powerful and immersive audio, making them a popular choice for home theater systems and music enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity sound reproduction.
However, the large sizes of floorstanding speakers also reduces its flexibility in placement in the home. Dedicated floor space must be provided for the speaker units and more often than not require extensive cabling.
Concluding this piece, we hope you are now better equipped to find the suitable speakers for your home! Here at Artisan Acoustics, we have helped our customers pick and choose the right equipment for their home setup. You can check out our testimonials here!