🎤 Speakers for music: what to buy, types of acoustics, selection criteria

To listen to music at home, you need high-quality and sometimes expensive speakers.

What are the types of stationary speakers for the home

Among the wide variety of acoustics presented, connoisseurs of sound pay attention to stationary models that produce better sound. All speaker systems are classified into two types:

• active;
• passive. Structurally, all speakers are a box with a speaker inside, which is a device for generating a sound wave.

Active systems require an amplifier inside to improve the signal

Active devices contain a built-in signal amplifier, so they can be used as stand-alone equipment.

This is not the case in passive models, so a selection of a separate amplifier is required. This option is more suitable for audiophiles.

Passive and active speakers with USB input

Inexperienced users often stop at purchasing active models, which are becoming more common every year. This is due to a number of advantages, the main one of which is the absence of difficulties with connection. Also, based on user reviews, active floor-standing speakers have additional advantages:

• acceptable sound quality;
• location of the speaker anywhere;
• savings in money, because the price of active models is lower - the user does not need to purchase an additional device, which makes the purchase of this particular type more profitable;
• large assortment of models.

The best option for home theater is a 5.1 system, which includes 5 speakers and a subwoofer

But active speakers for music are not only advantages. There is a major drawback: the complexity of the repair.

Against the background of the development of computers, active portable speakers with a USB input for a flash drive are gaining popularity. In this case, models with a built-in receiver will be preferable.

Active systems are increasingly endowing support for memory cards and flash drives

Speakers for TV

Home theaters have become popular, which has led to the emergence of a large number of speakers for the TV. Here you should choose passive options, it is they who have sufficient power. A subwoofer must also be present in the cinema system.

The presence of a sub in the system helps to reduce the load on the woofers and fully reveal the bass

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

A subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce the lowest frequencies that are close to the limit of human hearing.

More than one speaker may be used to connect to a TV. You can find designations such as "2.0", "5.1" and others. This means the following:

• 0 - only front speakers for stereo sound are used;
• 1 - a variant when a subwoofer is added to the "front", which is responsible for reproducing the lows;
• 0 - a system that uses front and rear speakers for surround sound;
• 1 - a common system for a TV, in which central acoustics are added, and the rear can be replaced with small satellite speakers for reproducing high and medium frequencies;

Hi-Fi speakers for mini studios

This option is most optimally represented by the 2.0 layout, using only two front monitors for sound reproduction. The correct system consists of the following components:

• directly columns;
• receiver or amplifier;
• sound source;
• speaker cables.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

Choosing the right cable is a science. Even the bend angle of the wire is taken into account, as this can distort the sound.

To create a small home studio, it is enough to purchase a simple signal amplifier - a large number of receiver settings are more likely to come in handy for creating a multimedia center.

Concert equipment is professional equipment that includes a large number of components

Stationary acoustic systems for conference rooms and discos

This category includes professional devices that must provide musical accompaniment to events. A distinctive feature is high power, playback quality, additional functionality, impressive dimensions.

Equipment for accompaniment of concerts or discos is a complex that includes:

• control system, which includes mixing consoles;
• power amplifiers;
• additional components - wires, devices for wireless data transmission, windscreens;
• sound generating devices - subwoofers, recording systems, player and signal processing models.

The purchase of professional acoustics is not affordable for an ordinary person. It is bought by large concert venues that can spend tens of thousands of dollars on equipment.

Acoustic systems for cars

Kits for cars are not the last in the popularity rating of acoustic systems. When choosing and installing speakers, you must adhere to the rules:

• it is recommended to purchase a high-quality radio tape recorder as a source;
• it is advisable to buy an amplifier that allows you to unleash the potential of the speakers;
• when choosing, it is best to buy the products of firms that specialize in the production of automotive acoustics;

The correct acoustics for a car includes all speakers, a subwoofer and a good radio tape recorder

• speakers should be selected in accordance with the parameters of the amplifier;
• tweeters and mid-range speakers are located in the front of the cabin, and a subwoofer is located in the back;
• the diffuser housing should be fixed rigidly and preferably surrounded by a rubber gasket to create sufficient amplitude.

What is it - a portable speaker

If earlier those wishing to stay with music carried tape recorders, then today's music lovers can use portable acoustics. What is a portable music speaker? This device, which has a built-in battery, has a conductor for wireless launch of the desired composition and serves to listen to music anywhere.

How to choose a portable speaker: an overview of the main technical characteristics

When choosing a portable speaker on a battery with a flash drive, you should take into account the main technical characteristics that ensure high-quality sound and ease of use. Portable speakers with a flash drive and radio have the following important parameters.

1. Power.
2. Type of acoustics.
3. Sound quality.
4. Compactness.
5. Connection method.

Portable acoustics power

This is a parameter that determines the volume of the sound. If you need to buy street speakers for music, then this indicator can become the main one.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

At peak power levels, the speaker may begin to lose sound quality. Wheezing, distortions appear.

Typical power ratings, measured in watts (W), for compact acoustics are values ​​in the range of 10-25 watts. The most powerful portable speakers can deliver up to 100 watts, but they are no longer compact.

Types of acoustics

According to this indicator, the differences between the types of portable acoustics are in the type of system used to reproduce music:

• mono speakershaving one channel. Some models have two speakers through which “flat” monaural broadcasting is carried out;
• stereo system. In this case, two active speakers are used, through which the music is reproduced in stereo, which guarantees clear sound.

Portable speakers with a subwoofer provide surround sound, but they have a considerable price tag.

Sound quality

This parameter will depend on the number of speaker bands. There can be up to three of them, and each will be responsible for reproducing certain frequencies: high, middle and low. If the column has a full set of stripes, the quality will be at a decent level.

It is also important to consider the range of reproducible frequencies. For portable speakers, 20 Hz to 20 kHz coverage is common. This is enough for the average person's ear, since any knockout from the specified range is practically indistinguishable.

Compactness

The size will directly depend on how the speaker is used. If you plan to listen to music on the go, pay attention to models that can be attached to a backpack or clothing. Such options are distinguished by low weight (up to a kilogram), but it is important to carry out a trial listening before buying so as not to encounter low quality.

When buying such options, you should pay attention to the battery capacity, the presence of a shockproof housing and protection from moisture.

Connection method

There are only two options here. The wireless speaker uses Bluetooth protocol or Wi-Fi connection.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

How to choose the right speaker with "Bluetooth"? The same rules apply here, which are common to all portable equipment. The main advantage of this type of connection is the range, which is up to 10 meters in the line of sight. Also, this communication protocol consumes little power, which is very important when using wireless technology that runs on built-in batteries. Bluetooth speakers can be easily connected to any smartphone or tablet, even eliminating the need for USB models.

Wi-Fi as a way to connect

The second connection option is Wi-Fi. When choosing this option, it should be borne in mind that for normal operation you will need a router or access point to which the playback device and media must be connected music. The range will depend on the coverage of the signal, but rather a limiting factor.

Supported device types

There is a lot of variety in the portable speaker market. When choosing the optimal model, you should consider the possibilities for supporting various media.

Music column with USB flash drive for the street

There are varieties that support USB sticks. The principle of operation here is similar to playing music on a car radio. The media is inserted, the Play button is pressed, and the music begins to play.

Acoustics with support for memory cards and the presence of a radio

The next supported media format is memory card or microSD. The main advantage of this type is the minimum energy consumption.

Another feature that can be found in wearable acoustics is radio - an additional source of music. How to tune the radio on a portable speaker? This is a fairly simple process that takes place in three steps.

1. The first step is to connect a cable that acts as an antenna to the corresponding jack, which is usually designated as DC-IN.
2. Next, the column is switched to radio mode, most often by long pressing the "Play" button.
3. The track rewind keys function as a scanner for available radio stations.

Best Portable Speakers by Nominations

It is very difficult to navigate the variety of mobile speakers available on the market, so the editorial staff of the portal gives a rating of the best models in various nominations. It is compiled based on user reviews and expert opinion.

The most powerful portable Bluetooth speakers

The winner in the budget segment in terms of power rating of 10 watts is the Sony SRS-X11. It is not just the power that is important, but the fact that the manufacturer has managed to fit it into a compact body. The device is a cube with a side of 61 mm. There is an NFC function, the operating time is 12 hours, in addition to wireless connection, a normal audio input is available. The cost of the device is 3990 rubles.

Sony SRS

And how much does a premium Bluetooth speaker cost? The cost of the most powerful speaker, called the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1, is 15,990 rubles. Its power is 100 watts. The model has the shape of a disc with a diameter of 13 cm and a thickness of 4.8 cm. The battery life is 24 hours. Also, this device can be paired with a similar one, which will allow you to get the most surround sound.

Bang olufsen beoplay a1

Speakers with quality bass

JBL is the leader in this category. This is a well-known brand that specializes in the production of portable equipment. Often users have a question - which JBL speaker is better? This is the JBL Xtreme with powerful bass. It has two conventional full-range speakers and two subwoofers. Also, a distinctive feature of the device is a capacious 10,000 mAh battery. As one of the additional options, the built-in microphone and the ability to charge the smartphone from the speaker should be noted. A significant drawback is the high cost, which is 14,700 rubles.

Jbl xtreme

Acoustics with the best sound

The Sony SRS-X99 became the winner in the Best Sound category. With a minimalistic design, the device impresses with its sound quality. The power of the speakers is 154 W, and their number is 7 pieces. There is a remote control, as well as the ability to update over the network. It is not the lightest device, weighing 4.6 kg. The battery capacity is also sufficient to charge mobile devices. The cost of this miracle is 33,700 rubles.

Sony SRS

Which portable speaker is better to buy for your phone

For a smartphone, it is best to choose small models with a capacious battery that allow you to charge the phone if necessary. One of the best and recommended for purchase is the JBL Charge 3 model, which costs 7800 rubles. Among the pluses, it should be noted clear sound, high-quality assembly, low weight, moisture protection function, a capacious battery. Among the shortcomings, users highlight the lack of support for memory cards.

JBL Charge 3

How to use a portable speaker

Despite the abundance of models, the principles of operation and control of all devices are almost identical. There are "+" and "-" keys on the case, which are used to increase and decrease the volume. Play / Pause button starts or stops music. The power key activates the device. There is also an image of the Bluetooth icon on the case. Clicking on it will pair with the playback source.

As additional options, there can be proprietary interfaces, for example, to search for similar devices nearby in order to combine them into a common media complex.

You can see again how to properly use a portable speaker from the video below.

The purchase of such a device is the best option for those who want to never part with music. The availability of a wide range of products allows you to choose the optimal model for a trip, a picnic, street dancing or just a quiet evening on the shore of a reservoir.

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Soundbar for TV - a transitional form between conventional speakers and home theater