Subwoofers are additional speakers that add depth to bass, which is low tone. They’re good for movies and music with lower range such as rock and metal. [2] X Research source For adding general depth to TV and movies, a soundbar or soundbase is an option. These take up less space, require less wiring, and can be combined with a subwoofer. Wireless and wall-mounted speakers benefit from portability and offer new sound angles in your room. For gaming, small specialized speakers usually offer enough sound. These are placed on a desktop near the computer and have magnetic shielding. [3] X Research source
A small room such as a bedroom is fine with bookshelf speakers, but a large carpeted and furnished room benefits from bigger speakers.
Where you’ll put the speakers matters. Speakers inside a cabinet, for instance, can get muffled, but so do speakers in room corners since the sound is distorted by the walls. Speakers benefit from being three to four feet away from the sound source. This helps them project sound into the room. Try to keep your speakers around ear-level. At that level, the sound will be clearest to you. [5] X Research source
Once you’ve decided on the type of speaker you need, go online or shop around in stores to compare prices. Determine how much you’re willing to pay for the kind of speaker that seems right for you.
Speaker wire utilizes two wires that contain a positive or negative charge and end in various connectors. Some connectors plug into other devices while other connectors have to be clipped onto stereos. [7] X Research source
Always match speakers with amps to avoid damaging your electronics. The boxes of the speakers will have similar numbers to the amp or indicate they are compatible with your amp’s ohm and watt numbers.
Most amplifiers are compatible with eight ohms. If you already know similar speakers work with your amp, you’ll be safe using these. Lower impedance speakers require more powerful amps. If the speaker impedance is too low, the amp can overheat.
If your amplifier sends out more watts than your speaker uses, you can damage the speaker.
A higher sensitivity usually means a more expensive speaker or one that sacrifices quality in other areas that affect sound, such as the speaker cone. [12] X Research source
If you’re buying speakers online, you can search for reviews or tests of the speakers, but to some degree you’re shopping blind.
If the outer enclosure is wide or loose, the sound reverberates too much inside the speaker. If the enclosure is too tight, the speaker rattles and the sound distorts. [15] X Research source Cones are made of varying materials such as aluminum and polypropylene and push out air to make sound. Turn the settings up to volumes and frequencies you’ll use at home in order to judge the speaker’s sound range.
Test different features by using a variety of songs, such as ones that include a strong bass, quiet vocals, or instruments. Quality speakers may help you experience parts of the songs you’ve never heard, including small details like fingers sliding on strings or covered-up instruments. You may be able to use a music device such as an iPod, but transferring the song file to the iPod lessens the quality and doesn’t give you the most accurate speaker test.
Relax. Even if the speaker seems impressive at first, stay attentive. Is this one you can listen to for a while, or does the sound quality make you want to turn it off? Test it with your amplifier if you can. Speakers and amplifiers all have their own sound characteristics. The best combinations usually come from complementary qualities. For example, a mellow sound balances a bright sound. Remember that sound quality is personal and objective. Your needs influence what speaker is right for you, so don’t let any salesperson pressure you into a decision.
Keep your receipt and original boxing on hand until you’re sure that you’re keeping the speakers. Always keep and refer to the warranty information. The warranty gives you the right to quality assurance and a refund for a faulty product. Most companies accept returns for manufacturing flaws and dissatisfaction, not damage related from installation, use, or wear and tear.
