Loudspeakers

Loudspeakers are the primary component affecting the sound of an audio system

Good loudspeakers should last a lifetime. Choose ones that you love.

If you want speakers that really last - don’t buy ones with foam rubber surrounds. Foam rubber will become brittle and crack after about 5 years.

When on a budget and looking for good sound, the rule of thumb is to focus first on quality speakers, then spend the remainder of the budget on the receiver or preamp / amp.

• Floor standing speakers usually sound the fullest - especially 3 way speakers.
• Bookshelf speakers can be very rich and full sounding, more economical and offer great placement flexibility. They can sound as good or better than some floor standing speakers when a subwoofer is added.
• Sat/Sub (cube speakers) offer the most placement flexibility but less fidelity. Most of these are 2 way speakers – tweeter / woofer.
• In wall / ceiling speakers are good for background music and popular as rear effect speakers.

Printable shopping checklist. Circle your preferences.

Front Floor Bookshelf Sub/Sat In Wall

Center (optional) White Black Grey In Wall

Side (optional) Floor Bookshelf Sat/Sub In Wall/Ceiling

Rear (optional) Floor Bookshelf Sat/Sub In Wall/Ceiling

Subwoofer (optional – and not for neighbors who share a wall, ceiling, or floor)

8” 10” 12” 15”

Feel It Disco Jurassic Titanic

Do you listen to loud volume levels? If so, beware of paper tweeters (distortion), metal tweeters (bright), and small tweeters (really bright)

Do you listen all day long? Beware of fatiguing speakers (overly bright or muddy).

What have you heard that you like? ___________________________________

Describe the kind of sound you listen for. _______________________________

Does the cabinet finish or color matter? _________________________________