About Stereo Speakers
Stereo speakers are a primary piece of a stereo system and come in pairs with a left and right speaker. They not only produce the finished audio product, but also tend to be the most visible component of the stereo system. Considering all the aspects of stereo speakers and picking out the right pair is an important process.
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Function
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The speakers receive audio information from electrical current driven by an amplifier and turn it into sound. The current oscillates an electromagnetic coil in the speaker, which in turn vibrates the speaker cone. Crossovers in the speaker send different frequency ranges to individual drivers (high, mid and low). The vibration of the cone moves the air in front of the speaker, essentially sending the sound waves via vibrating air molecules.
Types
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Stereo speakers come in a near-infinite selection of sizes, design types and price points. You could spend under $100 for a pair of inexpensive speakers or hundreds of thousands on a state-of-the-art, high-end speakers. Some common features further classify speakers:
Floor standing v. Bookshelf-- These terms simply refer to the size of the speaker's housing. Floor standing speakers are tall speakers that stand directly on the floor, allowing the driver to be about 3 feet off the ground (listener's ear level when sitting). In contrast, bookshelf speakers are more compact and rest on a shelf, entertainment center or speaker stand. Floor standing speakers are generally more powerful and can reproduce fuller bass due to their larger cabinets. However, the size of the cabinet does not necessarily relate to the size of the drivers and in some cases a bookshelf may be just as powerful as a similarly-priced floor standing speaker.
2-Way, 3-Way, 4-Way--These terms simply refer to the array of dedicated drivers used. A 2-way speaker has a woofer for low frequencies and a tweeter for high frequencies while a 3-way speaker also includes a mid-range. A 4-way speaker incorporates an additional driver (low, low mid, mid, high). More complex speakers use multiple drivers responsible for reproducing sound in each of the frequency ranges (2 woofers, 2 mids, etc.).
Bipolar, Direct Radiating, Dipolar, Omnipolar--Some speakers use drivers on both sides of the speaker to create a larger "sweet spot" (location in your room where speakers sound the best). Bipolar speakers, for instance, have identical drivers on the front and back to create a richer sound field. The most common speaker design is Direct Radiating, in which sound is fired directly at the listener, thus creating a more limited sweet spot. Dipolar speakers are similar to bipolar speakers but produce sound out of phase (one driver is emitting sound while the other is not). Omnipolar is a type of bipolar speaker designed by Mirage. -
Significance
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When purchasing speakers, it's important to properly integrate your amplifier with your speakers. You need to have the proper amount of power to drive the speakers and provide quality sound, so choosing the right combination of amplifier and speakers is important. Don't purchase huge speakers and skimp on an amplifier, because the sound will be poor despite the impressive speakers. Match the watts-per-channel output of your amp with the power requirements of your speakers.
Considerations
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While sound and performance are important, it's also important to consider other factors when choosing speakers. The room where speakers are to be set up will play a huge role in the final sound. Be sure to purchase speakers large enough to perform in the given room. Discuss size and set-up strategies with qualified audio personnel at your local shop. Additionally, consider how much space you have to work with and how you want the speakers to blend in with the look of your room. You don't necessarily want speakers to dominate the room and detract from the look. Most speakers come in various colors to help them blend.
Identification
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You should always spend time testing speakers before buying. As good as the speaker may sound on paper, it may not impress you on a test run. Shop around and compare different speakers to consider which sounds best before buying. Bring your own music and pay attention to what type of amplifier is being used (some shops have an expensive, high-end amplifier driving their speakers, which will provide higher quality sound than the lower-end receiver you may be using at home). When possible, select a receiver/speaker combination that is similar to the one you intend to use. Better yet, some companies and stores allow you to audition the speakers in your home with the option of returning. Check the return policy.
Geography
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Once you have your speakers, make a few simple connections and you'll be ready to enjoy music listening. Setup can greatly affect sound and will vary immensely by the size and shape of your room and design of your speaker. Discuss set up with personnel; some shops will even come to your home to optimize your set up. When in doubt, experiment with different placement until you find that perfect sound.
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