This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for a UK audience.
There are universal truths in audio technology. Not all speakers are created equal. But that also applies to the listener. Some people settle for something cheap and fun for their audio consumption. Speakers are perfectly acceptable as long as you can hear what’s being played. But audiophiles fall into a very different category. Speakers must deliver rich sound full of nuance.
Thankfully, we understand the needs and expectations of both ends of the speaker spectrum. This is helpful for you because purchasing speakers is not easy. In fact, if you’ve never purchased speakers before, you’ll need to do a little research. There are a variety of speakers available, with many features and specifications to consider.
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We’re assuming you’re here because you don’t have time to do all that. Don’t be afraid. We’ve done the hard work on your behalf and researched some of the best speakers available on Amazon. Here’s everything you need to know before buying new speakers and our top options.
Do you need speakers?
Do you want to use your speakers only for listening to music? Does this only apply to TV or movies? Maybe both? You need to decide now because it will determine what type of speaker you get. For example, if you’re just looking for something to pair with your TV, a soundbar might be a good choice. But if you want something a little more music-focused, consider a pair of bookshelf speakers or a portable Bluetooth option.
You’ll also want to record the sound quality you want, whether it’s surround sound, Dolby Atmos, or regular stereo (which is also great; don’t feel pressured to get super cool, premium sound). It’s expensive if you don’t really need it). Not all speakers produce the same kind of sound quality, so it’s important to know exactly what kind of listening experience you want.
How much space do you have?
Speakers can get pretty loud, so think about how much available space you want to allocate horizontally and vertically to your audio setup. Not everyone has the space to install multiple floor standing speakers. So don’t overwhelm yourself with huge speakers if they end up falling under your feet or scratching the ceiling. There are many speakers that can be easily stored or hidden, some can be mounted on a wall, and some are so small that they can be placed on a tabletop or shelf. Even small speakers can be powerful.
What are passive and active speakers?
The difference between passive and active (also called “power”) is very simple, but important to know. Passive speakers do not have built-in amplification. That means you’ll need to connect it to a stereo receiver for it to work. Active speakers have everything built in from the start: preamp, volume control, inputs, etc. If convenience is one of your top priorities, choose active speakers. This is because there is much less setup and additional equipment required to operate.
How many speakers do you need?
Using two amazing speakers will always give you better results than using five average speakers. Additionally, if there are too many speakers around, they will just take up unnecessary space.
If you have the space, two speakers are the perfect number. This is especially ideal if you listen to a lot of music that is typically recorded in a stereo setting. So having left and right channels would be amazing. If you have a smaller space, even a really good speaker will do.
Do I need a subwoofer?
The short answer is no. You don’t really need it. Should I still get one? Well, that’s a different question. We will answer as follows: Of course, why not?! Adding a sub will make almost any audio setup sound better (but not all are compatible, so check before you buy).
One of the common misconceptions about subwoofers is that many people think they just add more bass. But that’s not necessarily the case. The sub actually helps improve the dynamics of the bass, adding more depth and space to the output as well as improving the overall quality. Sometimes adding a high-quality subwoofer to your speaker setup can be more helpful than upgrading the speakers themselves.
What is a smart speaker?
This speaker can also be used as a smart device, connecting to Alexa or syncing with other smart home devices. While they’re great in their own right, they’re not always the best way to listen to music (sorry, Alexa). If you can’t live without a smart assistant in your speaker setup, we recommend one that has Bluetooth support and connects to your smartphone. This will allow you to enjoy the benefits of your phone’s built-in smart assistant without having to downgrade the speaker itself.
What are the best speakers?
Thank you for your inquiry. We’ve picked our favorites from the most popular speaker categories – from bookshelfs to Bluetooth speakers and everything in between – and listed the best options for you to consider.
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