How to choose bookshelf speakers: model ratings and selection tips

Music accompanies us everywhere - on trips and hikes, on vacation and in the store, in the car, at work and, of course, at home - and the best bookshelf acoustics should be here if you are a true music lover! Since the demand for this type of product is great, there are a lot of models on the market: your eyes widen when you come to the store and, apart from such parameters as “so that it sounds good and has bass,” you don’t know anything else. We will consider the rating of the best options for bookshelf acoustics as one of the most convenient systems for home use in this article. For you - TOP 10 popular and good models, as well as general recommendations on how to choose the best option.

The best bookshelf speaker systems: rating

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No. 10 – Elac Debut B6

Elac Debut B6
A bass reflex type model that has been in demand for many years. She manages to conquer more and more music lovers with her high-quality sound, distinguished by naturalness, and stylish appearance. This two-way bookshelf system is perfect for those who listen to a wide variety of music, as it reproduces classics, jazz, rock, heavy metal, and pop music equally well. So it doesn’t matter at all what the buyer listens to - he will definitely like the model!

There were no sharp jumps in timbre during the sound - all transitions sound smooth, that is, the listener will have an unambiguous so-called feeling of musical harmony. The rhythm and direction of the sound of the model are also at their best: you can hear all the splendor of a particular composition both being close to the speaker and located in the back of the room.

Bass lovers will be pleased with the rich, powerful sound. Many people simply fall in love with it after the first listen. As for the technical characteristics, the sensitivity of the speakers is 87 dB, the frequency range is 44-35 thousand Hz. It is quite compact in size (268*375*195 mm), and can be placed almost anywhere in the apartment. The body is made of MDF panels.

pros

• nice price
• good technical characteristics
• full sound
• convenient sizes
• juicy bass
• suitable for listening to any music

Minuses

• there are none as such

Prices for acoustics Elac Debut B6

Acoustic system Elac Debut B6

No. 9 – Magnat Shadow 203

Magnat Shadow 203
This acoustics is produced by a German company and has the appropriate quality. Of course, it simply cannot have a bad sound - it is clear and very deep and will definitely please music lovers. All notes can be heard perfectly - no extraneous sounds.

It is equipped with low-frequency speakers, which are also amplified. The frequency range has been increased and is equal to 32-48 thousand Hz, which allows the speakers to produce bright sound. It can be heard perfectly anywhere in a room up to 25 square meters.

The design of the acoustics, as befits a “German”, is pedantic and strict. It can easily be placed in almost any room, and it will fit perfectly into almost any interior style. It is made of MDF and has dimensions of 30*35*19 cm.

This is a two-way system that is of the bass reflex type. Its power, declared by the manufacturer, is 90 W, and its sensitivity is 91 dB.

As users note, the acoustics do not disappoint. It is suitable even for large rooms. You can take a variation in white or dark color.

pros

• good technical characteristics
• powerful sound
• German quality
• two color variations
• The power is enough to “sound” even a spacious room

Minuses

• not detected

Reviews and prices for Magnat Shadow 20

No. 8 - Acoustic Energy 301

Acoustic Energy 301
This model is a solid four on a five-point scale. Moreover, both in terms of price and quality. However, mostly they don’t complain about it.

Visually, the speakers are made in a minimal style. There is nothing superfluous, which allows you not to be distracted from its main characteristics - sound quality. No small details such as fasteners are visible. The speakers are made in black and white colors and are varnished.

Inside there is a 28 mm tweeter with a fabric dome and a midrange/bass driver equipped with a 110 mm cone. The slot port of the bass reflex is moved forward. Thus, the column is not bulky, and it can be installed even next to the wall.

If we talk about the sound, it is quite good, although not as perfect as it could be. However, the speakers perfectly reproduce songs of various genres, and even small elements of sound can be easily distinguished if desired. The exception is very complex musical compositions. The balance of sound and its dynamics are excellent. If you turn on the music relatively quietly, then the sound character is the best.

Like the models described above, this box is made of MDF. The declared power is 150 W.

pros

• powerful system
• excellent balance of sound and dynamics
• good sound quality at moderate volume
• excellent physical parameters - dimensions
• white and black body colors

Minuses

• There is no good sound quality at high volumes
• high price

Prices for acoustics Acoustic Energy 301

Acoustic Energy 301 acoustic system

No. 7 – Dali Zensor 3

Dali Zensor 3
A model that has long been popular among music lovers. Rich sound, clear and fat bass, clearly distinguishable top notes - these are the main characteristics of its sound. The assembly, by the way, is made in China, which in no way affects the quality of sound and equipment in general.

The acoustics produce a clear, detailed sound; all notes and elements are clearly audible and can be understood even in a complex composition. However, any of them is easy to perceive as a single whole.

The acoustics are ideal for those who love bright, rich compositions, characterized by energy and dynamic sound. This system does an excellent job of producing excellent sound with such music parameters.

The speaker is a bass reflex type, has a frequency range of 50-26 thousand Hz and 88 dB sensitivity. Its dimensions are 20*35*29 cm. It will fit perfectly almost anywhere in the apartment. But her weight is not small.

Users who tried the model were satisfied. They note that the acoustics require warming up and are somewhat sensitive to the installation location in a small room. Otherwise, it is not demanding and produces pleasant, rich bass. After just a couple of weeks of use, the sound becomes nicer and cleaner than it was originally at the time of purchase.

pros

• powerful system
• clear sound
• beautiful bass
• Excellent value for money and quality
• high-quality assembly

Minuses

• requires warming up

Prices for Dali Zensor 3 acoustics

Acoustic system Dali Zensor 3

No. 6 - Magnat Quantum 753

Magnat Quantum 753
Acoustics that have very good sound, which means they are worthy of being included in the TOP 10 best bookshelf options. Users note its timbre accuracy, clear high-quality sound and quite beautiful appearance.

In terms of price, these speakers are considered average options, which does not prevent them from being of high quality. The body is made of good materials, so the acoustics are free from excessive resonance and rattling. However, the whole system looks solid and reliable. As for the overall appearance, the system is partly varnished and partly matted, which allows it to be installed in almost any interior style.

The frequency range has been expanded. The speaker diffuser is made of aluminum and ceramics. It is noted that the voice coil has excellent ventilation. The bass reflex port is located at the rear and is equipped with a large extension.

As for the sound, the system produces it perfectly. She is able to convey all the sounds included in the composition, and moreover, deeply and richly. If desired, you can make out all the smallest details of the sound. As for the bass, it is quite deep, although on some compositions it does not sound as voluminous as we would like. These speakers are designed for listening to music loudly; at low volumes, some of their characteristics are no longer so good.

pros

• beautiful body
• powerful sound
• clean bass
• timbre accuracy
• high-quality assembly

Minuses

• Doesn't sound as good at low volume as at high volume

Prices for acoustics Magnat Quantum 753

Acoustic system Magnat Quantum 753

No. 5 - Martin Logan Motion 15

Martin Logan Motion 15
A punchy system with tight, clean bass, although not perfect sound. However, only true music lovers or musicians with excellent hearing will understand the shortcomings.

These are beautiful speakers made from thick MDF with a natural finish and a steel grille. They have a slight slope back from the side of the housing cover. In front is a black aluminum durable panel. The speaker diffuser is also made of blackened aluminum and looks stylish. The bass reflex is located on the rear wall.

On a note! The system has protection against temperature and electric current.

If we talk about sound, then this system has only one minus. It doesn't sound very good at low volumes. But at high volume its sound is close to ideal. Moreover, it is when the volume is increased that both rich bass and clearly distinguishable high frequencies appear. But the most important thing is that during the sound, these speakers do not produce any extraneous noise or sounds. As users note, speakers, on the contrary, can improve the sound quality of an obviously imperfect composition.

pros

• well made body
• great sound
• powerful bass
• protection against electric current and temperature
• improves the sound quality of some songs

Minuses

• Doesn't sound as good at low volume as at high volume

Prices for Martin Logan Motion 15 acoustics

Speaker system Martin Logan Motion 15

No. 4 - Dynaudio Emit M20

Dynaudio Emit M20
These are bass reflex speakers with clear sound, allowing you to listen to songs of various genres with pleasure. Heavy metal, jazz, and pop music sound great on them. The sound can be called accurate - all elements of the compositions are clearly distinguishable even in the depths of the room in which the speakers are located. The overall sound quality is not compromised despite all notes being heard.

As for the sizes, the speakers are quite compact - a little more than 21 * 35 * 26 cm. The body color can be white or black. Weight is 7.5 kg. The sensitivity of the system is 86 dB, and the frequency range varies between 50-23 thousand Hz.

Speaking separately about the bass, it is powerful and rich and everyone will like it. Good bass is ensured by the presence of a large speaker with a silicate-magnesium diffuser. The bass reflex is located at the rear.

The acoustics are not low in price, but in general they are in great demand among buyers precisely because of their high-quality sound.

pros

• great sound
• juicy bass
• body in two colors - black and white
• you can listen to music of any genre
• clear sound even at a fairly large distance from the speakers
• compact dimensions

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for Dynaudio Emit M20 speakers

Speaker system Dynaudio Emit M20

No. 3 - PSB Imagine B

PSB Imagine B
Excellent, stylish, good sounding system, but at a very high cost. And, perhaps, this is its main drawback. Otherwise, the model rightfully deserves the opportunity to be included in the TOP 10 ranking of the best shelf-type acoustics.

This is a bass reflex system produced by a company from Canada. It has been in demand for a long time; hundreds of music lovers have given it preference. Of course, we are talking about those who can afford to buy it.

On a note! During its existence, acoustics has already managed to earn an award called Red Dot. This is an award for a unique design and a lot of positive reviews about the product.

Indeed, the design of this system is amazing. The body is a special intersection of elliptical cylinders, and the intersection is geometrically correct and neat. In appearance, all its walls seem to be bent. The system still remains durable, reliable and even somewhat massive in appearance. The bass reflex port is located in front. The finishing of the speakers is natural high-quality veneer. Dimensions - 19*33*30 cm.

The 25mm tweeter is a titanium dome. The coil has special cooling with magnetic fluid. The diffuser of the polypropylene speaker is filled with a ceramic-clay substance.

And a few words about sound. This system has excellent sound and balanced sound in terms of frequency. By the way, the frequency range varies between 55-20000 Hz. LF and HF connections are separate. The timbre is very natural and pleasant to the ear. The music seems so real, as if you are at a concert and not at home. Moreover, it can be heard even when listening at low volume. The high-frequency range is slightly limited, so the airiness of the sound is somewhat limited. The richness of the sound and expressiveness of the composition are preserved perfectly. Bass is well-developed, although not as deep as expected.

pros

• great sound
• unique unusual design
• high quality case
• sound realism
• Sounds perfect even at low volume
• clear detail of musical compositions

Minuses

• not very deep bass

Prices for acoustics PSB Imagine B

Speaker system PSB Imagine B

No. 2 - Wharfedale Jade 1

Wharfedale Jade 1
Excellent closed-type acoustics, the sound of which you will never cease to enjoy again and again. A large frequency range, excellent body design and, as a result, excellent bass make it one of the leaders in the bookshelf acoustics market.

Deep, although not very powerful, bass from this acoustics was achieved thanks to the closed design. The speaker cone is made of carbon fiber, it is durable and does not respond well to stress. So, with a low weight, the diffuser can operate in piston mode and has almost no self-resonance. The HF and MF diffusers are made of composite materials containing aluminum and are quite rigid. The presence of phase-linear crossovers allows you to perfectly coordinate the sound of all speakers with each other.

If we talk about sound, this system has a warm, rich, deep sound. There is no shortage of frequencies. If we talk about detail, it is moderate, which does not interfere with enjoying the sound. The bass is rich and confident, and you don't need to use a subwoofer to increase its power. Even complex rhythmic patterns are conveyed simply perfectly. But when it comes to choosing a genre, acoustics are capricious: not all compositions sound perfect on them. This is a good option for fans of rock and blues.

pros

• perfectly conveys the rhythmic pattern
• juicy and thick bass
• clear detail of musical compositions
• quality materials
• reliable assembly
• popular model

Minuses

• not all genres of music sound equally good

Prices for acoustics Wharfedale Jade 1

Speaker system Wharfedale Jade 1

No. 1 - Focal-JMlab Aria 906

Focal-JMlab Aria 906
In this rating, this model occupies a leading position for good reason. Ideal sound quality, coupled with excellent build quality and a reasonable price - these are its main characteristics.

Both at mid and low frequencies the speakers sound excellent and convincing. The sound is clear, without rough transitions and various acoustic debris. When listening, music seems to flow from one state to another without the appearance of rough roughness. This was achieved due to the unique design of the system itself. It has special suspensions and inserts that frame the speakers, which is why it sounds so smooth. Moreover, a clear and beautiful sound is clearly heard even away from the speakers. The case itself is made of high-quality MDF, and its dimensions are 22*39*25 mm.

Users note that it is important to “warm up” the acoustics well before full use. After that, it begins to sound ideal - velvety and warm. But she doesn’t really like heavy music and this is its main disadvantage.

pros

• reliable assembly
• smooth sound transitions
• popular model
• Excellent value for money and quality
• convenient sizes
• interesting and special design

Minuses

• not all genres of music sound equally good
• Warm-up required

Reviews and prices for Focal-JMlab Aria 906

Acoustic speakers for the home, which company is better to choose?

Almost every manufacturer offers not one, but a whole series or even several lines of acoustic speakers with different functionality. Therefore, making a choice in favor of one model can sometimes be extremely difficult. Experts recommend first finding a reliable brand with a good reputation, and only then getting acquainted with its products. In 2022, the following companies were recognized as undoubted leaders:

• Yamaha is a Japanese brand, known throughout the world since 1887. Audio equipment is distinguished by its versatility, good performance characteristics, and modern design. The line offers ceiling, floor, shelf options, compact and at the same time powerful in sound.
• Canton is a company founded in 1972 in Germany. The name comes from two words from different languages ​​- Canto from Lat. "sing", tone with it. "sound". The idea of ​​the company from the very beginning and still is to create compact speaker systems with advanced functionality and impeccable sound. The latest areas of activity are wireless Bluetooth systems, completely wireless High-End systems, IP speaker systems, etc.
• Heco is a German company that creates products to the most stringent global standards. In numerous top lists and ratings, this company occupies a leading position in terms of price and quality ratio. The latest models of this technology are distinguished by realistic sound and clear reproduction of the highest frequencies.
• Dali is a Scandinavian company Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries, founded in 1983. The main idea is to provide customers with the correct balance of shapes, sizes, and sound quality of audio equipment. A flexible pricing policy helps make the name recognizable.
• Pioneer is an international company, headquartered in Japan since 1938. The name has become a household name; multifunctional electronics and high-quality household appliances are associated with it. Initially, the creator developed loudspeakers and radio receivers.
• Mackie is an American company founded in 1969. Engaged in the development of analog/digital mixers, speaker systems, studio/multimedia monitors, sound cards and other accessories. Motto. When releasing each unit, much attention is paid to its reliability.
• JBL is an American company founded in 1946. The best models with this name give you the feeling of visiting a real movie theater. A waveguide with high-resolution imaging technology is responsible for clear, realistic sound.
• Sony is a multinational company from Japan, founded in 1946. The assortment is full of different series and lines of acoustic systems. There are budget offers with decent functionality, mid-range and premium models to choose from.
• Show is a trademark owned by Seikaku Corporation. The activity is aimed at creating warning systems for household and professional purposes. The range includes acoustics, megaphones, wireless systems, amplifiers, etc. 20 years of experience guarantees decent quality.
• APart is a world-famous developer of audio equipment from Belgium with over 20 years of experience. Produces background sound systems, fire alarm systems, and sound broadcasting systems. Products are supplied to more than 80 countries around the world.

Bookshelf speakers: how to choose

A shelf type of acoustics is a system for listening to music, which is small in size and can be installed on a shelf or a special small stand. This is an ideal option for music lovers living in small apartments or rooms. Moreover, despite the small size, the sound quality of a number of bookshelf acoustics models is excellent.

You need to choose such acoustics taking into account your musical preferences. Some models play different genres of music differently. For fans of heavy music, it is worth choosing one model, and for fans of electronics, a completely different one. It is also important to take into account a number of technical parameters and features of speaker systems. Let's figure out how to make the right choice of speakers for yourself.

Installed bookshelf speakers

THE BEST SUPER PREMIUM ACOUSTIC SETS

Acoustic sets of this level cost incredible amounts of money, but for this they give the buyer not only excellent sound quality, but also amazing durability. Models in this category have perfect sound, expressive style, and all the bells and whistles you can imagine.

KEF E305

BEST ACTIVE SPEAKER SETS

Best sound (max. frequency 45000 Hz). The most unusual design Country: China

The ceiling-mounted audio system KEF E305 standard 5.1 is the choice of innovators who are able to appreciate the naturalness of sound and the boldness of the design solution. The KEF E305 acoustics are well known: just say “eggs” or “Easter set”, and an experienced user will immediately imagine which model from the famous English company we are talking about. First place in the ranking of premium acoustic systems!

The main feature of the set is detail, volume and accuracy of sound reproduction. The Hi fi system earned the “Best Sound” rating due to its characteristics: a large frequency range (33-45000 Hz) and high sensitivity (86 dB). The device uses technologies found in premium models.

For example, the Uni-Q coaxial speaker, which combines a tweeter and a mid-range driver. As a result, the user enjoys deep, harmonious sound: the system suppresses noise and smoothes out the amplitude of vibrations.

An acoustically invisible, but at the same time powerful subwoofer works for this purpose. Its low-frequency radiation does not dominate the rest of the sound field. The stiffening ribs of the satellite housings are made of noise-reducing plastic. Users note that the best sound is in the mid and high range. The expressiveness of the sound is lost when the volume is reduced.

The second feature that immediately catches your eye is the unusual design: a dome-shaped subwoofer housing with a downward-facing emitter, egg-shaped emitters of a compact design. It is not difficult to strengthen the satellites on the walls. As an option, the speakers are mounted on stands (not included). A good solution is a combination of an original design and the use of classic colors: dazzling white and deep black. The set fits organically into any design environment. Among the manufacturer's shortcomings, consumers include a small angle of inclination of the speakers, which creates difficulties during placement and configuration.

BOSE ACOUSTIMASS 10

BEST ACTIVE SPEAKER SETS

The most popular set. Users' choice Country: USA

It’s not for nothing that the famous American brand is one of the best in producing high-quality acoustics. The tenth version of the legendary Acousticmass series turned out to be what every user who needs good sound needs. And these are far from empty words (and not absurd): the consumer finds something of his own in this amazing kit, which has become extremely popular since the fifth version.

First of all, the impressive size and weight of the subwoofer catches your eye - almost 16 kilograms of low-frequency “happiness” gives really soft and “tasty” bass. The feeling of admiration does not leave the consumer even when examining the speakers: a standard set of two rear, two front and one central sources provides a total of 250 W of pure power.

This is not too much, but the first time you turn on the kit it becomes clear that more is not needed. From the very first minutes it becomes clear that Bose did a titanic job and poured in a mountain of funds and it was not in vain.

The acoustics cope perfectly with their task without additional amplifiers, come in three colors and generally look like a priority choice among their competitors.

FOCAL PACK DOME 5.1

BEST ACTIVE SPEAKER SETS

Best Sound Quality Country: France

An acoustic set that can change the idea of ​​ideal sound quality. This is the case when the huge cost is fully compensated by the highest precision of assembly, reliability and the sensation of listening to the reproduced sound. The speakers and active subwoofer have an aluminum housing, stylized in gloss, which can fit into any interior.

A standard set of five speakers reproduces sound with a frequency from 80 to 28,000 Hz, so much so that even the most capricious consumers could not find any flaws (provided that the equalizer is adequately adjusted). As for the subwoofer, it operates at frequencies from 47 to 200 Hz.

It is advisable to use such a kit in a large, spacious room, and the dimensions clearly indicate this. The weight of each speaker is almost 1.9 kilograms with dimensions of 144x172x143 millimeters (width, height and depth, respectively), and the subwoofer weighs 11 kilograms. There is no hope of assembling the system at home - in a small room the sound will greatly disturb the neighbors, and it will not have the best effect on the health of listeners. The final advantage lies in the finishing options for the set - consumers can choose from sets in red, white and black. Ideal choice for large areas.

Column division depending on price

To make it easier, all speakers can be divided into three categories depending on cost. The fact is that the lower or higher the price, the more the systems will differ in their technical parameters.

Table. Categories of systems depending on prices.

Before deciding which speaker to buy, you should evaluate your budget and your needs. In many ways, this will determine which models are worth considering for purchase and which are not.

Acoustics at an average price Heco Elementa 300 White Satin

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo

Best active bookshelf speakers if money is no object

8.5

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Speaker Power: 250W Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, aptX HD Bluetooth Streaming Support: Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready

pros

• Incredible sound
• Incredible bass
• Premium build

Minuses

• No remote control
• Additional equipment required to connect to the Internet
• Expensive

The Formation Duo are definitely on the premium side and their size and price are not for everyone. With that said, these are some of the best sounding speakers we've ever had the pleasure of listening to, comparing, and even outperforming some truly high-end audiophile setups. They are so good.

Incredibly crisp, clear, precise and balanced, we're continually amazed every time we hear them, and are especially impressed by the amazing bass they deliver even without a subwoofer.

Being active, they don't require an external amplifier, which goes some way to justifying their price since you don't have to spend the same money on an amplifier/passive speaker setup to achieve that level of sound.

They are focused primarily on wireless streaming services and Bluetooth. If you want to go with a wired connection, you'll need to spend more money on a Formation Audio box, which offers connection options like optical and RCA for turntables. If you want an incredibly high-quality experience with simple plug and play setup, the Formation Duo will caress your ears for decades to come.

4

What to consider when choosing: room and placement of acoustics

No matter how strange it may sound, it’s not only power that needs to be taken into account when choosing acoustics. An important parameter is even the size of the room, the parameters of the acoustics itself and its location in the house.

So let's start with size. Shelf acoustics are an option that is suitable for small rooms up to 24 square meters. Some models can be placed in more spacious rooms, but this is rare. Basically, they are designed for exactly that area value. Only in such rooms will the acoustics themselves look harmonious and perfectly cover the entire area with their sound, ensuring full sound and audibility everywhere.

Attention! If the room is smaller in area, then there is a risk of constantly hearing an unpleasant hum or rattling of walls and windows.

When choosing speakers by size, you must take into account the size of the room. The main task of any speaker is to move air. And the larger the room, the larger the acoustics you need to buy so that it can cope with the displacement of more air. In small rooms, large speakers will sound muffled and heavy, and very small ones will not be clear and rich enough, they will simply “get lost.”

Bookshelf speaker installation option

An important point: you should think in advance about the place where the speakers will be located. The sound quality will greatly depend on this, as well as on the acoustic design of the speakers themselves.

Depending on the acoustic design of the systems themselves, they can be divided into one or another type. However, the most common are speakers with a special hole called a bass reflex. It is this detail that helps create deep and beautiful bass, and the sound is clear and clearly distinguishable at low frequencies. And depending on where this element is located, it is important to choose the location of the system in the apartment and room. For example, if the bass reflex is installed in front of the speaker, then it can be placed very close to the wall. The main thing is that there are no barriers between the listener and the acoustics, otherwise the sound will not travel well enough.

If the bass reflex is located on the back, then the speaker will have to be placed so that it is open on all sides, otherwise the sound will be bad. That is, even to the wall you will have to maintain a certain distance (at least 10 cm). It is also important that the tweeters are at the level of the music lover's head. It is also not recommended to place any acoustic parts in corners. They should be at the same distance from the listeners.

On a note! Placement against the wall is a priority for small bookshelf speakers, as well as for small rooms. The wall will help increase the bass power.

AuDDio Top-9
Wall speakers can be placed on wide and hard shelves. They must be strong; it is best if they are specially made for speakers. All elements of the system should be located far from each other - it is advisable to maintain a distance of at least 2.5 m. This is an ideal placement option. When placing speakers in parallel, the sound becomes worse, but is perceived wider. So you'll have to experiment with speaker placement to find the best fit.

Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition

The Best Premium Passive Bookshelf Speakers

8.2

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Speaker Power: 120W Connectivity: Wired Streaming Support: No

pros

• Clear sound
• Punchy bass
• Graceful look

Minuses

• May be too deep for some shelves

Even hi-fi enthusiasts will be hard-pressed to notice the physical difference between the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers and the original model on which they are based, but new internal tweaks result in even better performance. An upgraded neodymium magnet and other components from B&W's 700 series, along with an updated tweeter, provide improved harmonics, less distortion and even greater clarity.

These speakers especially excel in vocals with a Continuum woofer design that helps bring singers right into your room, while the bass is much tighter, more responsive and clearer than the original model. Being a passive set, you'll need to pair them with a decent amplifier, which will add to their cost, but if you're looking to start your audiophile journey with a set of speakers that will lavish your ears with high-quality sound for years to come, this is a great investment.

5

A few words about power and sensitivity

Even small acoustics can sound powerful. It usually has low sensitivity, and therefore requires the supply of large powers in order to “swing”. So often amplifiers are also used for such speakers.

But when choosing an amplifier and in general when making a decision, you should not forget about the laws of physics. If you turn on music very loudly on weak speakers running through an amplifier, it will sound strained on a number of compositions. You just have to understand that the speaker that provides the bass moves air to create sound. The diffuser moves quickly. But if the speakers are small, then the diffuser will not be able to move fully.

Important! Trying to make weak acoustics sound powerful and loud can greatly distort the sound.

Acoustics on speakers Aurham with FI Tornado No. 9 ZM
In some cases, increasing the volume of a bookshelf speaker by using an amplifier can not only not achieve the desired sound quality, but also ruin the speakers. So it’s better not to try to amplify small acoustics further, but simply use them in a room of the appropriate size.

Table. Types of speakers and amplifiers.

Ruark Audio MR1

The Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Most People

9

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Speaker Power: 20W Connectivity: Optical, Aux Out, Line In, aptX HD Bluetooth Streaming Support: No

pros

• Stylish design
• Great sound
• Control dial

Minuses

• No streaming over Wi-Fi
• No smart assistant

The beautiful Ruark bookshelf speakers have a lot going for them. First, these are the most compact speakers on our list, making them ideal for tables, shelves, TV stands, or anywhere else you like. This, combined with the auxiliary input, optical input and Bluetooth connectivity, makes them delightfully flexible.

From booming PC or console games and TV sound, to filling a party playlist or plugging into a turntable, the Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 speaker system handles it all with bold clarity and ease, delivering superb, punchy sound that's out of tune. their miniature size.

Available in a beautiful walnut or white lacquer with a convenient integrated control dial, they will look great in most installations, although you may be disappointed by the lack of black. There's also no support for wireless streaming, so you'll need to stream over Bluetooth if you're using a smartphone.

If you want even more flexibility, you can grab an extra battery to turn one of the devices into a portable wireless speaker, which is a clever party trick that will stand out from the crowd.

2

System finishing

What the body is made of also matters. Moreover, this is reflected not only in appearance, but also in sound quality.

So, an aluminum case will convey high frequency sound well, but the overall sound will be harsh. Plastic products are inexpensive, but they can rattle at high volumes, which means it’s pointless to talk about sound quality.

The ideal option is speakers made of wood and its analogues. They are, of course, more expensive than other options. From wood analogues such as MDF, the system will cost less than from solid wood.

On a note! An acoustic box made from MDF is better than one made from chipboard, as it is stronger, not so afraid of water and has a high density. And in general, such acoustics transmit sound well and do not distort it.

Bookshelf speakers Dynaudio Contour 20
For beauty, the base material can be covered with laminated material or vinyl. Expensive systems are covered with veneer and varnish. The speakers can also be painted or varnished. These coatings may affect sound quality. The best thing is a varnish coating.

Main selection criteria

It will be quite difficult for the average person to navigate the variety of technical characteristics and features of each type of speaker. Now we will move on to consider the main technical characteristics.

Sensitivity

A characteristic that describes how sensitive the speaker system is to the input signal. Measured in dB/W/m. Tells how loud the speaker will sound in dB when a 1 W signal is applied at a distance of 1 m, measured on the emission axis. Typical sensitivity values ​​are 84-97 dB/W/m.

Since the decibel is a logarithmic value, then increasing the volume of the speaker system by 1 dB, you need to increase its power by 1.25 times, by 2 dB - by 1.6 times, and by 3 dB - by 2 times, etc.

This means that in terms of volume, a speaker with a sensitivity of 90 dB/W/m and a power of 100 W will sound the same as a speaker with 87 dB/W/m and 200 W of power.

Sensitivity is measured by applying a signal with a frequency of 1000 Hz.

Power

Measured in Watts. It is the power of the electrical signal at the output of the amplifier; there is also the concept of speaker power, which is important when choosing speakers. The power of the amplifier is limited by circuit solutions and power elements. The power of the speakers is limited by the mechanical strength of the cones and the electrical characteristics of the coil.

If the choice is between passive acoustics options, note that the amplifier power must be less than the power of the speakers , otherwise they may fail when you turn the volume knob to maximum.

The power that the speaker can withstand for a long time is denoted by three Latin letters RMS.

Impedance

This is the total resistance of the speakers (active and inductive reactance), measured in Ohms. It is important when choosing a passive speaker - it must comply with the permissible operating modes of the amplifier.

Typical impedance values ​​for speaker systems are 4, 6, 8 Ohms. However, it depends on frequency, which leads to dips in the frequency response of sound emitters. The higher the frequency, the higher the coil resistance. Therefore, the indicated number of ohms on the speaker is the measured resistance at an AC frequency of 1000 Hz.

Impedance graph example

For information! If the speaker impedance is lower than the amplifier's recommended load impedance, there may be increased audio distortion. Speaker impedance says little about sound quality, as it depends on the entire system.

Interfaces for connecting to a sound source

First, let's note that audio is an analog signal. However, connectors or interfaces for connecting a speaker system (amplifier) ​​to a sound source are divided into three types:

1. Analog;
2. Digital;
3. Wireless. They are also digital nowadays.

Important!
Consider whether the speaker plug or connector will fit those on the TV. In addition, the sound quality depends on the type of connector used. Let's look at typical connector options.

Tulips-RCA and 3.5 mm - analog connectors

To connect speakers to the TV, RCA type connectors are used, or as they are popularly called “Bell” or “Tulip”. It is a round coaxial connector with a signal plug at the end and a shielding skirt around it. Typical colors in a stereo speaker are white for the left speaker and red for the right. The sound output on a TV or player is designated as AUDIO OUT.

Tulips - RCA and 3.5 mm

At the same time, speakers are connected to wearable players, phones and computers via a 3.5 mm connector; by the way, this is also found on some portable TVs. Both connectors are analog.

Advice! There are cords available for sale - RCA-RCA, RCA-Jack 3.5 mm, Jack 3.5 mm-Jack 3.5 mm, the latter is often called an AUX cable. Therefore, you can always find the right option for your system.

Universal SCART connector

It is used for both video and audio transmission, and also transmits a digital signal - commands to the TV. Currently going out of use.

Universal SCART connector

Optical interface

Serves to transmit digital images and audio signals. Provides high quality sound.

HDMI connector

A modern connector for transmitting digital signals (information, video and audio). Provides sound quality and is supported by the vast majority of modern technology.

HDMI connector

In addition to transmitting an audio signal, in advanced models of TVs and speakers it becomes possible to control the volume of speakers connected via HDMI. The ARC audio channel provides such opportunities. In addition, you can broadcast sound from other devices connected to the TV (set-top box, player, tuner).

Wireless signal transmission

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have become the basis of modern communications. The Internet and data are most often transmitted through these technologies. There are a lot of speaker systems on the market that work via Bluetooth. Xiaomi is making good progress in this direction. However, there are certain nuances:

1. The quality is close to the CD-audio format;
2. The main scope of application is related to portable speakers and small systems of the 2.0 - 2.1 type; due to technological factors, it will not be possible to fully reveal the advantages of 5.1 systems and the like.

Housing material

Both sound and performance characteristics depend on the choice of material. Speaker systems are made from:

1. MDF. The most common option gives good sound and is light in weight, but over time the corners of the speakers wear out and peel off;
2. Chipboard. Used less often, weigh heavier;
3. Tree. Quite rare, they give a good sound, but it also depends on the type of wood;
4. Plastic. A cheap and lightweight material, its disadvantage is that it is fragile and easily cracks upon impact.

Speakers made of wooden materials System made of plastic

For information! Acoustics made of chipboard and MDF do not tolerate moisture well - this is important if you plan to install them, for example, on a windowsill. There are also metal cases, for example made of aluminum - but keep in mind that this is not the best material for sound transmission, but they are durable.

Speaker cables

To properly connect the speakers, you need to choose the right cables connecting them. The right wires are the key to good sound. The most popular are the so-called low-resistance multicore cables. The sound signal transmission in this case is the best.

Advice! In order not to lose sound quality, it is recommended to use a cable with a cross-section of 1.5 to 4 mm.

By the way, if you choose specialized cables for acoustics, you don’t have to worry too much about the sound quality. Even if they are not expensive, the sound will still be good, since these are special wires.

But the longer the wire, the worse the sound quality may be. The problem can be partially solved if you connect the speakers via two cables. For example, HF are connected through thick conductors in a smaller number, and LF through thin, but in large quantities. Some speaker models have a special connector block that allows you to connect the system in different ways.

KEF LS50 Meta

Great passive speakers at a great price

7.7

CASHBACK for purchases, find out more...

VIEW IN YA.MARKET

Speaker Power: 100W Connectivity: Wired Streaming Support: No

pros

• Exceptionally clear sound
• Stunning design

Minuses

• Expensive

KEF's LS50 Meta passive speakers will hit your wallet harder than many competitors, and if you're building a system from scratch, you'll also need to factor in the cost of an amplifier worth the power for 100W speakers. However, if you decide to shell out the money, you'll get exceptionally clear audio that will reveal nuances in tracks that I swear have never been seen before.

This is all thanks to the fact that these are the world's first speakers to feature Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which is a specially designed multi-channel material that absorbs 99% of unwanted sound waves emanating from the back of the tweeter.

Add to that their incredibly good looks and unconventional, shiny color options (we especially love the Royal Blue versions), and you've got a pair of speakers that sound as incredible as they look.

Vote

What acoustic model did you choose?

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11.27 % ( 8 )

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14.08 % ( 10 )

PSB Imagine B

7.04 % ( 5 )

Dynaudio Emit M20

12.68 % ( 9 )

Martin Logan Motion 15

0.00 % ( 0 )

Magnat Quantum 753

11.27 % ( 8 )

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19.72 % ( 14 )

Acoustic Energy 301

2.82 % ( 2 )

Magnat Shadow 203

9.86 % ( 7 )

Best soundbars

Universal soundbars that have wide functionality and provide excellent sound quality are a fairly popular type of speaker system today.

Samsung HW-Q90R

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

A powerful wireless soundbar from a renowned manufacturer includes not only a soundbar, but also a set of wireless speakers with a subwoofer.

The model supports Dolby and DTS:X technologies, which, together with the thoughtful design of the speakers, allows you to achieve incredible surround sound quality, somewhat comparable to a real cinema. The speakers located inside the panel itself emit audio in all directions at once.

The system is capable of automatically setting the optimal sound mode options depending on the genre and volume of the content being played. Especially for gamers, there is a gaming profile that works with Xbox and PS4 consoles.

With the help of Bluetooth connection and Wi-Fi, the user can play music from his smartphone. In addition, the soundbar can be easily integrated into the smart home system. The entire set is controlled using a remote control.

Pros:

• Great sound with powerful bass.
• Supports modern audio formats.
• Fairly simple installation and configuration.
• Excellent build quality.
• Stylish design.

Minuses:

• There is no automatic calibration.

One of the best and most powerful soundbars on the market, capable of becoming a multifunctional center for serious home theater.

JBL Bar 5.1

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

An advanced 5.1 speaker system with a set of speakers and a subwoofer is perfect for use as a home theater and harmoniously combines with 4K TVs.

The system's wireless speakers are powered by built-in batteries that provide up to 10 hours of battery life and can be freely mounted in a convenient location. The strength of the model's sound is its powerful and rich bass.

There are a sufficient number of ports and connectors for connecting to other devices, including USB and three HDMI. In addition, the system supports wireless connection using Bluetooth. In most cases, a standard remote control for a modern TV can be used to control the soundbar.

An interesting feature of the model is also support for proprietary SoundShift technology, which allows you to quickly switch between the sound of the system, tablet or smartphone.

Pros:

• High-quality surround sound.
• Rich bass.
• Easy setup.
• Stylish design.
• Ease of use of the system.

Minuses:

• Occasionally there are problems with the Bluetooth connection.

A high-quality and flexible soundbar is ideal for those users who dream of great sound, but do not have enough space for a large home theater.

Sonos Beam

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

91%

buyers recommend this product

A good mid-range soundbar comes with some useful technologies, like voice control and automatic sound optimization. The Sonos soundbar app allows you to customize the device's performance, including enabling special features, such as improving the sound of speech in movies.

For a wireless connection, Wi-Fi or AirPlay can be used if there are Apple devices in the house. There is also a remote control, an HDMI input and an Ethernet jack.

All the main components of the audio system, including two subwoofers, are hidden behind the fabric covering of the case. The model can easily be combined with any other systems or speakers, or be the only audio device in a home theater.

Pros:

• Superb sound quality.
• Not bad functionality.
• Easy installation of the soundbar.
• Stylish design.
• Compactness.

Minuses:

• Does not support Dolby Atmos technology.

A technologically advanced system that is well suited to work with most modern TVs.

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