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Perfect Pitch: Picking the Best Speaker for Your Space

by Ann Ferguson

Listening to music is transcendent — but only with the right speakers! If you have the wrong speaker type or arrangement, your music won't be played to its best ability. But with so many speaker types, how can you pick the best one for your setup?

With the right information! Understanding the different kinds of speakers and how they fit into your life makes all the difference whether you want to rock out in your bedroom or set up the ultimate movie night experience!

Let’s go over the basics of what you need!

Finding Your Sound Fit: Types of Speakers Explained

Two bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer are ready to play music

Picking the right speaker can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry! Understanding the basic types of speakers will make your decision much easier.

  • Bookshelf Speakers: These compact powerhouses fit perfectly in small to medium-sized rooms. They're great when space is at a premium, but you don't want to compromise on sound quality.
  • Floor Standing Speakers: Need more sound to fill your space? These tall speakers are the sound giants, making them a match for larger rooms where their robust output can shine.
  • Satellite Speakers: Small but big on sound, these speakers shine when paired with a subwoofer. Together, they deliver a full sound experience that's hard to beat.
  • Soundbars: For those who prefer a sleek and unobtrusive look, soundbars are the go-to. They're easy to set up and work wonders in enhancing your TV's audio, making every dialogue clearer and every explosion more impactful.
  • Subwoofers: Want to feel the bass in your bones? Subwoofers are designed to add that much-needed depth to your music or movies, bringing out the rumble and excitement of every scene or song.

Making Your Space Sound Amazing

A pair of floor standing speakers in a large room

Matching speakers to your room doesn't have to be tricky. The primary consideration is to think about the size!

  • For Small Rooms: Use bookshelf speakers about 4 feet apart and keep them at least a foot away from walls to avoid bass overload and ensure clear sound.
  • In Medium Rooms: Floor standing or larger bookshelf speakers work well. Place them 6 feet apart for a well-distributed sound and about 2 feet from the wall to balance the bass and prevent echo.
  • Large Rooms Shine: With floor standing speakers, space them 8 feet apart for an immersive experience. They should be around 2 to 3 feet from the wall, allowing sound to travel and fill the room beautifully.
Pro Tip:
Remember that room acoustics matter! Soft items like couches and curtains absorb sound, while hard surfaces like tables and walls reflect it!

What’s Your Sound?

Comparison between a surround sound setup for TV watching and bookshelf speakers for music

Selecting the right speakers isn't just about the size of your room; it's about what sounds you fill it with. How you use your speakers will determine the best fit!

  • For Movie Buffs: Consider a setup that includes a soundbar and subwoofer or a pair of floor-standing speakers positioned to create a sound field that envelops the room, making you feel like you're in the heart of the action.
  • Music Lovers Rejoice: Look for floor-standing speakers for a full-range experience, while bookshelf speakers can deliver clarity and depth, especially in smaller spaces. Aim for speakers with a reputation for balanced sound to enjoy every note and beat as intended.
  • Gamers' Gear: Directional sound can make all the difference. You’ll need a multi-speaker setup or a soundbar that supports virtual surround sound, offering cues on in-game direction and movement.
Pro Tip:
Matching new speakers with your existing audio setup is crucial, so make sure your speakers and audio source support the same connection types for seamless integration!

Wired vs. Wireless Speakers

When it comes to setting up your perfect sound system, how your speakers connect to your sound source is a big decision. Wired speakers provide stable, high-quality sound with less interference, making them ideal for immersive movie experiences and gaming. However, the cables can be unsightly and restrict speaker placement.

On the other hand, wireless speakers offer flexibility and easy setup, perfect for streaming music and moving speakers around your home. While they can sometimes face interference, advancements in technology have greatly improved their reliability. So it depends on which is more convenient for you!

Speaker Setup and Care for Lasting Sound Quality

A concept image of speaker placement, with each speaker forming a triangle to the listening position

Getting the most out of your speakers isn’t just about the initial choice; it’s also about how you set them up and care for them.

  • Position speakers to create an equilateral triangle with your central listening spot for an immersive sound experience.
  • Keep speakers at ear level for the best sound delivery, using stands or mounts if necessary.
  • Avoid placing speakers too close to walls or corners to minimize bass distortion.
  • Dust speakers regularly to prevent any buildup that could affect sound quality.
  • For wired setups, inspect cables regularly for any signs of wear and ensure all connections are secure.
  • If using wireless speakers, keep their firmware updated for optimal performance and new features.

Sound On!

Choosing the right speaker can significantly affect how you enjoy music, movies, and games. So, it’s essential that you consider your space and your preferences before checking out our speaker selection at Plaza Electronics & Appliances! Of course, if you need help narrowing it down, you don’t have to pile on the research — that’s what our experts are for! Call or stop by today!