Active speaker systems: features, varieties, selection rules

The presence of a stereo system for a modern TV or computer is more and more becoming a necessity, rather than a pleasant addition. Today there is a huge variety of musical accessories. We will talk about which speaker systems are suitable for certain conditions, how to choose them, in today's article.

This is a device for playing sounds, the last element in the amplifying circuit, which includes the sound source, the amplifying device and the speaker itself. The design of the described device consists of an acoustic element and built-in emitter heads (speakers). The speaker system contains a device such as a crossover. It is necessary to prepare a specific frequency range for each of the speakers in the system.

Modern speaker systems can perfectly match any technique that is capable of being a sound source. This can be a simple TV, computer, smartphone or tablet. Today, manufacturers offer a huge number of different sound systems to choose from - from a small portable speaker powered by a battery to professional equipment that can work in multichannel mode.

The right speaker system isn't just a large set of speakers packed into a box and connected to a source in some way. In fact, this is a complex engineering product, in which not only the dimensions of the speakers are calculated, but also the amount of free space in the box, the direction of the sound flow, the material used in the manufacture and many other factors that ultimately affect the sound quality are taken into account.

Of course, you can make a simple system in a garage from what is, and it will work and reproduce sound. But its task is not only to "fight the silence", but to play without noise, bounce, imbalance (unevenness) of the speakers, sound distortions and other errors that negatively affect the final sound quality.

That's why premium speaker systems are more expensive than similar-looking systems, but only medium and economy class... An inexperienced layman, not particularly interested in sound quality, of course, will not notice how good devices differ from the simplest ones. But if a person with high-quality acoustics at his disposal gets used to high-quality sound for a long period of time, he will be able to instantly distinguish a high-quality system from a cheaper and simpler one.

Let's note the most significant advantages of acoustic systems over simple speakers, with which TVs, laptops and other devices that support external sound devices are completed:

• good sound quality even at high volume levels;
• use of the built-in amplifier makes it easy to set up;
• no loss in power is felt at a great distance from the speakers, which makes it possible to successfully use the speaker in large rooms;
• active speakers are designed for long-term operation at maximum volume without sacrificing resource.

Despite all the advantages of such equipment, even it has its drawbacks:

• in case of failure of the internal amplifier, its repair or replacement will be very difficult;
• if the system has a multichannel connection, then it is necessary that the connected device has support for the required number of audio outputs (otherwise, such a device will not be able to enjoy all the advantages of multichannel mode).

Today there are a huge number of all kinds of acoustic systems. Among them, you can find any model that will meet almost all the requirements of the buyer. Some people choose portable battery-powered devices that you can take with you to the gazebo in the evening, or to the beach in summer. Others buy stationary options for installation in a room without further transferring somewhere. Still others prefer AU for their business of holding various holidays.

Let's consider in order the main distinctive points that are of the greatest importance when choosing.

Floor-standing speaker system has large dimensions and considerable weight, therefore it has no other type of installation. Having an impressive body and a solid overlap under the speaker itself, we can say that the work at low frequencies will be stable. Some models of floor-standing systems are installed on special spikes to dampen excessive vibration at high volumes. Others have sand weighted chambers.

There is also shelf acoustics. These are small speakers that are installed on special stands and are located at the same height as the listener's head. Systems of this type include modest-sized speakers of front and rear location, satellites, a system with a center channel. This type of system is intended for smaller rooms than for floor systems.

Shelf systems include such a type as embedded devices... A feature of these products is the hidden location in the room. They are placed in such a way that only their decorative overlays remain visible. They can be built into walls or ceilings, it is important that they are correctly positioned in relation to the front and rear. Such systems can be used in large and small rooms. The main thing is that their power matches the size of the room.

Acoustic systems with hinged fastening method to a vertical surface, are fixed with special fasteners and can be used for multi-room operation, as well as ordinary home music equipment that creates a surround sound effect. The latter can be achieved with the help of rear and side speakers. Wall acoustics practically does not take up space in the room.

A professional audio system is aimed at large rooms and a large number of people. Professional equipment is many times superior to home equipment, not only in power and other characteristics, but also in cost. It is advisable to use such equipment in cinemas, discos, clubs. The specified technique can support work with Bluetooth and is capable of synchronizing with a microphone. As a rule, this equipment is not used for the home, since it is simply impractical.

The front speakers play the role of the main soundtrack. For this, directional type speakers of higher power are used. Front speakers can work both independently and in conjunction with other types of acoustics. This speaker is essential for home theaters and other stereos.

The center speaker transmits dialogue, music and has the greatest synchronization with the picture on the screen. The subwoofer is used for reproducing low frequencies and has a high power. It is almost always used in conjunction with other types of columns, but it does not make sense on its own. But in conjunction with high-frequency speakers, it provides a good "presence effect". Subwoofers are divided into 2 types:

• passive;
• active.

The passive design includes only a housing and a speaker, which depends on the volume settings of the playback device. While its "active" brother has its own amplifier with volume control. Thanks to this adjustment, it demonstrates a better connection with the rest of the acoustics.

Rear speakers are installed behind the user - overhead or to the side. They have the purpose of playing a rear channel in stereo with a large number of channels and create a surround sound effect. With the correct settings, the rear speakers should be the same as the front speakers. Satellite Is a small speaker, which is a type of shelf acoustics. It is used in budget home theater models.

A band is a sub-range of all sounds played. The more bands, the better the sound. Broadband systems are capable of operating in all operating ranges. For good reproduction of many sound frequencies, you will need different types of speakers. This will avoid distorting sounds. SSB devices are only capable of operating in one frequency band. These are subwoofers and tweeters. A two-way music system can reproduce both bass and treble if there are 2 speakers.

The 2.5-band music system consists of 2 low-frequency radiators and 1 high-frequency radiator:

• high frequency speaker reproduces high sounds;
• one low frequency works with low frequencies;
• and the other with averages.

Closed acoustics are considered the simplest and look like a sealed enclosure, completely closed. These models have good transient characteristics, due to which good sound quality is achieved without distortion. But there is also a drawback in the form of not very good reproduction of low frequencies.

Bass reflex speakers refer to columns of a closed type, but unlike the latter, they have a hole in the structure for the output of the inverter. It is designed to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. The main objective is to provide sound resonance from the back to the front of the cone. This resonance creates an increased sound pressure in the system.

Such a system has smaller dimensions when compared to conventional closed-type speakers. It has a high sensitivity, which allows better reproduction of low frequencies.

There is also a special music system with a passive mode emitter.Such equipment belongs to phase inverters. A feature of this type of speakers is the use of a passive emitter, instead of a phase inverter, which increases the sound pressure at low frequencies. The passive emitter works without magnetized devices and coils. The main advantage of acoustics with such a radiator is the maximum absence of unnecessary noise from air movement through the pipe.

Consider what is horn type acoustics. In its design, a tube is used to send an audio signal through which the load of the mechanical component of the system is compared with the outside. Columns of the described type have a high efficiency, therefore they are used for sound accompaniment over large areas.

As mentioned earlier, each speaker is designed for a specific operating environment, more precisely, the room in which it is located. Thus, a large space requires appropriate speaker size and power. Otherwise, listening to music at full volume will not bring the desired result.

While for a small room, it makes no sense to install a powerful floor-standing system of 5 speakers and a subwoofer... Yes, there will be power, but at the same time "distortion" will begin, in which the perception of sound will deteriorate. In such conditions, large speakers will not be able to reveal all the potential inherent in them, and the owner will simply overpay for what he cannot use in full.

When choosing speakers, the first step is to pay attention to their volume level. The higher this value, the more expensive the kit will cost. When choosing, the material from which the speaker case is made is very important. Wood is best suited for this - it transmits all vibrations with minimal distortion.

It is best to buy a speaker system in brand stores with a long-term good reputation and give your preference to a well-known company, which has proven itself well in the audio system market. If necessary, professional stores can provide you with a certificate for a specific speaker model, which will allow you to avoid buying a fake.

Modern speaker systems can turn ordinary movie watching into a much more enjoyable experience than usual. High-quality and clear sound always pleases the ear. Regardless of the budget a customer is willing to spend on an audio system, they always want the best possible product. So what are the most popular acoustics models and are in demand among the consumer? Consider a small ranking that was compiled by tracking the number of sales and positive reviews.

The most popular of the premium segment are:

• KEF;
• RCF;
• Sonos;
• Wharfedale.

The middle class includes the following brands:

• Sony;
• Samsung.

The most budgetary, but still having positive reviews and satisfied customers, are:

• Sven;
• Pioneer.

See below for an overview of the speaker system.