Audio systems for home: types, best models and selection criteria

A speaker system is a must for an indoor home theater. Today, the home appliance market is replete with a variety of musical solutions that can satisfy the wishes of any consumer. To choose floor structures, it is necessary to decide in advance on the characteristics and functionality of a suitable model., because the speaker system is not just a pair of speakers, but a real panorama of the sound format, allowing a person to plunge into the atmosphere of the film. Along with stationary models, manufacturers are creating portable speakers that also have a number of interesting features.

A home audio system, or music center, makes it possible to enjoy high-quality music, as well as watching movies with realistic sound effects. Each individual structure is made in a unique design, so choosing a model that fits perfectly into any room interior is not difficult.

Stationary acoustic systems characterize themselves only on the positive side. And individual technical parameters can be changed according to your preferences.

• Speaker sensitivity... In this case, we are talking about the sound pressure indicator, which forms the musical center. For home use, it is quite enough to choose a model with a sensitivity level within 90 dB. However, you can consider options and more powerful.
• Frequency range. This characteristic is the main one in the general list of parameters of a stationary audio system. It is from it that the frequency corridor of the sound reproduced by the device depends. It is worth noting that the best music centers are produced with indicators as close as possible to human perception.

Having dealt with the features of stationary speaker systems, you can consider their portable counterparts. Of course, a portable audio system cannot show the highest class of sound performance. However, with its help, you can arrange a children's cinema. Product mobility and performance are the reasons for poor performance. But with a mobile audio system, you can go to the country or on a hike.

• The number of sound strips. This is the number of satellites, that is, speakers that will operate at different frequencies. The best configuration is 5.1.
• Equipment power. The higher this figure, the greater the maximum volume will be. But it is important to take into account that this limit must exceed the amplifier potential by at least 30%. The average power for home audio systems is 5.

For most users, audio systems are familiar music centers, consisting of two side speakers and a central part with a control panel. But over the past few years, this picture has received an interesting makeover.

Today there are several types of audio systems that have a number of indisputable advantages.

The system of the presented models includes a controllable amplifier that adapts the signal transmitted from the source to the speakers. The amplifier controls allow you to change the volume and reduce the overall power rating, reducing the load on the speakers.

Thanks to direct connection without intermediary elements, the sound coming from the speakers is clear and transparent. The low level of heating of the internal parts of active structures allows to extend the service life of the columns by several times.

The earliest active models of audio systems were equipped with many toggle switches and switches. And modern samples have several settings: volume, tonality, pitch and bass change.

There are no built-in modules in the presented type of audio systems. Such models are, in principle, ordinary speakers. The amplifier for them is purchased separately, the main thing is that the power of the speakers coincides with the power of the amplifier unit.

In the professional field, it is precisely passive designs of audio systems that are used, because they can be placed at large distances from each other, thereby completely covering the stage or a festive podium. And the amplifier from which the control takes place is placed in a safe place, and the DJ can make the necessary settings at any time.

In addition, music audio systems are classified according to installation type, shape and number of channels. For example, for home use, the music center is selected taking into account the free area. So, for a standard room, 5.1 or 7.1 models will do. The first number indicates the number of speakers, the second indicates the low frequency of the subwoofer.

Speaker systems also differ in the type of arrangement:

• floor models;
• structures on racks;
• ceiling models;
• satellites;
• soundbars.

Consumers have a number of requirements for each speaker system model:

• audio signal reproduction must have excellent sensitivity characteristics;
• high power allows you to maintain sound at the level necessary for a person;
• a competent arrangement of structural elements should create a panoramic sound.

Quite often, the consumer makes a choice in favor of inexpensive audio systems. However, not all of them can boast of excellent performance.

A distinctive feature of this audio system is the presence of a volume control for each part of the structure. It is preferable to install the presented music center in rooms with a maximum area of ​​25 sq. m.

The body of the product has a wooden base, on top of which there is a magnetic shielding. Thanks to this feature, distortion will not occur on the TV screen from adjacent speakers.

The set includes a cable, remote control and subwoofer.

The design of this model consists of a center speaker and two side speakers. The body of the product is made of MDF, the surface of which is finished in mahogany or ebony.

The presented design fits easily on a shelf under the TV or on the wall. For wall mounting, special fasteners are included in the kit.

An inexpensive speaker system with many useful features.And the unique design allows the structure to fit into any room interior.

This model consists of 5 parts: 2 front, 2 rear and 1 center speakers. The total power of the device is 150 watts. And this is quite enough to decorate the living room into a home theater.

In addition, the design of this model has an output for a memory card, so everyone can enjoy the high-quality sound of their favorite tracks.

In the middle price segment, there are many more interesting models than in the line of budget designs. But here, too, it is necessary to understand which model will be the most appropriate for the requirements of consumers.

This model boasts high-quality sound transmission, which is why it was highly appreciated by consumers. The structure itself does not have a unique design. Modest beauty looks unobtrusive and still emphasizes the status of the house. The set of this model consists of 5 speakers with a total power of 360 watts. And this is quite enough for the sound to spread not only throughout the room, but also throughout the apartment.

A compact set of 5 speakers with a total power of up to 600 watts. This figure is enough to cover the size of a small house. The presented speaker system is fully consistent with the concept of "German quality". However, despite a lot of positive reviews, several people pointed out that the device does not produce enough bass in some powerful scenes.

The 5.0 speaker system has many interesting features. The most balanced sound, detailed highlighting of each note make you plunge headlong into watching an interesting film or concert.

From the point of view of appearance, the columns have a strict and solid form. However, the surface finish is poor. Frequent hand rubbing will cause the outer film to peel off. All connectors of the design are gold-plated, which looks very presentable and catchy. The only drawback is the wire connection.

Unlike budget models and designs of the middle price segment, premium products are distinguished by their high potential and corresponding cost.

Ideal for home theater setup. Despite its compact size, the panoramic sound effect makes a person plunge headlong into the plot of the film and even become a participant in it. Stylish design in white color allows the musical structure to become an integral part of any interior. Although for lovers of dark colors, this model is also available in a black palette.

The design of the 5.0 audio system is distinguished by the large size of the front speakers. The total power of the five parts of the device is 420 watts. The model is ideal for use in rooms with an area of ​​50 sq. m.

The speaker system is designed to support Dolby Atmos, thanks to which it is possible to connect separate terminals to create augmented reality.

Since its first appearance, this model of speaker system has received public recognition. And all thanks to high-quality panoramic sound and ease of use. The set of speakers in the total volume produces 1190 W of power, so that the presented music system can be safely used for professional purposes. The minimum working area for this structure is 50 sq. m.

Choosing a music center for your home is difficult, but still possible. The main thing is to understand what qualities a multimedia structure should have, and to decide on the most acceptable way of connecting.

• Power is a very important criterion for choosing the right model. Quite often, manufacturers indicate 1000 watts on the packaging of their products. However, it is immediately clear that such a device is suitable for the professional sphere. For home theater, the 150W models will be optimal.
• Quality speakers will never be made of plastic. This material, in principle, is not suitable for creating loudspeaker enclosures. And this is obvious: during loud music playback, even firmly welded plastic seams will loosen from constant vibration and one day they will burst. Good models of musical centers have a wooden base or MDF.
• Modern speaker systems can easily reproduce audio in any format. At the same time, excellent sound is transmitted from cassettes, disks and flash drives. Most music centers are equipped with a wireless connection via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
• When choosing a speaker system, it is necessary to clarify in advance which file formats it accepts and which it does not.
• Most models are equipped with a remote control, with which you can adjust the speakers according to your preferences, as well as increase or decrease the playback volume.
• As additional features, the audio system is equipped with a light and music function, an equalizer for sound settings, and karaoke. And in some models there is a connector for connecting an electric guitar.
• Some designs have a hard drive that can store music files.

See below for how to choose your home speaker.