Large speakers: types, best models and their characteristics

Large speakers - acoustic systems for home and discos, battery-powered and wired models - have long become a must-have for true music lovers. They are chosen by organizers of parties and celebrations, used at mass events of the Open-air format, festivals. The largest music column even got into the Guinness Book of Records. When choosing such a technique, a lot of questions invariably arise that should be sorted out.

Large music speakers - a good solution for home use and stand-alone use when organizing outdoor events... Large-sized acoustic equipment makes it possible to broadcast sound in higher quality, provides decent transmission of low and high frequencies. Columns in enclosures are considered large length or height not less than 30 cm. They are vertical or horizontally oriented, wired and portable.

Classic speakers for music are almost impossible to find in modern housing. Acoustic technology is becoming more diverse, combined into a complex of several devices, and instead of a wired connection, wireless communication is increasingly used. The traditional form is also becoming a thing of the past. Battery technology can have a square, round, cylindrical shape and even a complex fantasy design.

Portable models with a handle are geared towards travel and event use. Backlit battery powered speakers are actively produced by Chinese brands. Such models with light and music allow you to have a party almost anywhere.

They are calculated to connect to PCs or laptops, netbooks via a USB port. The cable serves as a power source, and the sound is transmitted to the speakers via a 3.5 mm mini-jack. Such columns are rarely large, but in some cases it may be relevant.

Versatile models that can be used even when there is no power supply. It is enough to charge the built-in rechargeable battery in advance, after which the equipment will be ready for use. The audio signal is transmitted via a mini-jack channel or through a wireless communication module, the device can also play music from compact USB-, TF-, microSD-carriers.

Wireless speakers are used to transmit data to any compatible device with a built-in Bluetooth module... This is convenient when connecting devices to a network, broadcasting music from a smartphone, tablet. Only one minus - the battery uses up its charge faster.

Special external devices designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds. Not used separately from speakers. They can be self-contained or wired.

Among the columns there are record holders. Moreover, manufacturers often provide for the integration of their devices into a single system, thereby creating truly impressive combinations in terms of power and sound power. Among the single options, there are also leaders. For example, the most powerful column in history was Bose at 4900 W at 139-145 dB. It was specially designed for use in outdoor concert venues.

There are also records among acoustic systems. For example, in the USA, for the needs of the army, acoustics are produced, consisting of 40 speakers of 1 kW each with amplifiers.

The record among civilian systems belongs to JBL, it is even included in the Guinness Book of Records. Flip 4 speakers with 2 × 8 W speakers each were networked from 1000 units, connected to 1 source, fixed on a special cylindrical frame. The effectiveness of the wireless system was confirmed by a DJ set played with it. The connection between the speakers was carried out wirelessly by JBL Connect +.

When buying large speakers, the main choice is between wired and wireless devices. Classical acoustics has its advantages. Mobile devices benefit from portability and energy independence. The best models in each category deserve special attention.

This column is specially designed for home theater systems... The model is distinguished by its elegant design, belongs to the bass reflex type, and provides stereo sound transmission. The two-way speaker has a separate connection for low and high frequencies, demonstrates a power of 50 W and a frequency range of 30-36000 Hz, the connection to the amplifier is carried out using a screw connector. The equipment weighs 19 kg, measures 21.8 × 104.2 × 36.9 cm.

These speakers are distinguished by the highest sound quality - clear mids, excellent timbre reproduction... All these points, combined with the original geometry of the model's case, make it particularly popular. The high-end speaker system has a decent price, the set comes with a subwoofer, the model belongs to the category of concert equipment. The three-way speaker has a power of 1500 W, is equipped with a linear and balanced output, this is a great solution for true music lovers.

Ceiling columns that can also be placed on shelves of shelving structures and furniture... They look stylish, have a wooden case, modern technological content. The set includes a tweeter for expanding the sound range. The system focuses the bass well, sounds great at any volume.

These three are not the cheapest... The fact is that today organizers of public events and true connoisseurs of excellent sound buy wired acoustics. For them, the price factor is not fundamental, much more important is the power and quality of sound reproduction.

The largest among modern portable speakers, designed for outdoor use, well protected from any vagaries of the weather... Includes a convenient carrying handle, efficient bass boosting system, built-in display, and USB support.

Powerful portable system able to be installed horizontally and vertically. The set includes lighting for organizing parties, a built-in Extra Bass system for amplifying low-frequency sound, a microphone input. The speaker weighs 8 kg, has a capacious battery, is compatible with iOS, Android, there is a USB port.

Column for a runaway breakout. The model has enhanced bass, lighting and Bluetooth-module. The column is suitable for organizing karaoke parties, but in terms of battery capacity it is much inferior to more expensive counterparts.

The large speaker offers many possibilities for indoor and outdoor use. The main criterion here is precisely mobility - for an open-air party, regular performances on an off-site basis, it is worth considering mainly wireless models of technology that do not depend on the availability of an energy source... Indoors, you can use both wired speakers with a receiver, and wireless ones connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Among the important selection criteria, the following can also be noted.

• The dimensions of the room. Columns for home and other premises must be selected taking into account their area. The larger it is, the larger the acoustics will be, since the propagation of sound in the air depends precisely on the dimensions of the speaker. The wrong choice here is dangerous because the music being played will be distorted, lose in the quality of playback. Excessively large speakers will broadcast the sound too dull, not large enough - weak, not enough volume.

• Body material... For large speakers, especially home speakers, this factor is quite important. Aluminum transmits high-frequency sounds well, but in general provides a greater "rigidity" of melody reproduction. Wood and MDF - the golden mean, they provide an excellent transfer of all the nuances and semitones of music. Plastic at high and medium volumes can distort sounds, and the bass is worst of all.

• Column type. The active one does not need additional equipment to play sounds, the passive one is connected through an amplifier. The 2nd option is cheaper, but in total, wired equipment sometimes requires quite serious expenses. In addition, the amplifier itself must be selected very carefully, given the focus of acoustic equipment on reproducing low-frequency or high-frequency sounds.

• Sound quality... High-end speakers place great emphasis on high frequencies. In cheap speakers, the emphasis is on low-frequency sound. The bass smoothes out the poor playback quality, but when playing complex musical compositions, all the flaws will be obvious.

• Ergonomic Lightweight speakers with a handle are easy to carry. For stationary models, this is not so important.

• Battery life... For active speakers, this selection criterion is especially important. For example, a 20,000 mAh battery can provide 24 hours of non-stop music streaming at maximum volume. With half the capacity, you will have to turn down the sound after 3-4 hours of use.

• Workmanship quality... In columns for a disco or outdoor use, the anti-vandalism of the device, the presence of additional protection against moisture and dust are important. With an IP rating of 65 and higher, even rain or snow is not afraid of equipment.

• Appearance. For a holiday, another festive event, you can purchase speakers with backlighting, LEDs, operating in different modes. Stylish and original models of acoustics are often produced in a portable version, aimed at a young audience.

Large speakers for the home are presented in the video below.