Wi-Fi speakers: what are they and how to choose?

While the usual wired speaker systems are slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past, the wireless segment of audio technology is gaining more and more popularity. Today there is a wide variety of wireless Wi-Fi speakers equipped with the latest technology and a variety of functions. In this article we will try to understand the features of such audio devices, consider popular models and learn how to connect speakers to a Wi-Fi network.

A Wi-Fi speaker is such a versatile device that works without being connected to the mains. These devices have a wide variety of sizes: from portable ones, with the help of which modern music lovers have the opportunity not to part with their favorite tunes - even going on a long hike, you just need to put such a device in your pocket - to more bulky stylish models equipped with a large number of useful functions. The latter are more often located in large rooms, for example, in living rooms or halls.

Wireless audio system, depending on the number of speakers, is divided into two types: monaural, or one-channel, and stereo, or two-channel. When creating a stereophonic sound, at least two different signals are transmitted to a pair of speakers, thus achieving the impression of "presence", the sound becomes spacious and deep, it is possible to distinguish the playing of each instrument in the orchestra. In the case of monaural sound, regardless of the number of speakers, the sound is transmitted to one channel and turns out to be rather "flat", without the possibility of identifying its sources.

Depending on the type of Wi-Fi power source, speakers are:

• with built-in battery;
• powered by batteries;
• having an external power supply.

In addition, using wireless devices, there is no longer the need to literally wrap the apartment with kilometers of all kinds of cables, although stationary audio systems, in the absence of an autonomous power supply, must still be periodically recharged using wires from ordinary sockets.

Most users are interested in the question of how high-quality sound can be obtained using Wi-Fi speakers. There is no definite answer here, since the decisive factor is the influence of various interference, superimposed on the listened channels from third-party sources (for example, from a neighbor's router). Often, such sources generate interference that significantly degrades the sound quality of Wi-Fi devices.

Nowadays, Wi-Fi-connected wireless audio systems have become a real hit because they have a number of advantages over wired speakers. Along with compact models that are very convenient to carry, there are those that will turn your apartment into a real home theater without bulky speakers and cords lying on the floor.

However, it is no secret that the higher-quality type of materials was used in the manufacture of this or that device, the wider the range and the higher the sound quality, the higher its price. And also the cost of the model is influenced by the presence of additional functions, such as an equalizer that allows you to level the sound, or color music, with the help of which it is now possible even at home to arrange a kind of light show with musical accompaniment.

High quality built-in models create very powerful and dynamic sound; inexpensive ceiling and wall speakers can perfectly reproduce background music.

Let's take a look at the characteristics of popular speaker models with a Wi-Fi connection.

Samsung Radiant 360 R5 - a combined audio device with the ability to connect in two ways: via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This model is distinguished by an affordable price, modern design and excellent sound quality. Of the shortcomings, one can only name the rather low power of the device - 80 watts.

Sonos Play: 1 - an audio device with monaural sound, which is distinguished by quite high-quality reproduction of music tracks. The disadvantages include a rather high price and the inability to listen to your favorite tunes with a stereo effect.

Denon HEOS 1 HS2 - a device with the ability to connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet Bluetooth and a built-in amplifier for each speaker. Such speakers reproduce sound of good quality, however, they differ in not the lowest price - about 20,000 rubles - and not very user-friendly interface.

SRS-X99 Sony - 7-band powerful audio device with stereo sound, connection methods: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFS. Of the characteristics, high sound quality, stylish design and quite good power, as well as a high price - about 35,000 rubles.

Wi-Fi speaker JBL Playlist 150 - a budget model, its price is about 7000 rubles, has two built-in speakers and two connection methods - via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

In order not to be mistaken with the choice of wireless audio equipment, it is necessary to clearly define the tasks that your device will perform, as well as the requirements that you place on its quality and price.

If you dream of high sound quality, opt for a two- or three-band device; for these purposes, you should also pay attention to the frequency range - it should be quite wide, from 20 to 30,000 Hz.

And you should also choose a device powerful, only in this case it will play loud sounds.

If you are traveling, opt for a portable wireless device, or for the home it is better to purchase full-size speakers for the highest quality sound.

Check out the list of additional features that your favorite wireless audio device has: such nice little things as a built-in microphone, protection against moisture and interference, the presence of an FM tuner, as well as some other advantages can be very useful and serve their owners well.

To connect a wireless Wi-Fi speaker, you need to install the corresponding application on your mobile device, for example, Muzo player, then start it by connecting the speaker to a smartphone or router.

After entering your network password, press the WPS button and wait - within one minute your speaker will be ready for use.

Through the application, you can connect several audio devices to your smartphone at once. And also this application will definitely offer you a list of services that provide music for listening.

Next, see the review of the JBL Playlist 150 Wi-Fi speaker.