In previous articles we have discussed the importance of speaker placement in your home theatre. But, do the different styles of speaker make a difference? As with most decisions made regarding a sound system, a lot of the decision is made with your ear. What sounds good to me might not sound so great to you. However, size, functionality and cost are a factor also. Here is a quick run-down on the various styles of speaker available.
Satellite Speakers
Satellite speakers are a small sized speaker, commonly used as front speakers in a home theatre set surround sound up, to carry mid and high range audio. They generally have a main driver no larger than 4” and a tweeter, often 1” or less, so they do not carry much, if any, bass.
Due to their size, and part of their appeal, they can be discretely placed in a room without needing to make huge changes in your room layout. As these speakers are so small and lightweight, it is easy to find space for them on a shelf. Although as there is now a large range of stands and brackets to suit these compact speakers, there are so many options to choose from.
Being a small speaker, generally not larger than a can of soft drink, satellites don’t necessarily pack a huge punch, but when placed correctly and paired with a centre speaker, some rear speakers and a subwoofer, surround sound can really come to life!
Bookshelf Speakers
One step up from satellites are bookshelf speakers. With their versatile size, they can be used as front or rear speakers in a home theatre set up. Having a larger driver, normally between 5.25 and 6.5” and a tweeter, they generally produce a good, full sound in a stereo set up, or can used as part of a larger 5.1 or 7.2 surround sound set up.
Bookshelf speakers were designed to be compact enough to fit on a shelf or in a cabinet without compromising the sound quality. As with the satellites, it is now easy to find stands or wall mounts to suit bookshelf speakers which can help with speaker placement.
Depending on the quality of the speaker, they will produce a little bass, but do not get very low on the bass spectrum, so teaming them with a subwoofer is ideal.
Floor Standing / Tower Speakers
Floor standing speakers are the tallest speakers, and usually have multiple drivers and a tweeter enclosed in the cabinet. The drivers can vary in size from 3.5” to 12” and it is common for manufacturers to mix in different sizes in the same speaker housing, giving a great depth of sound.
Among the advantages of tower speakers, the cabinet is designed and tuned by the manufacturer to produce the best sound for the best performance. As they will produce low frequency bass response also, a subwoofer is generally not required if your system is solely used for music playback. Although, having a subwoofer incorporated into your system and switched on only when watching movies will give you the earth rumbling low sound effects.
Floor speakers are larger so they will take up more space in your room, but the quality of sound you will receive is almost always worth it.
In Ceiling Speakers
What a great way to incorporate your system into your room without taking up any space on the floor. Flush mounted in ceiling speakers as so discrete, your friends may ask where the sound is coming from.
In ceiling speakers are available in various different sizes, and in straight down firing or angled to ensure perfect sound reproduction throughout your home. In ceiling speakers are not only ideal for use in a surround sound set up, they are also a great option for music playback throughout your home and even in your outdoor al fresco area.
Obviously, installing in ceiling speakers is a much more permanent option and wouldn’t be suitable in a rental property. Some people might choose to have a professional install these speakers, but it is not as daunting a task as you may expect. Just use the cardinal rule “Measure twice, cut once” and see our blog (link to How to Install in-ceiling Speakers), and away you go.
In Wall Speakers
In wall speakers are similar in functionality and sound reproduction to in ceiling speakers. The choice between using in walls or in ceilings normally comes down to individual preference and the shape of your room.
Think about using a pair of in walls for your front speakers to fire sound directly at your seat, in ceilings above your seating for your surround sound effect and an in wall centre speaker. No messy wires to trip over, no sticky little fingers to poke holes in the grill. All you need to do is find a corner for your subwoofer!
When buying speakers, there are many things to take into account; the size and shape of your room, the aesthetics of the speakers, portability if you are in a rental home or just don’t want to cut holes in the wall and of course your budget. But the main factor comes down to your ear. No one can tell you what sounds good to you.
Of course, our Selby Techs are more than happy to assist with speaker selection, so feel free to give them a call on 1800 692 225 with any questions or queries you may have.
