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Before choosing your new speakers, you should answer two basic questions. Are you planning to connect them directly to the audio source (e.g. mobile phone, computer, TV)? Then get a speaker with an amplifier (active). Conversely, if you plan to use an external amplifier or receiver, passive speakers will do just fine. The second basic question is whether you will require battery power or intend to use the speakers somewhere near an electrical outlet. After that, you can start deciding based on the speaker type.
ContinueCompact active speakers with battery power and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, sometimes with NFC support. In most cases, they also include a 3.5mm line input for connecting an external audio source with a cable. Other features include a SD card slot, radio, and water/dust resistance. Smartphone speakers generally recharge via USB, so you can use the charger from your phone/tablet.
Active speakers enable direct music playback from Bluetooth-compatible smartphones, tablets, and laptops, or streaming from your home network, music services (e.g. Spotify, Deezer, Tidal) and Internet radio via WiF. The models with WiFi support are designed for home use, where you will only carry them from one room to another. They are not supposed to be taken to school or work on a daily basis.
Powerful active loudspeakers for indoor and outdoor parties. They can play music from USB flash drives, memory cards, analog inputs, or devices connected wirelessly via Bluetooth. They also usually include inputs for a microphone and musical instruments. They also often have a rugged construction, sometimes coupled with increased dust and water resistance. Party speakers draw their power from a built-in battery or the mains. Pull-out handles and wheels make them easy to transport.
With multiroom systems, you can control playback throughout the entire house directly from your phone or tablet. Individual units don’t necessarily have built-in speakers. They may only contain an amplifier for connecting passive speakers or a stereo analog output for an external amplifier. Multiroom systems play content from music services (Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, etc.), Internet radio (vTuner) or home/business WiFi/LAN networks (DLNA, UPnP, desktop apps, phones or tablets).
Active multichannel home theatre systems and soundbars. They are usually connected to a TV via HDMI or an optical/coaxial cable. They also often include a wireless Bluetooth/WiFi adapter for playing audio from phones, tablets, laptops, and home networks. These speakers come with a wireless remote, but sometimes they also support volume adjustment using the TV remote (when connected to a TV of the same brand).
Active speakers generally contain only one audio source input. The most common configurations are 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 (the first number indicates the number of centre speakers and the 1 after the period means there is a subwoofer). Sometimes they may have an extra headphone output and an additional 3.5mm input for MP3 players or a smartphone. To control the volume, use the rotary knob (potentiometer) located directly on the speaker or a wired—or in rare case wireless—remote.
Hi-Fi speakers are usually passive speakers for an amplifier or receiver. These are particularly useful when you need better audio quality, intensity, and dynamics. Hi-Fi speaker systems include stereo speakers, active subwoofers, and special 5.0/5.1 channel home theatre sets.
In our Glossary, you can find a more detailed explanation for the terms speaker system, passive vs. active speakers, impedance, sensitivity (SPL [dB/W/m]), sound pressure (sound power), 2-way vs. 3-way speakers, peak sustained speaker power (RMS), speaker diaphragm, and electroacoustic transducer.
Standalone passive speakers (drivers) for in-car installation, associated amplifiers and subwoofers. Coaxial car speakers are suitable for ordinary users. More expensive component systems with a separate tweeter are for audiophiles who need their high-quality audio.
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Speakers are electro-acoustic transducers. The scientific name tells us that the speaker is a device that converts electrical impulses into sound. It consists of a magnet and a diaphragm for converting electrical signals to sound waves, then radiate them into the air.
The human ear can hear sounds at frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Therefore, speakers are constructed to encompass this ideal sound spectrum. The lower the frequency, the deeper the tone. It is very effective for movies with action and explosions etc., and for listening to music with deep bass and drums.
Speakers are chosen according to what they will be used for and what system they will complement. Speakers used with computers and music can easily use Set 2.0, consisting of two stereo speakers. Set 2.1 includes two speakers and one subwoofer, taking care of the deepest tone reproduction. Both sets are suitable for listening to music and watching movies. Sets 5.0 and 5.1 (or higher) offer superb sound and uncompromising quality, guaranteeing you experience the best from your system when watching movies and listen to your favorite music. 5.1 systems consist of a center speaker, right, left and two SFX (rear) speakers and one subwoofer. This set is the only equipment which will provide true surround sound.
Tip: For great quality sound choose solid speakers made of wood. It is also advantageous to add a receiver or amplifier, to achieve the best possible results.
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