Because of the expanding popularity of listening to music, various speaker lines of varying quality and kind have been introduced on the market. Bookshelf speakers, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular and widely used by customers nowadays. So, exactly what are Bookshelf speakers? Join Casual Living USA in the post below to learn exactly How To Choose The Best Bookshelf Speakers – 5 Most Important Factors.
1. What is a Bookshelf speaker?
Bookshelf speakers (also known as bookshelf speakers) are speakers in the shape of a small, tiny cabinet devised by Edgar Villchur in 1960. This speaker series is often presented on a bookshelf, desk, or stand. , for enhanced security and convenience. Its tiny size makes it perfect for small and medium-sized spaces. When utilized in large speaker lines, large speaker cabinets are commonly referred to as cabinet speakers.
Bookshelf speakers are frequently two-way, with two subwoofers and one woofer with the same tweeter (treble – treble) (woofer – bass). When these two speakers are together, they offer the best possible listening experience. Yet, several column-shaped bookshelf speakers with 1-way (full-range) or 3-way designs are still available.
What are the Pros and Cons of bookshelf speakers?
Pros
- Bookshelf speakers are becoming more popular and favoured for home audio systems due to advantages such as:
- Its small and adaptable size makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
- The sound quality is excellent, with an excellent balance of sound lines.
- Bookshelf speakers are frequently cheaper than high-end ceiling speakers or music stereos.
- Bookshelf speakers are becoming increasingly beautiful, with an increasing variety of models to choose from.
- It has rather high durability; if properly maintained and used, it can survive for decades.
- Bookshelf speakers can be used for a variety of reasons, such as listening to music, watching movies, or playing video games.
- Bookshelf speakers serve as both an audio instrument and an aesthetic component in the room.
Cons
Bookshelf speakers have many advantages, but they also have certain disadvantages, such as:
- Due to its limited capacity, it cannot be used for large spaces such as conference room sound or multi-function hall sound systems.
- The frequency response is severely limited, resulting in a sound that is less complete than that of other speakers, notably in the bass range.
- The performance of bookshelf speakers is quite poor; they cannot be utilized continuously for long periods.
- Those who prefer the large will find the size to be too little to be a disadvantage.
- It cannot be used to sing karaoke, but can only be used to listen to music and watch movies.
- Connecting extra audio devices to bookshelf speakers is tough.
As a result, we’ve illustrated the advantages and disadvantages of bookshelf speakers; this is also a strategy to help those who wish to use this product obtain a broader perspective and make the best choice.
2. How to Choose the Best Bookshelf Speakers
The selection principles should not be overlooked to have the best match for your objectives, and goals, and to achieve the desired quality. So, what are the 5 most important factors to consider while choosing bookshelf speakers? Key factors to consider before choosing:
Principle 1
Bookshelf speakers must have a capacity that is proportional to their size. Bookshelf speakers are also available in several power levels. As a result, you must identify the product line with the appropriate capacity for the available space. Listening will be uncomfortable and jarring if the power level is too high; if the power level is too low, the sound will be faint and difficult to hear.
Many factors, such as room size, listening habits, and speaker sensitivity, influence the power output of bookshelf speakers that are suited to a specific area. But, here are some general guidelines to consider when purchasing bookshelf speakers based on power levels suited for the space:
- Bookshelf speakers with 20-50 watts RMS per channel are suitable for compact rooms (less than 150 square feet). Speakers with sensitivity ratings of 85-90dB may also be beneficial in small places.
- Bookshelf speakers with 50-100 watts RMS per channel are suitable for medium-sized rooms (150-300 square feet). Speakers with sensitivity ratings of 87-92dB can benefit medium-sized areas.
- Bookshelf speakers with 100-150 watts RMS per channel are excellent for big rooms (300-500 square feet). Speakers with sensitivity ratings of 90-95dB can also benefit large rooms.
Principle 2
Choose bookshelf speakers based on your budgetary resources. To avoid feeling overwhelmed and derailing your goals, purchase a product that is suited for your financial condition. Of course, for a more immersive audio experience, you could choose high-end bookshelf speaker products if you have the resources.
On the market, there are various high-end Bookshelf speaker options. Here are two such examples:
KEF LS50 Wireless II: These are high-end speakers with superb sound quality. They come with cutting-edge wireless technology and eye-catching styles.
Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature: The Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature speakers are designed for serious music enthusiasts. They have a refined tone and a luxurious appearance.
Dynaudio Evoke 20: The Dynaudio Evoke 20 speakers have an excellent sound quality and are ideal for anyone looking for a clear and natural sound. They also have a sleek and modern appearance.
Focal Chorus 706P: The Focal Chorus 706 speakers produce a robust and well-balanced sound. They are also rather inexpensive for a piece of high-end speaker equipment.
Monitor Audio Gold 100: The Monitor Audio Gold 100 speakers are well-known for their exceptional sound quality and build quality. These are real high-end items that will satisfy even the most discriminating music listeners.
Rule 3
Choose the gadget with which to combine. Bookshelf speakers require amplifiers as well, thus to have a good sound system, you must consider the device’s power while purchasing audio equipment to pair with.
Various fantastic amplifiers may be used with bookshelf speakers, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some examples:
NAD C 316BEE V2 is a low-cost integrated amplifier with high-quality sound and exceptional value. It has a power output of 40 watts per channel and can power most bookshelf speakers.
Cambridge Audio CXA61: A high-end integrated amplifier with great sound and features. It has a power output of 60 watts per channel and a built-in DAC for digital music playback.
Marantz PM6007 is a versatile and powerful integrated amplifier that can power the majority of bookshelf speakers. It has a 45-watt per-channel power output and a built-in phono stage for playing vinyl records.
Yamaha A-S501: This is a low-cost, high-quality integrated amplifier. It has an 85-watt per channel power output as well as an integrated DAC for digital music playback.
McIntosh MA252: A high-end integrated amplifier with great sound and features. It has a power output of 100 watts per channel, as well as an integrated DAC and headphone amplifier.
Principle 4
Use wireless or built-in bookshelf speakers to avoid unsightly wires that tangle when used.
First, wireless speakers are perfect for people who like to avoid the hassle of wires and hookups. They may be positioned anywhere in the area without having to worry about tripping over cables or having unsightly cords clutter up the space. Moreover, wireless speakers are usually easy to set up and may be controlled by your phone or other mobile devices.
Second, built-in bookshelf speakers are a wonderful choice for a more permanent and integrated music system in your home. They may be customized to complement your décor and put straight into your walls or cabinets. In addition, built-in speakers have a better sound quality and deeper bass than portable wireless speakers.
Principle 5
The final thing to remember when shopping for bookshelf speakers is to choose reputable and dependable products. While many sites sell low-quality things while ignoring customers, the supplier is the spot where the quality of the product is directly determined. As a result, you must pay close attention to this concept while selecting a service.
3. How do you pair up powered subwoofers with bookshelf speakers?
Depending on how you listen, you might not even need a subwoofer to hear the Pioneers. In terms of bass, they’re pretty accurate, and your ear is great at filling in any missing deep fundamentals from higher harmonics. You might want to try that first before you buy a sub.
You seem to know that you will need an amplifier as well.
When the time comes, you can connect directly to the subwoofer output of your amplifier. If this is the case, you’re on the right track by connecting the amp to the sub and then connecting the Pioneers to the sub’s outputs. Still, some amps, like the Tripath/Lepai/Dayton Class-T amps, don’t like it when the grounds of the two channels are tied together, which is what most subs do on the inside. If you only used the Pioneers, this wouldn’t be a problem, but the sub makes it hard to decide which amp to use. It may be necessary to have a receiver who agrees with common grounds.
4. What is the main difference between bookshelf speakers and floor-standing speakers?
Floor-standing speakers are typically rather huge and towering in height. They have anywhere from three to four drivers and may typically be found on the floor. Although they are not inexpensive, the performance they offer is superior to that of bookshelf speakers.
Any surface besides the floor is acceptable for positioning bookshelf speakers. They are not only efficient but also quite inexpensive. It is not suggested that you use floor-standing speakers.
Floor-standing speakers are often used in home theaters and other places where there needs to be a lot of bass and volume. On the other hand, the use of bookshelf speakers is common in homes, offices, and lower-end home theater systems. Floor-standing speakers can produce a greater amount of volume.
FAQs
While choosing bookshelf speakers, there are several factors to consider, including the size of the area, sound quality, sensitivity, frequency response, and power management. It’s also important to consider the design and aesthetics of the speaker, as well as any added features like Bluetooth connectivity or smartphone compatibility.
Bookshelf speakers may be rather expensive, depending on the brand, features, and overall quality. While there are low-cost bookshelf speakers available, investing in a higher-end model can result in better sound quality and a longer lifespan.
Most bookshelf speakers require an amplifier to function properly. This is because bookshelf speakers have a lower power handling capability than floor-standing speakers and require an additional power source to enhance the quality.
The size of the bookshelf speakers you choose will be decided by both the size of your area and your personal preferences. Larger speakers provide more powerful sound, whilst smaller speakers are more compact and easier to move. Consider the size of your area as well as the position of the speakers when making your choice.
Bookshelf speakers can, in fact, be used in a surround sound system, however they may not perform as well as larger floor-standing speakers. For a well-balanced sound, invest in a combination of bookshelf and larger speakers when establishing a high-performance surround sound system.
Hopefully, the information on How to choose the Best Bookshelf Speaker – 5 Most Important Factors helps you understand the product better. Casual Living USA hope you find a set of speakers that match your needs and provide excellent sound quality when used!