Whether you’re looking to introduce hi-fi audio to your home for the first time or simply upgrade the components of your pre-existing home sound system, choosing the right speakers plays a critical — if not the most important — role in the decision-making process. That said, the task isn’t always cut-and-dried. This is especially the case in the modern era as speaker models, prices, and use cases vary greatly in a sea of available options. This guide will demystify the subject and help you pick the speakers you want to enjoy in your setup.
Thankfully, Sweetwater’s most discerning hi-fi enthusiasts have set out to simplify the process for good. As it turns out, after separating the selection process into topics such as budget, available room space, environmental factors, and more, solidifying the optimal setup for any space isn’t as hard as it seems — in fact, it’s a better way to ensure that the gear you get in the end is exactly what you want. So, let’s dive in and help you find the dream hi-fi setup you’ve been searching for!
What Are You Looking For In Your Home Speakers?
Start from square one. The question may be an obvious one but important nonetheless: what are your goals? Are you looking for a simple way to incorporate music into your living room (for you and other listeners)? Or are you seeking an all-out, high-fidelity listening experience for yourself? It’s critical to think over both options before starting your search. Why? In all hi-fi systems, maximizing sound quality involves dialing in the right acoustic “sweet spot.” Depending on the number of listeners you intend to entertain, the required sweet spot will vary in size. If listening alone, then a single seating position will make this audial focal point much more defined.
Like the listening-area consideration, how you intend to utilize your speakers can have a large impact on which model might suit you best. For instance, if you’re looking for a home-theater experience, then your setup will likely include other components such as a subwoofer and surround and center-channel speakers. On the other hand, a simple hi-fi system will fare just fine with a speaker duo, a subwoofer, and an appropriate amplification unit. Below is a comprehensive list of the components most often seen in a hi-fi home setup — we recommend you consider each one to set the foundation for what kind of equipment you’ll need.
The Building Blocks of a Hi-fi Home System
Amps and Receivers
Your home audio system won’t get very far without a receiver to ensure sufficient playing power. In a nutshell, a receiver is an integrated amp that is the command center of your hi-fi system to which all your audio sources connect. It then sends the audio to your speakers — simple! However, not all amps and receivers are made equal; depending on the power draw of your chosen speakers, you’ll need one that can accommodate the speakers’ requirements. If you need more help establishing which unit is best for your setup, then check out our handy guide on how to choose home stereo receivers and A/V receivers!
Speakers
The speakers within your system play a vital role in the quality and characteristics of the sound you’ll be hearing. The same can be said about your environment. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you choose the model that fits your and your room’s needs. There is a bounty of hi-fi speaker types to choose from, each of which caters to a particular listening space. Floor-standing speakers such as the Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 Passive Floor-standing Speaker, for example, often feature a bigger build and higher potential volume, which, while perfect for larger environments, can easily overpower smaller rooms. For smaller spaces, bookshelf speakers such as the JBL L100 Classic MKII and Yamaha NS-600A are the way to go.
Subwoofers
Bookshelf speakers, home-theater surround sound — whatever your case may be, a subwoofer is a key component of your setup. Designed specifically to touch the lower frequencies of your sound, subwoofers are critical to provide an excellent bass response for your system. This is especially true for home-theater environments to emulate the dynamics and feel of the cinema and strengthen video immersion. For this purpose, soundbars such as the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 are an affordable option, but adding an external subwoofer will always result in a more satisfying low end.
Conduct Your Speaker Search
Now that we’ve covered what your system will entail, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty: choosing the right speaker. Below, we’ve outlined the steps we take when searching for the next piece of the equipment puzzle. However, keep in mind that plenty of factors are subjective, such as the aesthetics of your speaker and the particular sound characteristics you desire. As much is based on preference, there is no “set-in-stone” speaker option. The guide below is to help narrow your search to the speakers best suited to your goals and setup. Let’s get started!
Determine Your Budget
No matter what you’re planning to build, budgeting is a must. Thus, it’s the first step in our speaker-selection process. Prices on hi-fi equipment can vary widely, so, in most cases, setting a budget beforehand will narrow your search straight out of the gate. Speakers such as the Klipsch RP-500M II bookshelf speaker pair are an excellent option to adhere to a tighter budget while maximizing sound quality. In contrast, a higher budget may yield more than enough room for dual Yamaha NS-600A bookshelf speakers. It may help to search for listings with a by-price filter for easier browsing — you can try that here!
Mind Your Environment
Environmental factors, including sound compliance, neighbors, and room acoustics, play a huge role in the scale of your setup. As such, it’s important to take these factors into consideration before finalizing your build. If you’re looking to put speakers in your apartment, then it may be wise to stick with a smaller speaker model with a clean, low-output response or, in some cases, a home-theater speaker such as the Dymension DM20 slim center-channel speaker from Definitive Technology. However, if you have the room and minimal loudness constraints, then large speakers from JBL, Klipsch, Focal, and others are a more viable option — as long as they fit in your budget!
Assess the Room
Likewise, the size of your listening space will likely command which speakers are best for your setup. For example, speakers with rear-firing bass ports, such as the Klipsch RF-7 III floor speaker, will need to be placed further away from wall surfaces to accurately expand their low-frequency response. In turn, these types of speakers are best suited to larger rooms with thicker walls for optimal sound transfer and accuracy. Many bookshelf models, however, can get away with being closer to the edges of your room, which make them the best option for smaller rooms with less free space.
Build Your Home Speaker System!
It’s time to put all three considerations into practice and select the perfect speaker for your hi-fi setup! Depending on what factors come into play during your search, you may have whittled down the options to two or three speaker models to choose from. What now? As long as you’ve established the differences in their performance, the choice remains personal! Of course, you can further narrow your selection by thinking ahead! If you may be interested in growing your system in the future, then consider which of your choices have compatible center-channel or height-channel options in the same speaker line. Otherwise, among appearance, sound profile, and various other subjective qualities, simply pick something that speaks to you! From here on out, it’s all about the audio, so sit back, relax, and bask in your new speakers’ sound.
Source Your Hi-fi Home Stereo Speaker Rig at Sweetwater!
Hopefully this guide has helped narrow your search for the perfect speaker inclusion to your hi-fi setup! Remember, as with all things audio, there is no one-size-fits-all solution — it pays to take your time and go through each step carefully to ensure the speaker you choose is the prime candidate for your particular needs. From bookshelf speakers to floor-standing models and beyond, Sweetwater has every option on standby to make sure you get your gear safely and swiftly. If you have any questions regarding speaker recommendations or equipment compatibility or you simply want to talk gear, then give Sweetwater a call at (800) 222-4700 — we’re always happy to help!
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
