Speakers buying guide

A speaker is a passive device, in other words, without a power supply.

If it does receive electrical impulses, these come from a transmitter to which it is connected: amplifier, TV, hi-fi system, etc. These impulses are distributed by a so-called “splitter” filter.

It directs the signals to the correct loudspeaker, depending on whether they are bass, treble or midrange.

The loudspeaker then transforms the electrical impulse into vibration of air on its membrane, producing a sound.

As for the box in which the speakers are hidden?

It simply acts as a sounding board.

Hence the importance of its shape, depending on the type of sounds you want to receive.

What is a good speaker?

It all depends on your expectations!

A home cinema system does not meet the same requirements as a hi-fi system.

There are certain criteria, however, by which the performance of a speaker can be judged.

The whole is, as often, a matter of compromise ... A good speaker must be forgotten.

When the sound is diffused, it should not give the impression of coming from one place in the room, but from everywhere at the same time.

Your speakers should also guarantee the same performance at low volume as at full power.

Some models offer too low bass, unless you turn up the volume.

Finally, there is the aesthetic!

Far from being incidental, the design of your speaker must complement its acoustic performance and be integrated into your installation.

A scalable system

The speakers are designed to fit into an installation.

Therefore, they adapt to many devices or configurations.

Their flexibility makes them a particularly scalable… and durable system.

You will undoubtedly change amplifier or hi-fi system more quickly than speakers!

Hi-fi or home cinema speakers?

What is your objective ?

Sound your hi-fi system or your home cinema?

If the technology is the same from one installation to another, there are specialized speakers.

Center speakers, for example, only exist in a home theater setup: this is even an exception, as speakers always come in pairs.

Miniature or compact speakers, in the same way, are not suitable for a hi-fi installation ...

The variety of speakers

Built-in speakers

In-wall speakers specialize in high-end installations.

This type of enclosure is integrated into walls or ceilings, offering absolute discretion.

They guarantee a quality sound distributed in the room as well as a tailor-made system.

It is also possible to complete them with other speakers, column or compact.

Wall speakers

These speakers hang on your walls like paintings!

There are a wide variety of them, flat, high, long… they are placed at listening height.

Particularly suitable for a home cinema configuration, wall speakers should not be obstructed by any piece of furniture.

Beware of panel-type speakers: their shallow depth, although aesthetic, can produce low-quality bass sounds.

Miniature speakers

Called miniature or ultra-compact, these speakers are less than three inches wide.

Their limited power makes it compulsory to add a subwoofer, as well as a short distance: they are generally found perched on feet, surrounding the listening area.

Here again, they are more suited to a home cinema installation, offering the advantage of tailor-made placement.

Compact or bookshelf speakers

This is a speaker model intended to be installed.

The compact models stand on legs to stay at listening height, while the bookcase models store in your shelves.

They offer good sound quality and are easy to integrate into a decor, thanks to their reduced size.

Column speakers

Very widespread, column speakers favor a modern and slender design, transforming the object into a decorative element.

Their height, offering good sound resonance, guarantees quality bass.

Where should you place them?

Away from the walls and close to the listening area, they slip into all available spaces.

Bipolar speakers

Bipolar, dipolar or three-pole… These speakers are designed to produce a surround effect without multiplying the speakers.

They have several faces, even rounded: the sound diffused by the speakers is thus directed in all the directions, rather than only one.

This type of speaker is designed for a home cinema installation, and not for hi-fi.

The subwoofers

Also called a subwoofer or subwoofer, the subwoofer has become essential with the advent of home cinema.

Now used in all types of systems, it reinforces the depth of bass sounds limited by compact speakers.

Outdoor speakers

Why not add sound to your garden?

Outdoor speakers withstand cold, heat and humidity.

The complexity of the installation depends above all on the distance between the speakers and the diffuser: if you want to provide sound to a park, it is better to consult a specialist.

Computer enclosures

A computer installation also deserves quality sound ... the requirements of a computer are not the same, however.

Often miniature, PC speakers are intended for mobile use.

More details ?

Find out how to choose the right PC speakers.

Choose a broadcast mode for your speakers

Stereo

For a deep sound endowed with and of very correct quality, two front speakers supplemented by a subwoofer are sufficient.

Installation is simple and space-saving, although without any surround effect.

If you watch TV without special requirements, keep it simple!

Home cinema

A big screen effect at home is possible… and not that complicated.

From five to eleven speakers with a subwoofer, the system is customizable and scalable.

The quality, meanwhile, is at the rendezvous!

The enveloping effect of the home theater throws you into the heart of the film.

Multichannel hi-fi

Music lover?

Classic, rock, whatever your style, a hi-fi installation invites you to rediscover your favorite songs.

This system requires a minimum of five speakers of the same model, carefully placed.

Atmosphere

Do you want to broadcast sound without any complications?

If your only requirement is simplicity, opt for a surround sound system: two small discreet speakers.

The quality will be closer to a mono sound, for a basic background sound.

What power for your speakers?

The room configuration

Choosing the right speakers depends a lot on your setup!

What is the area of ​​the room to be soundproofed?

The larger your room, the more power you will need… or speakers.

Also ask yourself the question of placement: for floorstanding speakers behind your sofa, the power required will be less than for wall speakers located three meters behind.

Likewise, placing the speakers involves the presence of cables.

If you can't hide the wires running through your living room, look for suitable or wireless models.

The type of listening

Stereo, home cinema, hi-fi?

Each installation has its own speakers.

Determine what use your system is for.

A home cinema installation will not prevent you, however, from playing your music ... just as an installation connected to your hi-fi system can also amplify your TV.

However, if a compromise can be reached, optimized sound reproduction will use specialized speakers.

Decide, in passing, the number of your installation.

If you multiply the speakers, you multiply the overall power!

Acoustics

The quality of a sound installation depends just as much on the acoustics of the room.

Your speakers broadcast sound, but any obstacle modifies the rendering.

Consider the furniture installed in the course of the speakers.

The presence of floor-to-ceiling windows can also have an impact, as glass does not reflect sound in the same way.

Finally, for good neighborly relations, think about the sound insulation of your room ...

Choose the shape of your speakers

Clutter

Nothing prevents you from installing a home cinema system in a small space, by choosing the right speakers.

Reduced space implies reduced power requirement.

You can opt for miniature or compact speakers, without losing quality.

If your living room is cluttered, consider bookshelf speakers, to be placed in a bookshelf.

Are your shelves overflowing just as much?

Remain the wall speakers, without any influence on the ground!

The logic, however, works both ways ... if your living room is large, compact speakers won't have enough power.

The form

The varied shapes of the speakers reconcile two essential roles: to blend into your decor and produce the best possible sound.

The larger the cabinet, the more efficient the loudspeakers have.

The bass is also deeper.

In other words, choose the largest speakers that your interior can hide!

Floorstanding speakers represent an ideal compromise: their slim and slender shape disappears behind a sofa, while producing excellent bass.

In-wall speakers, on the other hand, are the champions of camouflage.

Design

Don't forget the aesthetics!

The variety of designs available allows for any fantasy.

vintage speaker, futuristic speaker or light speaker?

No need to hide it if you choose a decorative speaker.

From wood to steel, from multicolored LEDs to dark and refined boxes… look for the model that best suits your interior.

Ideally, find a balance between design and acoustic performance ...

How to place your speakers?

The right placement of your speakers is as important as the right choice!

The sound must be able to circulate freely until it creates a real sound bubble.

In the case of a multi-channel hi-fi installation, you have at least five identical speakers.

The principle is simple: it reproduces that of a mixing studio.

The five speakers should be placed so that they create or imitate a circle.

The sound bubble, again!

In a cubic room, therefore, avoid angles.

A home cinema installation, on the other hand, depends on several criteria: the number of speakers, their type and the configuration of your room.

For a big screen effect, learn how to place your speakers correctly.

Rather Bluetooth speaker or connected speaker?

Bluetooth speakers and smart speakers are often lumped into the same category, and yet they don't have much in common. The only real point on which they come together is that they are both compatible with Bluetooth. However, a simple Bluetooth speaker necessarily needs this connection to work, since it uses it to stream music from a smartphone or tablet. On the side of the connected speaker, Bluetooth is mainly used to connect it to the Internet during its installation: it is then via WiFi that it is controlled. The smart speaker works wired and is designed to be installed in your home, in the room of your choice. The Bluetooth speaker is usually battery operated, and you can take it anywhere.Finally, choosing a connected speaker very often allows you to benefit from a voice assistant, which is controlled by voice. Whatever your choice, you can count on our Bluetooth speaker buying guide and our selection of smart speakers to help you find the best model.