If you want to create a cinematic experience at home or simply want to enjoy your favorite songs in high-definition quality, then you’re going to need a good set of speakers. They determine whether your AV system will sound full-bodied and rich or like broken glass, so it’s in your best interests to find high-quality ones.

Home Speakers

To help you out, here are some things you want to remember when buying speakers:

The Sound Quality

One of the first things you have to consider about a speaker would be the sound quality. In fact, it can be argued that this should be everyone’s top priority for any audio output device. Of course, you also have to take into account your own tastes. Some people like a bit of extra bass, while some like the higher notes to be clearer.

The best way to determine a speaker’s sound quality is to visit a store personally. Bring your own music so you can get an accurate gauge of the audio experience. If you’d rather stay at home and order online, you can rely on reviews from trusted sources. Tech websites are some of your best bets, since they can break down the details of what makes a speaker good or bad. You can also look for consumer reviews for real-life feedback.

The Right Size

The bigger the room, the farther the sound waves have to travel to reach your ears. In short, you need bigger speakers (or at least multiple small ones in every corner). Most audio equipment manufacturers also have a recommended distance between speakers, so make it a point to follow it to achieve the best audio output.

This means you have to measure the space where you’re going to put the speakers. Make sure to allocate enough space between the wall and the back of the unit, as well as remove as many obstacles so the sound waves don’t “bounce” around too much.

What Do You Need Them For

You’re going to need different kinds of speakers depending on your listening needs. For example, if you want to upgrade your home theater system, a soundbar with a subwoofer would be the best option. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for speakers specifically for listening to music, then smaller, portable speakers with Bluetooth capabilities would probably suit your needs better.

There are also high-end, studio-grade equipment that give you high-quality, lossless, surround-sound audio. Obviously, this option is more expensive than your standard speakers and subwoofers. Nevertheless, if you’re really that particular about the audio output, then you won’t hesitate to invest in such accessories.

Mixing and Matching

When buying multiple speakers, it’s better if you stick to just one brand. This way, you can count on the same audio quality. However, when it comes to pairing speakers with subwoofers, it’s a good idea to mix and match. This is because speakers and subwoofers are different kinds of equipment. Thus, a manufacturer of one type of product won’t necessarily be an expert in making the other (and vice versa).

A good practice here is to always check reviews; if possible, visit the store and test the equipment for yourself.

Compatibility

If you’re buying a Bluetooth speaker for your mobile devices or music players, note that some older models of gadgets aren’t compatible with newer speakers. Make sure to check the compatibility of each device before making a purchase so you don’t waste your money.

Meanwhile, for speakers and subwoofers, make sure to buy amplifiers and/or receivers with the correct power output. If not, you may not be able to get good performance out of your speakers even if they’re the best ones in the market.

Type and Aesthetics

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget about your personal style preferences when buying speakers. They’re mostly a functional product, but they can still contribute to your home’s overall looks. They can also take a lot of space if you don’t choose a suitable style.

For Bluetooth or portable speakers, you have plenty of options such as tubular, rectangular, square, or round ones. There are also plenty of bright colors to choose from. Meanwhile, soundbars and other larger speakers as well as subwoofers tend to be black although they sometimes have casings that can come in different finishes like colored plastic or faux wood.

If you don’t have a lot of space, you mostly want to keep your speakers up and off the floor. However, there are some floor-standing models that are slim enough if you like their design. Floor-standing speakers also have better sound compared to other types, so make sure to factor this in when making your purchase.

Having poor-quality speakers can affect your enjoyment. Imagine watching your favorite movie with broken audio or listening to your favorite songs with harsh trebles. With good speakers, you can elevate your listening experience and fully appreciate videos and music.