Introduction to Basic Speaker Systems

Buying cheap speakers need not mean resorting to the lowest quality solution. A common misconception is that you need to spend a fortune for top quality sound and while it is true that one takes their chances buying a bottom dollar speaker system, if we are talking about computer or home sound system speakers, there are many great cheap audio speakers selling for around the $100 range.

But before exploring some of the better options, it first helps to have a basic understanding of the different types of speaker systems available. For the purposes of this article, we will only consider home speaker systems and not specialist options like car speaker systems. Some of the fundamental types of speakers include: Floorstanding speakers, bookshelf speakers, in-wall speakers, on-wall speakers, in-ceiling speakers, computer speakers and satellite combinations with subwoofer. Some of these overlap, for instance many more advanced types of computer speakers utilize a satellite, surround sound configuration, whereas not all surround sound configurations are designed primarily as computer speakers. The following is a summary of the above speaker types in turn:

Speaker Types

Satellite + Sub woofer Combination Speakers

This configuration is typically used in surround sound systems although a non-surround sound “2.1″ which comprises a pair of satellite speakers augmented by a subwoofer, is also a very popular setup. Satellite speakers are very easy to position in a room and occupy very little space. Cheap satellite speakers can offer extremely good sound quality.

Computer Speakers

Computer speakers range from the generic stereo cheap computer speakers to top-of-the-line options. Cheap 2.1 speakers are available and are a very attractive option for anyone seeking a superior audio experience. For those seeking a full surround-sound experience might prefer to seek cheap 5.1 speakers, which are a satellite + subwoofer package, with satellite speakers that can be positioned behind the user. A general rule of thumb is that while cheap pc speakers can be easily found and produce passable sound that might be quite suitable for work, to achieve the full multimedia experience of games or movies on your PC, a higher quality 2.1 speaker system or better is a bare minimum. The good news is that these don’t necessarily need to cost you the earth.

Floorstanding Speakers

Floor standing speakers or room speakers are generally the largest speakers you can buy. It is usually possible to purchase cheap floor standing speakers in the $100-200, with high-end prices ranging in the $1000′s. Floor speakers feature an enclosure that is optimized for the highest quality performance, making this type of speaker a popular choice amongst those seeking premium audio quality.

Bookshelf Speakers

Bookshelf speakers are smaller than floorstanding speakers, but share a lot of similarities. Being smaller they can as easily rest on the floor as they can be placed on a a bookshelf, mount or speaker stand. It is possible to use a subwoofer with smaller bookshelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers offer excellent performance and are more versatile than floorstanding speakers in terms of space. Cheap bookshelf speakers can usually be found selling for $25-50 with high-end bookshelf speakers typically selling for over $200.

In Wall Speakers

The primary advantage of in-wall speakers is that they are mounted within a wall and so take up zero floor space. In-wall speakers can even be given the same color scheme as the wall, effectively hiding them from view completely. In-wall speakers may require additional planning and might even require professional installation as setting up the wiring can often be troublesome, so factor this into your purchase. This makes them more burdensome when moving home, but if you have a knack for home improvement this is probably right up your street! Cheap in-wall speakers sell for under $100, with premium systems $500 or more.

In Ceiling Speakers

In-ceiling speakers is the same concept as in-wall speakers except that they are mounted in the ceiling directly above the viewer’s position. These are generally used as part of advanced surround sound systems. In-ceiling speakers – by their nature – can be difficult to install. Cheap ceiling speakers sell for under $25 and over $500 for a top quality speaker.

On Wall Speakers

Like in-wall speakers, on-wall speakers take up no floor space, but differ in that they are mounted on the wall and quite visible for all to see. Saying that some models can look quite attractive, complimenting a flat panel television quite well. On-wall speakers can deliver excellent sound quality, about as good as floorstanding speakers. Cheap on-wall speakers sell from $50, but usually sell for over $500 for a set of high end speakers.

Outdoor Speakers

If you are considering setting up an audio system that extends to the back yard, then there is a category of speakers designed specifically for outdoors use. Outdoor speakers are designed to withstand harsher outdoor conditions, are usually wireless and can even be shaped like a rock. You can find cheap outdoor speakers from almost every leading manufacturer, from Yamaha, Polk, Phoenixgold, Cables Unlimited and Bose outdoor speakers.

Speaker Basics

Cheap stereo speakers are the most basic configuration, consisting of just a left and right speaker. These smaller cheaper speaker pairs typically feature only one driver. so tend to offer less bass response. This will do just fine if you just want something to produce a basic sound at the cheapest possible price, but for at least a half-decent audio experience, you should look for at least a “2.1″ satellite system, comprising of two satellite speakers with subwoofer augmentation.

In subwoofer configurations, the job of the subwoofer is to produce the frequencies in the deep bass level – usually below 100Hz. Adding depth to kick drums, bass guitars, orchestras, synths as well as a degree of throttle to explosions in movies, a solid sub at reasonable volume offers an audio experience that you can “feel” as much as listen to.

The common perception for sub woofers is that “bigger is better” – or produces a more powerful sound, however this is not always true, for while more resonance is generated in a larger subwoofer, the crucial factor is the enclosure. Sound waves are generally conducted more effectively in a wooden enclosure rather than a plastic one. A host of outlets that accommodates the satellites is usually part of the sub-woofer and some subs have a separate volume control too.

Not all speaker packages include a subwoofer and some can produce great sounds without it, due to low-mid and low frequency drivers handling the bass response instead. But generally a subwoofer is a feature of a decent speaker system and the absence of one an indicator of a cheap speaker option of low quality.

Most professional-type speakers seem to be more of a 2-for-1 deal. If you look closely at them, some satellites have 2 different, smaller, speakers. These are called tweeters and mid-range speakers. The smaller tweeter is designed to transmit only high-pitched tones, while the larger mid-range provides sound from the middle of the sound spectrum. Not all speaker systems have both a tweeter and a midrange, especially the less-expensive sets. However, most speaker systems use a midrange to fulfill the duties of both a midrange and a tweeter.

A full surround sound speaker systems employ a central “channel” that handles movie dialogue, a subwoofer, a stereo pair and two or more satellite speakers for audio effects that occur behind you. If you’re a movie buff, your movie experiences can be improved significantly with a surround sound system provided you don’t mind a lot of wires and you have the space to accommodate the sound system.

Satellite speaker systems are defined by two numbers with a period in between – the first number denoting the number of individual satellite speakers in the set and the number after the period, the number of subwoofers.

2.1 and 5.1 systems are the most common types. 2.1 systems are generally sufficient for listening to music, as the mp3 format, the most popular media type for audio files is encoded in stereo, whereas the 5.1 system is a better alternative for modern day movie formats and video games.

Less common speaker systems are also available including 4.1 – essentially the same as 5.1 but without the central channel speaker. 6.1 and 7.1 speakers add additional satellites on top of the 5.1 system. These are not as widely supported and can be impractical, although the latest graphics cards are starting to support them indicating these may be the way of the future.

Buying Tips

How Much do You Have to Spend?

It is possible to fork out as little as $50 on a pair of good cheap speakers or pay well into the thousands. The good news is that some of the best cheap speakers can be had for a little over $100. (See our recommended buys).

There are many variables to consider when shopping around. One of the biggest selling points that systems will try and sell you on (and one of the biggest points of exaggeration) is the wattage capabilities of the system. Wattage is simply a measure of how loud and powerful the speakers can get to without the system blowing out. With a more powerful system the tones will not sound as “tinny”, but in actual fact there are two wattage ratings: RMS (root mean square) and normal (peak output under assumed, ideal conditions). Root mean square wattage is always less than the advertised “normal” wattage and is a better indicator to look for when buying a speaker set as it measures how much power can be handled safely for long periods of time.

When considering the average cheap home theater speakers, anticipate each satellite to have a power rating of about 3 to 10 watts. This might seem a little wimpy, but when you combine five 3-watt speakers, it can produce a considerable amount of noise! In surround sounds systems the central speaker is more powerful than the right or left satellites, however the majority of your system’s power consumption will be produced by the subwoofer, due to the large amount of energy that is required to produce lower tones.

A vital part of your speaker system is the wiring. The wires carry electronic signals that let the speakers know exactly how to vibrate and produce the desired sounds. You should avoid cheap speaker cable whenever possible as it increases the chance that the electrical signal – and the sound that is produced as a result will suffer in terms of quality degradation. You are essentially shooting yourself in the foot when trying to save money by purchasing cheap speaker wire. Heavy-duty speaker wire is always more desirable – they will be higher in quality and will suffer less damage and stretching over the longer period.

The majority of computer sound cards use analog connectors and accommodate three plugs from a 5.1 speaker system for front, center and back. Some higher end digital systems support digital plugs meaning in practice that only one plug needs to go in, but may require a compatible sound card. If you’re buying a sound speaker system for your computer, consider what type of sound card you own and if the speaker system you want to purchase is accommodated by it. Many higher quality speaker systems have adapters permitting connections with a a wide range portable audio players and video game consoles.

Of course cheap wireless speakers are becoming a more popular option these days, due to the improvement in wireless digital technology and ease by which they can be installed and moved about without getting the cables tangled up. Current-day wireless speaker systems transmit their encoded signals on 900MHz or 2.4Ghz range and allow a range of up to 150 feet from the system. This allows you to move speakers around the house with ease without loss of reception or to set up wireless outdoor speakers. Cheap wireless speaker systems can be purchased from under $100.

Certain, very expensive speaker sets have THX certification. These are the “cream-of-the-crop” speakers that are highly tuned to deliver the finest quality sound possible. These speakers have a crystal clear sound allowing for minimum distortion.

Consider Extra Features – Do They Matter?

When all other things being equal, the features offered in a set of audio speakers can be the deciding factor between purchasing two otherwise identical home speakers. Nice additions like extra treble and bass controls (allowing you to tailor your sound to your liking), music library management, auxiliary input for mp3 plays, mute button and remote control can tip the balance one way or another depending on what you fancy.

Connectivity – Supported Connections?

If you are looking at a speakers system for your computer, you might favor cheap USB speakers, but if your available USB slots are limited, the more conventional 3.5mm audio output “mini plug” connector might be more appropriate to your situation. Cheap powered speakers that are connected via USB often have their advantages such as additional features and special software that takes advantage of them. For example the ability to control iTunes via your speaker’s actual buttons.

Another buying consideration you need to make is to correctly match your speaker set with the receiver or amplifier that will result in the best performance. For example a speaker might have an ideal range of 30 to 100 watts of output power for optimum operation and this specification can be used to determine if your speaker will run well with your current amplifier.

Conclusion

Generally one associates cheap with lower quality and in the realm of the audio home theater speaker market that is true to a degree, however if you are on a tight budget or do not care for the pure perfection offered by a thousand dollar high end sound speaker system, then you’re in luck – for you do not need to fork out thousands for decent cheap speakers. There are many great cheap speaker systems available for a little over a hundred dollars and with technology constantly improving and coming down in price, you may even find your audio nivarna for less.

More Audio Speaker Information:

• Cheap Bose Speakers
• Home Speaker Systems (Articles)
• Mp3 Speakers
• Ceiling Speakers