Loudspeakers are a purchase to be carefully evaluated: they can enhance or mortify the quality of your sound source, which today multiplies in many forms: classic stereo system, TV, smartphone, tablet, computer, video projectors.
You cannot choose speakers without knowing the characteristics of the device you want to connect to, and how you can join.
In this guide, we have privileged, fairly classic models of dimensions suitable for any home space, while in other pages of this site, we dedicate ourselves to more specific purposes. Here we will be listing the top 11 best loudspeakers.
- Custom-designed 15-inch woofer
- 2414H compression driver
- Redesigned high-frequency horn
- Power: 1,300W Peak / 650 RMS
- Frequency response: 45Hz - 20kHz (-10) - 55Hz - 20kHz (-3)
- Briggs, G.A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 92 Pages - 01/05/2018 (Publication Date) - Audio Amateur, Incorporated (Publisher)
- For Live Stage, Theater, DJ Setups
- Built-In Bluetooth Receiver
- 12" Woofer
- Frequency Response: 65 Hz to 18 kHz
- 1000W Class-D Power Amplifier
- 1000-watt Class D powered speaker (2 x 500 W)
- Two combination XLR-1/4" TRS inputs and RCA inputs with direct outputs
- Four-position mic/line gain knobs
- Mix up to three audio sources internally and send sum to balanced output for daisy-chaining
- QSC's sophisticated DSP, including DEEP mode for extended bass response
- Strong, low-frequency output from a 12-inch high-performance woofer
- F1 Model 812 (45 lbs.) – 26.1" H x 13.1" W x 14.6" D | F1 System Stack (85 lbs.) – 73.5” H x 16.1” W x 17.6” D | Max SPL...
- Bi-amplified design with 2 high-output, Class-D amplifiers to separately power the FLEX array and 12-inch LF driver
- Exclusive flexible array can be configured into four unique shapes (“Straight,” “C,” “J” or “Reverse J”), allowing...
- 2 input channels with independent volume controls and Line Level/Mic switch on Channel 1 | Wide, consistent coverage from an...
- The PRX One offers primal power at any volume with the 2000W Class-D amplifier that powers the 12” subwoofer and twelve 2.5”...
- The integrated 7-channel digital mixer with dual-operating mode gives the user full access to their input faders as well as...
- Acoustic innovations deliver unrivaled sonic performance with the 12 custom-engineered tweeters that work in combination with JBL...
- The build-in ducking feature lowers background music when speech is detected; no matter how loud you go, four console-quality...
- Features two independent channel options of true +48V phantom power as well as four XLR Combo jacks – one 1/8-inch in, two...
- Bi-amped 1000-watt powered speaker with 12" woofer and 1.75" tweeter
- 75-degree coverage angle with square pattern lends itself to cluster applications
- Simultaneous mic, line, and stereo RCA inputs
- DEEP processing extends your system's bass response
- Four-position mic/line gain knobs
- A built-in Bluetooth receiver allows wireless music streaming from a mobile device or computer
- The internal 1000W Class-D power amplifier drives the 15" woofer and 1.5" high-frequency titanium compression driver, which...
- This bundle comes with a SS-4420 Steel Speaker Stand from Auray is built for durability and it can support speakers weighing up to...
- Plus a Speaker Stand Bag from Auray is a spacious, durable bag designed to hold and protect two speaker stands, six microphone...
- Comes in pair is a compact and versatile 15" 2-way 1000W Bluetooth-enabled powered loudspeaker featuring custom engineered drivers...
- Bluetooth audio streaming for background music or musical accompaniment
- High-efficiency 1000W Class-D power amplifier delivers up to 126 dB peak SPL utilizing transducers designed and engineered by...
- QuickSmartDSP features powerful processing and easy setup via four presets, sub/top system-match, two-band EQ, five...
- EV-patented Signal Synchronized Transducers (SST) waveguide design provides precise and consistent coverage, minimal distortion,...
- Front LED for "power on" and "limit" indication
- Constant Curvature waveguide for unprecedented array coherence; Array Configuration Selector permits “array shading” in...
- JBL’s exclusive neodymium magnet Differential Drive woofer for high-power capacity and light weight
- Dual angle pole socket for aiming flexibility; one or two speakers may be mounted to a 35 mm pole or tripod stand
- Integral rigging hardware for simple connection of enclosures and optional array frame; arrays of up to six enclosures may be...
- For Live Stage, Theater, DJ Setups
- Built-In Bluetooth Receiver
- 15" Woofer
- Frequency Response: 55 Hz to 18 kHz
- 1000W Class-D Power Amplifier
Best Loudspeakers Buying Guide
Loudspeakers are how an electrical signal is transformed into a sound wave.
The sound quality depends mainly on the speakers. Still, if the source it comes from is of bad quality, that is, in the case of a digital source, the quality of the format in which the sound was compressed.
Secondly, the quality of the playback instrument (from the smartphone to the stereo, passing through TV and PC), then the speakers cannot do anything.
In this guide to choosing the best loudspeaker, we analyze the fundamental elements that determine its quality, always remembering that the speaker is the one that your ear considers such. It takes ear, but not only.
To choose which speakers to buy, it is advisable to do a practical test: in specialized shops, they should usually allow a comparison between the different models.
If instead, you have chosen the Net, as a place to buy, you will have the opportunity to test the product at home, in your spaces and with the background sounds of your daily life, and of course, you can decide whether to confirm your choice or proceed with the return.
As we have anticipated, the speakers translate (transduction is the technical term) an electrical signal into an acoustic one.
This signal is measured in Hertz (Hz): the human ear is more or less able to perceive from 20 to 20,000 Hz, where 20 is the lowest sound and 20,000 the highest.
A single speaker cannot cover the entire range, so at least two speakers are usually used. The speakers divide the frequencies, and for this, we speak of two-way or three-way systems.
Two-way does not mean two speakers: the ways indicate the splitting of the signal. If the message is divided into two forms, it means that there will be one channel for low sounds and one for high notes, which theoretically can be conveyed by well over two speakers.
When you read the purchase recommendations, you will find the term woofer, which is used to transmit low sounds, tweeters for high frequencies, and midrange for common ones.
In two-way systems, midrange sounds are borne by the woofer.
There are systems made up of two speakers to which is added a third element to be placed on the ground, and perhaps hidden: the subwoofer.
This element can also be added later if the product requires it.
Two-way speakers are the most common, and three-way systems do not necessarily correspond to better sound diffusion.
Dimensions and Power
Similarly, it is not a mathematician that larger speakers make sounds better, not even the lowest ones, although there are precise physical limits.
Also, the speakers can be active or passive. Passive, to emit a sound, must be connected to an amplifier. The current ones are already amplified and often equipped with autonomous batteries.
In the case of passive speakers, the speakers and amplifiers must be compatible; otherwise, however efficient your speakers are, the result will be disastrous.
A common mistake when wondering which speakers to buy is to focus on best power supply. The passive speakers do not have an autonomous power, in case they must support that of your amplifier. The amplifier can be integrated into the source or be an independent object, chosen and purchased by you.
The power of the amplifier and that supported by the speakers is measured in watts, and the two values must be compatible.
A power of 100 watts is more than enough for a room of around 20 square meters.
For speakers, efficiency is more important. Not in a generic sense: efficiency, also called sensitivity, calculates the acoustic pressure, measured in decibel (dB).
We give values: between 85 and 90 dB, we can speak of average efficiency, but they are always abstract values that must pass the test of your ear.
Impedance: What Is It?
Another technical term that you come across when asking how to choose a good speaker is impedance.
Technically, it is a measure that allows you to understand the ease with which alternating current passes through an electrical circuit. What does this have to do with the speakers? First of all, it is necessary to verify that the impedance value tolerated by the speakers is compatible with that of the amplifier.
The value declared by the producers often hovers around 8 Ohms, but the most precise specify a variation between 4 and 8 Ohms.
If you go down (mind you: you go down) below the minimum load values, the speaker may be damaged.
In this case, more than ever, it is the ear that you will have to trust. Pay attention to the most intense and most famous passages of the music you like and check that they sound as you would expect. This is the best way to understand if your amplifier communicates well with the chosen speakers.
When consulting reviews and opinions, however, it is good to know the basic vocabulary and the original specifications, to then move on to the market of the best loudspeakers of 2020.
In addition to music, are you also passionate about video games? Then, you could look at some of the best PS4 controller charging bases by clicking on the link.