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| | | There are several types of stereo speakers available, including bookshelf, floorstanding, satellite, wall-mounted and in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. The type and size of the stereo speakers selected will greatly affect the overall quality of sound obtained from a home audio system. For best results, stereo speakers should be matched to a receiver or amplifier; see How Much Does a Stereo Receiver Cost. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Floorstanding speakers are larger and therefore take up more space than other types of stereo speakers, but they also offer the best performance. Floorstanding models range in price from $200 to $3,000 or more. The number of drivers, the power output, range of sound and the quality of the cabinets all affect price. At the low budget end, expect two-way speakers equipped with a woofer and tweeter but no mid-range. The Polk R300 speakers cost about $260 a pair. More expensive systems offer more drivers. High-end models have three-way speakers with a tweeter, a mid-range and a woofer and will deliver a deeper bass sound. The Definitive Technology Mythos One, for example, cost about $1,000 a pair.
- Bookshelf speakers take up less space but don't produce as deep a bass sound as floorstanding speakers. Prices range from $50 to $1,000 or more. Plan to spend $300 or more for good deep bass sound (40 Hz). The JBL L810 speakers cost about $300 a pair, offer 40 Hz bass sound and handle 75 watts of continuous power.
- Satellite speakers are compact speakers that can be mounted on walls or stands and require a subwoofer. They are ideal for small rooms where space is limited. Expect to pay $20 to $700 or more for a pair. A good example of a satellite speaker is the Polk RM7, which costs about $160 a pair, including wall-mounts, and handles up to 100 watts.
- In-wall or in-ceiling speakers offer the best solution to limited space but often require professional installation. These speakers are recessed in walls or ceilings and usually the front grills can be painted to match a room's existing d?cor. In-wall and in-ceiling speakers range in price from $30 to $1,500 or more. At the lower end, expect 2-way speakers that combine a woofer and a tweeter. In-ceiling speakers are usually round to coordinate with light fixtures while in-wall speakers tend to be rectangular. The Pyle PDIC80 in-ceiling speakers cost about $60 a pair.
What should be included: | - Stereo speakers should include at least a one year limited warranty.
Additional costs: | - Speaker cables are necessary, and can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
- Despite their name, "bookshelf" speakers sound better away from the wall, on stands. Speaker stands and wall mounts or brackets range from $10 to over $100.
- Some speakers, especially in-ceiling and in-wall units, may require professional installation. Prices vary according to location and individual requirements. CEDIA, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, offers a directory of professional contractors.
- Crutchfield offers a guide to installing in-wall, in-ceiling and on-wall speakers.
- Geek Squad offers hook-up and wall mounting of up to 3 speakers for about $200.
Discounts: | - One-generation-old speakers may be sold at a substantial discount compared to the latest line.
Shopping for speakers: | - J&R Music World offers a product guide for speakers.
- Size does make a difference. Very small speakers cannot physically produce high-quality, low bass sounds. However, consider the size of the room where the speakers will be used; huge speakers are probably not necessary for a small space.
- When shopping, take along a few music CDs that showcase a range of music. When you find a pair you like, ask if you can test them at home.
- Find competitive prices online at sites such as Amazon.com or J&R Music World. Then look for comparable or discounted prices at local electronics retailers such as Best Buy.
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Article updated February 2010 |
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