Choosing speakers for your computer is easy, but if you don't want to constantly hear the sounds from the bucket, then this issue needs to be approached wisely.
For office computer(documents, Internet) any of the cheapest speakers will suffice, as they say so (to accompany the workflow) But I still recommend that you limit yourself to SVEN and Genius brands, since even inexpensive models have acceptable quality.
Computer speakers Genius SP-U120
For multimedia computer (movies, simple games) it is better to take speakers in a wooden case of the SVEN brand with a total power of 10-20 watts. The sound quality will be much higher.
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-619
For a large space or if you like powerful sound, it is better to take more powerful speakers (40-60 watts).
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-611S
If you like music (especially classical or rock), then a more realistic sound in the mid-high range and soft transparent bass will be provided by Edifier or Microlab speakers with a total power of 40-60 watts.
Computer speakers Edifier R1100
For games, you can take the SVEN 2.1 speaker system (with a subwoofer) with a total power of 40-60 W, which will provide powerful driving bass.
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-820
Well, for a home theater, a 5.1 multi-channel system manufactured by Creative, Microlab, Logitech or Sven will be an excellent choice.
Computer speakers Logitech Z506
As for laptops, there are several options. If you plan to use speakers where there is a socket, then take inexpensive computer speakers in a plastic case for 5-10 W manufactured by SVEN or Genius. If you want to use the speakers outdoors or in other places where there is no outlet, then you need a USB-powered mobile speaker with a total power of 4-6 watts. Recommended manufacturers are SVEN, Genius and Defender.
Computer speakers SVEN 120
2. Assigning columns
Office - inexpensive stereo speakers (2.0) with low volume and sound quality. Suitable primarily for sound reproduction operating system helping in daily work. Sometimes they can be used to watch videos on the Internet or creating a lung musical background.
Home - stereo speakers (2.0, 2.1) of medium volume and quite acceptable sound quality. They are versatile and suitable for music, movies and games.
Gaming - multi-channel audio system (5.1) to create surround sound, helping to navigate the games of their avid fans.
Home theater - multi-channel audio system (5.1, 7.1) for watching movies with multichannel audio. It can have multiple inputs, so you can connect a computer and a video player to the same audio system at the same time.
Portable - small portable stereo or mono speakers for laptops and other mobile devices. They usually have low power and can be powered by a laptop USB connector or a built-in battery.
3. Speaker manufacturers
High-quality high-tech computer speakers are produced by: Creative and Logitech. But they are also the most expensive.
Separately, I want to note the Sven speakers, which have an excellent price / quality ratio in the entire price range.
The inexpensive Defender brand is also popular now, but the choice of speakers from this manufacturer needs to be approached more carefully, since their assortment includes both successful models and not so good ones.
If you're looking for inexpensive speakers for your office computer, look no further than Genius and Sven.
quality portable speakers Produced by: BBK, Creative, HP, Jabra, JBL, Microlab, Logitech, Philips.
Of the cheaper brands in the portable speaker segment, you can consider: A4Tech, Defender, Genius, Sven.
4. Warranty
speakers top brands, as a rule, are of good quality, rarely fail and the warranty for them is 1-2 years, depending on how expensive the model is. Speakers from cheaper brands are not of such good quality and are more likely to fail within the first year of operation. Therefore, it is desirable that the warranty on them be at least a year. For the cheapest office speakers, sellers can give a guarantee of only 3-6 months.
5. Number of channels
The number of channels is determined by the number of speakers in the speaker system. Office speakers usually have 2 channels and correspond to the type of 2.0 speaker system.
Home speakers can have 2 channels or 2 channels and a subwoofer, which corresponds to the type of 2.1 speaker system. A subwoofer is a special speaker with a large diameter speaker for reproducing low frequencies, which gives a more powerful and deeper bass.
The simplest speaker system for games and home theater has 5 channels and a subwoofer, which corresponds to the type of speaker system 5.1.
Please note that the computer must support the required number of channels and have the appropriate number of audio jacks to connect the speaker system. If a motherboard only has 3 3.5mm jacks, only a 2.0 or 2.1 speaker system can be connected to it. If 5, 6 jacks - speaker system from 2.0 to 7.1.
Also, the motherboard may have a digital optical output, with which you can connect a good audio system with a similar input, which is convenient and provides high quality sound. If your motherboard does not have enough audio jacks and digital audio output, but you still want to connect a 5.1 or 7.1 multi-channel system, then you will have to buy a separate sound card.
Portable audio systems can have 2 or 1 speakers.
6. Power supply
Office and home speakers designed for desktop computers are connected to a 220 V socket and consume little electricity. Multi-channel audio systems may consume more power, depending on the total power.
Portable speakers powered by USB port laptop can be taken with you to nature, where there is no outlet. And speakers with their own battery can be connected to a smartphone or MP3 player.
Ordinary small but more powerful speakers that plug into a 220 V outlet can also be used as portable speakers. This can be useful, for example, for making audio presentations from your laptop in classrooms.
7. Speaker power
The speaker system must have sufficient power to provide high-quality sound at medium and high volumes. The power of the speaker system can be indicated in total for the entire system (for example, 20 W) or separately for each speaker (for example, 2x10 W).
Office speakers have a power of 2-6 watts per speaker. The power of 2W is only enough for operating system sounds. In order for the speakers to be used for music and movies, it is advisable to buy speakers of at least 4 watts. 6 W speakers can be used for presentations in a small office or listening to music in a noisy company.
Home speakers should have 10-30 watts per speaker. It all depends on preferences. If you do not like to turn on music loudly, then 10-15 watts per speaker will be optimal. If you like loud sound - 20-30 watts. Large capacities are needed only if you want to annoy your neighbors.
Gaming or home theater speakers are in principle subject to the same power requirements as home theater speakers. For a multi-channel audio system (5.1, 7.1), the total power is usually taken into account. The total capacity of modern acoustic systems 5.1 format has a fairly large range of 50-500 watts. Here again, it all depends on personal preferences and financial capabilities. For non-demanding users, a 5.1 system with a power of 75 watts is enough. If you like loud sound, then take a speaker system with a power of about 150 watts. Acoustics with a power of about 250 W will already cost much more and are suitable for a large private house. A 500W system can kill an elephant...
Portable speakers have a power of 0.5-4 watts per speaker. The power of 0.5-1 W per speaker is too little, since they will sound no louder than the built-in laptop speakers. If the power comes from USB, I recommend purchasing portable speakers with a power of 2-3 W, if from an outlet - 4-6 W per speaker.
8. Number of lanes
The number of bands corresponds to the number of speakers in the column. If there is one speaker - the system is single-way, if two - two-way, three - three-way.
The addition of additional speakers is done to split the frequency range between them. Each speaker reproduces its own frequency range, which makes the sound more detailed and high quality. First of all, high frequencies are separated, for the reproduction of which a small speaker is installed. In a three-way system, the mids and lows are also separated. It is desirable that the speakers have at least two speakers.
The bass reflex is a special tube in the speaker cabinet that is used to boost the bass. It can be located behind or in front.
If you like powerful bass, then it is desirable that the speakers have a phase inverter.
Most speakers have decorative panels with stretched fabric or grille to protect the speakers. But some speaker models do not have such panels.
It is desirable that there are panels, since the speakers are easy to wrinkle with a careless touch.
11. Controls
One of the speakers or a subwoofer may have a power button, volume controls, treble and bass controls. They can be on the front, side or rear panel.
It is more convenient when the controls are in front, but in principle there is no need to constantly use them, since the volume can be adjusted in the computer, on the keyboard, using the video player control panel or the speakers themselves, which is present in most models of the middle and higher price range. In addition, over time, these regulators wear out, so it is not advisable to use them intensively.
With wireless remote controls, you can usually adjust more settings, such as switching inputs from a computer to a TV and back. And some wired remotes can connect headphones.
12. Connectors
Speaker system 2.0 has 1 minijack 3.5 mm for connecting to a computer, system 2.1 - 2 such plugs, system 5.1. – 3.
To connect to a video player, a multi-channel system may have RCA (tulip) connectors.
The system can also have coaxial and optical connectors, with which you can connect both a computer and a video player that have similar connectors.
All speakers also have connectors and appropriate cables for connecting to an amplifier that is built into either one of the speakers (in a 2.0 system) or a subwoofer (in 2.1, 5.1 systems). Instead of tulips for all or some of the connections, speakers may have spring-loaded or screw-type connectors into which the wires are inserted directly.
This type of connection has several advantages:
- better contact compared to tulips that can break
- wire without a plug is easier to pull through various openings and holes
- the wire can be easily replaced with any other desired length
Modern multi-channel systems allow you to connect several devices to them at once. Think in advance how and to what devices you will connect the audio system and what connectors you will need for this. For example, a video player can be connected with a digital optical cable, a computer with minijacks, and a TV with tulips, or in any other order. On manufacturers' websites, you can often find instructions with recommended connection diagrams for various devices. You can also consult with the seller or on the forum of the relevant subject.
In addition to these connectors, the speakers may have a headphone jack, which is very convenient and an audio input to which you can connect, for example, a smartphone or an MP3 player to play music without a computer.
13. Length of wires
The length of the wires, unfortunately, is usually not indicated in the characteristics of the speakers. If the speakers are far from system block or you plan to spread them around the room, then try to look for this information on the manufacturer's website, ask the seller or those who have already purchased the same model. Also in this case, it is better if the speakers are connected with wires without connectors or with very popular connectors (minijack or tulip), which are easy to purchase separately of the desired length.
14. Frequency response
The parameters of the speakers may indicate such characteristics as the range of reproducible frequencies, the signal-to-noise ratio, and some others. The human ear is capable of picking up frequencies in the 20Hz-20kHz range. If the lower value is higher (40-50 Hz), then the bass is lost. If the upper value is lower (15-18 kHz), then high frequencies are lost. If, on the contrary, a wider range is indicated, for example, 15-25000, then this is just an advertising ploy, since you will not hear these frequencies anyway. However, the parameters indicated by manufacturers do not always correspond to reality. Therefore, you can find out the actual characteristics and evaluate the sound quality only with the help of tests, the results of which can be found on the Internet according to the speaker model. The same applies to other parameters that I do not recommend focusing on.
15. Audio coding system
Some speakers support certified audio encoding systems such as Dolby, DTS, THX. If you have a home theater to which you want to connect new acoustics, then take an interest in this topic on the appropriate forums.
16. Additional functionality
Some speaker systems can work autonomously as media centers. They may have a USB connector, a card reader, to which you can connect flash drives, memory cards and play music from them directly without using a computer. Some models have a radio, an alarm clock, an information display, which makes them much more functional.
Some acoustic systems and portable speakers may have Bluetooth, which can be used to play music from a smartphone wirelessly, which is sometimes convenient.
17. Speaker size
Pay close attention to the size of the speakers. It is almost impossible to determine the actual size from a photograph, and often this discrepancy is huge. Specify the dimensions in the characteristics on the website of the seller or manufacturer. Take a ruler, imagine these dimensions and determine where and how the speakers will stand so that there are no surprises later.
For example, my speakers are only about 100x160x150mm, so they fit easily behind the monitor without taking up too much space.
On the other hand, the larger the size, the better the sound.
18. Body material
Cheap speakers usually have a plastic case. Such speakers sound worse and can rattle already at medium volume.
Expensive speakers may have a wooden case.
A compromise option is speakers in an MDF case, which sound good, look solid, do not rattle, and at the same time have a low cost.
Some high-tech speaker systems may include small speakers (satellites) in a metal case. It looks stylish and compact, but it comes at a price.
MDF columns are optimal in terms of price / quality ratio. However, there are pretty decent speaker systems made of high-quality plastic, but they are more expensive.
19. Speaker color
The most versatile speakers are black or black and silver, as they blend well with other computer devices, modern household appliances and interior.
As for MDF speakers, in addition to black and silver, they can have a color and texture that mimic different kinds wood (oak, beech, ash, etc.). At first glance, this may seem interesting. But the fact is that it is difficult to choose a color that will be combined with your table or furniture, since the colors in the picture are greatly distorted and often speakers of a completely different shade can come from an online store.
But the most important thing is that you like the speakers.
Portable speakers can have completely different colors and, in principle, this does not matter much, since they will be used in different, often fun, environments. Therefore, choose according to your taste.
20. Price
Here I will give prices below which high-quality speakers should not cost.
- Office, portable - $ 10
- Homemade 2.0 - $25
- Homemade 2.1 - $45
- Gaming 5.1 - $75
21. Setting up filters in the online store
- Go to the "Speakers" or "Acoustics" section on the seller's website.
- Select recommended manufacturers.
- Speaker type: stationary or portable.
- Number of channels: 2.0, 2.1 or 5.1.
- power range.
- Other options and features that are important to you.
- Browse items starting with the cheapest.
- Choose several models you like by design and compare them in terms of size, number and type of connectors, additional functionality.
- Buy the best functional model.
Thus, you will get the optimal price / quality columns that meet your requirements at the lowest possible cost.
Computer speakers Edifier R1800TIII
Computer speakers Edifier R1280T
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-702
Content
Sound quality plays an important role when watching movies and listening to music. Various noises and distortions can spoil the impression of even the most luxurious blockbuster and an exciting shooter. Computer speakers combined with a subwoofer will help improve the sound quality on a laptop or desktop PC, regardless of the acoustics of the room.
What are computer speakers
Sound reproduction devices are distinguished by acoustic parameters, materials of manufacture, dimensions, and control systems. In stores you can find speakers for laptops and PCs from Edifier, Genius, Sven, Defender, Samsung. The catalogs of these brands include both budget models for computers and expensive devices for achieving surround sound.
Kinds
Computer speakers can be passive or active. Audio equipment belonging to the second category has a built-in amplifier and receives power from the PC. Passive speakers need an amplifier, additional power. The first type of devices is sold at a low cost, because. the sound quality generated by them is low. Active computer acoustics are characterized by rich sound and a smooth transition between tones. Audio systems differ:
- configuration;
- size;
- the number of dynamic emitters;
- way to connect to a computer.
Characteristics
When choosing speakers for a computer, you need to pay attention to the material of the case. High-quality sound is possible when speakers and amplifiers are placed in wood. Plastic passive speakers will constantly wheeze. When buying audio systems for modern computer engineers advise to pay attention to the following main parameters:
- power;
- number of supported frequencies;
- sensitivity;
- number of lanes;
- control.
Dimensions
When choosing speakers for a computer, this parameter is not the most important. It depends on the internal components and the class of equipment. Systems with maximum power are large. Amplifiers, dynamic radiators in them will be large and heavy. 2.0-type multimedia kits are small and light, so they can be ordered at a discount from an online mail-order store.
The best speakers for a computer
When choosing audio equipment, owners of modern PCs should rely on their own preferences. If a system with a large number of speakers does not fit at a computer desk, then you should look at models with two front speakers. The acoustic systems presented below have proven themselves best in online stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Stereo system
Turning a home computer room into a small cinema is easy. The following model of a stereo system can help with this:
- name: Harman/Kardon SoundSticks III;
- price: 10000 rubles;
- characteristics: power 40 W, range 44-20000 Hz, SNR 80 dB;
- pluses: hardware control of a timbre of low frequencies;
- cons: subwoofer without bass reflex.
The Microlab stereo system boasts more interesting acoustic characteristics at a similar cost:
- name: Microlab Pro 3;
- price: 10900 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 90 W, range 35-20000 Hz, SNR 75 dB;
- pros: powerful upper frequencies;
- cons: weak amplifier.
Active Speakers 2.0
Many Russian buyers of peripheral equipment prefer Defender products. The domestic brand is engaged in the production of speakers of different price categories. As a good alternative to expensive computer headphones, you can consider the following model:
- name: Defender SPK-530;
- price: 500 rubles;
- specifications: RMS 4W; range 90-20000 Hz;
- pluses: powered by USB, good volume margin;
- cons: no support for low frequencies.
Among active acoustic systems, the Edifier technique has proven itself well. It can handle FLAC music playback and powerful bass in computer games. Experts advise those who want to buy PC speakers to take a closer look at the following model:
- name: Edifier S 1000 DB;
- price: 17800 rubles;
- characteristics: total power (RMS) 120 W, range 48-20000 Hz, SNR 85 dB, wooden case;
- pluses: high-quality sound;
- cons: cost, weight 17 kg.
Audio system 2.1
Sven multimedia kits for PC are distinguished by high sound quality and affordable price. The 2.1 system of this manufacturer has gained popularity due to its compact size and built-in subwoofer:
- name: Sven MS-110;
- price: 1800 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 10 W, range 50-20000 Hz;
- pluses: high output power;
- cons: one input for an external source.
The Defender company is known to many in the domestic market. An example of an inexpensive and high-quality audio system from this manufacturer is the following product:
- name: Defender Ion S 10;
- price: 1200 rubles;
- characteristics: power 10 W, range 30-20000 Hz, mini-jack connector;
- pluses: interesting case design;
- cons: muffled bass.
small and powerful
Some shoppers want to buy computer speakers that are small in size and provide high quality sound. Especially for such people, Genius has developed this stereo system:
- name: Genius Bomb SW-2.1 370;
- price: 1500 rubles;
- characteristics: power 8 W, range 75-20000 Hz;
- pluses: powerful upper and middle frequencies;
- cons: no standard bass power control.
Experts recommend that citizens who are unlimited in finances take a closer look at the following audio system from the JBL brand:
- name: JBL Flip 3;
- price: 5000 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 16 W, range 85-20000 Hz, SNR 80 dB;
- pluses: powerful subbass;
- cons: upper frequencies sag.
mini speakers
Tiny audio systems will be useful for constantly traveling people. They do not take up much space near the computer and reproduce sound of acceptable quality. One example of the cheapest equipment of this type is the following product:
- name: Velton VLT-S 006 J;
- price: 315 rubles;
- specifications: RMS 5W, single band speakers;
- pluses: support for medium frequencies;
- cons: a small margin of the overall volume.
The following model of the Genius brand has similar main characteristics:
- name: Genius SP-J 120;
- price: 580 rubles;
- characteristics: power 4 W, speakers with one band;
- pluses: high-quality upper and middle frequencies;
- cons: weak subbass.
Portable
Portable JBL acoustics is an example of a combination of ergonomics and high-quality technical component:
- name: JBL Clip Plus;
- price: 2300 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 3.2 W, range 160-20000 Hz;
- cons: weak subbass.
JBL can compete with the following SONY product:
- name: SONY SRS-BTV 5 B;
- price: 3500 rubles;
- characteristics: power 1.2 W, one full-range speaker;
- pluses: good volume reserve;
- cons: there are small wheezing.
with subwoofer
Real surround sound of musical compositions can be obtained if the system includes a speaker for reproducing low frequencies. This requirement is met by this Sven acoustics:
- name: Sven SPS-820;
- price: 3800 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 38 W, range 20-20000 Hz;
- pluses: powerful basses;
- cons: hiss at high volume.
More budget acoustics for a computer with a subwoofer are offered by the Edifier brand:
- name: Edifier X600;
- price: 3250 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 30 W, range 48-20000 Hz;
- pros: deep bass, clear sound;
- cons: inconvenient arrangement of regulators.
Monitor mount
- name: Logitech Z-305;
- price: 1460 rubles;
- features: stereo sound 2.0, powered by USB, clip-on;
- pluses: saturated upper and middle frequencies;
- cons: no sub-bass support.
Computer owners with a more limited budget should pay attention to this model from Defender:
- name: Defender NoteSpeaker S 5 USB;
- price: 1000 rubles;
- characteristics: power 5 W, range 90-20000 Hz;
- pluses: stereo effect;
- cons: no bass.
with USB input
The popularity of the Ginzzu audio system is due to the presence of a slot for playing music from flash drives:
- name: Ginzzu GM-986B;
- price: 1100 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 10 W, range 100-20000 Hz;
- pluses: good volume;
- cons: weak subbass.
Microlab acoustics have similar characteristics in a different price range:
- name: Microlab MD 310 BT;
- price: 4200 rubles;
- characteristics: power 2x1 W, range 100-20000 Hz;
- pluses: melodic bass;
- cons: noise at a high sound level.
Speakers with microphone
Such audio systems are suitable for PC users who occasionally participate in Internet conferences, but do not want to purchase a complete set of audio equipment. An example of such a technique is the following product:
- name: Genius SP-906BT;
- price: 950 rubles;
- characteristics: power 3 W, range 100-20000 Hz;
- pluses: good sounding of basses;
- cons: time battery life- 5 o'clock.
In a more advanced price range, this JBL model stands out:
- name: JBL Xtreme;
- price: 12000 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 40 W, range 70-20000 Hz;
- pluses: small size, Bluetooth support;
- cons: slight rattling audio.
For games
Gamers are best off getting a pair of three-way speakers. They provide deep bass sound and are often found at tech sales. Dialog offers the most budget model for playing on a computer:
- name: Dialog AB-45В;
- price: 2900 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 20 W, range 40-20000 Hz;
- pluses: good sounding, there is a card reader;
- cons: you need to re-adjust the frequency response.
A more expensive version of acoustics designed for gamers was released by Logitech:
- name: Logitech Z 506;
- price: 6300 rubles;
- characteristics: power 75 W, range 45-20000 Hz;
- pluses: high-quality basses and high frequencies;
- cons: rattling at maximum volume.
Without wires
- name: Harman/Kardon Onyx;
- price: 20000 rubles;
- characteristics: power 2x30 W, range 60-20000 Hz;
- pluses: stylish design, high sound quality;
- cons: short battery life.
Among the budget technology of this type, the following model from Samsung stands out:
- name: Samsung Radiant 360 R 1;
- price: 9500 rubles;
- characteristics: two-way speaker, support for Multiroom mode;
- pluses: surround sound;
- cons: fuzzy sub-bass and treble.
Wooden
Audio systems with a cabinet made of solid maple or oak are more resistant to interference, which has a positive effect on sound quality. Beginning music lovers are advised to take a closer look at this acoustic model:
- name: Microlab H-510;
- price: 15800 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 242 W, range 45-24000 Hz, SNR 85 dB;
- pluses: a large margin of sound volume, soft basses;
- cons: the amplifier is very hot.
Citizens demanding sound quality can buy speakers for a computer of a more advanced level from the same manufacturer:
- name: Microlab H-600;
- price: 28300 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 270 W, range 20-20000 Hz, SNR 80 dB;
- pluses: stylish design;
- cons: small phase inverter.
How to choose speakers for your computer
Sound quality is a top priority for many PC users. However, not all gamers and music lovers know how to choose speakers for a computer. Before going to the store, you need to decide on the goal. Music lovers should give preference to systems aimed at working in the middle and high range. Considered essential when buying following parameters:
- number of channels;
- type of food;
- the presence / absence of additional functions.
An important role in choosing speakers for a computer is played by a sound card. If it is an entry-level system, then a 5.1 system designed to reproduce a wide range of frequencies will work like ordinary paired speakers. To correct this shortcoming, experts recommend owners personal computers buy a discrete sound card.
The sound quality of the speakers largely depends on their design and design. Therefore, first, let's consider the main types of speakers that are widely used in modern electro-acoustic devices. First of all, we note that the columns are divided by the type of box into several types:
- ordinary, in a rectangular box (in the form of a parallelepiped);
- in a box with a section in the form of a trapezoid or a triangle (in general, with non-parallel walls);
- in a spherical or ellipsoid body.
A regular box in the form of a parallelogram with right angles is the most common and cheapest type of acoustic speaker design. Its main disadvantage lies in the noticeable manifestation of its own resonant phenomena, which create uneven frequency response and phase response of the column in the low frequency region and degrade the quality of sound reproduction in this band. To combat resonances, thick walls and special types of wood are used, which dramatically increases the cost of the speakers. Some firms make boxes from pressed marble chips, thick plywood with bituminous coating, etc. For the same purpose, the walls of the speaker from the inside are glued with sound-absorbing materials - porous rubber, foam rubber, glass wool, etc. The joints of the boards are coated with special materials - even children's plasticine gives good results.
A very unpleasant phenomenon is the occurrence of standing waves in the box, in which the maxima and minima of the oscillation amplitude seem to freeze in space. Any object in the case (up to the conductor going to the speaker), falling into the antinode of the waves, can experience strong vibrations and lead to loud extra sounds. But, first of all, the column body itself and its parts - the front and back panel, side covers. To suppress standing waves, the use of sound-absorbing coatings and the choice of a rational box shape are also useful. Ordinary rectangular cases in this sense are by no means the best.
Standing waves can form not only in the volume of the box, but also in the speaker cone. To suppress them, one has to carefully select materials for the diffuser. For example, B&W (Great Britain) uses a special fibrous material for this - Kevlar, which has transverse and longitudinal fibers woven like basket straws. Standing waves do not form in Kevlar diffusers, since friction in the fibers effectively dampens them.
Some developers produce wideband sound units, in which one or two tweeters are placed inside a massive woofer cone (coaxial arrangement). This eliminates the acoustic interaction of non-coaxial cones of radiation and, when the initial phases of the oscillations of the emitters are equalized, significantly increases the spatial purity of the sound. But such a design can increase the effect of modulation and intermodulation distortion. Often such speakers are used for sounding car interiors, where Hi-Fi and even High-End sound reproduction quality is given great attention.
Plastic cases are still used only in cheap speakers that do not pretend to be Hi-Fi. Although there is no scientific reason to believe that special grades of plastic will be worse than wood, music lovers say that only from wooden speakers can you get a “live” reproduction of the sounds of the Stradivarius violin, soft and juicy basses of the double bass and sharp, but without any impurity sounds of percussion instruments. Perhaps this is true - wood has been used for centuries for the bodies of many musical instruments. The elasticity of the air mass in a small enclosure leads to a noticeable increase in the resonant frequency of the woofers, which is difficult to obtain even without it. Filling the box with sound-absorbing materials (and spikes) is equivalent to increasing its volume by up to 30 percent. The bottom of the box or a special support under it is important. The box of a powerful speaker system vibrates noticeably, and transferring these vibrations to the floor can dramatically change the sound of low frequencies. Even worse, if it creates an audible rattle - which is not uncommon. Therefore, the bottom of the speaker box must be massive and have special sound-absorbing racks. There are a lot of special stands for speakers - including those that raise them to the height of human growth - it is desirable to place the speakers at ear level.
Having dealt with the shape of the box, we note that the columns are divided into two more types:
- with a tightly closed body;
- with a case having phase inverter holes.
The closed case completely absorbs the acoustic short circuit. But, alas, it manifests another factor that limits the reproduction of low frequencies - the elasticity and resonance of the internal volume of air. Due to the elasticity of the internal volume of air, the resonant frequency of the speaker in such a case usually increases markedly. The heating of the air at the moments of compression and its change are also important. acoustic parameters, which creates additional non-linear distortions. The body must be strong and have sufficiently thick walls.
As a result, no matter how you turn it, to reproduce frequencies below 50-60 Hz, you still need a large case and speakers with a low resonant frequency (up to 25-40 Hz). To suppress the resonance of the internal volume of the case and no less harmful reflections of waves from the walls of the box, the case is filled with sound-absorbing material - often inside such cases you can find “pillows” with glass wool or foam rubber.
The optimal shape of the box is a sphere or an ellipsoid. However, the manufacture wooden boxes such a form is too complicated and expensive. The pressing of such fiber boxes is also expensive. Many firms from time to time produce spherical columns, but with molded plastic boxes. Rather, this is a tribute to their unusual appearance than improved sound quality - so far, in addition to wood, wood-based board or plywood pressed under high pressure, there are no worthy and affordable materials for the speaker box.
Speakers with an acoustic phase inverter to improve bass reproduction (BassReflect) have become widespread. It is created by a hole in the body and a pipe of a certain section and length. The phase inverter outputs low-frequency sound vibrations emitted by the rear side of the speaker cone to the outside with a change in their phase to the opposite. As a result, sound vibrations from the front and rear sides of the cone add up and the speaker's output in the low-frequency region increases markedly. Particularly good results are obtained when the recoil peak falls on a frequency region slightly lower than the resonant frequency of the speaker - this leads to a noticeable equalization of the frequency response in the low frequency region. Fine adjustment of the frequency response in this area is achieved by changing the length of the phase inverter tube - twice the length of the phase inverter tube is equal to the wavelength of the resonant frequency.
The phase inverter is most often one, less often two phase inverters are used. The phase inverter holes can be brought out both on the front and on the back side of the speaker. Reflections and standing waves often occur in a cylindrical or square reflex tube, which impairs the reproduction of shock sounds. Good results are obtained by making a pipe with a smooth (for example, hyperbolic) change in the cross section with its oval shape. This improves the aesthetic appearance of the speakers and allows you to get a lower cutoff frequency than with a conventional bass reflex. However, the sound quality at low frequencies does not depend too much on the very type of the phase inverter hole - therefore, in many even high-quality speakers, the phase inverter hole looks just like a round hole. To suppress reflections and resonances of the pipe, you can cover the hole with a cloth. But this is rarely done - the air flow at the output of the phase inverter is so strong that the fabric can sway like a sail in the wind, which can create unnecessary overtones. For this reason, many companies make a phase inverter pipe with smooth contours.
An example of open cabinet speakers is the Japanese Technics SB-M20 speakers shown. The phase inverter hole is located at the back of the case. A distinctive feature of these speakers is the use of a tweeter with a mica cone, which expands the frequency range of reproducible frequencies up to 45 kHz. The nominal and maximum power of these speakers is 50 and 100 W, the filter cutoff frequency is 2.5 kHz, the sensitivity is 87 dB/W/m, the impedance is 6 Ohm, the dimensions are 202x324x234 mm and the weight is 6 kg. The speakers used a woofer with a diameter of 14 cm and a tweeter with a cone diameter of 2.5 cm. the coils are great.
One way to reduce the size of speakers is to introduce a sound maze into them. It is created with the help of numerous partitions inside the case. Although the labyrinth can significantly increase the level of bass reproduction, it significantly complicates the assembly and setup of loudspeakers. That is why it is rarely used. The role of the labyrinth is sometimes performed by spikes that fill the space inside the speakers - however, more often they are used as sound-absorbing materials in closed-type speakers. Generally speaking, the debate about which speakers (closed or open with a phase inverter) is better has not subsided for many years. Closed speakers with high-quality sound-absorbing materials provide a more uniform frequency response in the low-frequency region. But at the same time, their return drops significantly, and more powerful amplifiers have to be used to build up such speakers. Bass reflex speakers make it easier to achieve high output at low frequencies, but they often have some mumbling at these frequencies. In the end, the sound quality depends primarily on the size of the speaker box and the careful study of their acoustic design.
Acoustic systems (or otherwise - speakers) - this is perhaps the most widely represented class of audio equipment today. There are hundreds of offers on the market, and the process of choosing them is not easy. Therefore, we decided to write a small guide that can facilitate this task.
You can buy speakers for a hundred dollars, or you can buy a million. A frequency range of 10 octaves and a dynamic of a hundred decibels is the need to reproduce sound waves from a centimeter to tens of meters long and sounds from the deathly silence of an anechoic chamber to the thunderous roar of a jet aircraft. Even banal speaker cabinets give a spread from “shoe boxes” to huge “closets” and from kilograms to centners.
Classification of acoustic systems by costPrices are per pair First level Despite their declared initial status, speakers in this category can safely claim a key role in creating a full-fledged stereo system. A set based on them will play at least significantly better than most music centers and wireless speakers, although the latter is with a caveat, because these speakers can be several times more expensive than regular ones. It is probably not entirely correct to talk about some subtle musical matters in this category, but as for the frequency and dynamic range (in other words, different frequencies and different loudnesses), as well as the level of distortion, they will definitely be within the limits of what is permitted. They save here, most often, on appearance - for example, replacing natural veneer with vinyl film, but its quality has also increased significantly recently. Budget level Budget-level speakers are such only in relation to their more expensive counterparts. As for their comparison with the initial models, in most cases they already rearrange themselves as completely full-fledged acoustic systems. In relation to them, one can quite consciously consider such criteria as the sound detail or the construction of a sound stage - this is not to mention the more and more familiar parameters. The economic factor can be present in the use of not the most expensive speakers from third-party manufacturers, or in cases made of traditional materials (most often MDF), rather than exotics such as metal, wood or even glass. Average level The average level is the very notorious golden mean, and its main feature is not at all in averaging objective parameters and subjective quality, but in reaching the bar, which, firstly, can be overcome only at much more significant costs, and secondly, only some avid music lovers, those same audiophiles, will be able to appreciate the excess of which. As for the vast majority of average buyers, for them this category is a reasonable maximum, and sometimes the ultimate dream. Premium Level In the premium category, the most expensive components and technologies are used, various innovative solutions are applied, literally all the potential of forces and means is used to ensure the highest possible sound quality, both in terms of objective parameters (all the same amplitude and frequency range, phase irregularities and other distortions ), and from the position of subjectively perceived sound quality, including the notorious involvement and musicality. high end So what is High End audio and, in fact, speakers in this category, as by and large the most obvious embodiment of this term? It is believed that sound quality that is close enough in sensation can be provided at lower costs. But the bottom line is that the process of quality improvement in such terminal stages is purely non-linear. In other words, to do one-tenth better, you may need to spend ten times as much. This time. And two: the real High End is not only an absolute in terms of sound quality, but also the same absolute in terms of materials and technologies in relation to the manufacturer, to which he sometimes goes for years, if not decades. |
There is an opinion that home speakers should be chosen solely on the basis of price and visual appeal. However, even if you do not intend to become an expert in this matter, our article will help you easily reduce the number of “likely applicants” and eliminate obviously unacceptable options.
The sheer number of loudspeakers on the market makes the selection process a daunting task.
Producing country
Audio equipment from different countries (and first of all - acoustics) reproduces sound in different ways.
Let's say America is a country of big spaces, big cars and impressive sound systems. Such speakers are able to "voice" spacious American living rooms, and their appearance is striking in its monumentality. This trend is clearly illustrated by Magico's Ultimate III model - after all, its height is less than 2.5 meters! And the sound - to match the size: very dynamic, powerful, aggressive and assertive.
Americans - the creators of Ultimate III - prefer large forms
In contrast, Japan, where small rooms provide a kind of transfer function, on the contrary, it tries to “dry out” the bass in its speakers. A typical example is the JBL Everest project, for which well-known reviewer Keizo Yamanaka was invited to supervise. As a matter of fact, the final sound was planned and turned out to be typical Japanese: “external” attributes, richness of timbres and beauty of presentation are accentuated, sometimes on the verge of satiety and a barely perceptible synthetic aftertaste – in other words, they do not sound quite natural. As a result, today we do not have a single really popular manufacturer of high-quality acoustics from the Land of the Rising Sun.
JBL DD55000 Everest is a great example of a "typically Japanese" approach to creating acoustics
Next - first of all Great Britain, with its own and. The British sound is not sweeping and not rollicking, but rather precise and restrained. This sound conveys the inner content of the music through some smooth and small gestures. It is believed that the "middle", the most important part of the range, the English equipment works out especially well.
"British sound" Monitor Audio Gold is appropriate even in the former church
Adapted from Barnsly Blog, December 2017.
Acoustic systems (speakers) of the High-End class are no longer just a “box with speakers”, but a real work of engineering art, a kind of musical instrument that directly brings our favorite music to our ears, converting electrical signals coming from a power amplifier into air vibrations, which all we hear.
The myriad of high-end speaker systems can be confusing, but we'll help you make the right choice. right choice. All acoustic systems can be divided into several large groups depending on the classification feature.
- According to the principle of installation and size, there are “shelf” and “floor” acoustic systems.
- By the number of sound reproduction bands there are 1; 2; 2.5; 3 lanes and so on up to 7 lanes
- Depending on the emitters (speakers) used, there are traditional dynamic, electrostatic, planar and other very exotic designs.
- Depending on the direction of the radiation, directional acoustic systems are distinguished and non-directional "counter-opening" and bipolar ones.
- Depending on the low-frequency design, one can distinguish "open case", "closed case", "phase-inverted design", "resonator panel", "acoustic labyrinth" and "isobaric"
- You can also whiten a group of speakers with horn design
- Depending on the presence of a built-in amplifier, there are "active" and "passive" speakers
And this is not the whole classification.
Acoustic system (speakers)- the last link of the High-End stereo system that directly reproduces music by converting the electrical signal from the power amplifier into mechanical vibrations of the speakers (emitters) and, as a result, into sound vibrations of the air that we hear.
Active speaker systems (speakers)- speakers with built-in power amplifiers, each speaker is powered from the network through a network cable. To play music, connect directly to the pre-amplifier (no need to buy a power amplifier), connection is made with an interconnect cable (no need to buy an acoustic cable)
Passive acoustic systems (speakers)- the most common type of speaker systems consisting of a case, emitters (speakers) installed in it and a crossover filter through which the speakers are connected to the amplifier. Unlike active speakers, they do not have a built-in power amplifier, so they are connected either to an integrated amplifier or to a power amplifier through an acoustic cable
Horn speaker systems are speaker systems whose speakers emit sound not directly, but through a horn installed in a tight position to them. The vast majority of horn loudspeakers have high sensitivity, making them ideal partners for low power tube amplifiers. Horn loudspeakers have a higher directivity of sound radiation and therefore are slightly more difficult to install in the listening room, but with correct installation create a more accurate stereo image
Electrostatic speakers- usually high wide and thin speaker systems. Instead of traditional speakers in electrostatic acoustic systems, a thin film of conductive material or conductive coating is used, stretched over the entire height of the acoustic system, placed between two conductors. An electrical signal of an audio frequency is applied to the film, and a small voltage is applied to the conductors surrounding it (usually a fine mesh) from the power supply of the acoustic system, which is powered by the mains (the reverse situation is possible, sound signal is supplied to the conductors, and the voltage from the power supply is applied to the film). During the interaction of the constant electromagnetic field of the conductors and the variable field created by the film, the film begins to oscillate with sound frequency and emit sound. The advantages are the extraordinary detail and airiness of the music, the disadvantages are a slight lack of low frequencies, they seem a little lightweight, which can be corrected by choosing the right acoustics for the room and placing them correctly. At the same time, the advantage and disadvantage of electrostatic and planar systems is their high (sharp) directivity of sound radiation, the listener must constantly be strictly in the center listening to music, in this case the stereo image will be very clear (much clearer than any other acoustics can reproduce). This is due to minimal reflections from the walls, ceiling and floor of the room, but it is worth deviating from the center and you will feel significant changes when the sound seems to “stick” to one of the speakers, but if you are a true connoisseur of music, you are unlikely to run around the room listening to her and in this case this “flaw” will be a real advantage for you
Planar speaker systems- in fact, these are close relatives of electrostatic systems, they are also tall, wide and thin (about 3-5cm). They also do not have traditional speakers and consist of a thin film of conductive material or having a conductive coating, but unlike electrostatic speakers where the film oscillates in a field created by conductors powered by the mains in planar acoustics, the film oscillates in a field created by permanent magnets placed on both its side (or one of them). Thus, having similar sound characteristics with electrostatic acoustics planar does not require connection to the network. The advantages are the extraordinary detail and airiness of the music is the same as that of electrostatic speakers, the disadvantages are a slight lack of low frequencies, they seem a little lightweight, which can be corrected by choosing the right acoustics for the room and placing them correctly. At the same time, the advantage and disadvantage of electrostatic and planar systems is their high (sharp) directivity of sound radiation, the listener must constantly be strictly in the center listening to music, in this case the stereo image will be very clear (much clearer than any other acoustics can reproduce). This is due to minimal reflections from the walls, ceiling and floor of the room, but it is worth deviating from the center and you will feel significant changes when the sound seems to “stick” to one of the speakers, but if you are a true connoisseur of music, you are unlikely to run around the room listening to her and in this case this “flaw” will be a real advantage for you
Shelf speakers- have nothing to do with shelves, this class of acoustic systems got its name for its small size, namely for the small height of the case, which does not allow them to be installed directly on the floor. To install shelf speakers, special speaker stands are used, only with them you can achieve the maximum sound quality of the acoustics you purchased. Most shelf speakers have no more than 1-2 speakers (there are rare exceptions). Bookshelf acoustics are easier than outdoor speakers to fit into the acoustics of city apartments and small rooms (more precisely, it is easier to choose it for a small room, floor speakers can also be installed in a not very large room, but this process will be more time consuming). Some shelf models can form a stereo image better than floor models.
Floorstanding speakers- these are acoustic systems that have significant dimensions (especially height), allowing them to be installed directly on the floor without the obligatory use of any stands. Usually they have from 1 to 7 speakers. best quality sound is achieved in larger rooms, as low frequencies and bass can dominate and hum in small rooms. Floor acoustics are usually more expensive compared to shelf speakers within the same series of one manufacturer, they are more difficult to manufacture and calculate (especially matching the crossover filter and multiple speakers), so when choosing floor acoustics, you need to be especially careful
Center channel speaker- as a rule, this is a horizontally located column used in the creation of home theaters and placed in the center directly below the screen. Its main purpose is to reproduce dialogues and general musical moments.
Front speaker- this is a classic stereo pair of two speakers located to the left and right of the screen (it can be both shelf and floor), it is between them that the center channel speaker is placed. If you already have a stereo system, but are just planning to create a home theater, then consider that you already have front speakers. It is according to the front acoustics (stereo pair) that you need to choose acoustics for a home theater, since it is she who not only participates in the reproduction of sound effects, but also plays music when listening to a conventional stereo
Rear speaker system- a two-speaker acoustic system used in home theater systems and located behind the audience. Often performed in the form of wall acoustics, usually has a small size.
Subwoofer– a special speaker for reproducing only low frequencies and basses. It is used in cases where the front acoustics cannot cope with the correct reproduction of the soundtrack of the film in the low-frequency region. Usually has a cubic shape and one speaker of large diameter, is installed in the corner of the room near the main wall. As a rule, it has a built-in amplifier, i.e. is an active speaker and is connected to the receiver via an interconnect cable
Acoustic systems with bass reflex- these are acoustic systems that have a hole in the case with a pipe leading into the column. A phase inverter (a hole with a pipe) is designed to help acoustics reproduce low frequencies, below those that are able to fully reproduce the speakers installed in the column. When designing an acoustic system, the frequency to which the phase inverter is tuned is determined by choosing its diameter and pipe length. The diameter and length of the phase inverter pipe determine the volume of air in it and the resonance frequency to which the phase inverter is tuned. At the moment when the speaker reproduces the frequency to which the phase inverter is tuned, the volume of air in the pipe resonates and enhances the reproduction of this frequency. There are both small shelf and huge floor. The bass reflex pipe can go to the front panel, to the rear or sidebar. The arrangement of acoustics in the listening room depends on the direction of the outlet of the phase inverter pipe.
Acoustic systems with acoustic labyrinth- according to the purpose and design, the acoustic labyrinth is very close to the phase inverter. An acoustic labyrinth, like a phase inverter, is a pipe that goes inside the case, but it is much longer and has many bends (usually it has a square section). The purpose of the acoustic labyrinth is the same as that of the phase inverter, to enhance the reproduction of low frequencies. The labyrinth is a more advanced version of the phase inverter, it is more complex in calculations, manufacturing and cost. Due to the large length of the pipe, bends and damping coating of the inner walls, there are practically no harmful overtones audible in the sound of poorly made phase inverters (well-designed and made phase inverters also practically do not suffer from this phenomenon). There are both small shelf and huge floor
Open type acoustic systems- these are acoustic systems in the case of which there is no rear wall. As a rule, fully open-type acoustic systems have large dimensions, especially for the front panel on which the speakers are mounted (usually the speakers are also large in diameter). In open systems, there is no compression at all from the rear side of the speaker cone, since the cabinet is open, as a result of which the sound of such speakers seems more open and airy (sometimes a bit like the sound of electrostatic or planar systems). Except completely open systems there are also partially open ones (when several types of acoustic design are used in one column), in this case, only mid-frequency or high-frequency ones have an open design, and the woofer has a different design, for example, bass-reflex or closed
Closed speaker systems- These are speaker systems whose case has no holes. The closed volume of air inside the case has some elasticity, which prevents the free movement of the speaker cones, and therefore the playback of music. To minimize this phenomenon, closed-type loudspeakers are generally made large in size (with a large internal volume), therefore they are mainly found in the floor version. The indisputable advantages of closed acoustics include the complete absence of any overtones and flaws inherent in phase inverter acoustics and acoustic labyrinths, as well as significantly more easy installation than open and dipole acoustics. The disadvantages include the extremely large size of the speakers.
Acoustic systems of isobaric type- another kind of low-frequency design, but unlike bass-reflex acoustics and an acoustic labyrinth, designed to amplify low frequencies (to help the speakers), isobaric design is designed to provide not only more powerful and deep bass in a case half the size, but also their correct reproduction. Structurally, isobaric acoustics looks like this: the volume of the chamber behind the woofer is divided into two parts by a sealed partition to which another woofer is installed, similar to the first one, so that between the two speakers there is a constant constant volume of air (it turns out, as it were, a column inside the column). The same signal is sent to both speakers at the same time. Without going into technical details, it is fashionable to say that working simultaneously in the same volume, the speakers control each other, as a result of which the overall error decreases, and the power and depth of the bass increase. Isobaric acoustics can be both shelf and floor. The disadvantages include the complexity of manufacturing and, consequently, the high price.
Acoustic systems with a passive radiator- a passive radiator, like a phase inverter, an acoustic labyrinth and isobaric acoustics, is designed to provide deep full-fledged reproduction of low frequencies by acoustic systems of small sizes. There is also a hole in the case of this type of acoustics, but there is no pipe (like a phase inverter or an acoustic labyrinth) in it. Instead, a passive radiator is installed in the hole (a conventional speaker that has no magnetic system at all, it consists only of a diffuser, a suspension and a frame). The passive radiator is not connected and no electrical signal is transmitted to it. Typically, a passive radiator is larger than a woofer, the mass of its moving system determines the resonance frequency of the system. The passive radiator is driven by air vibrations inside the speaker system which are generated reverse side low frequency speakers. The advantages of a passive radiator are deep bass down to the lowest frequencies and the absence of extraneous overtones characteristic, for example, of poorly executed phase inverter solutions. The disadvantages include some boominess and slight prolongation of the lowest frequencies in the case of poor-quality performance and calculation of the passive radiator.
Contra-aperture (non-directional) acoustic systems- one of the most exotic and rarely used types of speaker systems. Contra-aperture acoustics do not have a direction of music emission, since its speakers are not directed to either side, they are directed strictly up or strictly down along the axis of the speaker. The classic version of this design consists of two absolutely identical speakers directed towards each other in pairs for each group of frequencies (high-frequency, low-frequency, etc.). When playing music, each pair of speakers directed at each other receives the same signal, when identical sound waves collide, they begin to propagate in a radial direction in all directions from the speaker, filling the room with sound. Other omnidirectional speaker systems use a simplified principle of operation when the speakers are also located up and down along the axis of the speaker (usually low-frequency ones are directed downwards, and mid-range and high-frequency ones are directed upwards), but not on the same speaker, but on a special spherical or conical diffuser in case of collision with which sound waves also "scatter" in all directions in a radial direction, filling the room with sound. The advantages are the effect of "dissolving" the acoustic system in the room (the same as in other types of acoustic systems, but achieved in a simpler way), there is no need to calculate the angle of the speakers to the listener (since they are not directional). The disadvantages are a large number of reflections in an unprepared listening room, as a result of which the stereo image seems a little blurry. This drawback disappears when installing omnidirectional acoustics in medium and large or acoustically prepared rooms.
Signal sources
CD player- perhaps the most popular signal source in high-end stereo systems of all price ranges. This is the same device familiar to all of us that reads and decodes information from a compact disc (CD-disk), the most popular storage medium over the past 15 years. The classic CD player is a single-block device that combines all the necessary functional units and is connected to a preamplifier. More complex and technically advanced players consist of several blocks (two, three or more), usually a combination of a CD transport and a DAC (digital-to-analog converter (DAC))
CD transport- a part of a CD player implemented in a separate case and responsible for reading information from the surface of a CD without its further conversion to an analog form. The main parts of a CD-transport are an optical information reading system consisting of a lens and a laser, a mechanical system that ensures uniform disk rotation, and a power supply that provides power to the entire system. CD transport is used either in tandem with a digital-to-analog converter (thus we get a reference class CD player), or connected directly to digital amplifiers (since an analog amplifier will not be able to perceive digital signal transmitted by CD-transport without the use of a digital-to-analog converter, and the digital amplifier has its own built-in converter)
DAC (digital-to-analog converter, converter)- a part of a CD player implemented in a separate case and responsible for converting the digital data stream received from the CD transport into an analog form for transmission to an integrated amplifier or a power amplifier. It is used in tandem with CD transport as an intermediate link between it and analog amplifiers; if a digital amplifier is used in a stereo system, there is no need to use an external DAC (digital-to-analog converter), since it is already built into the digital amplifier
clock generator- part of the CD player that sets the beat (frequency, rhythm) to the digital-to-analog converter. The clock generator determines the time points at which the digital-to-analog converter must convert the digital data stream received from the CD transport into an analog form for further transmission to the amplifier. The clock generator is an extremely important detail, since the magnitude of the final jitter depends on it (a good clock generator can significantly reduce its value, but the cause of jitter is the interface between the transport and the digital-to-analog converter). Jitter is the main source of deterioration in the sound of a CD player, all other things being equal. Realizing the importance of reducing jitter, some manufacturers, when designing TOP-class CD players, separate the clock generator into a separate package and significantly modify it and increase its accuracy.
SACD player- in fact, this is the same CD player only with the ability to play one of the most advanced digital sound recording formats developed in 1999. This format is called SACD (Sudio Audio Compact Disct) and has a much higher resolution than traditional CD. The SACD player differs from the CD player in a modified optical reading system (for additional opportunity focusing on both layers of the SACD-disk) and the presence of an additional block for decoding the SACD-format of sound recording. All SACD players can play regular CDs, but no CD player can read and play an SACD.
HDCD player is a CD player with the ability to play discs recorded in the HDCD format developed by Microsoft, this is a higher resolution format. It should be noted that, unlike SACDs, which a conventional CD player cannot read and play, HDCDs can be read and played by them, but as a regular CD, and all the advantages of this format will be revealed only on a player with an HDCD decoder
media server- a kind of computer server, but created only to store large personal databases of audio-video information (music (mostly) and movies (sometimes)). The main difference is that the media server stores all information in an uncompressed form, since it is stored on the original media from which it was transferred to the server, it has a good design and easy control without keyboards and mice. It's just another box in your high-end stereo system, usually with touch controls (but there are exceptions)
Tuner- a component of a stereo system responsible for receiving and decoding radio waves. It's basically just a high quality radio that you plug into your amplifier and enjoy your favorite radio stations.
LP player (turntable)- perhaps one of the most advanced signal sources in the history of audio technology, reborn again and constantly strengthening its position. This is a complete device (consisting of table, motor, tone arm and cartridge) that allows you to extract an analog sound signal from the sound track of a rotating vinyl record. High-end turntables are typically sold in parts and are extremely complex mechanical systems that require ultra-fine tuning by a professional. In order to be able to enjoy the magical sound of a true analog recording, you will need to purchase and put together with the help of a professional tuner the following components: a table (with a platter on which the record will rotate) with a motor, a tonearm (which will hold the cartridge above the surface of the record and provide unobstructed its movement and the necessary downforce), the voice of the pickup itself (which will convert the mechanical vibrations of the needle of the plate sliding along the groove into an electrical signal) and the phono stage (which will correct / restore and slightly amplify the electrical signal from the pickup head for its further transmission to the amplifier)
Tonearm- part of the turntable (LP-player) on which the head of the pickup is fixed. The purpose of the tonearm is to support the cartridge in the correct position above the surface of a rotating vinyl record, allowing it to move freely along the record in a radial direction and with a predetermined downforce. The classic tonearm is a cylindrical tube on one side of which the pickup head is attached, and the other is attached to the base of the tonearm mounted on the surface of the player table through a system of bearings. Depending on the design and principle of operation, tonearms are lever (classic, when the head moves along the plate along a certain radius, as a result of which it has a small reading error) and tangential (when the head with the tube supporting it always remains perpendicular to the radius of the plate and moves parallel to the sound track). Depending on the bearing system, there are single bearings, with ball bearings, magnetic bearings and with pneumatic suspension.
Pickup head – small device which is part of a vinyl record player, mounted on a tonearm and designed to convert the mechanical vibrations of the needle obtained when it slides along the sound groove of a vinyl record into an electrical signal transmitted through a phono stage to an amplifier. The main parts of the pickup head are a needle (usually diamond), a needle holder and a system for converting mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal, consisting of a system of magnets and coils. Depending on which part of the converting system is movable with respect to the other, all heads are divided into MM (with a moving magnet) and MS (with a moving coil)
MM cartridge- this is a head in which the mechanical vibrations of the pickup needle are converted into an electrical signal due to the movement of micromagnets fixed on the needle holder inside the fixed coils (moving magnet system). MM heads are easier to manufacture than MC type heads. Compared to MC heads, MM heads produce a signal of a higher level (initially more powerful), but due to the specifics of the design, they slightly lose to MC heads in terms of playback detail. MM heads and phono stages for them are significantly cheaper than MC equivalents, and due to more simple circuits phono stages have some advantages in terms of noise (their number is objectively less)
Cartridge type MC- this is a head in which the mechanical vibrations of the pickup needle are converted into an electrical signal due to the movement of inductance coils fixed on the needle holder inside the magnetic field created by fixedly fixed permanent magnets (moving coil system). MC heads are more difficult to manufacture than MM type heads. Compared to MM heads, MC heads produce a signal of a weaker level (usually a few tenths or hundredths of a millivolt), but due to the specifics of the design, they win in the detail of music reproduction in relation to MM options. MC heads and phono stages for them are more expensive than MM equivalents, and due to more complex schemes phono stages, in case of unsuccessful execution, may have a little more own noise
Phono stage- a device necessary for playing music from vinyl records. The phono stage in a stereo system is located between the LP player (connected to it by a cable coming from the tonearm) and the preamplifier. The phono equalizer performs two functions - signal amplification and its correction (RRIA-correction). The electrical signal from the pickup head is so weak that, without additional amplification by a phono stage, the preamplifier will simply not be able to perceive it, since the input threshold of the preamplifier or integrated amplifier is significantly higher than the signal level from the pickup head. Before signing up for vinyl record, in order to increase the amount of recorded information, special “distortions” are introduced into the signal (namely, at the edges of the frequency range in low and high frequencies, low frequencies are slightly lowered, and high frequencies are raised) during the playback of the recording, passing through the process of RRIA-correction in the phono stage signal the original appearance is given, low frequencies are raised back, and high frequencies are lowered. Depending on the amplifying elements used in the production of the phono stage, they are tube and transistor
Amplifiers
Amplifier- extremely important component stereo systems, responsible for amplifying signals coming from sources connected to the amplifier, switching connected sources, volume control and transmission amplified signal to speakers for playback. Depending on the level and design, all amplifiers can be divided into single-block (integrated), two-block (combination of preamplifier and power amplifier), three-block (combination of preamplifier and two monoblock amplifiers). Depending on the amplifying elements used, transistor, tube and hybrid amplifiers (which include both transistors and tubes) are distinguished. Amplifiers come with a built-in power supply and with a remote one, they are divided into classes "A" "B" "AB" "D", they can be analog and digital. There are a lot of varieties of amplifying equipment and each technical solution has its advantages and disadvantages, but do not despair, a real professional will be able to choose the most suitable for you. the best option which will allow you to enjoy your favorite music for many years.
Integrated amplifier- this is an amplifier, all functional blocks of which are located in one case (including all controls, preamplifier part and power amplifier). Depending on the amplifying elements used, transistor, tube and hybrid integrated amplifiers (which include both transistors and tubes) are distinguished. Integrated amplifiers come with a built-in power supply and with a remote one, they are divided into classes "A" "B" "AB" "D", they can be analog and digital. Integrated amplifiers are the most affordable and easy to connect.
preamplifier- this is a part of a complete amplifier, made in a separate case and responsible for the initial amplification of weak signals coming from sources, their switching and volume control. The gain stages in the preamplifier raise the signal level (amplify) to such a value that the power amplifier can perceive it. The pre-amplifier is used in conjunction with a power amplifier or monoblock amplifiers, as well as with active speaker systems (having a built-in power amplifier). Depending on the amplifying elements used, preamplifiers are transistor and tube, with an external power supply and with a built-in one.
Amplifier- this is a part of a complete amplifier, made in a separate case and is responsible for amplifying the signal coming from the pre-amplifier and its further transmission to the speaker systems. The task of the power amplifier is to amplify the signal to a value that will allow the connected speaker systems to reproduce it with a given (sufficient) volume. Power amplifiers, as a rule, do not have any settings (including no volume control), all adjustments, including volume control, are made from a pre-amplifier connected to the power amplifier, while the power amplifier itself always operates at full power . Power amplifiers are both transistor and tube
Monoblock amplifier (monoblock)- this is a power amplifier designed to amplify only one channel of sound (only left or only right, thus two monoblock amplifiers are required for a stereo system). Monoblocks are connected to a pre-amplifier from which they receive a signal for amplification. Monoblocks are both transistor and tube. A system of a pre-amplifier and monoblock power amplifiers, other things being equal, has a much better sound quality than an integrated amplifier and even a combination of a pre-amplifier and a power amplifier, and in fact is a reference. The main advantage of monoblock amplifiers is a stunningly clear and correct stereo image, almost unattainable by all other types of amplifiers.
Tube amplifier- This is an amplifier, the circuitry of which is based on the use of radio tubes as amplifying elements. As a rule, tube amplifiers are less powerful than transistor ones. Tube amplifier circuits, compared to similar transistor ones, are simpler and involve fewer parts, and the nature of the distortions introduced by tube circuits into the signal is much less noticeable to human hearing than transistor ones, although they are usually much larger in percentage terms. Tube amplifiers are characterized by a warmer and more rounded sound with natural reproduction of mids and high frequencies and timbres of various musical instruments. The downside is a bit lightweight, drawn out and diffuse bass, especially with poor speaker selection. The tube amplifier will good choice for lovers of jazz, vocals, classical music, that music in which extremely deep and powerful basses are not used, since the digital basses of club music are weak side lamp technology.
transistor amplifier- This is an amplifier, the circuitry of which is based on the use of transistors as amplifying elements. As a rule, transistor amplifiers are more powerful than tube amplifiers and create less difficulties when selecting acoustic systems. Transistor devices have powerful, deep bass and detailed reproduction of medium and high frequencies, but if the transistor circuits are unsuccessful, the detail can turn into ringing and grainy high frequencies, which in turn can tire the listener. A transistor amplifier will be a good choice for fans of club and digital music, modern rock and other types where deep powerful bass is the basis of the whole melody.
hybrid amplifier- This is an amplifier, the circuitry of which is based on the simultaneous use of both radio tubes and transistors as amplifying elements. The goal of hybrid amplifier designers is to combine the advantages of both tubes and transistors in one device (to take the best from each technology) and thereby minimize their mutual disadvantages and thereby make the amplifier universal for playing any style of music. As a rule, lamps are used in the preliminary part of the amplifier, and transistors in the output stages (they amplify the signal power before transmitting it to the speakers). Well-designed hybrid amps are very versatile and do not show clear genre preferences.
Remote power supply- The part of the amplifier responsible for powering all its circuits, usually consisting of a transformer and a block of capacitors and placed in a separate case. In most cases, the power supply is made built-in, but some manufacturers in the top models of their amplifiers prefer to take it out of the general case with amplification stages, as one of the main sources of interference (the electromagnetic field of the transformer and its vibrations have a negative effect on the internal circuits of the amplifier, creating additional interference ). Sometimes a remote power supply is offered to upgrade an amplifier that has its own built-in one, this opportunity must be used and a positive result will not be long in coming.
Amplifier type "dual mono"- in fact, this is an amplifier whose amplification channels (left and right) are made completely autonomously and independently of each other, even the power supply transformer for each channel has its own. It turns out that inside one amplifier there are two amplifiers independent of each other, each for its own amplification channel. The dual mono amplifier is the sweet spot between integrated amplifiers, which are compact in size (all in one package) and lower in price, and monoblock amplifiers, which create an ideal sound space and stereo image.
Digital Amplifier (Class "D")- this is an amplifier that works only with a signal in digital form (not yet converted to analog form). As a rule, digital amplifiers receive a signal directly from the CD transport (bypassing the digital-to-analog converter, it will not be needed here) or from the digital outputs of the CD player. The signal goes through the process of amplification while constantly being in digital form, and before feeding it to the speakers, the digital-to-analog converter built into the amplifier decodes it into an analog form. Some digital amplifiers are capable of receiving an analog signal from a source and then converting it to digital on their own, but this is not the best use case, since repeatedly converting a signal from analog to digital and vice versa has an extremely negative effect on its quality. Digital amplifiers are more economical in power consumption than analog ones and have better signal-to-noise ratio. Digital amplifiers have signal processing capabilities unattainable by analog equivalents. Of particular interest are digital amplifiers with built-in DSP processors that allow you to correct room acoustics and have many other features. useful features. The only significant drawback is the fact that digital amplifiers with truly audiophile sound quality are currently extremely few and in terms of sound quality they are still inferior to the best examples of analog devices.
Analog amplifier- This is an amplifier that works exclusively with signals in analog form and is the most common type of amplifier. You can connect a digital signal source (for example, a CD player) to an analog amplifier, but it has either a built-in or external digital-to-analog converter. At the moment, analog amplifiers are superior to digital ones in terms of sound quality, but they are inferior to them in functionality and capabilities.
Class "A" amplifier (single-ended amplifier)- this is an amplifier in which one amplifying element (a lamp or a transistor) amplifies both half-waves of the signal (positive and negative). Thus, each subsequent amplifying stage is built on the basis of only one lamp or transistor. The use of only one amplifying element for both half-waves of the signal eliminates the need to precisely match the positive and negative waves from two different elements, as occurs in class "AB" amplifiers, so class "A" amplifiers do not have the kind of signal distortion such as "center cutoff" inherent in some class "AB" amplifiers (push-pull amplifiers). Class "A" amplifiers, due to the specifics of their design (bias current), have a lower efficiency in terms of power consumption and heat up quite strongly even in the absence of a signal, and in addition to everything, as a rule, they are half as powerful compared to similar class "AB" amplifiers ( which makes them a little difficult to work with speakers with low sensitivity), but all this is such trifles compared to the magical sound that they can provide.
Class "AB" amplifier (push-pull amplifier)- this is an amplifier in each subsequent amplification stage of which different amplifying elements are responsible for amplifying the positive and negative half-waves (one for the positive half-wave, the other for the negative). Class "AB" amplifiers are more economical in power consumption and have a higher efficiency compared to class "A" amplifiers and heat up less. Compared to the "A" class, the "AB" class usually has twice the power and is easier to select speakers. An poorly designed class “AB” amplifier may have a signal distortion called “central cutoff” due to inaccurate matching of the work of the amplifying elements responsible for different half-waves
Cables and connectors
Interconnect cable- this is a cable designed to connect all components of a stereo system to each other (except for speakers (an speaker cable is needed here), with the exception of active speakers and turntables (they require a cable for the tonearm)). Interconnect cables are analog and digital, balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA), coaxial and optical, from different materials and different sections. The interconnect cable is an extremely important component of a stereo system, since it is it that can cause a general deterioration in sound quality if not given due attention to its selection.
Network cable- this is a cable designed to connect the components of the system to the power supply and having, on the one hand, the “plug” familiar to all of us, and on the other, a three-pin connector for connecting the system components. The network cable is an important component of the system, since without high-quality power the system will also work poorly, and the electromagnetic field from a poorly shielded network cable will interfere with adjacent interconnects and speaker cables
Acoustic cable- this is a cable designed to connect speakers to an integrated amplifier or to a power amplifier (with the exception of active speakers, they are connected directly to the preamplifier with an interconnect cable). The ratio of high, medium and low frequencies will depend on the section and material of the cable, and it will be different for each type of speaker system, so you should not neglect the choice of high-quality speaker cables, otherwise you can get far from ideal sound from an ideal stereo system. Speaker cables can have spade connectors (a small slingshot at the end of the cable), banana connectors (pin) and bare wire for clamping directly into the speaker and amplifier terminals
digital cable– a cable used to connect system components via digital inputs/outputs and intended for conducting only digital signals. Digital cables are available for both audio (coaxial, optical, etc.) and video (DVI, HDMI, etc.)
Optical cable- this is a digital cable made of a light-conducting optical fiber that transmits a digital signal in the form of short-term (millionths of a second) flashes of light
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Network filter- an integral part of any High-End system, providing clean power to all its components, filtering out high-frequency network interference coming from all of us familiar sockets. Without the use of a filter in a system of components with insufficiently protected power supplies, interference can enter the component circuits and significantly degrade the sound, preventing you from realizing the full potential of your system.
Voltage regenerator- Another device for clean power supply of High-End systems, but with a fundamentally new approach to solving this problem. The voltage regenerator takes from the network alternating current, then rectifies it (turning it into a constant), and then turns it back into an alternating one, but I have the ideal characteristics of a sine wave and voltage and in fact becomes an ideal power source for any component of the system.
Voltage regulator- an integral part of any High-End system, providing clean power to all its components and protection from power surges that lead to the failure of your equipment. Unforeseen power surges in the city power supply network can instantly burn all the circuits of your equipment if you neglect to purchase a voltage stabilizer. In addition to large surges, the voltage in the network constantly fluctuates from low to high, and these fluctuations significantly complicate the work of the power supplies of your components and worsen the overall sound. As a rule, voltage stabilizers incorporate power filtering circuits (built-in surge protector), thus combining power purity and safety for your equipment
Means of video display of information
Projector- This is an integral component of a real home theater, responsible for displaying video information by projecting an image onto a screen made of special material. Modern Full HD projectors are significantly superior in image quality and size to any type of the most modern TVs in one price category. Even modest projectors are capable of providing an image up to 2.5 meters diagonally and several billion colors and shades in an ordinary apartment. Various systems projector mounts allow you to install them on the ceiling or completely hide them from view using special lifts that hide the projectors in false ceilings when they are not in use. Similar systems fastening of projectors and screens rising into the niches of the ceilings allows any living room to be turned into a real cinema at the touch of a button, and after the end of the viewing, hide all signs of its presence
Screen for projector- an integral part of a home theater created on the basis of a projector. The screen is a canvas made of a special material that increases the contrast and image quality and retains its linear dimensions. The canvas is attached to a lifting device installed in an elegant case. The screen can have a manual lifting drive and electric (folds and unfolds by pressing a button). It is possible to install the screen in ceiling niches, which will hide the presence of the cinema in the living room when it is not in use.
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DVD player- almost the most versatile of existing species disc players. The DVD player is capable of playing almost all known formats of audio video information recorded on standard size discs (the only exceptions are blu ray disks). In addition to the disc compartment, some DVD players have slots for connecting memory cards of all formats and USB devices. Although the DVD player is capable of playback and audio recordings, true audiophiles are advised to use it only for video and movie soundtracks, since CD and SACD players, at the same price, surpass DVD players in terms of music playback quality. DVD players with multi-channel output, built-in decoders and volume control can be connected directly to a multi-channel power amplifier, otherwise an A/V receiver is required
Blu Ray player- at the moment it is the most versatile player that plays almost all known audio video formats recorded on discs of standard sizes. In addition to the disc compartment, most Blu Ray players have slots for connecting memory cards of all formats and USB devices. Blu Ray players got their name from the main format for which Blu Ray Disk was created, this is the highest resolution format that only Full HD projectors and TVs can display. Blu Ray players with multi-channel output, built-in decoders and volume control can be connected directly to a multi-channel power amplifier, otherwise an A/V receiver is required
AV receiver- a home theater component responsible for decoding audio and video signals (in case the DVD or Blu Ray player does not have a built-in video processor) received from the DVD or Blu Ray player, amplifying audio signals and distributing them between connected speakers. Most receivers have a built-in radio tuner. The main differences between the receivers (except for the general quality of workmanship and sound) are the number of amplification channels, power per channel and the completeness of the set of audio video decoders
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