Older people remember well the times when having a home speaker system was a sign of luxury. The owners of “35 AS-1”, “Symphony 003” and “Radio Engineering S90” were envied, such equipment could not be bought – it was taken out. Happy owners, upon availability, were included in the category of music lovers. Now these systems are rarities (although many copies have remained operational), they have been replaced by different-sized columns for different applications.
In terms of marketing, the best speakers in 2022 are divided into home (floor, shelf, wall, etc.), portable and car. There are also special groups of equipment for computers, conference calls, concert, studio and stereo phones.
In technical terms, single- and multi-band acoustic systems are distinguished. Formally, the number of columns corresponds to the number of bands. The type is also involved in the categorization: active (the amplifier is built into the speakers) and passive (tuning of the speakers and amplifier will be required).
With these inputs, let’s try to deal with the current market assortment.
Top 10 rating according to KP
The selection methodology is based on equipment tests based on open data, customer reviews and expert opinion.
Editor’s Choice
Let’s name 3 best audio systems from different areas of application. The premium class is not included in the rating, professional and specialized equipment is also excluded – we are looking only at the mass segment.
1. YAMAHA HS5
2-way speaker system for home, active type, rated power – 70 watts. The frequency range is 54-30 Hz, that is, both bass and treble are available (including ultrasound). The speakers are quite compact, the size of the speakers is small, but this does not affect the sound quality. The proof of quality is the sales volume for the last year: this system was purchased most often. Users also have no complaints about build quality and reliability. The audio system is suitable for listening and for simple mixing of tracks. Audiophiles may have complaints about bass, but in this segment, this drawback can be neglected.
2. Sony SS-CS3
Floorstanding 2-way speaker system, passive type, with front loudspeaker. Provides a maximum power of 50 W and operates in the range of 45-50 Hz. Other speakers can also be connected to the amplifier to provide a three-dimensional sound picture.
3. Harman Kardon Citation ONE Black
A good model of a speaker system for computers, can be used as a portable one (there is WiFi support). In terms of technical characteristics, it is not much inferior to home use systems, as nice additions – support for streaming audio services, 2 microphones and a voice assistant. Supports connecting additional speakers using Connect+ technology and has a 12-hour battery life.
What other speakers should you pay attention to?
Based on the available budget and the purpose of purchasing the speaker system. Below are some good models to think about.
4. DALI SPEKTOR 2
Classic 2-way model of the passive type. High-quality sound – there is nothing to add to this characteristic.
5. Elac Debut Reference DCR52
A relatively new model on the market, designed to organize a home theater. 2 bands with a total power of 120W can provide a complete immersive experience.
6. KEF Q150
If you strengthen the audio system with a high-quality subwoofer, the model may well compete with the bestsellers. Users note a good dynamic range, there are no complaints about the sound quality. Audiophiles may not like the mids, but on specialized forums, this problem is recommended to be treated by replacing the amplifier.
7.Ruark Audio R1 Mk3 Wild Plum
You can hardly call the model a novelty, but there is no doubt as an English brand. Can be powered by mains power or battery. There are no complaints about the sound.
Here are a few more models of car speaker systems (car radios). Multifunctionality and reliability are important for them, less attention to sound quality.
8. Pioneer SPH-10BT
A fairly simple model that combines the functionality of an audio player and a radio. There is an amplifier and an equalizer. Regular speakers are enough for comfort on the road. Support for iPhone is provided, it is convenient for voice communication.
9. SoundMAX SM-CF402
Choice for unpretentious drivers: 2 integrated speakers. The player and amplifier need to be purchased separately. They solve the problem of sound accompaniment on the road, they do not pretend to anything else.
10. EDGE EDPRO6B-E6
A single-band, designed for medium frequencies, a subwoofer must be purchased separately.
How to choose a speaker system
We asked about the meaning of the fashionable abbreviation Hi-Fi and the criteria for choosing acoustic systems. M.Video Sales Consultant Sergey Grevnev.
– I still have not learned how to correctly answer users’ questions about the fundamental differences between mythical Hi-Fi class acoustic systems and budget home speakers. It’s like comparing a Lada with a Mercedes: there’s no other way to explain it. If the differences in technical parameters do not mean anything, be guided by your own feelings – there are no other tips. Professional audio systems and top models of the premium segment are expensive, but there are decent options in the average and budget sectors.
Any speakers need warming up: on average, it takes from several minutes to several hours. If you choose a system that you plan to use daily and for a long time, you will have to spend a lot of time on the trading floor. It is better to test the sound on those records that you are familiar with – but not all trading floors and consultants in them are ready for your testing: take this philosophically.
I can advise the buyer on some models that are suitable for the given parameters or related to a certain price range, but I am not ready to share the responsibility for the final choice with the client. There is more than enough information available on audio systems, but it is not always reliable. If you need a speaker system for your home, I am confident in the Elac and DALI brands: regardless of the model, the quality is consistently high.