Audio Speakers - How to Test Drive a Speaker Then Buy Better Quality at Lower Prices

A good quality subwoofer is not cheap. Whether it is for the explosions a home theater surround sound system can provide or for automotive bass thumping, the aficionado can count on investing a pretty penny for good quality. Rather than pay full retail prices for that advertised "best buy", there is a better and more economical alternative.

The online world has more resources and options than any brick and mortar electronics store can possibly possess. There is more information online regarding the specifications of any pair of speakers or subwoofer than what the sales people can provide. Of course it is wise to keep one's options open by looking around in the retail stores in order to "test drive" specific speakers with the desired specifications.

Once the perfect speaker or speakers are found then comes the fun and exciting part, paying less for an even better quality speaker. Ordering a speaker from an online company which specializes in quality audio gear will yield better results. It will just take a little more time, but in the end a superior product will be enjoyed.

The truly fun part is actually customizing and building the speaker yourself. It may sound like an unusual concept, but it is a very realistic possibility. When building a speaker, one can select very specific features from wood or carbon fiber cones to crossovers and terminals. Many of the speaker companies offer speaker kits and instructions for building a better system than what is available in the overpriced electronics store.

Granted that if an individual is completely new to this type of project, calling the speaker company to ask some questions is always recommended. Knowing that the company specializes in individual parts, components and repairs should put one's concerns and hesitation to rest. Comparing this knowledge base with the kids at the electronic store is can pay off substantially.

Many times, instead of replacing a speaker, just repairing it will cut the costs down dramatically. Assuming the box is in presentable condition, the speaker may very likely be able to be repaired. Many speaker companies also sell re-foam kits, diaphragms and more. Name brand components are likely available for those that insist on using the same parts as the manufacturer of the speaker in question. That is understandable.

Do not just assume that the inventory listed on the website is the only items that are available. Special orders may be possible, but it is always recommended that calling the company will clear up any confusion and ensure the right product is ordered for the repair or replacement.

Many websites provide additional information on the topic of purchasing high quality audio speakers and speaker repair. One such site worth visiting is http://www.midwestspeaker.com.

Dan Elliott independently authors articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com) for search engine marketing. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.

Home Audio Speaker Placement - Better Performance Through Better Design

Whether investing a large amount of your savings or a small part of your budget on your home theater, your speaker placement will play a big role in the sound quality and sonic performance in your home theater room.

The instructions that come with your speakers will give you recommendation for where to place them within a room but below are a few things to consider as you begin setting up your new home theater speakers.

CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKER

This speaker's main purpose is to anchor sounds on-screen, like dialogue.

Tips for placement of the center channel speaker:

1. Center it directly above or below your television.

2. If you place it above the television, the front edge of the speaker should line up precisely with the front edge of the television. This will cut down on any kind of sound "bouncing around" inside the television cabinet.

3. The tweeter of this particular speaker should be at the same height as the tweeters of the front speakers. If you can accomplish this to within 24 inches, that will allow for the best sound quality.

4. The front speakers and this particular speaker should be spaced the same distance away from your planned listening position.

FRONT SPEAKERS: BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT

These speakers have two distinct purposes. They reproduce stereo music sound while also handling a movie's soundtrack.

Tips for placement of the front speakers:

1. Find your optimal listening position. Now space the two front speakers at points in the room that are equal is distance to that position, with one to the left and one to the right. The front right, front left and center channel speakers should all be approximately the same distance from where you are sitting, with the tweeters of each directed at your ears. Don't just eyeball this and get an approximate distance, as even an inch variation in the distance of the speakers can make a noticeable difference in your home audio system's sound quality.

2. These speakers' tweeters should be even to your ear level when seated in the optimal listening position. Smaller home theater speakers can be mounted on the wall or placed on a speaker stand. Floor standing speakers normally have this covered in their design.

SURROUND SPEAKERS

The purpose of the surround speakers is to provide low and high level sound from other parts of the room, creating a movie theater feel in your home theater. The surround speaker placement will depend on the size of your home theater, the shape of the room, and the space needed for the actual speakers. Be creative and experiment with the placement of these particular speakers throughout the room.

Tips for placement of the surround speakers:

1. Place the primary pair to the right and to the left of your optimal listening position. This can be done in line with your position or just behind it. When placement to the side is impossible, or when you have a surround system with more than two surround speakers, you may wish to place the speakers behind the listening position, with the sound being directed toward the front of the room.

2. These speakers should be placed at approximately ear level when you are in a standing position.

3. Experiment with the aiming of these speakers when mounted on the walls. Sometimes good results can be achieved when you point them up at the ceiling or back at the rear corners of the room.

SUBWOOFER

A home theater subwoofer provides your home audio system with all the low bass frequencies needed for a movie theater, surround sound experience. However, it is one of the least difficult to position. In most cases, you can position your home theater subwoofer anywhere in your home theater and still get good results.

There is no one "perfect" placement for any given home theater speaker. No two rooms' acoustics will be the same, all speakers will have various sonic characteristics, and no two ears will hear any given sound identically. This doesn't mean you will never achieve the best sound quality from your home audio system. All it means is take the advice given and modify it when you actually install your home theater speakers to accommodate your specific needs.

~Ben Anton, 2007

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR.
Learn more about the benefits of in-wall home theater speaker placement at Ronny's 5th St. Audio Vision, a Eugene-based home theater retailer and installer.