Get to Know Speakers & Subwoofers
Ideally, each speaker in a set reproduces a separate audio channel. If you want to listen to two-channel stereo recordings from your AM/FM tuner or CDs, you'll need left and right stereo speakers, available in a variety of sizes, that project sound in front of a listener. Purchase additional speakers to immerse yourself in surround sound sporting events, movies, and music from HDTV, DVDs, SACDs, and DVD-Audio.Home Theater Speakers
Surround sound recordings contain four or more channels of audio, each reproduced by a separate speaker. A subwoofer makes up the .1, reproducing low-frequency effects and other low-frequency audio. Measure the space where you plan to place your speakers and receiver. Note the length, width, and depth of the speakers that interest you and make sure they will fit in your home.
* Front speakers: Place front speakers to the left and right of your television. Full-size floor-standing speakers usually sound best overall. The large units should visually fit into your home, so pay attention to cabinet color and images provided in item listings. Choose bookshelf units if you want your speakers to sit on a shelf. You can also place bookshelf speakers on your wall using a wall-mounting kit, a solution that offers easy and temporary installation perfect for students and renters. Just take your speakers off the wall when you move. Your houseguests will be able to see your equipment and (maybe) some wires.
* Center-channel speakers: Get the largest center-channel surround sound speaker you can, especially if you have large front speakers. It reproduces that sound that seems to come directly from your television.
* Surround speakers: Position surround speakers to the left and right of your primary listening position. You can use floor-standing speakers, bookshelf speakers, or smaller satellite speakers that fit nicely on end tables or on a stand. Many sets include satellite surround speakers that offer decent performance in a small package.
* Subwoofers: Fit a subwoofer into a corner of your room. Most subwoofer units include their own power amplifier and subwoofers with larger cabinets and drivers produce deeper bass sounds than smaller subwoofer units.
* Rear surround speakers: Set a single rear speaker in back of your primary listening position for 6.1 surround sound, or use two rear speakers for 7.1 surround sound. Both rear 7.1 surround sound speakers reproduce the same back channel of audio. 5.1 surround sound speakers optimized for Dolby Digital and DTS playback (formats with five channels of audio) do not include rear speakers.
Space-Saving Speakers
Hide your speakers from view. Inconspicuous in-wall speakers and in-ceiling speakers lay flush with your walls and most include a grille that you can paint to match your décor. They perfectly complement wall-mounted flat-panel TVs and can be placed in other rooms and hallways, allowing you to play music throughout your home. Installation requires proper positioning and running wires behind walls.
Outdoor speakers
Outdoor speakers add ambience to your deck or yard. These inconspicuous units fit nicely under awnings and have weatherproofing to protect them from the outside elements.
Wireless speakers
Bookshelf-size wireless speakers give you the ability to listen to music in different rooms without running wires or lugging around a boom box. You can also use them to complement your stereo system or complete your surround sound speaker setup. Companies such as RCA, Sony, Sharper Image, JBL, and Acoustic Research produce sets that include left and right stereo speakers with integrated receivers and a transmitter that can operate on battery power or plug into the wall. Although most speakers will work outdoors during good weather, you'll want a water-resistant design if you plan to regularly use your speakers outside or in a moist room such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Wireless speakers usually have a range between 150 to 300 feet and operate on the 900 megahertz or 2.4 gigahertz frequency band (check item listings for details). Many other devices, including cordless phones, microwave ovens, and wireless home networks, also use these bands and may cause some interference. Consider the other types of electronics used in your home before buying wireless speakers.
(eBay)
