The Basics:  Stereo Speakers

Shopping for new speakers used to mean looking at speaker pairs for your stereo system. Today, the marketplace buzzes about home theater and surround sound systems with as many as eight speakers. However, demand is still high for quality stereo speaker pairs for listening to music. The good news is that plenty of choices are available, and you are sure to find a pair that fits your budget.

Although multichannel music on DVD-Audio and SACD is slowly entering the market, the overwhelming majority of music for sale today plays in two-channel stereo. Even though most home theater systems, from large and expensive component setups to the popular and affordable "home theater in a box" systems, are capable of playing music in stereo, your best results will still come from a quality pair of stereo speakers designed for music.

Regardless of your budget, there are plenty of options available in many sizes, shapes and configurations. Technology has improved to a point where you can get a lot of bang for your buck, whether shopping at a specialty audio retailer, the nearest big-box store or online from an internet-direct manufacturer.

Stereo speakers are generally divided into two broad categories:  bookshelf and floorstanding. Bookshelf speakers are available in a variety of sizes, with some larger models capable of enormous sound reproduction that can rival or surpass modest floorstanders. They are generally intended for positioning on a bookshelf or sitting on elevated speaker stands. Floorstanding or tower speakers are freestanding models best suited for dedicated listening rooms or large spaces that require a more robust output.

Speaker shopping is an individual sport. What sounds good to your friend may not appeal to you. For this reason, we suggest you take the time to research and make an effort to listen to several brands before deciding which to buy. Just because a speaker has a recognizable brand name that is heavily advertised does not mean it is the best choice for you. Some brands you have never heard of may offer twice the quality for half the price, so you should consider internet-based companies in addition to brands found in traditional retail outlets.

Five Questions Before You Buy

1. Do I want floorstanding or bookshelf speakers?

You should first consider what style of speaker your listening room can accommodate. If you are looking to fill a large room with sound, floorstanding models are a good option provided there is a low-traffic area in which to position them. Some larger floorstanding stereo speakers present a tip-over risk, so keep this in mind if you have young children or pets. If you want your speakers to blend in or "hide" on built-in shelves and cabinetry, bookshelf-style speakers are best.

In addition to finding a pair of speakers that are attractive sonically, you want to choose a model that is aesthetically pleasing. There are many different color finishes and grills from which to choose, with cabinets ranging from black vinyl veneer to colorful exotic hardwoods.

2. What is my budget?

There are great speakers available for any budget, but this presents its own problem. You can spend as much or as little on speakers as you want, as is the case with most things in life. Decide on your budget, and then stick to it when choosing your speakers. If you take the time to do a little research, you will find that there are plenty of great-sounding speakers available for as little as $250 a pair, if not less.

3. How powerful is my amplifier or receiver?

If you have an older receiver with a low power output, focus on a speaker's efficiency. If you have a high-end receiver with a powerful amplifier, look for a model that is capable of handling high power.

4. What style of music do I listen to the most?

Some speakers are much better suited for classical, vocal or jazz music than pop, country or rock. Be sure to consider your preferred music styles, and find speakers that sound the best with your favorite tunes or genres.

5. Where will I use the speakers?

Speaker placement is essential to getting the best performance, and it should figure prominently in your purchasing decision. Ideally, a speaker's tweeters should be positioned at ear level, and the left and right speakers should be located at equal distances from your ideal listening position. Also, if possible, you should position your speakers at least 3 to 6 inches from the walls behind and on the sides of them, especially with rear-ported speakers. If you are planning to install your speakers in an enclosed entertainment center or bookshelf, consider models with front- or non-ported cabinets.

If you anticipate upgrading to a full home theater setup in the future, carefully consider what role your new speakers will play. For example, a pair of bookshelf speakers might make great surround satellites, while floorstanding speakers would be better suited as your front main left and right speakers in a larger home theater.

How To Shop

Ideally, you should visit showrooms and listen to candidate speakers before purchasing. However, internet-direct speaker sales have grown in recent years, and this is an option you should strongly consider. Several new manufacturers sell high-quality speakers from their own websites. Both in-person and internet shopping have their own positives and negatives.

Shopping for speakers at a traditional brick-and-mortar store lets you have a hands-on experience, where you can not only listen and compare different brands, but also handle the speakers and get a feel for the shape and design. A good dealer should have a listening room or speaker showroom that allows you to try out various tracks from your favorite CD. Look for a dealer who is patient and takes a low-pressure approach, even if it means several trips to the store for extended listening sessions.

Perhaps most importantly of all, take your own CD and DVD with you to audition speakers. Never let the dealer put on his or her "favorite" demo disk, as this will often contain music that has nothing in common with the tunes to which you frequently listen. Take discs with which you are very familiar, and you will immediately hear the differences between the various speaker sizes and brands.

One downside to auditioning speakers in a showroom is that the showroom's acoustics are likely to be significantly dissimilar to the environment in your den or listening room at home. What sounds great at the store may not sound good at your house and vice versa. A large chain store is big and loud, and you may be testing speakers at a much higher volume than you would normally listen to at home. Also, the store's listening room (if they even have one) might be much larger or smaller than the room you will be using them in at your house. For these reasons, we recommend that after you have chosen a set of speakers, inquire about an in-home audition. If this is not available, make sure you purchase from a store with a favorable return policy, even if you use the speakers for several weeks. You may have to pay a restocking fee for returned merchandise, but this is better than being stuck with new speakers that just don't sound right.

An in-home audition and favorable return policy are essential if you buy direct from the manufacturer via the internet. A handful of speaker manufacturers allow you to purchase their products and audition them in your home with little or no risk, offering a full refund if you decide you don't like them. Usually, the only potential downside is the time and cost of shipping the speakers back, although some manufacturers provide free shipping both ways.

Auditioning speakers in your home allows you to listen to them with the actual equipment, volume levels and acoustics to which you are accustomed, which will quickly reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the models you have chosen. The key thing to remember is to trust your ears. Shopping for speakers is a lot like shopping for a new car. Find a model that suits you best. Take your time and do a little research, then listen to as many sets of speakers as you can. If the stereo speakers fit your space and budget and sound great, you've found the right speakers that should provide you years of entertainment.