So now you’re wondering how you’re going to explain to people why you’re standing on a street corner with your eyes closed. Not to worry, just get a pair of dark sunglasses. Now it’s time to move on to the second part of this educational experience - music. Metal or Mozart, Pop or Pavarotti, Country or Count Basie…everyone has their favorites. Just like the sounds we all associate with soundtracks, we want our speakers to faithfully re-produce the music that moves and inspires us.
Just as in part one of this article, before heading out to audition speakers, you want to first listen to some music. “Easy” you think “I listened to some tunes in my car today”. Most of us listen to music already being played through speakers or headphones. Not many of us get to enjoy live music made by a piano, violin, trumpet, acoustic guitar…etal. This is a very important step in listener education. Anytime you have the opportunity to listen to un-amplified music played live, I advise you to take advantage.
Again, close your eyes and really tune into the sound of the instrument. Ideally it will be played by a seasoned musician, and not at your 5 year old nieces first recital (which can be a treat in and of itself). Try to pick up on the cues that make a live performance sound alive - the ambiance of the room, the performer, the strings or reeds, the body of the instrument…done properly, the experience can be not only informative but exhilarating. And when you can experience an entire orchestra playing in concert, you gain a whole new appreciation for the term “soundstage”. Better yet, if you’re lucky enough to know a musician, or even a good singer, ask if they would perform for you in your ultimate forum - your living room. How does the instrument or voice sound as you listen from your favorite chair?
“Orchestras aren’t really my thing” you say? OK, if you know someone with a set of drums, ask to sit in on a practice session. Like a gunshot at a firing range, the percussive sound from a drum can be heard and felt. You may be surprised at how different a high-hat and other cymbals sound live, as opposed to pre-recorded.
Going to see a staged and amplified concert is not the same, as too many variables enter into the equation.
OK, so we’re all aware of the sounds around us - good! But before you venture out into your local audio shop, just a little bit about what happens in between the event of the sound happening, and coming out of your speakers. Typically, the recording chain begins with a microphone. The type, size and even the brand of microphone has an effect on how sound…sounds. So, the very first link in the chain can make for a good, or not so good recording. Even the placement of the mic can change the way the listener perceives what they are hearing. I read a review of a pair of speakers once where the reviewer lauded the speakers ability to render such fine detail, he could hear the hammer striking the piano strings. The only way I know to hear such detail would be to walk up to the piano and stick my head in right next to the strings. Apparently, a recording engineer along the way thought the best place to capture the sound of the piano was by placing the microphone right in the instrument.
The next steps involves mixing, editing and mastering. At this point, we’re at the mercy of anywhere from 1 to 5 people or more, as the musicians, mixer, engineer…even the producer can get involved, all in the quest of getting a particular sound. Some recordings are well engineered, and some sound like a train wreck. It’s because of these factors that it is important for the listener to know ahead of time how something should - and shouldn’t - sound.
So, with all of this information securely stowed in your cranium, it’s finally time to head out to ______? Where do you go to listen to speakers? A “big-box” store? Radio Shack? An audio salon? Just where is the best place to audition speakers? The answer is - in your room. Sure, peruse the internet, jump into forums, read reviews, ask questions…but only as a starting point. As you seek enlightenment, remember you’re inquiring about a very subjective matter. Jot down some brand names and models, see what’s in your area, and plan on spending the better part of several days driving around and listening. Take along a note pad, and write down your impressions of each speaker you listen to. Afterwards, take some time to digest what you’ve heard, what you liked and what you didn’t like. Then, repeat as much as possible until you’ve listened to a lot of choices, and then start to narrow down your list. Go back several times until you have only a few choices left.
Now here’s where it can get tricky. As I said before, the best place to audition is in your room. Ideally, the store you’ve been visiting will allow you to take home a floor sample (with a security deposit) and listen to the speakers with your equipment in the space you have. This is the only way to know just how the speaker is going to sound for you in your domicile. In lieu of such an audition, you may want to consider the return policy of the store where you’re purchasing. Chances are, if you’ve been able to listen in a dedicated listening room (rather than a noisy sales floor) you should have a good impression of the qualities of the speaker, but it’s always good to have a means to return, or trade in the speakers.
Of course another issue is the cost. Sure, you could by a $15 pair of computer speakers, plug them in and they’ll make sound, but if you’ve read this article in its entirety so far, you know you want something more. Some people only want a pair of speakers to start with, while others jump right in and go for the full 7.1 setup right off the bat. Either way is fine after proper auditioning, but a budget is of concern. You may think you only want two speakers for music listening at first, but since home theater has really taken off, it would be wise to see if the line of speakers you’re considering have matching center channel and surround speakers for possible future expansion. This will help to insure a cohesive sound all through out in a surround sound system. You don’t need a “matching” subwoofer as bass is handled a bit differently, and a quality sub can be added at any time. Also, never feel like you need to buy a certain brand nor spend your life savings to get good sounding speakers.
Another consideration is buying from the internet. Some better deals can be found, and some companies sell direct from their web site, eliminating the “middle man” while passing the savings on to you. Some even allow an in home audition (crucial since there’s no other way of auditioning) and a liberal return policy. There’s also the used market to consider, especially if the speaker you want is out of reach financially, or just isn’t made anymore, but keep in mind “caveat emptor” - let the buyer beware. Know who you’re getting the speakers from, and ask if they’ll accept a return/refund as part of the deal. Not as likely as retail, but it never hurts to ask.
Once you’ve made your purchase, follow any of the good guides for setting up and calibrating your system, sit back, listen…and enjoy.