10 Biggest Mistakes in Loudspeaker Shopping

[agarwalro]

Since subwoofer placement was mentioned...

12a. Spending huge on electronics (Oh boy! That 5 - 45000Hz -/+3dB and 0.000000001% THD+N at 1kHz sure looks good on paper), yet, skimping on speakers ($1000 for bookshelf speakers is just way too much)

12b. Setting your very very very good bookshelf speakers (read, expensive) to large and not getting a subwoofer because the lower -3dB point is rated at 45Hz (and then wondering why they sound bass "lacking" at high volumes).

13a. Living in a glass house and complaining that the speakers are too "bright" or having super thick carpeted foors with triple layered thick drapes and saying the speakers are too "warm"

13b. Spending huge on speakers and/or electronics but, $0.00 on room treatments (at least get a Gramma if you are not in a basement situation to avoid the whole subfloor becoming a large highly inaccurate speaker).

 

[audioman]

loudspeaker selection

choosing a loudspeaker for both home theater or stereo only or for both purposes is a subjective one. It's not an easy task depending on the needs of the user. People have different needs and taste of sound. It's best to research, audition and do a lot of testing for making a decision on what to get because there are a lot of marketing hype and a lot of biases from people making comments and reviews. There are too many designs and technical approach in loudspeaker design for both home theater and stereo only applications. Sometimes the system that will work for you may not even be advertisted or sold on stores but online or at specialty shops or even from a local ad. Those van speakers are generic copycats using cheap parts to look like the original design that was made by an established manufacturer. It's the same as those people who approach with generic colognes/perfumes. Same marketing ploy. The fact is, there's as much cheap and bad products in the marketplace like bestbuy, walmart, target as the ones sold on the streets. Sometimes it's better to purchase used from an audiophile who is upgrading, and there are a few sites online like audiogon or ebay or even local high end specialty stores getting rid of old stock. Bargains of good quality loudspeakers you have to do some research or ask around. There is trial and error in trying to establish the best sounding system for your particular needs. Everyone's taste is going to vary from person to person!