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Speaker packages
Speaker package basics: Front-left and front-right speakers | Center speaker | Surround speakers | Subwoofer | One-way, two-way, three-way | On-wall speakers | Speaker connectivity You can choose from miniature 4-inch-tall satellites or move up to hulking tower speakers. There's a size and shape for every taste. While the best small speakers can sound awfully good, they produce less bass and have loudness limitations compared with larger speakers. Full-size, 38-inch-tall or larger tower speakers frequently offer the best overall sound, though midsize 12- to 15-inch-tall bookshelf speakers may be the best compromise for sound-conscious buyers who can't accept the visual intrusion of full-size speakers. ![]() The same logic applies to the vitally important center speaker, which is responsible for reproducing a large part of your DVD's dialog, effects, and music. The smallest 7-inch-wide models are the least visually intrusive but most sonically compromised.
A standard 5.1 system uses a pair of surround speakers, located to the sides of the main listening position. The newer Dolby-EX/DTS-ES 6.1 and Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD 7.1 systems add either one or two surround speakers, centered
behind the main listening position.
Subwoofers supply deeper bass than satellite speakers. Once again, cabinet and driver size play a large part in predicting bass quality and quantity. Lower-end HTIB models are called passive, meaning the receiver's amplifier powers the subwoofer. Higher-quality subwoofers are powered, as they have their own onboard power amps.
Individual speakers come in three flavors:
Generally speaking, two-way speakers produce better sound than the one-way designs found on many entry-level HTIB systems. And three-way speakers usually sound better than two-ways. Some designs add one or more extra woofers, though multiple woofer, or midranges don't increase the "ways" of a speaker--a speaker with two woofers, one midrange, and one tweeter is still a three-way speaker. Multidriver speakers are usually pricier than speakers with fewer drivers. Low-profile on-wall speakers are the perfect sonic solution for wall-mounted plasma and flat-panel TVs. Some models are designed to visually complement wall-mounted TVs. On-wall speakers can also be a better-sounding alternative to in-wall speakers. For apartment dwellers, on-wall speakers free up floor space.
Most
lower-priced speakers use spring-loaded connectors, which may not provide the most secure grip on the wires. Binding posts are better and work with bare wire leads, spades (U-shaped connectors), or handiest of all, banana jacks (bowed, banana-shaped male jacks). You can get banana jacks at specialty audio stores or your neighborhood D.I.Y. shops.
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