Choosing speakers for your computer is easy, but if you don't want to constantly hear the sounds from the bucket, then this issue needs to be approached wisely.
For office computer(documents, Internet) any of the cheapest speakers will suffice, as they say so (to accompany the workflow) But I still recommend limiting ourselves to the SVEN and Genius brands, since even inexpensive models have acceptable quality.
Computer speakers Genius SP-U120
For a multimedia computer (movies, simple games), it is better to take speakers in a wooden case from the SVEN brand with a total power of 10-20 W. The sound quality will be much better.
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-619
For a large space or if you like powerful sound, it is better to take more powerful speakers (40-60 watts).
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-611S
If you like music (especially classical or rock), then a more realistic sound in the mid-high range and soft transparent bass will be provided by Edifier or Microlab speakers with a total power of 40-60 watts.
Computer speakers Edifier R1100
For games, you can take the SVEN 2.1 speaker system (with a subwoofer) with a total power of 40-60 W, which will provide powerful driving bass.
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-820
Well, for a home theater, a 5.1 multi-channel system manufactured by Creative, Microlab, Logitech or Sven will be an excellent choice.
Computer speakers Logitech Z506
As for laptops, there are several options. If you plan to use speakers where there is an outlet, then take inexpensive speakers in a plastic case for 5-10 W manufactured by SVEN or Genius. If you want to use the speakers in nature or in other places where there is no outlet, then you need a USB-powered mobile speaker with a total power of 4-6 watts. Recommended manufacturers are SVEN, Genius and Defender.
Computer speakers SVEN 120
2. Assigning columns
Office - inexpensive stereo speakers (2.0) with low volume and sound quality. Suitable primarily for playing the sounds of the operating system, which help in everyday work. Sometimes they can be used to watch videos on the Internet or create a light background music.
Home - stereo speakers (2.0, 2.1) of medium volume and quite acceptable sound quality. They are versatile and suitable for music, movies and games.
Gaming - multi-channel audio system (5.1) to create surround sound, helping to navigate the games of their avid fans.
Home theater is a multi-channel audio system (5.1, 7.1) for watching movies with multi-channel sound. It can have multiple inputs, so you can connect a computer and a video player to the same audio system at the same time.
Portable - small portable stereo or mono speakers for laptops and other mobile devices. They usually have low power and can be powered by a laptop USB connector or a built-in battery.
3. Speaker manufacturers
High-quality high-tech computer speakers are produced by: Creative and Logitech. But they are also the most expensive.
Separately, I want to note the Sven speakers, which have an excellent price / quality ratio in the entire price range.
The inexpensive Defender brand is also popular now, but the choice of speakers from this manufacturer needs to be approached more carefully, since their assortment includes both successful models and not so good ones.
If you're looking for inexpensive speakers for your office computer, look no further than Genius and Sven.
High-quality portable speakers are produced by: BBK, Creative, HP, Jabra, JBL, Microlab, Logitech, Philips.
From cheaper trademarks in the segment portable speakers can be considered: A4Tech, Defender, Genius, Sven.
4. Warranty
speakers top brands, as a rule, are of good quality, rarely fail and the warranty for them is 1-2 years, depending on how expensive the model is. Speakers from cheaper brands are not of such good quality and are more likely to fail within the first year of operation. Therefore, it is desirable that the warranty on them be at least a year. For the cheapest office speakers, sellers can give a guarantee of only 3-6 months.
5. Number of channels
The number of channels is determined by the number of speakers in the speaker system. Office speakers usually have 2 channels and correspond to the type of 2.0 speaker system.
Home speakers can have 2 channels or 2 channels and a subwoofer, which corresponds to the type of 2.1 speaker system. A subwoofer is a special speaker with a large diameter speaker for playing low frequencies, resulting in more powerful and deeper bass.
The simplest speaker system for games and home theater has 5 channels and a subwoofer, which corresponds to the type of speaker system 5.1.
Please note that the computer must support the required number of channels and have the appropriate number of audio jacks to connect the speaker system. If a motherboard only has 3 3.5mm jacks, only a 2.0 or 2.1 speaker system can be connected to it. If 5, 6 jacks - speaker system from 2.0 to 7.1.
Also, the motherboard may have a digital optical output, with which you can connect a good audio system that has a similar input, which is convenient and provides high sound quality. If your motherboard does not have enough audio jacks and digital audio output, but you still want to connect a 5.1 or 7.1 multi-channel system, then you will have to buy a separate sound card.
Portable audio systems can have 2 or 1 speakers.
6. Power supply
Office and home speakers designed for desktop computers are connected to a 220 V socket and consume little electricity. Multi-channel audio systems may consume more power, depending on the total power.
Portable speakers that are powered from the USB port of the laptop can be taken with you to nature, where there is no outlet. And speakers with their own battery can be connected to a smartphone or MP3 player.
Ordinary small but more powerful speakers that plug into a 220 V outlet can also be used as portable speakers. This can be useful, for example, for making audio presentations from your laptop in classrooms.
7. Speaker power
The speaker system must have sufficient power to provide high-quality sound at medium and high volumes. The power of the speaker system can be indicated in total for the entire system (for example, 20 W) or separately for each speaker (for example, 2x10 W).
Office speakers have a power of 2-6 watts per speaker. The power of 2W is only enough for operating system sounds. In order for the speakers to be used for music and movies, it is advisable to buy speakers of at least 4 watts. 6 W speakers can be used for presentations in a small office or listening to music in a noisy company.
Home speakers should have 10-30 watts per speaker. It all depends on preferences. If you do not like to turn on music loudly, then 10-15 watts per speaker will be optimal. If you like loud sound - 20-30 watts. Large capacities are needed only if you want to annoy your neighbors.
Gaming or home theater speakers are in principle subject to the same power requirements as home theater speakers. For a multi-channel audio system (5.1, 7.1), the total power is usually taken into account. The total power of modern 5.1 speaker systems has a fairly large range of 50-500 watts. Here again, it all depends on personal preferences and financial capabilities. For non-demanding users, a 5.1 system with a power of 75 watts is enough. If you like loud sound, then take a speaker system with a power of about 150 watts. Acoustics with a power of about 250 W will already cost much more and are suitable for a large private house. A 500W system can kill an elephant...
Portable speakers have a power of 0.5-4 watts per speaker. The power of 0.5-1 W per speaker is too little, since they will sound no louder than the built-in laptop speakers. If the power comes from USB, I recommend purchasing portable speakers with a power of 2-3 W, if from an outlet - 4-6 W per speaker.
8. Number of lanes
The number of bands corresponds to the number of speakers in the column. If there is one speaker - the system is single-way, if two - two-way, three - three-way.
The addition of additional speakers is done to split the frequency range between them. Each speaker reproduces its own frequency range, which makes the sound more detailed and high quality. First of all, high frequencies are separated, for the reproduction of which a small speaker is installed. In a three-way system, the mids and lows are also separated. It is desirable that the speakers have at least two speakers.
The bass reflex is a special tube in the speaker cabinet that is used to boost the bass. It can be located behind or in front.
If you like powerful bass, then it is desirable that the speakers have a phase inverter.
Most speakers have decorative panels with stretched fabric or grille to protect the speakers. But some speaker models do not have such panels.
It is desirable that there are panels, since the speakers are easy to wrinkle with a careless touch.
11. Controls
One of the speakers or a subwoofer may have a power button, volume controls, treble and bass controls. They can be on the front, side or rear panel.
It is more convenient when the controls are in front, but in principle there is no need to constantly use them, since the volume can be adjusted in the computer, on the keyboard, using the video player control panel or the speakers themselves, which is present in most models of the middle and higher price range. In addition, over time, these regulators wear out, so it is not advisable to use them intensively.
With wireless remote controls, you can usually adjust more settings, such as switching inputs from a computer to a TV and back. And some wired remotes can connect headphones.
12. Connectors
Speaker system 2.0 has 1 minijack 3.5 mm for connecting to a computer, system 2.1 - 2 such plugs, system 5.1. – 3.
To connect to a video player, a multi-channel system may have RCA (tulip) connectors.
The system can also have coaxial and optical connectors, with which you can connect both a computer and a video player that have similar connectors.
All speakers also have connectors and appropriate cables for connecting to an amplifier that is built into either one of the speakers (in 2.0 systems) or a subwoofer (in 2.1, 5.1 systems). Instead of tulips for all or some of the connections, speakers may have spring-loaded or screw-type connectors into which the wires are inserted directly.
This type of connection has several advantages:
- better contact compared to tulips that can break
- wire without a plug is easier to pull through various openings and holes
- the wire can be easily replaced with any other desired length
Modern multi-channel systems allow you to connect several devices to them at once. Think in advance how and to what devices you will connect the audio system and what connectors you will need for this. For example, a video player can be connected with a digital optical cable, a computer with minijacks, and a TV with tulips, or in any other order. On manufacturers' websites, you can often find instructions with recommended connection diagrams for various devices. You can also consult with the seller or on the forum of the relevant subject.
In addition to these connectors, the speakers may have a headphone jack, which is very convenient and an audio input to which you can connect, for example, a smartphone or an MP3 player to play music without a computer.
13. Length of wires
The length of the wires, unfortunately, is usually not indicated in the characteristics of the speakers. If the speakers will be far from the system unit or you plan to spread them around the room, then try to look for this information on the manufacturer's website, ask the seller or those who have already purchased the same model. Also in this case, it is better if the speakers are connected with wires without connectors or with very popular connectors (minijack or tulip), which are easy to purchase separately of the desired length.
14. Frequency response
The parameters of the speakers may indicate such characteristics as the range of reproducible frequencies, the signal-to-noise ratio, and some others. The human ear is capable of picking up frequencies in the 20Hz-20kHz range. If the lower value is higher (40-50 Hz), then the bass is lost. If the upper value is lower (15-18 kHz), then high frequencies are lost. If, on the contrary, a wider range is indicated, for example, 15-25000, then this is just an advertising ploy, since you will not hear these frequencies anyway. However, the parameters indicated by manufacturers do not always correspond to reality. Therefore, you can find out the actual characteristics and evaluate the sound quality only with the help of tests, the results of which can be found on the Internet according to the speaker model. The same applies to other parameters that I do not recommend focusing on.
15. Audio coding system
Some speakers support certified audio encoding systems such as Dolby, DTS, THX. If you have a home theater to which you want to connect new acoustics, then take an interest in this topic on the appropriate forums.
16. Additional functionality
Some speaker systems can work autonomously as media centers. They may have a USB connector, a card reader, to which you can connect flash drives, memory cards and play music from them directly without using a computer. Some models have a radio, an alarm clock, an information display, which makes them much more functional.
Some speakers and portable speakers may have Bluetooth, which can be used to play music from a smartphone wirelessly, which is sometimes convenient.
17. Speaker size
Pay close attention to the size of the speakers. It is almost impossible to determine the actual size from a photograph, and often this discrepancy is huge. Specify the dimensions in the characteristics on the website of the seller or manufacturer. Take a ruler, imagine these dimensions and determine where and how the speakers will stand so that there are no surprises later.
For example, my speakers are only about 100x160x150mm, so they fit easily behind the monitor without taking up too much space.
On the other hand, the larger the size, the better the sound.
18. Body material
Cheap speakers usually have a plastic case. Such speakers sound worse and can rattle already at medium volume.
Expensive speakers may have a wooden case.
A compromise option is speakers in an MDF case, which sound good, look solid, do not rattle, and at the same time have a low cost.
Some high-tech speaker systems may include small speakers (satellites) in a metal case. It looks stylish and compact, but it comes at a price.
MDF columns are optimal in terms of price / quality ratio. However, there are pretty decent speaker systems made of high-quality plastic, but they are more expensive.
19. Speaker color
The most versatile are black or black and silver speakers, as they blend well with other computer devices, modern home appliances and interiors.
As for MDF speakers, in addition to black and silver, they can have a color and texture that imitate various types of wood (oak, beech, ash, etc.). At first glance, this may seem interesting. But the fact is that it is difficult to choose a color that will be combined with your table or furniture, since the colors in the picture are greatly distorted and often speakers of a completely different shade can come from an online store.
But the most important thing is that you like the columns.
Portable speakers can have completely different colors and in principle this does not matter much, since they will be used in different, often fun, environments. Therefore, choose according to your taste.
20. Price
Here I will give prices below which high-quality speakers should not cost.
- Office, portable - $ 10
- Homemade 2.0 - $25
- Homemade 2.1 - $45
- Gaming 5.1 - $75
21. Setting up filters in the online store
- Go to the "Speakers" or "Acoustics" section on the seller's website.
- Select recommended manufacturers.
- Speaker type: stationary or portable.
- Number of channels: 2.0, 2.1 or 5.1.
- power range.
- Other options and features that are important to you.
- Browse items starting with the cheapest.
- Choose several models you like by design and compare them in terms of size, number and type of connectors, additional functionality.
- Buy the best functional model.
Thus, you will get the optimal price / quality columns that meet your requirements at the lowest possible cost.
Computer speakers Edifier R1800TIII
Computer speakers Edifier R1280T
Computer speakers SVEN SPS-702
Content
Sound quality plays an important role when watching movies and listening to music. Various noises and distortions can spoil the impression of even the most luxurious blockbuster and an exciting shooter. Computer speakers combined with a subwoofer will help improve the quality of sound reproduction on a laptop or desktop PC, regardless of the acoustics of the room.
What are computer speakers
Sound reproduction devices are distinguished by acoustic parameters, materials of manufacture, dimensions, and control systems. In stores you can find speakers for laptops and PCs from Edifier, Genius, Sven, Defender, Samsung. The catalogs of these brands include both budget models for computers and expensive devices for achieving surround sound.
Kinds
Computer speakers can be passive or active. Audio equipment belonging to the second category has a built-in amplifier and receives power from the PC. Passive speakers need an amplifier, additional power. The first type of devices is sold at a low cost, because. the sound quality generated by them is low. Active computer acoustics are characterized by rich sound and a smooth transition between tones. Audio systems differ:
- configuration;
- size;
- the number of dynamic emitters;
- way to connect to a computer.
Characteristics
When choosing speakers for a computer, you need to pay attention to the material of the case. High-quality sound is possible when speakers and amplifiers are placed in wood. Plastic passive speakers will constantly wheeze. When buying audio systems for a modern computer, engineers advise paying attention to the following main parameters:
- power;
- number of supported frequencies;
- sensitivity;
- number of lanes;
- control.
Dimensions
When choosing speakers for a computer, this parameter is not the most important. It depends on the internal components and the class of equipment. Systems with maximum power are large. Amplifiers, dynamic radiators in them will be large and heavy. 2.0-type multimedia kits are small and light, so they can be ordered at a discount from an online mail-order store.
The best speakers for a computer
When choosing audio equipment, owners of modern PCs should rely on their own preferences. If for computer desk if a system with a large number of speakers does not fit, then you should look at models with two front speakers. The acoustic systems presented below have proven themselves best in online stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Stereo system
Turning a home computer room into a small cinema is easy. The following model of a stereo system can help with this:
- name: Harman/Kardon SoundSticks III;
- price: 10000 rubles;
- characteristics: power 40 W, range 44-20000 Hz, SNR 80 dB;
- pluses: hardware control of a timbre of low frequencies;
- cons: subwoofer without bass reflex.
More interesting acoustic characteristics at a similar cost, the Microlab stereo system can boast:
- name: Microlab Pro 3;
- price: 10900 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 90 W, range 35-20000 Hz, SNR 75 dB;
- pros: powerful upper frequencies;
- cons: weak amplifier.
Active Speakers 2.0
Many Russian buyers of peripheral equipment prefer Defender products. The domestic brand is engaged in the production of speakers of different price categories. As a good alternative to expensive computer headphones, you can consider the following model:
- name: Defender SPK-530;
- price: 500 rubles;
- specifications: RMS 4W; range 90-20000 Hz;
- pluses: powered by USB, good volume margin;
- cons: no support for low frequencies.
Among active acoustic systems, the Edifier technique has proven itself well. It can handle FLAC music playback and powerful bass in PC games. Experts advise those who want to buy PC speakers to take a closer look at the following model:
- name: Edifier S 1000 DB;
- price: 17800 rubles;
- characteristics: total power (RMS) 120 W, range 48-20000 Hz, SNR 85 dB, wooden case;
- pluses: high-quality sound;
- cons: cost, weight 17 kg.
Audio system 2.1
Sven multimedia kits for PC are distinguished by high sound quality and affordable price. The 2.1 system of this manufacturer has gained popularity due to its compact size and built-in subwoofer:
- name: Sven MS-110;
- price: 1800 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 10 W, range 50-20000 Hz;
- pluses: high output power;
- cons: one input for an external source.
The Defender company is known to many in the domestic market. An example of an inexpensive and high-quality audio system from this manufacturer is the following product:
- name: Defender Ion S 10;
- price: 1200 rubles;
- characteristics: power 10 W, range 30-20000 Hz, mini-jack connector;
- pluses: interesting case design;
- cons: muffled bass.
small and powerful
Some shoppers want to buy computer speakers that are small in size and provide high quality sound. Especially for such people, Genius has developed this stereo system:
- name: Genius Bomb SW-2.1 370;
- price: 1500 rubles;
- characteristics: power 8 W, range 75-20000 Hz;
- pluses: powerful upper and middle frequencies;
- cons: no standard bass power control.
Experts recommend that citizens who are unlimited in finances take a closer look at the following audio system from the JBL brand:
- name: JBL Flip 3;
- price: 5000 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 16 W, range 85-20000 Hz, SNR 80 dB;
- pluses: powerful subbass;
- cons: upper frequencies sag.
mini speakers
Tiny audio systems will be useful for constantly traveling people. They do not take up much space near the computer and reproduce sound of acceptable quality. One example of the cheapest equipment of this type is the following product:
- name: Velton VLT-S 006 J;
- price: 315 rubles;
- specifications: RMS 5W, single band speakers;
- pluses: support for medium frequencies;
- cons: a small margin of the overall volume.
The following model of the Genius brand has similar main characteristics:
- name: Genius SP-J 120;
- price: 580 rubles;
- characteristics: power 4 W, speakers with one band;
- pluses: high-quality upper and middle frequencies;
- cons: weak subbass.
Portable
JBL portable acoustics is an example of a combination of ergonomics and high-quality technical component:
- name: JBL Clip Plus;
- price: 2300 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 3.2 W, range 160-20000 Hz;
- cons: weak subbass.
JBL can compete with the following SONY product:
- name: SONY SRS-BTV 5 B;
- price: 3500 rubles;
- characteristics: power 1.2 W, one full-range speaker;
- pluses: good volume reserve;
- cons: there are small wheezing.
with subwoofer
Real surround sound of musical compositions can be obtained if the system includes a speaker for reproducing low frequencies. This requirement is met by this Sven acoustics:
- name: Sven SPS-820;
- price: 3800 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 38 W, range 20-20000 Hz;
- pluses: powerful basses;
- cons: hiss at high volume.
More budget acoustics for a computer with a subwoofer are offered by the Edifier brand:
- name: Edifier X600;
- price: 3250 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 30 W, range 48-20000 Hz;
- pros: deep bass, clear sound;
- cons: inconvenient arrangement of regulators.
Monitor mount
- name: Logitech Z-305;
- price: 1460 rubles;
- features: stereo sound 2.0, powered by USB, clip-on;
- pluses: saturated upper and middle frequencies;
- cons: no sub-bass support.
Computer owners with a more limited budget should pay attention to this model from Defender:
- name: Defender NoteSpeaker S 5 USB;
- price: 1000 rubles;
- characteristics: power 5 W, range 90-20000 Hz;
- pluses: stereo effect;
- cons: no bass.
with USB input
The popularity of the Ginzzu audio system is due to the presence of a slot for playing music from flash drives:
- name: Ginzzu GM-986B;
- price: 1100 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 10 W, range 100-20000 Hz;
- pluses: good volume;
- cons: weak subbass.
Microlab acoustics have similar characteristics in a different price range:
- name: Microlab MD 310 BT;
- price: 4200 rubles;
- characteristics: power 2x1 W, range 100-20000 Hz;
- pluses: melodic bass;
- cons: noise at a high sound level.
Speakers with microphone
Such audio systems are suitable for PC users who occasionally participate in Internet conferences, but do not want to purchase a complete set of audio equipment. An example of such a technique is the following product:
- name: Genius SP-906BT;
- price: 950 rubles;
- characteristics: power 3 W, range 100-20000 Hz;
- pluses: good sounding of basses;
- cons: time battery life- 5 o'clock.
In a more advanced price range, this JBL model stands out:
- name: JBL Xtreme;
- price: 12000 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 40 W, range 70-20000 Hz;
- pluses: small size, Bluetooth support;
- cons: slight rattling audio.
For games
Gamers are best off getting a pair of three-way speakers. They provide deep bass sound and are often found at tech sales. Dialog offers the most budget model for playing on a computer:
- name: Dialog AB-45В;
- price: 2900 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 20 W, range 40-20000 Hz;
- pluses: good sounding, there is a card reader;
- cons: you need to re-adjust the frequency response.
A more expensive version of acoustics designed for gamers was released by Logitech:
- name: Logitech Z 506;
- price: 6300 rubles;
- characteristics: power 75 W, range 45-20000 Hz;
- pluses: high-quality basses and high frequencies;
- cons: rattling at maximum volume.
Without wires
- name: Harman/Kardon Onyx;
- price: 20000 rubles;
- characteristics: power 2x30 W, range 60-20000 Hz;
- pluses: stylish design, high sound quality;
- cons: short battery life.
Among the budget technology of this type, the following model from Samsung stands out:
- name: Samsung Radiant 360 R 1;
- price: 9500 rubles;
- characteristics: two-way speaker, support for Multiroom mode;
- pros: surround sound;
- cons: fuzzy sub-bass and treble.
Wooden
Audio systems with a cabinet made of solid maple or oak are more resistant to interference, which has a positive effect on sound quality. Beginning music lovers are advised to take a closer look at this acoustic model:
- name: Microlab H-510;
- price: 15800 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 242 W, range 45-24000 Hz, SNR 85 dB;
- pluses: a large margin of sound volume, soft basses;
- cons: the amplifier is very hot.
Citizens demanding sound quality can buy speakers for a computer of a more advanced level from the same manufacturer:
- name: Microlab H-600;
- price: 28300 rubles;
- characteristics: RMS 270 W, range 20-20000 Hz, SNR 80 dB;
- pluses: stylish design;
- cons: small phase inverter.
How to choose speakers for your computer
Sound quality is a top priority for many PC users. However, not all gamers and music lovers know how to choose speakers for a computer. Before going to the store, you need to decide on the goal. Music lovers should give preference to systems aimed at working in the middle and high range. The following parameters are considered essential when buying:
- number of channels;
- type of food;
- the presence / absence of additional functions.
An important role in choosing speakers for a computer is played by sound card. If it is an entry-level system, then a 5.1 system designed to reproduce a wide range of frequencies will work like ordinary paired speakers. To correct this shortcoming, experts recommend owners personal computers buy a discrete sound card.
The sound quality of the speakers largely depends on their design and design. Therefore, first, let's consider the main types of speakers that are widely used in modern electro-acoustic devices. First of all, we note that the columns are divided by the type of box into several types:
- ordinary, in a rectangular box (in the form of a parallelepiped);
- in a box with a section in the form of a trapezoid or a triangle (in general, with non-parallel walls);
- in a spherical or ellipsoid body.
A regular box in the form of a parallelogram with right angles is the most common and cheapest type of acoustic speaker design. Its main disadvantage lies in the noticeable manifestation of its own resonant phenomena, which create uneven frequency response and phase response of the column in the low frequency region and degrade the quality of sound reproduction in this band. To combat resonances, thick walls and special types of wood are used, which dramatically increases the cost of the speakers. Some firms make boxes from pressed marble chips, thick plywood with bituminous coating, etc. For the same purpose, the walls of the speaker from the inside are glued with sound-absorbing materials - porous rubber, foam rubber, glass wool, etc. The joints of the boards are coated with special materials - even children's plasticine gives good results.
A very unpleasant phenomenon is the occurrence of standing waves in the box, in which the maxima and minima of the oscillation amplitude seem to freeze in space. Any object in the case (up to the conductor going to the speaker), falling into the antinode of the waves, can experience strong vibrations and lead to loud extra sounds. But, first of all, the column body itself and its parts fluctuate - the front and rear panels, side covers. To suppress standing waves, the use of sound-absorbing coatings and the choice of a rational box shape are also useful. Ordinary rectangular cases in this sense are by no means the best.
Standing waves can form not only in the volume of the box, but also in the speaker cone. To suppress them, one has to carefully select materials for the diffuser. For example, B&W (Great Britain) uses a special fibrous material for this - Kevlar, which has transverse and longitudinal fibers woven like basket straws. Standing waves do not form in Kevlar diffusers, since friction in the fibers effectively dampens them.
Some developers produce wideband sound units, in which one or two tweeters are placed inside a massive woofer cone (coaxial arrangement). This eliminates the acoustic interaction of non-coaxial cones of radiation and, when the initial phases of the oscillations of the emitters are equalized, significantly increases the spatial purity of the sound. But such a design can increase the effect of modulation and intermodulation distortion. Often such speakers are used for sounding car interiors, where Hi-Fi and even High-End sound reproduction quality is given great attention.
Plastic cases are still used only in cheap speakers that do not pretend to be Hi-Fi. Although there is no scientific reason to believe that special grades of plastic will be worse than wood, music lovers say that only from wooden speakers can you get a “live” reproduction of the sounds of the Stradivarius violin, soft and juicy basses of the double bass and sharp, but without any impurity sounds of percussion instruments. Perhaps this is true - wood has been used for centuries for the bodies of many musical instruments. The elasticity of the air mass in a small enclosure leads to a noticeable increase in the resonant frequency of the woofers, which is difficult to obtain even without it. Filling the box with sound-absorbing materials (and spikes) is equivalent to increasing its volume by up to 30 percent. The bottom of the box or a special support under it is important. The box of a powerful speaker system vibrates noticeably, and transferring these vibrations to the floor can dramatically change the sound of low frequencies. Even worse, if it creates an audible rattle - which is not uncommon. Therefore, the bottom of the speaker box must be massive and have special sound-absorbing racks. There are a lot of special stands for speakers - including those that raise them to the height of human growth - it is desirable to place the speakers at ear level.
Having dealt with the shape of the box, we note that the columns are divided into two more types:
- with a tightly closed body;
- with a case having phase inverter holes.
The closed case completely absorbs the acoustic short circuit. But, alas, it manifests another factor that limits the reproduction of low frequencies - the elasticity and resonance of the internal volume of air. Due to the elasticity of the internal volume of air, the resonant frequency of the speaker in such a case usually increases markedly. The heating of the air at the moments of compression and the change in its acoustic parameters are also important, which creates additional non-linear distortions. The body must be strong and have sufficiently thick walls.
As a result, no matter how you turn it, to reproduce frequencies below 50-60 Hz, you still need a large case and speakers with a low resonant frequency (up to 25-40 Hz). To suppress the resonance of the internal volume of the case and no less harmful reflections of waves from the walls of the box, the case is filled with sound-absorbing material - often inside such cases you can find “pillows” with glass wool or foam rubber.
The optimal shape of the box is a sphere or an ellipsoid. However, the manufacture of wooden boxes of this shape is too complicated and expensive. The pressing of such fiber boxes is also expensive. Many firms from time to time produce spherical columns, but with molded plastic boxes. Rather, this is a tribute to their unusual appearance than to the improved sound quality - so far, in addition to wood, wood board or plywood pressed under high pressure, worthy and affordable materials for the box sound speakers no.
Speakers with an acoustic phase inverter to improve bass reproduction (BassReflect) have become widespread. It is created by a hole in the body and a pipe of a certain section and length. The phase inverter outputs low-frequency sound vibrations emitted by the rear side of the speaker cone to the outside with a change in their phase to the opposite. As a result, sound vibrations from the front and rear sides of the cone add up and the speaker's output in the low-frequency region increases markedly. Particularly good results are obtained when the recoil peak falls on a frequency region slightly lower than the resonant frequency of the speaker - this leads to a noticeable equalization of the frequency response in the low frequency region. Fine adjustment of the frequency response in this area is achieved by changing the length of the phase inverter tube - twice the length of the phase inverter tube is equal to the wavelength of the resonant frequency.
The phase inverter is most often one, less often two phase inverters are used. The phase inverter holes can be brought out both on the front and on the back side of the speaker. Reflections and standing waves often occur in a cylindrical or square reflex tube, which impairs the reproduction of shock sounds. Good results are obtained by making a pipe with a smooth (for example, hyperbolic) change in the cross section with its oval shape. This improves the aesthetic appearance of the speakers and allows you to get a lower cutoff frequency than with a conventional bass reflex. However, the sound quality at low frequencies does not depend too much on the very type of the phase inverter hole - therefore, in many even high-quality speakers, the phase inverter hole looks just like a round hole. To suppress reflections and resonances of the pipe, you can cover the hole with a cloth. But this is rarely done - the air flow at the output of the phase inverter is so strong that the fabric can sway like a sail in the wind, which can create unnecessary overtones. For this reason, many companies make a phase inverter pipe with smooth contours.
An example of open cabinet speakers is the Japanese Technics SB-M20 speakers shown. The phase inverter hole is located at the back of the case. Distinctive feature these speakers - the use of a tweeter with a mica cone, expanding the frequency range of reproducible frequencies up to 45 kHz. The nominal and maximum power of these speakers is 50 and 100 W, the filter cutoff frequency is 2.5 kHz, the sensitivity is 87 dB/W/m, the impedance is 6 Ohm, the dimensions are 202x324x234 mm and the weight is 6 kg. The speakers used a woofer with a diameter of 14 cm and a tweeter with a cone diameter of 2.5 cm. the coils are great.
One way to reduce the size of speakers is to introduce a sound maze into them. It is created with the help of numerous partitions inside the case. Although the labyrinth can significantly increase the level of bass reproduction, it significantly complicates the assembly and setup of loudspeakers. That is why it is rarely used. The role of the labyrinth is sometimes performed by spikes that fill the space inside the speakers - however, more often they are used as sound-absorbing materials in closed-type speakers. Generally speaking, the debate about which speakers (closed or open with a phase inverter) is better has not subsided for many years. Closed speakers with high-quality sound-absorbing materials provide a more uniform frequency response in the low-frequency region. But at the same time, their return drops significantly, and more powerful amplifiers have to be used to build up such speakers. Bass reflex speakers make it easier to achieve high output at low frequencies, but they often have some mumbling at these frequencies. In the end, the sound quality depends primarily on the size of the speaker box and the careful study of their acoustic design.
First of all, let's deal with the terms, since the terms "loudspeaker", "column", "speaker", "acoustic system" are often used at random, creating a fair amount of confusion.
Speaker is a device designed to effectively emit sound into the surrounding space in the air, containing one or more loudspeaker heads in the presence of acoustic design and electrical devices (filters, regulators, etc.).
In domestic technical literature, an erroneous practice has developed, according to which the term "loudspeaker" (SH) is used mainly for a single loudspeaker (in foreign catalogs it is defined as loudspeaker units or loudspeaker drive element, or driver). In accordance with the requirements of GOST 16122-87, a single loudspeaker should be designated as loudspeaker head .
The term is often used for a set of Hi-Fi and Hi-End loudspeakers. acoustic system (AC) (acoustical system or loudspeaker system). Acoustic system includes acoustic speakers .
Depending on the purpose, speakers differ significantly in parameters, design and design. The main types of acoustic systems on the modern market can be conditionally divided into several categories depending on their area of application:
- Speakers for home use, which in turn can be divided into systems:
- mass;
- Hi-Fi and High-End categories;
- Speakers for home audio video complexes such as "Home Theater" (Home-Theatre);
- for modern computer systems (AC Multi-Media), etc.;
- Speakers for sound systems and sound amplification, including for conference systems and speech translation systems (these, in particular, include ceiling speakers);
- concert and theater speakers;
- studio speakers;
- automotive (and generally transport) speakers;
- Speakers for private listening (stereo headphones).
AC device
AS can be single-lane and multi-band . Single-band speakers are used, as a rule, in mass equipment of the budget sector. High-quality speakers (Fig. 1) use a multi-band construction principle, since the use of a single wide-range speaker head does not provide high sound quality.
AS usually consists of:
- loudspeaker heads, each of which (or several at the same time) operate in its own frequency range;
- corps;
- filtering and corrective circuits, as well as other electronic devices (for example, for overload protection, level indication, etc.);
- audio cables and input terminals;
- amplifiers for active acoustic systems and crossovers (active filters).
Rice. 1. Speaker system Defender
Speaker heads
Loudspeaker heads are classified according to the principle of operation, according to the method of radiation, according to the band of transmitted frequencies, according to the field of application, etc.
According to the principle of action , i.e. according to the method of transformation electrical energy into acoustic, loudspeakers are divided into electrodynamic, electrostatic, piezoceramic (piezofilm), plasma, etc.
The vast majority of loudspeaker heads are electrodynamic ("dynamic" or simply "speakers"). Their principle of operation is based on the movement in a constant magnetic field of a conductor or coil powered by alternating current (Fig. 2).
Rice. 2. Electrodynamic reel-to-reel loudspeaker
The head of an electrodynamic loudspeaker consists of a moving system, a magnetic circuit and a diffuser holder (1).
The moving system includes suspension (2), diaphragm (3), centering washer (4), dust cap (5), voice coil (6) and pigtails.
When passing alternating current a mechanical force will act on the voice coil placed in the radial gap of the magnetic circuit. Under the action of this force, axial oscillations of the coil and the diaphragm attached to it occur. The design of an electrodynamic loudspeaker is very similar to that of a dynamic microphone, so, in principle, a weak loudspeaker head can be obtained from a dynamic microphone, and a microphone can be obtained from a loudspeaker head. It is clear that all this will work disgustingly, but it will work.
Rice. 3. Ribbon speaker
Ribbon loudspeakers (Fig. 3) use a thin metal ribbon that is placed in a magnetic field between the poles of a magnet and serves as both a current conductor and an oscillating radiating element.
Tape heads are much more efficient than dynamic, piezoelectric and others, because if the area of a conical or dome diffuser is the area of \u200b\u200bthe visible circle, then the active area of \u200b\u200bthe tape emitter is the full sweep of the folded membrane (the effective area is 2.5 times the projection area of the folded tape). Thus, less movement of the diffuser is required to obtain the required sound pressure level.
Rice. 4. Electrostatic loudspeaker
Electrostatic loudspeakers (Fig. 4) use a radiating element in the form of a thin metallized film (1) with a thickness of about 6 ... metallized movable membrane). A high polarizing voltage of the order of 8...10 kV is applied between the membrane and the electrodes. An alternating sound voltage, under the action of which the membrane vibrates and emits sound, is applied to the fixed electrodes. Loudspeakers of this type provide purity and transparency of sound due to low levels of transient distortion.
Rice. 5. Lineup of electrostatic loudspeakers Final
Rice. 6. Central loudspeaker electrostatic speaker. Model 200
On fig. 5 shows the Final range of electrostatic loudspeakers, and fig. 6 - close-up of the center speaker.
Rice. 7. Piezo-film loudspeaker
Piezoceramic (piezofilm) loudspeakers (Fig. 7) are used mainly as a high-frequency link in acoustic systems. As an exciting element, they use a bimorph element obtained by connecting two plates (1), (3) of piezoceramics (titanium zirconate, barium titanate, etc.). The bimorph element is fixed on both sides; when an electrical signal is applied, bending deformations occur in it, which are transmitted to the diaphragm (2) connected to it. A variation of this type of loudspeakers are piezo-film emitters, they use high-polymer films, which, using a specially developed technology, are given piezoelectric properties (when they are polarized in a strong magnetic field). If such a film is given the shape of a dome or cylinder, then under the action of an alternating voltage applied to it, it begins to vibrate and emit sound; such loudspeakers do not require the use of a magnetic circuit.
According to the method of emitting acoustic energy, the loudspeaker heads are divided into direct radiation heads, in which the diaphragm emits sound directly into the environment, and horn heads (Fig. 8), in which the diaphragm emits sound through the horn. If a horn has a pre-horn chamber it is called a narrow throat horn, and if only a horn is used then it is a wide throat horn.
Rice. 8. Horn loudspeaker
Horn loudspeakers are widely used in the creation of sound systems for streets, stadiums, squares, sound amplification systems in various rooms, high-quality household systems, warning systems, etc.
The reasons for the spread of horn loudspeakers are primarily due to the fact that they are more efficient, their efficiency is 10-20% or more (in conventional loudspeakers, the efficiency is less than 1...2%); in addition, the use of rigid horns makes it possible to form a given directivity characteristic, which is very important when designing sound amplification systems. However, when using horn loudspeakers, there are problems associated with the fact that in order to emit low frequencies, it is necessary to significantly increase the size of the horn, and high sound pressure levels in the pre-horn chamber create additional non-linear distortions.
The design of the loudspeaker heads depends on the frequency band in which they must operate. On this basis, speakers are divided into:
- broadband (OO "full-range");
- low-frequency (reproducible range of approximately 20-40 ... 500-1000 Hz) ("woofer", "subwoofer");
- mid-frequency (range 0.3-0.5 ... 5-8 kHz) ("mid-range");
- high-frequency (1-2..16-30 kHz) (“tweeter”), etc.
Most of the power of audio signals is usually low frequency GG, therefore, they must perceive loads up to 200 W or more, while maintaining thermal and mechanical strength. These GGs have a low resonant frequency (16...30 Hz) and must be designed for a large stroke of the moving system up to ±12...15 mm.
The appearance of a modern low-frequency GG for high-quality speakers is shown in fig. 9.
The main radiating element of a loudspeaker is the diaphragm. Diaphragms of modern low-frequency GGs are made from complex compositions based on natural long-fiber cellulose with various additives. Sometimes the composition of such a composition includes up to 10-15 components. Synthetic film compositions based on polyolefins (polypropylene and polyethylene) and composite materials based on Kevlar fabric are increasingly being used.
Rice. 9. Woofer
Home theater speakers (especially center and front channels, as well as a subwoofer) require the use of carefully shielded low frequencies.
Mid range loudspeakers (MF GG) are used in the frequency range from 200...800 Hz to 5...8 kHz, where hearing sensitivity to all types of distortion is maximum, so the requirements for their quality are the most stringent.
Tweeters (HF GG). (Fig. 10). The requirements for them in recent years have increased dramatically due to the increase in the spectral power density in the high-frequency part of the spectrum in modern electronic music, the expansion of the frequency and dynamic range of programs reproduced by digital sound reproducing equipment, etc.
In modern speakers, high-frequency GGs are used, as a rule, in the frequency range from 2 ... 5 to 30 ... 40 kHz. It is extremely difficult to provide equivalent high-quality sound reproduction in such a wide range using one GG. Therefore, most of the HF GGs currently produced are used in the range from 2 ... 5 to 16 ... 18 kHz, and in some speakers additional small-sized HF GGs are installed (reproducing frequencies from 8 ... 10 to 30 ... 40 kHz).
Rice. 10. HF GG
Ceiling speakers
Ceiling loudspeakers are typically electrodynamic cone loudspeakers enclosed in plastic or metal enclosures. They are used for scoring rooms and in emergency warning systems of buildings. Due to the large opening angle of the sound pattern and the wide range of reproducible frequencies, the ceiling speakers are capable of reproducing sound quite well, in addition, they harmoniously fit into almost any interior.
Ceiling loudspeakers provide a more even distribution of sound throughout the room compared to other loudspeakers and do not require the installation of powerful amplifiers. Their use is especially effective for scoring large rooms with a ceiling height of up to 5 m.
For ease of installation, the ceiling loudspeaker housing is equipped with special devices: spring-loaded stops, skids or brackets. Many loudspeakers are attached to ceiling tiles with screws. Unlike "conventional" PA systems, ceiling speaker systems are high voltage, typically 100V line voltage, so ceiling speakers have built-in transformers.
When designing a public address system, the calculation of the required number of ceiling loudspeakers and their placement (Fig. 11) is based on the required sound pressure level at the level of the listeners' ears (usually an average value of 1.5 m is taken). For rooms with a ceiling height of less than 5 meters, such a calculation is not difficult and is carried out according to approximate formulas. Table 1 shows the number of ceiling speakers for a given ceiling height and room area that gives the best sound quality and the most even distribution of sound waves.
Rice. 11. Ceiling speaker layout
The S parameter in the table is the approximate area covered by one ceiling loudspeaker:
S \u003d (2x (H - 1.5 m)) 2, where H is the height of the ceiling.
Table 1. To the calculation of the warning system
| P | 103,5 | 101 | 99 | 97,5 | 96 |
| P/2 | 100,5 | 98 | 96 | 94,5 | 93 |
| H/S | 3 | 3,5 | 4 | 4,5 | 5 |
| 25 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 35 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 50 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 80 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 100 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 150 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 200 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 300 | 20 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| 400 | 26 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| 500 | 33 | 19 | 12 | 8 | 6 |
| 600 | 40 | 22 | 14 | 10 | 8 |
| 700 | 46 | 26 | 17 | 12 | 9 |
| 800 | 53 | 30 | 19 | 13 | 10 |
| 900 | 59 | 33 | 22 | 15 | 11 |
| 1000 | 66 | 37 | 24 | 17 | 12 |
In the table:
P is the sound pressure at 1.5 m when the ceiling loudspeaker is operating at full power;
P/2 is the sound pressure at 1.5 m when the ceiling loudspeaker is operating at half maximum power;
H - ceiling height;
S is the area of the room.
Ceiling speakers are not recommended for ceiling heights greater than 5 meters. However, if ceiling speakers are to be used, care should be taken to improve sound distribution and reduce reverberation (echo). If the ceiling speakers are placed too close together, the sound will be distributed unevenly at the level of the listeners' ears. If you increase the distance between adjacent speakers, the sound pressure level may not be sufficient for good audibility. Increasing the sound level of the loudspeakers in this case entails an increase in reverberation, especially in rooms decorated with glass, marble, etc. Reverberation can be reduced by using sound-absorbing materials such as carpets, tapestries, curtains, etc.
On fig. Figures 12 and 13 show examples of Kramer Electronics in-ceiling and in-ceiling loudspeakers.
Speaker box. The main types of buildings and their purpose
The speaker cabinet performs a variety of functions. In the bass region, it blocks the effect of "acoustic short circuit”, arising due to the addition of the emitted sound from the front and rear surfaces of the diaphragm in antiphase, which leads to the suppression of low-frequency radiation.
The use of the housing allows you to increase the radiation intensity at low frequencies, as well as increase the mechanical damping of the loudspeakers, which allows you to "smooth out" the resonances and reduce the unevenness of the amplitude- frequency response. The cabinet has a significant impact not only in the low, but also in the medium and high frequencies. A properly designed and manufactured cabinet has a huge impact on sound quality.
When designing speaker cabinets, such design options are most often used as an endless screen, a closed cabinet, a bass-reflex cabinet, a labyrinth, a transmission line, etc.
Infinite Screen occurs when loudspeakers are installed in the wall of a room with a sufficiently large volume behind it. This loudspeaker setup tends to have a “thumbling” effect at low frequencies because there is no damping.
Closed body. In modern speakers, mostly closed compression-type cases are used. The principle of operation of the compression design is that they use loudspeakers with a very flexible suspension and a large mass, i.e. low resonant frequency. In this case, the elasticity of the air in the body becomes the determining factor, it is she who begins to make the main contribution to the restoring force applied to the diaphragm.
Chassis with phase inverter- a housing in which a hole is made, which allows the use of radiation from the rear surface of the diffuser. The maximum effect is achieved in the resonance frequency region of the oscillatory system, which is formed by the mass of air in the hole or pipe and the mass of air in the housing.
Casings with a phase inverter (Fig. 14 a) have many varieties. The case, using a special pipe inserted into the hole, allows you to reduce the size of the case and adjust the phase inverter by adjusting the size of the pipe (Fig. 14 b).
If a passive (i.e., without a magnetic circuit) loudspeaker is installed in the opening of the housing, the oscillations of which are excited by fluctuations in the volume of air enclosed in the housing, then such a housing is called a housing with a passive radiator (Fig. 14 c).
Rice. 14. Speaker cabinet with various options for phase inverters: a - phase inverter; b - phase inverter with a pipe; c - passive radiator
labyrinth is a variant of the case with a phase inverter, in which special partitions are installed. When the length of the labyrinth reaches 1/4 wavelength at the resonance frequency of the subwoofer, it acts like a phase inverter. The use of a labyrinth expands the possibilities for tuning to lower frequencies. Resonances at harmonics from the main resonant frequency of the pipe are damped by sound-absorbing materials on the walls of the case (Fig. 15 a).
Rice. 15. The case of the speaker type of labyrinth (a) and the type of transmission line (b)
transmission line It's a kind of labyrinth. It differs from the labyrinth in that the entire volume of the body is clogged with sound-absorbing material, and the cross section of the line is made variable - more at the cone, less at the hole (Fig. 15 b). Cases of this type are very difficult to set up.
If two identical GGs are installed in the case on one phase inverter, then this is called "low-frequency design with a symmetrical load." This design is often used in subwoofers.
Speakers with smoothed corners, streamlined shape, with an asymmetrical arrangement of the GG sound better, however, it is difficult and expensive to manufacture cases of such speakers, so the vast majority of speakers are produced in rectangular cases. To reduce diffraction effects at the corners of the front panel, special measures are taken, including the placement of sound-absorbing materials (“acoustic blanket”), optimization of the ratio of the front panel dimensions and cabinet depth, the selection of an asymmetrical arrangement of loudspeakers, etc.
The desire to shift the diffraction peaks-dips in the frequency response to a higher frequency region and thereby reduce their influence forces the use of the most narrow front panels. The complex exterior configurations of many modern loudspeakers are driven not only by aesthetic considerations, but also by the desire to reduce diffraction effects. In order to reduce the sound radiation from the walls of the speakers, they usually try to increase their rigidity and mass.
In modern speakers, the case is a rather complex and expensive structure (Fig. 16). As a criterion for the effectiveness of the measures taken to soundproof the cabinet, it is customary to consider the difference between the sound pressure level emitted by the cabinet walls and the sound pressure level from the speaker system as a whole, it should be at least 20 dB.
Rice. 16. Section AC
In addition to objective measurements, when designing, listening to speakers in cases of various designs is carried out.
Filtering and correcting circuits
It is almost impossible or difficult to provide high-quality sound reproduction using single-way speakers, so they are used only in budget solutions, for example, in cheap speakers for computers. High-quality speakers, with rare exceptions, are multi-band. In order to apply signals of its own frequency subrange to each GG, electrical separation filters (“crossovers”) are used.
Most speakers for home use use the so-called. passive filters, which are included between the amplifier and the loudspeaker (Fig. 17).
Rice. 17. Passive filters ("passive crossovers") in speakers
Passive filters are usually placed inside speakers, increasing their weight and dimensions. Passive filters in speakers are of the first, second, third and fourth order. The slope of the first order filters is 6dB/octave, the second is 12dB/octave, the third is 18dB/octave and the fourth is 24dB/octave.
The simplest filters are first-order filters, they take up little space and are inexpensive, but have insufficient passband rolloff. A positive feature of these filters is the absence of a phase shift between the tweeter (HF head) and the other speaker.
Second-order filters (or Butterworth filters, after the creator of the mathematical model of these filters) have a higher sensitivity, but they give a phase shift of 180 degrees, which means that the membranes of the tweeter and the other speaker do not move in sync. To fix this problem, you need to reverse the polarity of the wires on the tweeter.
Third order filters have good phase characteristics with any connection polarity. On fig. 18 shows the frequency response of the filter of the third order, and in fig. 19 - its electrical circuit.
Rice. 18. Frequency response of the third order filter
Rice. 19. Wiring diagram third order filter
Rice. 20. Frequency response of a three-band filter
In three-band AC, the frequency response of the filter looks like that shown in Fig. twenty.
Fourth-order Butterworth filters have high passband roll-off, which dramatically reduces speaker interference in the crossover region. The phase shift is 360 degrees, that is, in practice it is absent. However, the problem is that such filters have a variable phase shift, which can cause unstable operation of the speaker. Linkwitz and Riley succeeded in optimizing the fourth-order filter scheme for AS. Their filter consists of two series-connected second-order Butterworth filters for high-frequency HG and for low-frequency GG. Such a filter has no phase shifts and allows time correction for speakers that do not radiate sound in the same plane. These filters provide the very best acoustic performance.
In "active" speakers with built-in multiband amplifiers, active filters are used, connected before the amplifier and also called crossovers (Fig. 21).
Rice. 21. Using crossovers
Compared to passive filters, active filters have a number of advantages: smaller dimensions, better crossover frequency tunability, greater stability of characteristics, etc. However, passive filters provide a greater dynamic range, less noise and non-linear distortion. Their disadvantages include temperature instability, which leads to a change in the shape of the frequency response with an increase in the level of the input signal (the so-called "power compression"), as well as the need for careful selection of high-precision elements (resistors, capacitors, etc.), to the spread of parameters which the filter characteristics can be very sensitive. In recent years, a number of foreign firms have begun to use digital filters in acoustic systems, which provide real-time filtering, correction, and adaptation to real listening conditions.
In addition to filters, modern acoustic systems often use electronic devices to protect loudspeakers from thermal and mechanical overloads. Protection from both long-term and short-term (peak) overloads is carried out using various options for threshold circuits, the response thresholds of which should be less than the thermal constants of the loudspeaker heads (T = 10 ... 20 ms). In addition, many household systems use various options for indicating overloads.
Main characteristics of speakers
There are quite a few characteristics of the AU, some of them are of greater importance to the user, others are less important, domestic and foreign characteristics of the AU and methods for measuring them do not always coincide. We will briefly review only the main characteristics of the speakers.
Efficient worker (effectively reproducible) frequency range - the range within which the sound pressure level developed by the AU is not lower than the specified one, in relation to the level averaged over a certain frequency band. In IEC 581-7 recommendations, the minimum requirements for this parameter are 50 - 12500 Hz with a roll-off of 8 dB in relation to the level averaged over the frequency band 100 - 8000 Hz.
The value of this characteristic greatly affects the natural sound of acoustics. The closer the operating range of the speakers is to the maximum range perceived by the human hearing organs (16 - 20,000 Hz), the better, more natural the speaker sounds. The effective operating range depends on the characteristics of the loudspeaker heads, on the acoustic design of the speakers and on the parameters of the crossover filter (crossover).
At low frequencies, the volume of the speaker cabinet plays a decisive role. The larger it is, the more effectively low frequencies are reproduced, so, in particular, subwoofers are always quite bulky. With the reproduction of high frequencies, problems usually do not arise, since modern tweeters allow even ultrasound to be reproduced. Often the range of reproducible frequencies of the speakers exceeds the upper limit of human hearing. It is believed that in this case the timbre of a complex phonogram, for example, symphonic music, is more accurately transmitted. Typical values: 100 - 18000 Hz for bookshelf speakers and 60 - 20000 Hz for floorstanders.
Serious loudspeaker manufacturers usually give a graph of the sound pressure developed by the loudspeaker as a function of frequency (an amplitude-frequency characteristic (AFC) graph), by which one can determine the effective operating frequency range of the loudspeaker and the unevenness of the frequency response.
The degree of frequency response unevenness is characterized by the ratio of the maximum value of the sound pressure to the minimum, or by another method, the ratio of the maximum (minimum) value to the average, in a given frequency range, expressed in decibels. The IEC 581-7 recommendation, which defines the minimum requirements for Hi-Fi equipment, states that the frequency response flatness should not exceed ± 4 dB in the range of 100 - 8000 Hz.
Directivity allows you to evaluate the spatial distribution of sound vibrations emitted by the acoustic system, and optimally position the acoustic systems in different rooms. This parameter allows you to judge the directional diagram of the speaker, which is the dependence of the sound pressure level on the angle of rotation of the speaker relative to its working axis in polar coordinates, measured at one or more fixed frequencies. Sometimes the decrease in the amplitude-frequency response when the speaker is rotated by some fixed angle is displayed on the main graph, in the form of additional frequency response branches.
Characteristic sensitivity - this is the ratio of the average sound pressure developed by the speakers in a given frequency range (usually 100 - 8000 Hz) on the working axis, reduced to a distance of 1 m and an input electrical power of 1 W. Most Hi-Fi speakers have an intrinsic sensitivity level of 86-90 dB (dB/m/W is often used in technical literature instead of dB). There are high-quality broadband speakers with a sensitivity of 93 - 95 dB / m / W or more.
Intrinsic sensitivity determines how much dynamic range a speaker can provide. A wide dynamic range allows you to reproduce complex musical works, especially jazz, symphonic, chamber music, with great reliability.
THD characterizes the appearance in the process of conversion of spectral components that were absent in the original signal, distorting its structure, that is, ultimately, the fidelity of reproduction. This is very important parameter, since the contribution of the speakers to the total coefficient of non-linear distortion of the entire audio path, as a rule, is the maximum. For example, the coefficient of non-linear distortion of a modern amplifier is hundredths of a percent, while the typical value of this parameter for speakers is a few percent. As the signal power increases, the non-linear distortion factor increases.
Electrical (acoustic) power – determines the sound pressure level and dynamic range (taking into account the characteristic sensitivity) that the speakers can potentially provide in a particular room.
Several types of capacities defined by different standards are used:
Characteristic power , at which the speaker provides a given level of average sound pressure. The IEC recommendations set this level to 94 dB at a distance of 1 meter.
Maximum (limiting) noise or nameplate power at which the speaker can work for a long time without mechanical and thermal damage when tested with a special noise signal that is close in spectrum to real music programs (pink noise). According to the measurement technique, it coincides with the nameplate power, determined in domestic standards.
Maximum (limiting) sinusoidal power - the power of a continuous sinusoidal signal in a given frequency range, at which the speaker can operate for a long time without mechanical and thermal damage.
Maximum (limiting) long-term power that acoustics can withstand without mechanical and thermal damage for one minute, with the same test signal as for nameplate power. The tests are repeated 10 times with an interval of 1 minute.
Maximum (limiting) short-term the power that the speaker can withstand when tested with a noise signal with the same distribution as for nameplate power, for 1 second. The tests are repeated 60 times with an interval of 1 minute.
Peak (maximum) musical power - a favorite parameter for characterizing speakers of unknown origin. The measurement technique, defined by the German standard DIN 45500, is as follows: a signal with a frequency below 250 Hz and a duration of less than 2 seconds is applied to the speakers. Acoustics is considered to have passed the test if there are no noticeable distortions. It is clear that “under the distortions noticeable by ear” you can understand anything. As a result, stickers like “P.M.P.O. … (or Musical Power…)…100!, …200! and even… …1000 Wt!”. It is clear that there is no need to talk about at least some quality sound created by such speakers.
When choosing speakers for ULF, it is desirable that the actual maximum speaker power exceed the amplifier power by approximately 30 percent or more. In this case, you will be insured against the failure of the acoustics due to the supply of an unacceptably high level signal to it. Of course, good speakers have overload protection circuits, but it's better not to risk it.
What amplifier power is sufficient for high-quality sound reproduction? This is largely determined by the parameters of the room, the characteristics of the acoustic systems, the needs of the listener himself. When choosing an amplifier for sounding a small living room, we can assume that the power of the amplifier should be at least 20 watts.
Most Common Values electrical (input) resistance (impedance): 4, 8 or 16 ohms. This parameter is important when choosing an amplifier with which the speakers will work. You should use speakers with an impedance corresponding to that specified in the amplifier's passport. Such a solution will provide an ideal match between the characteristics of the acoustics and the amplifier, that is, the best sound quality.
Measurement of the characteristics of the speakers in conditions that differ from the conditions of specially equipped acoustic laboratories of manufacturers is an extremely complex, costly and, most importantly, giving very approximate results. High-quality sound analyzers and measurement microphones with preamplifiers that meet all international measurement requirements are extremely expensive and not every Russian company can afford to buy them. True, modern measurement techniques in most cases will make it possible to do without an acoustically dampened chamber.
Audio cables
Audio cables are, at first glance, the least important component of the audio subsystem of an installation or home theater, so they are often purchased, what is called "in change". And they make a big mistake.
It is clear that any cable affects the signal passing through it. The question is how exactly the cable affects the signal and how much this influence is.
The choice of audio cables is determined by the quality parameters of the audio signal on the one hand and constructive and financial considerations on the other. Indeed, some installations require hundreds of meters of audio cables to be laid. You can calculate how much it will cost, for example, silver microphone cables with a total weight of 100 kg ...
Conductors in any electrical cable or wire are metals. Audio cables use mostly copper and silver. In 1984, Hitachi released the SAX-102 interconnect cable, which immediately attracted the attention of professionals. It was made from the so-called oxygen-free copper OFC (Oxygen Free Copper). Now almost all specialized "cable" firms use such copper. Why is oxygen-free copper good? The conductor metal can be considered as serial connection metal granules. Within each granule, the crystal structure remains ideal, but the interfaces between the granules disrupt the crystal lattice. As a rule, the causes of the appearance of interfaces are films of oxides, oxygen compounds with metals. Due to the fact that OFC is cast and stretched in a certain way, the length of the ideal pellets is increased. Typical high purity copper contains about 5,000 grains per meter of cable. Improvement in OFC technology has led to the emergence of higher quality OFHC (Oxygen Free High Conductivity) oxygen-free high-conductivity copper, the number of grains per meter of which was 1000. There are other varieties of oxygen-free copper wire technology.
Similar technologies are applied to silver conductors. The result is highly refined, long grained silver such as AudioQuest's FPS (Functional Silver) or PSS (Perfect Surface Silver). These are very expensive wires. Silver is often used as a cladding coating on copper wire, and to eliminate the potential effect of inhomogeneities on signal transmission, the surface is polished to a mirror finish.
As insulators for audio wires and cables in household appliances mainly polyethylene, PVC and fluoroplastic (known as Teflon) are used. For external coatings of cables, artificial rubbers, silicone rubbers, polypropylenes, etc. are used. Polyethylene is most often used, fluoroplast has the best dielectric characteristics, but it is relatively expensive, which hinders its use. Sometimes foamed polyethylene or fluoroplast is used as an insulator.
Since audio cables connect the amplifier to the speakers and work with quite high currents, developers first of all pay attention to the active resistance of the conductor: the smaller it is, the better. Firstly, because the ohmic resistance of the cable is connected in series with the ULF output resistance and the AC input resistance, and a relatively high-resistance connecting wire can drastically degrade the quality of the ULF and AC, and, secondly, according to the Joule-Lenz law, the thermal heating of the wire is proportional to the second the degree of current flowing through it. Reducing the ohmic resistance of the conductive lines is achieved by increasing their cross section. Therefore, the audio cables are quite thick. Acoustic wires are relatively low-frequency (the operating range is 4-5 orders of magnitude: from units of hertz to hundreds of kilohertz). And yet, most developers, having achieved a minimum resistivity value (0.001–0.05 Ohm/m), try to reduce the wire inductance (a typical value of specific inductance is 0.2–0.5 μH/m). Almost all wires, with the exception of flat tape ones, are made in the form of bundles assembled from separate thin wires. The simplest are a pair of insulated conductors ("noodles"); this design is most common due to its lowest cost. Twisted veins constantly change their position: some go inward from the surface, others, on the contrary, go from the center to the surface. Since the distribution of current density over the cross section of the conductor does not change in order to remain close to the surface of the cable, the current passes through the interface from one strand to another. It happens that the contact between individual cores is not always good (there is a layer of oxides on the surface of each core that conducts current poorly), and numerous transitions through resistance barriers can theoretically affect the transmitted signal. If you cut the old network wire in rubber insulation, a dark film of oxides attracts attention. Such a wire is not soldered without stripping, the ohmmeter shows a rather large resistance ...
To reduce the influence of the skin effect, each thin core is sometimes provided with its own insulation, however, such cables are not technologically advanced, since it is difficult to automate the process of cutting the cores of such a cable.
Speaker cables are characterized by a wide variety of designs that differ not only in internal structure, but also in external features: round in cross section, flat, like thin ribbons, single, double, quadruple, etc. Despite their high cost, flat wires are very popular in home theater installations because they are easily hidden under wallpaper, carpets, and the like. Twin wires in pairs are in demand, which are convenient for connecting acoustics according to Bi-Wiring and Bi-Amping schemes.
A variety of speakers are home theater speakers, which have specific requirements. These will be discussed in a separate brochure.
How to choose speakers for ordinary PC users and for true music connoisseurs, who by ear determine the purity and level of sound, love to listen to melodies. Acquaintance with the main criteria of columns, their characteristics and purpose. This article will help you make the right choice.
Criterias of choice
It all depends on the purpose for which you buy speakers. To simply play sound in a computer, you will need to buy classic 2.0 speakers. The sound quality is good, the price is reasonable. But not every layman can be satisfied with such a simple audio system. In order to understand exactly what columns will be used for, study their main criteria and familiarize yourself with the main functions.
What are the columns:
- For traveling with a laptop the best choice would be portable speakers (see how to choose portable speakers) that connect via Bluetooth and have powerful battery. They take up little space and do not require a network connection. Although they lose in sound quality.
- For home or office computer 2.1 speakers are suitable, they cope with the transfer of any audio and video files, do not beat on the ear when working on raised tones.
- For professional For DJs, 2.1 acoustic technology is the best choice.
- For fans of movies and video games with special effects fit 5.1 speakers
- For connoisseurs of surround sound, a system for home theaters is suitable for a computer in all respects.
What do the mysterious numbers "2.0", "5.1" and "2.1" mean? These are the speaker type designations: the first number is the number of speakers and the second number is the number of subwoofers. There are also projectors - soundbars. What are their differences?
- The most popular option is 2.0, speakers recreate low, normal and high frequencies. Stereo pair of 2 speakers.
- Option 2.1. Inexpensive option for listening to music and games. Experienced music lovers believe that such speakers drive rap and heavy metal quite well. Two speakers take on the mid and high frequencies, and the third - the subwoofer - low. It is she who guarantees a deeper bass than other, not so universal, systems.
- Option 5.1. It is called the extended 2.1 format, there are more speakers: 2 rear and 1 center are added. But using such a system will not work on every computer, you need a special connector or the presence of a receiver. If you are going to watch chic blockbusters on your computer and play cool games with special effects, this is the perfect option for you.
- Soundbars. A long column where the speakers are located. The model is very expensive, for professional musicians. They guarantee the quality and sound level even in a large room, without placing the speakers themselves around the perimeter.
Now - about the material of the speaker cabinets .
- Wooden- the price is higher, but they have more surround sound. And their most important plus is that they do not rattle.
- Plastic- an order of magnitude cheaper, more choice of models, but the acoustics are worse, passive ones will wheeze a lot.
- From MDF. Compromise between price and quality. They are inexpensive and sound good, without rattling and look pretty stylish.
- With the use of metal. Such cases are made for high-tech office equipment. Good sound, the view is quite presentable, but the price is high.
There is also a classification into active and passive speakers.
- Active characterized by a rich sound and a smooth transition between tonalities. Built-in amplifier, power from PC.
- Passive they are cheaper, because the sound quality is modest, you need an amplifier.
Now let's decipher another such term. One-way acoustics is 1 speaker that reproduces frequencies, two-way acoustics - 2 speakers, for low-mid frequencies and high frequencies. In a three-way speaker - 3 speakers for each frequency separately.
Characteristics of computer speakers
What plays an important role when buying computer speakers? Experts advise to pay attention to such characteristics:
- Frequency range. It depends on the set sound effects. For work and watching movies, 20 thousand Hertz is enough, but music lovers should “climb” higher.
- Sensitivity. The higher it is, the further the audio signal goes, while maintaining high quality. The best choice would be 85-100 decibels.
- Power. The most important indicator. For simple sound reproduction, 20 watts will be enough. Music lovers and fans of large music companies should choose an option with indicators of at least 50 watts.
- Dimensions. Small size and great sound, powerful frequencies - this is extremely rare. Therefore, for good sounding, you have to allocate space.
- With microphone. These are purchased for Internet conferences, so as not to spend money on a set of audio equipment.
Power of different types of speakers
- Office. Power - from 2 to 6 watts per speaker, this is quite enough for work.
- Homemade. Power - about 30 watts for each, if a loud sound is not needed, 10-15 watts will suffice. If you want to listen to music loudly, then the indicators should be about 50 watts. The requirements for gaming columns are similar. For powerful systems, at 5.1 and 7.1, they consider the total power, where the numbers are needed from 150 to 500 watts. Fans of quiet music will have enough for 75 watts, for large companies you need to take at least 150. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend (the higher the figures, the higher the price).
- Portable. These have an average of 4 watts per speaker. If the power comes from Bluetooth, it is better to buy at 2-3 watts, if from a socket - then at 4-6.
Top 10 Best Computer Speakers
In the modern market, there is a constant struggle between manufacturers of office equipment, so far the first positions in the TOP-10 are retained by such models:
one. . Speaker power 4 W, made of MDF material. One-way sound. Frequency range from 90 to 20000 Hz.
- the headset is easily and quickly connected;
- powered by USB;
Cons: Not much power.
2. . Small-sized case, full-range speakers, 6 W power, USB connector provides power to the built-in amplifier. Made of plastic, frequency range - from 80 Hz. The classic version for the computer.
- consumes little energy;
- powered by USB;
- passive emitter.
Minus: no power supply, you have to buy extra or take up a computer port;
3. . The case is made of MDF, very similar to wood, the power of both speakers is 6 W (3 for each), single-band sound, from 90 Hz.
- USB powered;
- brightly illuminated volume control;
- power supply included.
Minus: the kit does not include side speakers.
four. . The speakers have a power of 1.2 W, a frequency of 20 Hz, the model is made of plastic.
- compactness;
- Easily connects to laptop via USB.
- cables of the correct length.
- play well, but without bass boost;
- stamped body.
5. . Titanium tweeter, aluminum frequency converters, power is not distorted - up to 120 watts (60 for each). The weight of the column is 8 kilograms, the connectors are located in the back wall, the control panel compensates for the inconvenience. Frequency range from 48 to 20000 Hz.
- Bluetooth and digital interfaces;
- material - wood;
- clear and bassy sound at high volume.
6. . Mini music center, sound is played from USB flash drives and memory cards. bluetooth. Can be amplified with a subwoofer, but the value for money is quite decent. Power 50 W, power up to 25 thousand Hz. Material - MDF.
- clear and powerful sound;
- wireless connection;
- the presence of a remote control.
Minus: non-standard glossy front panel.
7. . Dual-band audio, Bluetooth, support for aptX audio transmission, in conjunction with NFC. Good for laptops since you don't have to unplug the line cable. You can also listen to music from your smartphone. Power 28 W, made of plastic.
- separate tone control on each of the bands;
- headphone jack;
- turns off automatically;
- you can work with and without a wired connection;
- powerful bass.
Minus: high price (from 8000 rubles).
eight. . PC-only speakers, as the dimensions are quite impressive. Original retro design. Two-way acoustics, regulators can change the tone of frequencies. Power for both speakers - 60 watts. The frequency range is from 50 to 20 thousand. Hz.
- no wheezing even at high volume;
- clear and powerful sound;
- two microphone jacks;
- reverb;
- high power.
9. . The original feature is the remote control, which is connected to the amplifier, with the headphones connected. Switching on only by the line input, only the bass is regulated. System power - 40 W (20 for each speaker), frequency range - from 55 to 20 thousand. Hz. Material - MDF.
- compactness;
- convenient setting.
No cons found.
ten. . High-quality sound is guaranteed by 2 satellites, plastic 85 mm mid-range drivers, bass-reflex subwoofer. The total power is 110 watts. MDF cabinet. Frequencies from 30 to 20 thousand Hz.
- IR remote;
- remote display with control buttons;
- case color can be chosen: red or brown;
- powerful reinforcement.
Minus: increased price due to the remote screen.
The Most Advanced PC Speaker Models
Option 5.1 is called the leading computer acoustics. Embedded on DVD and in computer toys. The most improved models:
1.Logitech Z Four 67W wall mounted speakers, 1 center channel speaker of the same power, and a 165W subwoofer. You can control the acoustics, even select the inputs for the sound source. From 22 thousand rubles.
- stereo 3D, 4.1 and 2.1 effects;
- up to 6 sound sources;
- recorded from the network;
- Remote Control;
- original design.
Cons: No mounting screws.
2.. The most advanced version. Acoustics 5.1. The body is made of MDF boards, without harmful impurities that improve the sound quality. Optimal heat mode, minimum interference. The power for both speakers is 540 W, the frequency is from 42 to 20 thousand Hz. Inert radiator technique that guarantees rich bass. From 24 thousand rubles.
- there is a remote control;
- smooth bass, clear sound;
- original design;
- subwoofer 10 inches.
Cons: large size.
3. Made of MDF, classic design, 6 channels, powerful speakers and subwoofer. Power - 84 watts. Pure sound thanks to super-method Frequency from 30 to 20 thousand Hz. Price from 8 thousand rubles.
- controlled by a remote control;
- you can connect multiple audio sources;
- magnetic shielding;
Minus: not long wires.
4.. It is positioned as not very expensive acoustics with excellent sound. Power - 75 watts, frequency - from 45 to 20 thousand Hz. There is a magnetic shield. Multiple inputs, can be connected different devices.
- inputs are switched by a special button;
- convenient management;
- high build quality.
Cons: no remote control.
Those who better absorb visual material should familiarize themselves with the visual recommendations of experts. Professionals offer the most best options acoustics.
What you should pay attention to
Buyers usually focus on design, convenient connection and use. Here, too, there are tricks.
- Often you have to overpay for the design, because the speakers are simpler, often they sound even better.
- Location of control knobs. It is more convenient if placed in front or on the side. Even with a remote control, this aspect still needs to be taken into account.
- It is desirable that the functions are available not only from the console, for example, the transition of inputs or tone adjustment.
- It is much more optimal when the power amplifier is in the external unit. Easy to move.
- The sound quality does not affect whether the amplifier is mounted in the speaker or not.
- It is believed that the stronger the power, the better the model. There are standards. For a room up to 20 squares, about 20 watts is enough, 10 watts per speaker. But for a large hall, up to 100 is suitable.
Two-way speakers have clearer high frequencies. And the advantage of three-way is clearer mids and more bass.
- When buying portable speakers, it is worth checking whether a battery is attached to them. Because without it, the speakers will not last long.
When choosing speakers for your computer, there are many aspects to consider. Before buying, decide on the main requirements for the product, and focus on them. If you can afford only inexpensive ones, it is better to buy those that do not have a popular brand, but offer high-quality sound.
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