Hi-Fi class audio systems are devices that reproduce high-quality sound. They will give you new experiences from listening to music or watching your favorite movie on a computer, TV or in the car (however, not all acoustics are suitable for cars). Below is a selection of the best audio systems for the home in 2021.
Criteria for choosing good home acoustics
When choosing modern Hi-Fi acoustics, the following parameters are taken into account:
- Device location. First of all, they decide on the place where the acoustics will be installed. Today, 2 types dominate the market: floor-mounted and shelf (or wall-mounted). Floor-standing acoustics, as a rule, have a massive body and large drivers that produce powerful sound with fat bass. Bookshelf speakers are compact and do not take up much space in the room. They are inferior to floor-standing models in terms of power, but they reproduce detailed sound.
- Acoustics type. Speakers can be active or passive. The former have an amplifier inside, so they are ready to work immediately after switching on. Savings follow from this. But due to the fact that the developer places both speakers and electronics in one housing, the sound quality often suffers. For passive acoustics, you need to additionally buy an external amplifier. Even if it is expensive, this way the user gets more opportunities to upgrade the audio system.
- Number of lanes. In theory, the greater the number of “highly specialized” speakers, the better. However, crossovers distribute the signal between them, and in many ways their quality and tuning accuracy affect the purity of the reproduced audio. Therefore, two-way or three-way acoustics are optimal.
- Smooth frequency response. The smoother the amplitude-frequency response, the clearer the music sounds across the entire frequency range. It’s unlikely that anyone wants to buy a speaker whose highs are swamped and the lows are raised. The frequency response is indicated by manufacturers or in publications conducting similar tests.
- Speaker power. The power of the acoustics should not be lower than the power of the amplifier. Otherwise, when you try to raise the volume to maximum, the speakers will begin to wheeze. In addition, when choosing power, the installation location of the speaker is also taken into account. For example, if you need to pump up the hall with music at a concert or organize a disco, you need a powerful model. Conversely, there is no point in buying 400-watt speakers for a small apartment.
Model rating
Let's look at some interesting models from different price ranges.
Budget models
| Model | Characteristics |
| Microlab M-1910 Acoustics 5.1 for $120, the Microlab company produces quite high-quality products in the lower and middle price segments. A total power of 45 W, a subwoofer with a bass reflex, the body is trimmed with plastic panels. Pros:
Cons: none found. | |
| SVEN HT-200 A budget model costing 80-90 dollars in an MDF case. The products of the manufacturer SVEN have been on the market for more than 15 years and in this price segment they have very good quality. The total speaker power is 60W. The declared range of reproduced frequencies is 40-22000 Hz. Pros:
Flaws:
| |
| Gemix HT-1050 Ultra budget 5.1 system for $70. She has plastic speakers and a subwoofer made of MDF. Claimed total power 60W. Pros:
Cons: the speakers do not have mounts for hanging on the wall. |
Average price range
| Model | Characteristics |
| Edifier R501T III 5.1 speakers from a well-known manufacturer of inexpensive speaker systems. The cost is about 170 dollars. Edifier has a fairly wide range of models. It began to actively develop in the domestic market about 10 years ago, during which time it managed to show itself quite well in terms of quality and reliability. Pros:
Disadvantages: there are no volume controls on the subwoofer, all settings can only be made using the remote control. | |
| F&D F5060X Large home theater speakers with a total power of 60W for $170-180. F&D products are often very similar to the SVEN brand. The quality of this manufacturer is quite good. This model supports Bluetooth for wireless music playback and has a built-in simple player. Pros:
Disadvantages: none found. | |
| Genius SW-HF 5.1 6000 Speakers for almost $200 will delight the owner with good surround sound. Total power - 100 W. Pros:
Flaws:
|
Premium models
| Model | Characteristics |
| Soundbar LG SJ5 Miniature and loud acoustics for TV. Its cost is 300 dollars. Looks quite stylish. Total power 120 W. Pros:
Disadvantages: slightly overpriced. | |
| Powerful M-Audio HCS-9950 MKIII system Your neighbors will experience the most emotions! Its declared power is 420 W. 5 speakers, 2 of them are tall floor-standing, stylish design, clear sound. The body is made of MDF, like most modern models. Pros:
Disadvantages: none found. | |
| Microlab H-600 Beautiful and powerful speaker system (270W) 5.1 system, with high front speakers and a good subwoofer. Cost about 400 dollars. Pros:
Disadvantages: with prolonged use, problems may occur with the control unit or remote control. |
Which speaker to choose for music in an apartment or house
If you need inexpensive speakers for your home, we recommend choosing the BEHRINGER Truth B2030A. This bookshelf model has a built-in amplifier, so you don’t have to buy anything else. And everything is fine with her sound.
If the speaker is purchased to connect to a home theater, then the premium model – Magnat Quantum 677 – will cope with this task.
- What is the most powerful acoustics in the world? The power of the Quantum 677 speakers reaches 350 W.
This is enough to pump up not only an apartment with music, but also a rather large building. However, there are acoustic speakers that are 10 or even 15 times superior to Quantum. We are talking about Ultra-Slim ARRAY acoustics from the Bose brand, the power of which was 4900 W. The manufacturer himself stated that the peak power of the speakers is as much as 11,000 W, but this is hard to believe. There is information that there is a more powerful column. According to the source, it was produced by an illegal Japanese company, which never patented it. Its power reached 7800 W.
The process of connecting speakers to a TV
To connect stereo speakers to your TV, follow these steps in this order:
- Place the receiver or amplifier as close to the TV as possible, while remaining within reach of other devices (cable or satellite set-top box, DVD player, etc.);
- Ideally, the TV should be at a distance of 120-180 cm from the amplifier, otherwise a longer connecting cable will be required;
- Before connecting, make sure that all equipment is turned off;
- Find the analog or digital audio output on the TV (AUDIO OUT), this can be two RCA jacks or one 3.5 mm mini-jack, for digital audio there will be an optical output or an HDMI OUT port;
- Find a free audio input (AUDIO IN) on your stereo receiver (most likely the stereo or home theater input will be an RCA jack or an HDMI input port);
- Using a cable with matching plugs on each end, connect the TV's audio output to the receiver's audio input;
- Once all cables are connected, turn on your stereo amplifier and TV. But before you check the result, make sure that the volume on the receiver is at a low level. The sound from the TV should now come from the speakers.
All audio input (audio in) and audio output (audio out) connectors are always labeled, so they are easy to navigate. Below you can see a diagram of the main connectors:
Let's look at how to connect speakers to a TV via an RCA connection.
Look at the back of your TV, if there are red and white RCA jacks labeled “audio out”, then you can use a regular left and right stereo audio cable (tulip) to connect. We connect one end of the cable to the TV using the corresponding colors of the connectors, and the other to the speaker connector, where there is an inscription “Audio input”. If the device has several inputs, it is better to connect to the one marked “TV-IN”.
Some TVs may have a mini-jack (TRS 3.5 mm) instead of RCA audio output connectors. In this case, you can use a special RCA-TRS 3.5 mm cable, which can be easily found in stores.
Please note that the "jack" standard does not always mean that the signal will be received in a "stereo" format: if the plug has 2 contacts, then it is mono, and if there are 3 separations, then it is a stereo transmission.
It's important to note that on many new TVs, analog RCA or 3.5mm connections are no longer available. This means that if you're buying a new TV and your soundbar or audio system only has analog audio inputs, you'll need to make sure that the TV you're planning to buy actually has an analog audio output option. Otherwise, you may need to upgrade to a new soundbar or audio system that provides digital optical audio and/or HDMI-ARC connectivity options.
Depending on the model of the speaker system and the model of the TV, there may be the following connection options:
- The best option is to use fiber optic cable. It does not react to electromagnetic radiation, so the sound is delivered without the slightest interference or distortion. Connect the “optical out” cable on your set-top box to the “optical in” port on your cinema receiver, and you can enjoy deep, high-quality sound when watching any program;
- It is possible that your model of equipment has coaxial sockets; this is also an excellent option for pure transmission of multi-channel audio without the conversion procedure to an analog signal. The audio output connector on the TV will be called S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface), or “out coaxial”, and on the cinema receiver “coaxial in”.
Home theater connection
The peculiarity of connecting a home theater is that the set of multimedia centers does not include wires for connecting additional devices, so you will have to purchase them yourself.
Look at the back of the center and find the video input jacks. Use the same method to determine the type of video output on your TV. Now you need to connect the two devices to each other, but before connecting, do not forget to disconnect them from the electrical network.
Most often, the connection between a TV and multimedia equipment is carried out either through linear connectors or SCART. After connecting, the speaker system is switched to “AUX” mode. If you did everything correctly, the sound from the TV should come from the speakers of the media center.
If you have made a connection and notice that the sound quality is poor or there is extraneous noise, the reason may be that the speaker volume setting is incorrect. Adjust the volume of the speakers by changing the settings on the TV and directly on the center itself.
However, there are many new TVs that do not have analog outputs (RCA or SCART), but instead have an HDMI port. For example, Samsung TVs without audio are very popular these days. This means that the audio output is built into the HDMI card on the device.
Of course, this can be intimidating if the user only has an RCA audio connection on their stereo receiver. But don’t worry, there is an option for this situation too.
HighDenition Multimedia Interface is an audio/video interface that is used to transmit audio and visual data. This is a flat port that you can see on TVs, audio systems and other devices. If both devices have HDMI ports, then there will be no connection problems: all you need to do is connect the TV to the audio system using an HDMI cable.
However, if your TV has HDMI and your audio system doesn't, you'll need a dedicated switch box. A typical HDMI 4x1 switcher has 3 to 4 different separate audio output options for connecting to your sound system:
- Digital coaxial;
- Digital optical;
- Analog RCA port (red and white jack).
All you have to do is select the port that your audio system supports. With this switch you can connect any receiver, external speakers, home theater or surround sound system. This solution will allow you to truly enjoy music or a movie, and gamers will especially like it.
Connecting a subwoofer
Speakers with a subwoofer for a TV are a relatively inexpensive solution for amplifying sound. Of course, the sound from a composite stereo system will be of higher quality, but a separate subwoofer can noticeably change the timbre of the sound and give a more decent sound level.
Low-frequency speakers operate in the range of approximately 20 to 160 Hz, and this is where the basis of sound transmission is created; with a subwoofer, the sound is fuller and deeper. Devices can be either active, that is, have an internal amplifier, or passive (without a receiver).
You can connect the active low-frequency speaker to the TV using the already familiar RCA cable: the “tulips” corresponding in color just need to be connected to the output jack on the TV body. All modern TV models have automatic settings, which makes connection easier. In the television menu, all that remains is to check the box in the “External playback devices” section.
Passive subwoofer models are not connected to the TV directly, but through an amplifier. That is, the speaker is connected to additional acoustic equipment:
- Connect the subwoofer to an external amplifier or home theater system;
- Carefully check the polarity of the connection: the speaker cable terminals are connected “+” to “+”, and “-” to “-”, right to right “R”, and left to left “L” output;
- The subwoofer outputs must be connected in parallel to the front speakers.
The connection must be organized in such a way that the speaker works together with the speaker system (home theater, computer). If you write it schematically, the connection of a passive subwoofer looks like this: subwoofer - speaker cable - amplifier - RCA cable - receiver.
Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar
Soundbar providing high quality stereo sound. It is easy to connect to any TV model. The panel has a laconic design and is wall-mounted. Thanks to the light-colored fabric front panel, the horizontal speaker has a premium look. Mi TV Audio Speaker consists of 8 sound blocks. There are 2 tweeters, 2 subwoofers and 4 passive radiators. There is a Bluetooth module and all the necessary ports - you can connect a wide variety of equipment. Made in China.
Main characteristics of the model
- Number of speakers: 4 pcs.
- Power: 28 W.
- Frequency range: 50-25,000 Hz.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 830x87x72 mm.
- Weight: 1.9 kg.
Advantages
- + crystal clear sound, powerful bass and perfect frequency balance;
- + music can be output to the soundbar directly from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC;
- + stylish and versatile design;
- + price.
Flaws
- — when connected via an optical cable, it is not possible to adjust the sound using the TV remote control;
- — not suitable for listening to music — you need to buy an additional subwoofer;
- - no USB input.
Best deals
4.
Yamaha YAS-108
A powerful speaker with built-in woofers and bass reflexes from a Japanese manufacturer. There are all the necessary interfaces for connecting to sound sources - wired and wireless. The soundbar can be placed in front of the TV or hung on the wall using built-in mounts. The soundbar creates three-dimensional surround sound. It is created by powerful speakers and two built-in subwoofers - sources of powerful bass. This model can connect two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.
Main characteristics of the model
- Number of speakers: 4 pcs.
- Power: 60 W.
- Frequency range: 60-23,000 Hz.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 890x54x130 mm.
- Weight: 3.2 kg.
Advantages
- + high-quality three-dimensional sound;
- + supports HDMI ARC pass-through;
- + can be controlled via a mobile application;
- + it is possible to connect an external subwoofer;
- + stylish design;
- + good value for money.
Flaws
- — there are complaints about mediocre sound, despite the declared surround 3D sound;
- — inconvenient location of connectors;
- — no external subwoofer, bass is blurry.
Best deals
All presented soundbar models, despite differences in design and power, allow you to watch videos on TV with the most realistic sound. Each user can choose equipment according to their taste and budget - the range includes both low-power panels without subwoofers and super-powerful 200-300 W models. Audio equipment manufacturers, having noted the growing popularity of the soundbar, decided not to stop there and continue to improve the capabilities of the soundbar.
Tags: SONY SAMSUNG XIAOMI
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LG SJ3
The LG SJ3 soundbar, stylish and compact, allows you to get high-quality sound output. There is a free-standing 200-watt subwoofer (an acoustic system that reproduces sounds of the lowest frequencies). The device is equipped with AUX, USB, S/PDIF inputs. It is possible to transmit data via Bluetooth wireless communication. Manufacturing materials: black plastic and MDF. Country of origin: South Korea.
Main characteristics of the model
- Number of speakers: 6 pcs.
- Speaker/subwoofer power: 100/200 W.
- Frequency range: 40-20,000 Hz.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 950x71x47 mm.
- Speakers/subwoofer weight: 2.47/4.2 kg.
Advantages
- + supports USB media;
- + wireless subwoofer connection;
- + there is a night mode;
- + compatible with any TV remote control;
- + provides for synchronization of sound with the TV via an optical cable.
Flaws
- — no disc player;
- - no 3D support;
- — no FM tuner;
- - no DLNA support;
- - no memory card reader.
Best deals
8.
Xiaomi Redmi TV Soundbar
This soundbar allows you to watch videos with excellent sound. It has a Bluetooth 5.0 module, thanks to which sound is output to the soundbar wirelessly from any gadget - laptop, smartphone, tablet. The range is 10 m. This soundbar is installed on the floor or hung from the wall - any option is possible. A digital SPDIF interface is provided for connecting TVs. The case material is high-quality black plastic. Country of origin: China.
Main characteristics of the model
- Number of speakers: 4 pcs.
- Sound power: 28 W.
- Frequency range: 50-25000 Hz.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 830x87x72 mm.
- Weight: 1.93 kg.
Advantages
- + excellent sound, spacious and deep;
- + competent adjustment of all frequencies: from low to high;
- + vibrating bass;
- + connects to any type of TV;
- + there is an Aux port - for connecting mobile gadgets;
- + wireless connection;
- + can be hung on the wall - the device fits perfectly into the interior;
- + compactness;
- + high-quality assembly;
- + good value for money.
Flaws
- — Users did not find any disadvantages with this model.
The only comment made by music lovers is that they would like the sound quality to be better when listening to music.
Best deals
9.
JBL Bar Studio
A universal soundbar from the American company JBL, connected to the TV, complements the image with loud and high-quality sound. There is Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity, which allows you to stream music from any gadget to the soundbar. Thanks to proprietary JBL Surround Sound technology, the movies you watch are accompanied by the most realistic sound without the use of additional wires and speakers.
Main characteristics of the model
- Number of speakers: 4 pcs.
- Power: 30 W.
- Frequency range: 60-20,000 Hz.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 614x54x86 mm.
- Weight: 1.4 kg.
Advantages
- + the sound, thanks to two phase inverters, is deep, with powerful bass;
- + clear sound, without buzzing or distortion;
- + control is possible via a television remote control;
- + there are all the connectors necessary to connect equipment (line-in, USB Type A, digital optical input, HDMI);
- + compactness;
- + high-quality assembly;
- + stylish design.
Flaws
- — the built-in MP3 player has limited capabilities;
- — there are complaints about lags when playing audio via Bluetooth (the sound disappears);
- — there is no possibility to connect a subwoofer.
Best deals
3.
Types of speaker systems
Like all video equipment, mobile gadgets and other external devices, the TV speaker system is divided into accessories for home and studio (professional) use. There are equipment of the budget level, mid-price category and premium class.
Today, the following types of TV acoustics are considered optimal for creating excellent sound and presence:
- speakers (Bluetooth speakers - wireless);
- subwoofers;
- sound panels (soundbars);
- multimedia centers;
- stereo systems;
- home theater systems.
Sound panels/media bars/soundbars or soundboxes have confidently won their niche in the market for individual external speaker system components. The soundbar is a rectangular speaker with built-in speakers. It is placed on the wall under the TV.
Soundbars are a very attractive attribute for creating a stereo effect, surround and live sound. The package also includes a wireless subwoofer to maintain and expand the low-frequency sound range.
Also read: How to choose a set-top box for your TV?
