Audio accessories – Types and top companies
Different audio accessories are required to get the best audio experience from the sound system. Given the variety of speaker options, it can be challenging to determine which models are both functional and cost-effective. Begin by considering how you intend to use the speakers. Choosing from various audio accessories will be simple once the objective has been established. Here are a few different categories of audio accessories to account for various needs.
Types of audio accessories
Floor-standing / tower speakers
Floor-standing or tower speakers typically extend three to four feet above the ground. Although speaker size has little to no effect on sound quality, larger speakers are typically louder. Floor-standing speakers can also produce more bass because it is easier to reproduce low frequencies with larger cones. Tower speakers are thus best suited for large rooms. Most surround sound systems use a stereo pair of floor-standing speakers as the front left and right speakers.
Bookshelf speaker
Bookshelf speakers are ideal for small spaces. They are much smaller and frequently include a tweeter, woofer, or mid-range driver. Although this type of speaker can be placed on a bookshelf, speaker stands provide superior sound quality. A stand allows sound to travel more freely, whereas a shelf absorbs much of the speaker’s sound. Like tower speakers, a pair of bookshelf speakers can function effectively for a stereo sound system. They work well as front or rear speakers in surround sound systems and both. While their small size limits their ability to produce powerful bass, using them with a subwoofer allows users to hear the entire sound spectrum.
Satellite speaker
Satellite speakers are designed to be placed behind or to the sides of the listening area. They typically consist of two cones: a tweeter and a mid-range or woofer driver. Although they can be used in stereo pairs, they are typically used to enhance other speakers rather than being the focal point. Satellite speakers are typically mounted on the wall or ceiling to avoid cords running over the listening area. Wireless satellite speakers are another option.
Subwoofers
A subwoofer is an excellent choice for hearing deep, rich bass tones. Most subwoofers now include an amplifier and a crossover network, allowing users to fine-tune the upper-frequency response of the sub to match the main speakers better. Subwoofer performance is heavily influenced by positioning. Subwoofers are designed to reproduce very low bass tones found in audio, such as roars, growls, and thunders heard in movies and bass guitar songs. Certain room placements completely cancel out the bass. So, placement and seating are critical elements for getting the most out of the subwoofer.
In-ceiling speakers
In-ceiling speakers, like in-wall units, have a woofer and a tweeter. They are less effective than surround speakers. They are compatible with object-based sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which provide the most realistic audio experience possible by adding a vertical dimension to surround sound. In-ceiling speakers are an excellent choice for multi-room audio setups because they allow one to listen to music away from the primary listening location while concealing the sound source.
Best audio accessory companies
- Bose is well-known for producing high-end home audio systems, speakers, noise-canceling headphones, professional audio equipment, and sound vehicle systems.
- Sennheiser specializes in designing and manufacturing high-fidelity audio and sound products for personal, professional, and commercial use, such as microphones, headphones, sound recording, and streaming devices.
- Sony is one of the world’s largest electronic product manufacturers. The company’s Home Entertainment and Audio division is well-known for producing some of the best audio equipment in the world, including headphones, audio sound players, wireless speakers, digital audio recorders, floor-standing speakers, audio components, and home sound systems.
- JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer best known for its headphones and loudspeakers. It is divided into JBL Professional and JBL Consumer. The former makes audio products for the consumer homes market, such as wireless Bluetooth speakers, Android and iOS headphones, soundbars, home theater systems, and computer audio devices. The latter manufactures professional products for the studio, installed sound, concert sound, and movie theater markets.
These well-known brands provide excellent repair and maintenance services for audio accessories compatible with their products. These offer warranties, guarantees, and various instructions to help with establishing and delivering great services.