Bookshelf speakers are a great option for building a home theater system. They offer high-quality sound in a compact size, making them perfect for smaller spaces or rooms where floor-standing speakers may not be practical. In this article, we’ll take a look at how bookshelf speakers can be used in a home theater setup and what to look for when choosing speakers.
Using Bookshelf Speakers in a Home Theater Setup
Bookshelf speakers can be used as the front, center, or surround speakers in a home theater setup. When used as front speakers, they should be placed on either side of the TV or projection screen and positioned at ear level for optimal sound quality. When used as center speakers, they should be placed above or below the TV or projection screen and angled towards the listener. When used as surround speakers, they should be placed behind the listener and positioned at ear level.
Bookshelf speakers can be used alone or in conjunction with a subwoofer for enhanced bass response. If using a subwoofer, it’s important to make sure that the crossover frequency is set correctly to ensure that the bookshelf speakers are handling the midrange and high frequencies, while the subwoofer is handling the low frequencies.
What to Look for in Bookshelf Speakers for Home Theater
When choosing bookshelf speakers for a home theater setup, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Size and Design Bookshelf speakers come in a variety of sizes and designs, so it’s important to choose speakers that will fit your space and complement your decor. It’s also important to consider the size of the drivers and the cabinet, as larger drivers and cabinets will generally produce better bass response.
- Sensitivity Sensitivity refers to how efficiently the speakers convert power into sound. Speakers with higher sensitivity ratings require less power to produce the same volume as speakers with lower sensitivity ratings. This can be important if you have a low-powered amplifier or receiver.
- Impedance Impedance refers to the electrical resistance of the speakers and is measured in ohms. It’s important to choose speakers that have an impedance rating that is compatible with your amplifier or receiver.
- Frequency Response Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that the speakers can reproduce. It’s important to choose speakers that have a wide frequency response range, especially if you plan to use them without a subwoofer.
- Brand and Price Finally, it’s important to consider the brand and price of the speakers. While there are many great options available at a range of price points, it’s generally a good idea to choose speakers from a reputable brand with a good track record of producing high-quality speakers.
Best Bookshelf Speakers for Home Theater
Here are some of the best bookshelf speakers for home theater setups:
- KEF Q350 The KEF Q350 is a high-performance bookshelf speaker that features a 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver array and a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. It has a frequency response range of 63Hz to 28kHz and a sensitivity rating of 87dB. The Q350 is compatible with a wide range of amplifiers and receivers and is available in a variety of finishes.
- Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 The Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 is a great option for those on a budget. It features a 6.5-inch woven aramid-fiber woofer and a 1-inch cloth dome tweeter. It has a frequency response range of 44Hz to 35kHz and a sensitivity rating of 87dB. The B6.2 is compatible with a wide range of amplifiers and receivers and is available in a black ash or walnut finish.