Hi-Fi speakers are the final link in your Hi-Fi system. Although we believe the source is the most decisive component, speakers remain extremely important. After all, they are what reveal the strengths – or weaknesses – of every component upstream! In short, choosing the right speakers is essential if you want to fully enjoy your music. maPlatine.com gives you a few key points to consider when choosing your Hi-Fi speakers.
1. Your choice of Hi-Fi speakers depends on your Hi-Fi system
For a Hi-Fi system to deliver optimal, consistent sound, its components must always work together in harmony. When choosing your Hi-Fi speakers, you therefore need to take into account the equipment you already own (audio source, phono preamplifier, amplifier…).
That said, the amplifier is the "engine" of the system. Its range, quality, power and ability to "drive" the Hi-Fi speakers will determine which speakers you should choose. To give you a rough idea, your amplifier should deliver at least 2 x 35 watts for bookshelf speakers (in a room smaller than 25 m²). If you are leaning towards floorstanding speakers (3-way, in a room of at least 50 m²), your amplifier will need a minimum output of 2 x 75 watts.
To check the compatibility of Hi-Fi speakers with your current Hi-Fi equipment, you will need several pieces of information. In particular, look at the recommended power, the speakers' sensitivity (or efficiency) and their impedance (4, 6, 8 ohms…). The higher the sensitivity, the easier the speaker is to drive and to match. For example, a pair of speakers with a sensitivity of 90 dB can be paired with a wide range of amplifiers.
2. Your choice of Hi-Fi speakers depends on the size of your room
Depending on the size of your listening room, a pair of speakers may sound quite different. That is why room size is a criterion you should never overlook. As a general rule, 2-way speakers give good results in rooms smaller than 25 m², while 3-way speakers can fully express themselves in rooms larger than 30 m². Some models are even designed for very large spaces of more than 70 m². Of course, these figures are only a guide, and we always recommend referring to the specifications provided by the manufacturer of your high-fidelity speakers.
Your choice of speakers will also depend closely on where you plan to place them in the room. Depending on the type of speaker you choose (bookshelf or floorstanding), you will need to leave a certain distance between the wall and the speaker. Around ten centimetres may be enough for small bookshelf speakers. This distance can increase to several tens of centimetres (or even a metre) for floorstanding speakers or large bookshelf models. Also bear in mind that the type of wall behind the speakers matters: a plasterboard wall and a stone wall will call for very different placements, as their resonant frequencies are completely different.
To preserve good stereo imaging and a realistic soundstage, you also need to respect a certain distance between your two high-fidelity speakers, and between the speakers and yourself. These three points generally form an isosceles triangle. For example, if your speakers are 2.80 metres apart, you should sit 2.80 metres away from them, facing the speakers.
3. Your choice of Hi-Fi speakers depends on the result you are looking for
Naturally, your choice of Hi-Fi speakers will also depend on your musical tastes and what you expect in terms of sound reproduction. Every manufacturer uses different technologies and designs, which lead to noticeably different results. Some favour neutrality and realism, while others emphasise dynamics or a more spectacular presentation of the music. You will have to "pick your side"!
To help you decide, our technicians describe the sound signature of every Hi-Fi speaker available on our website. You will find this description on the product page of each of our Hi-Fi speakers. maPlatine.com offers a wide choice of speakers from the most prestigious brands in high fidelity: Indiana Line, Revival Audio, Sonus Faber...
4. Should you choose your Hi-Fi speakers based on their looks?
Since your future Hi-Fi speakers will be part of your interior, their appearance will certainly play a role in your decision. To suit as many people as possible and match every taste, speakers come in a huge variety of designs.
There is a wide range of finishes available: gloss lacquer, matt, wood and even fabric! In terms of colours, you will of course find the classics: black or white. However, some Hi-Fi brands, such as the French brand Focal, boldly offer bright, pop colours such as red or orange – a great way to liven up your décor!
If you are looking for something more original, you can also choose speakers with a distinctive shape. While Hi-Fi speakers are usually rectangular, some brands offer more unusual designs: rounded edges, "triangular" shapes (e.g. Sonus Faber), and so on.
For some brands, the shape of the speaker has even become a kind of artistic signature… This is particularly true of Focal Hi-Fi speakers, which are instantly recognisable!
Either way, aesthetics are a matter of personal taste and of each brand's design choices.
5. Your choice of speakers depends on your budget
Of course, your budget also needs to be taken into account when choosing your Hi-Fi speakers. As mentioned earlier, you should aim for a pair of speakers that is consistent with the rest of your high-fidelity system.
Again as a rough guide, if you are new to Hi-Fi and own an entry-level system, we recommend setting aside between €300 and €1,000 for your pair of speakers. For mid-range Hi-Fi systems, Hi-Fi speakers priced between €1,000 and €2,000 will be an excellent choice. If you own a high-end system, plan for a budget of more than €2,000 so that your Hi-Fi speakers are perfectly matched to it.
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We hope these tips will help you choose your pair of Hi-Fi speakers. If you would like more advice before making your decision, our technicians are available by phone (+33 (0)2 99 65 41 63) or by email (contact@maplatine.com).
