The best acoustics for home theater – choosing and assembling a system with your own hands

The key purpose
of home theaters is to create a “presence effect” while watching movies and listening to music. In other words, in reproducing images and sound of high quality, close to the cinema. A home theater speaker system is responsible for surround sound. In this review, we will analyze it.

Acoustics for home theater: what it is, what it consists of and what it is used for

So, under acoustics it is customary to understand the final link in the chain of devices responsible for the transmission of audio information. At this stage, the sound is reproduced by converting an electrical signal into mechanical vibrations of an electrodynamic loudspeaker. The main task of home theater speakers is powerful high-quality 3D sound. This is explained by the fact that not a single speaker built into the TV, unfortunately, provides the volume and surround sound for which home theaters are purchased. The speaker system is very simple. Any acoustics consists of a body, 2-4 loudspeakers and electric filters. The latter serve to separate the audio frequencies between the loudspeakers. Active speakers are also equipped with a built-in amplifier.

All-weather acoustics

All-weather speakers are used outdoors – in open areas, gazebos, etc. They have an increased level of protection against moisture and temperature extremes. As a rule, they are installed under a canopy.

Ceiling

Ceiling-mounted speakers are considered the most inconspicuous. They are used in commercial and office premises, houses, etc.

wall recessed

In-wall speakers (both boxed and unboxed) are a great way to create surround sound for your home theater without cluttering up the space.

Active speaker systems for home theater

Active acoustics presupposes the presence of a built-in amplifier / amplifiers, which / which are initially optimally selected and configured by the manufacturer. Among active acoustics, we distinguish between wireless speakers and active monitors.

Wired and wireless speakers

This type of acoustics is determined by the way the speakers are connected.

Active monitors

Active or studio monitors are usually two-way with woofers and tweeters. Their main task is to transmit sound without coloring or distortion.

Horn columns

Horn speakers are also distinguished, where the sound does not come directly from the speaker, but through a horn that is installed close. Such speakers have high sensitivity and directivity of sound radiation.

Electrostatic speakers

This type of speaker differs from others in that instead of a speaker, a thin film is used here, stretched between 2 conductors, to which an electric signal of sound frequencies is applied. The conductors are supplied with voltage from the network. With this interaction of constant electromagnetic and alternating fields, the film vibrates. This design provides accurate sound directionality, which can be considered both an advantage and a disadvantage.

planar columns

It also uses film instead of speakers. But unlike the previous type, in planar acoustics, film vibrations are created in a constant magnetic field. Thus, creating a sound similar to the previous one described.

Subwoofers

By subwoofer we mean speakers that reproduce the sounds of the lowest frequencies, usually from 20 Hz.

Active subs

Active woofers are equipped with a built-in amplifier and an active crossover.

Passive subwoofers

Passive subwoofers are not equipped with a power amplifier. And connected to an external amplifier in parallel.

Technical specifications

One of the parameters that determine the sound quality of the speakers is the technical data of the device:

1. The first parameter is speaker power . Good sound will be provided by speakers with a power of 100 watts or more. And the higher the power of the devices, the greater its capabilities.
2. Maximum sound pressure , in other words, the maximum allowable power.
3. frequency range . A subwoofer is usually responsible for frequencies from 20 to 120 Hz.
4. Equipped with technology . This parameter is responsible for the volume of the sound.
5. Speaker diameter and cabinet design . These parameters also largely determine the sound quality to a large extent.

Professional acoustics

There are certainly significant differences between home and professional acoustics. All professional speakers use active circuits, which gives them a serious advantage over passive speakers:

1. In professional acoustics, there are several power amplifiers for each speaker, that is, a multi-amplifier combination is used, which is extremely rare in home use.
2. “Powers” are optimized and operate in a narrow frequency band. All this reduces possible distortions, improves the sound in general and reduces the cost of devices.
3. Intermodulation distortion is also eliminated by the absence of passive high-current filters.
4. Due to the absence of crossover filters, the load of the amplifier is also optimized.
5. The damping of the oscillation amplitude is improved.

In other words, professional acoustics is about providing original sound without any distortion.

Note! Unfortunately, not all studio acoustics can provide the expected professional sound. Therefore, it is recommended to buy speakers from those brands that have already been tested by time, for example, Genlec.

The cost of a set of professional loudspeakers ranges from $2,000 to $12,000.

Home acoustics

The main difference between consumer and professional acoustics is the transfer of their corporate style, and not pure original sound without distortion. So, for example, the brand “Harman” will hear a harsh sound, “Musical Fidelity” – the “golden mean”, and the Japanese brands – swamped bass.

Wireless Home Theater Speakers

To
connect a classic home theater , used even in a small room, you will need no less than 20-30 meters of speaker cable. Therefore, one of the main difficulties of DC is wires. In this regard, DC manufacturers began to create their own lines of wireless devices. They connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

There are two types of wireless connection of DC speakers:

• wireless connection of rear speakers only (Surround);
• wireless connection of all speakers of the system.

However, the implementation of a multi-channel wireless connection of a recreation center is not an easy process. It’s connected with:

• many different multi-channel formats that require a powerful processor and decoders;
• various interfaces that are difficult to integrate into the AU;
• the need for complete synchronization of the operation of all columns.

Wireless Home Theater Speakers: https://youtu.be/EWskwuYHgbs

System acoustics 5.1 or still 7.1 – which is better

If we are talking about a home theater, then the question will definitely arise, which format of acoustics is better. The classic version is the 5.1 system, where the number “5” indicates the number of speakers, “1” – the number of subwoofers. In turn, the speakers are presented in the form of 1 central speaker, 2 front speakers (placed on the right and left sides of the audience / listeners at ear level) and 2 rear speakers (placed behind the back or above the head).

Criterias of choice

When choosing acoustics for a home theater, it is important to consider the parameters of the room and the tasks that the device must perform. Of course, we do not forget about the priority type of acoustics placement and do not neglect the technical data of the devices. The choice of acoustics for home theater – which brands produce modern and high-quality speakers and subwoofers: https://youtu.be/MPRZgPQsLKk

Connecting a 5.1, 7.1 speaker system – how to arrange home theater speakers

Connecting Home Theater Speakers

When installing a home theater system, the first thing to do is to place all the speakers correctly, taking into account all the recommendations. Next, we connect the speakers to the receiver. To do this, use the cable that comes with the threaded and push connectors. And we connect to the audio inputs, focusing on the corresponding marks (CENTER – for the center speaker, FRONT – for the front, SURROUND – for the rear and SUBWOOFER – for the subwoofer, respectively). How to set up a home theater system with a hi-fi quality speaker system – correct speaker placement for a 5.1 system: https://youtu.be/YPsUVh8WvGw

Connecting acoustics to a computer

You can also connect speakers to a computer. If we are talking about passive speakers, then we connect the devices using a Mini Jack cable or 2 RCA wires using an adapter (see the technical data of the speakers). On the PC, the audio input is marked in green. Connecting active acoustics to a computer is also possible. Built-in sound cards on modern PCs allow even a 7-channel system to be used. The main thing is to know the color designations. So, the orange audio input is for the center speaker and subwoofer, the green one is for the front speakers, the black one is for the rear speakers, the gray one is for the side ones, the blue one is for linear connection of an electric guitar, player, etc., and the pink one is for connecting a microphone.

Average cost – 21,900 rubles. Format 2.0, outdoor view. Dimensions – 65.1 cm * 35.1 cm * 32.3 cm. Weight – 11.6 kg. The loudspeaker housing is made of metal and plastic, protected from splashes, has a pleasant backlight (six modes). The total power of the audio system is 500 watts. Connects via Bluetooth, using a mini-Lack or USB cable, has a microphone jack. Works from a network. The audio system is equipped with a built-in woofer and has a bass booster mode (Bass Booster). For those who like to have fun, the company also has a karaoke mode.

Acoustics JBL Bar 5.0 JBLBAR50MBBLKEP

The average cost is 28,000 rubles. Most often purchased for office or commercial premises. Compatible with iOS and Android operating systems. The body is made of high quality plastic. Its dimensions are 60 cm * 70.9 cm * 100 cm, the weight of the acoustics is 2.8 kg. Total power – 250 watts. You can transfer files for playback via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay, Chromecast. One of the features of acoustics is the reproduction of powerful basses without a separate subwoofer. Although this model is also found in 5.1 format.

Sony XB72 (GTK-XB72)

The average cost is 26,000 rubles. This is a powerful monoblock speaker system with dimensions of 34 cm * 65 cm * 37 cm, weight – 12 kg. Wireless connection – via Bluetooth or NFC. Compatible with iOS and Android OS. Can be used both vertically and horizontally. Equipped with Extra BASS technology, which provides high-quality deep bass. The backlight is controlled from your smartphone through the convenient Fiestable app.