A Practical Guide to Choosing Stereo Speakers

 

We’re often asked: “What speakers should I buy?”

That’s a bit like asking someone what their favorite color is — only you can decide what sounds best to you.

 

That said, here are some key principles we strongly believe in when it comes to choosing speakers for stereo music listening.

 

1. Choose Full-Range Speakers When Possible

 

We recommend full-range speakers instead of pairing bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer.

 

Why?
A full-range speaker is designed so that low and midrange frequencies blend seamlessly from the same physical location. This integration is extremely difficult to achieve when combining separate subwoofers and bookshelf speakers — even with careful measurements, EQ, and placement.

 

Subwoofers work best for home theater setups, where bass is mixed differently and small integration flaws are less noticeable.

 

That said, a well-tuned bookshelf + subwoofer system can sound excellent — it’s just much harder to get right. If you go this route, use measurement tools and EQ, and be patient.

 

Rule of thumb: If your bookshelf speakers are on stands, you likely have space for full-range speakers. For most listeners, they’re a simpler and more reliable path to great musical reproduction.

 

2. Listen to Different Brands and Learn Their “House Sound”

 

Every speaker brand has a distinct voicing philosophy — often called a house curve.

 

Visit local retailers and bring music you know well. Listen for how each brand balances highs, mids, and lows. Pay attention to:

• Cymbals (highs)
• Vocals (mids)
• Bass drums (lows)

 

Decide what sounds natural and balanced to your ear — and don’t let anyone tell you what you should like.

 

Keep in mind that speakers that sound “bright” or “forward” often stand out in showrooms — just as brighter TVs do. But those same speakers can become fatiguing at home, where you’ll be listening for much longer periods. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when buying their first speakers.

 

Conversely, more “laid-back” designs may sound dull in short demos but prove far more enjoyable long-term.

 

Rule of thumb: Knowing whether you prefer, say, the more energetic sound of a brand like Klipsch or the smoother presentation of a brand like KEF, will help narrow your search dramatically.

 

3. Use Objective Data to Refine Your Search

 

Once you know what sound signature you like, research your options within your budget.

 

We recommend online resources like Erin’s Audio Corner, which provides independent, lab-grade measurements. These can reveal how a speaker will actually perform:

• Frequency Response: Shows overall voicing. Smooth, even curves usually mean balanced sound. Look for dips, peaks, or irregularities — and learn how those might translate to what you hear. Erin does an excellent job explaining this in his videos.
• Distortion: Indicates how loud the speaker can play cleanly. Larger rooms or higher volumes require speakers with lower distortion and more drivers — especially dedicated woofers.
• Impedance Curve: Reveals how demanding a speaker is for your amplifier. Be cautious — many “8- or 6-ohm” speakers are actually closer to 4 ohms in practice. Matching the right amplifier to your speakers is crucial for optimal performance.

 

Rule of thumb: If your room is large or you like to listen loudly, look for speakers with dedicated bass drivers. They’ll fill the room more easily and handle power and dynamics more effortlessly.

 

4. Understand Your Musical Preferences and How They Affect Your Speaker Preferences

 

Your favorite genre will likely influence what kind of speaker you’ll enjoy most:

• EDM or hip-hop listeners may prefer deeper bass and a more impactful presentation.
• Classical or jazz fans may favor greater tonal balance and midrange clarity.

 

Rule of thumb: There are no wrong answers here — only what brings you joy. And remember: tastes evolve. Its not uncommon for listeners to prefer one type of sound when younger and a different one over time. It’s perfectly normal — and part of the fun.

 

Final Thoughts

Speaker selection is arguably the most important decision you’ll make when building a sound system.

Get it wrong, and no amp, preamp, or DAC will fix it for you.

Get it right, and you’ll enjoy years — even decades — of deeply satisfying listening.

 

Take your time, trust your ears, and take advantage of the vast online objective data that is available. Most of all - enjoy the journey and go easy on yourself!

 

Finally, make sure the place you buy from offers supportive return or exchange policies. If the speakers you thought were a perfect match aren’t quite right, it’s important to have a way to make changes without major financial stress. Be honest with yourself — everyone makes a few system mistakes along the way. The key is to recognize them quickly and move on. If you’re working with a company that understands this, they’ll help you find a better long-term solution.