What are Bookshelf Speakers?
The names of small weights come from their placement on shelves. There is usually a tweeter on a bookshelf speaker so that it can provide treble frequencies. The woofer provides low-frequency and mid-range sound. It is common to combine the tweeter, midrange drivers, and bass drivers in larger speakers.
In general, you will hear a clearer separation between the frequencies. Occasionally, it is misleading to call a speaker a bookshelf speaker.
In this category, many speakers fit conveniently on a bookshelf. A bookshelf speaker stand works well with these speakers as well.
Consider the specifics of each speaker model in light of how they will be used when selecting one! Does it fit in your room? Are you happy with its size? Are the rear ports too close to the wall and require space to breathe?
Bookshelf Speaker Specs
Make sure you understand the technical specifications given by the manufacturer before you choose your bookshelf speaker. Here’s what you need to know:
Diameter
Simply put, this is how big the speaker is. Make sure you measure before you buy a speaker so you don’t waste your money on something that won’t fit!
According to the manufacturer, measurements are usually given in inches or millimeters. The actual measurement is actually (Width x Height x Depth)
Weight
When purchasing speakers in kg or pounds, make sure that the cabinet, shelf, or stand you intend to mount them on will be able to support their weight.
Response to frequency:
The frequency response of a speaker is a measure of how well it can reproduce sound frequencies (“Hertz”). Most people are able to hear between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Some speakers can hear beyond or below that range.
Each second is equal to one Hertz (Hz). Bass is defined as 20 to 300 Hz, a mid as 300 to 4 kHz, and a treble as above 4 kHz.
Differentiation:
A speaker’s sensitivity measures how well it converts sound energy from an amplifier. In other words, how loud it will sound on a particular amplifier. As a general rule, when the sensitivity of an amplifier is high (dB), it requires less power (Watts).
Controlling Power:
There are two ways to measure speaker power handling – as Root Mean Square (RMS) or as Peak Power (PP).
We can measure a speaker’s continuous power handling by its root mean square. Power peak is the maximum amount of power a speaker is capable of delivering. The power of your speakers must be matched to your amplifier in order to handle continuous and peak power outputs comfortably.
Controller:
Speakers are actually called drivers, tweeters, or woofers as opposed to entire speaker boxes. Many now refer to the entire unit simply as a speaker.
The diameter of the drivers is measured either in millimeters, centimeters inches, depending on where the manufacturer is located. A large driver will produce more power and be louder in general. The main types of drivers are:
- High frequency cone drivers, also known as tweeters.
- Low frequency cone drivers, also known as woofers.
It’s possible to describe a loudspeaker in two or three different ways. For example, a 2-way speaker has two drivers, usually a tweeter and a woofer.
Connections:
A crossover is a part of a loudspeaker that separates audio signals and sends them to either a tweeter or a woofer based on frequency.
Crossovers divide a signal at a specific frequency. Nearly all loudspeakers use them. Unless they have a single full-range driver or separate frequencies using the software.
Details:
Electrical signals encounter resistance when powered by a speaker, and their impedance is measured in ohms. Speakers with a high impedance pass signal are easier and require less power from the amplifier.
Typical impedances are 4, 6, and 8 ohms. Matching the amplifier power with the speaker impedance is crucial for good sound.
Amplifiers:
A good amplifier is crucial for speakers. You can also damage your speakers if your components are mismatched.
Impedances of amplifiers and speakers should match in general. Speakers can have higher impedances than amplifiers, but you’ll have issues if they have lower impedances.
The approach ignores the synergistic effect of components. It combines brands and styles to produce a good sound.
A speaker that fits your room size
Speaker size and room size play an important role. Sound interacts with the room it’s in by pressing on the air around it. This is why it’s important to use the right size speakers. As a result of the hard work they will have to do, the bass will be washed out and distortion will result. When the speakers are too large. In order to hear all the frequencies, they will need to be run at low volumes.
Top bookshelf speakers under $500
At this price point, you tend to purchase knockoffs and products of poor quality if you’re not careful. Many users spend hundreds of dollars on useless speakers.
However, if you want to test the waters or are limited by budget, there are still some excellent entry-level options to consider. Below are the best bookshelf speakers in 500 dollars.
Powered Bluetooth bookshelf speakers by Edifier
Our top pick is the Edifier Bookshelf Speaker. With its premium components, it stands out from other speakers in terms of quality and design. If you prefer a wood-grained look or a solid look, you can select either one. Wood grain complements the overall design and makes it classy.
The Bluetooth wireless nature of these headphones means that there are no optical inputs or outputs or any cords or special devices to connect to. These powered speakers can connect to any Bluetooth device in your home. Yet, both optical and coaxial connections are available, so digital connections are possible.
Their sound is studio-quality and bassy. It contains silk dome tweeters and bass. Featuring smooth sound, you won’t want to turn these stereo speakers off.
Product specs
- Output power max: 21 watts (per speaker)
- Passive or active: Active
- Frequency response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
- Dimensions of the speaker: 5.75 X 9.5 X 7 inches
- Connectivity of speaker: wired or Bluetooth
T15 bookshelf speakers by Polk Audio
Polk Audio offers an excellent option next. Over 8,000 reviews and almost 5 stars are available on Amazon for these inexpensive speakers. What’s up with these best bookshelf speakers under 500 bucks? You can purchase it in a pair, individually, or in a bundle if you so desire.
The speakers come with a 5.25-inch balance driver and a .75-inch silk dome tweeter. With a lower frequency, they can still produce a hearty bass response and thus provide a natural and balanced sound.
Although these speakers are bookshelf-mounted, they can be also hung on walls if needed. The Polk Audio speakers will meet your needs when it comes to creating surround sound or enjoying clear vocals. It is also possible to integrate them with many home theater systems.
Product specs
- Output power max: 100 watts
- Passive or active: passive
- Frequency response: 60 Hz – 24 kHz
- Dimensions of the speaker: 7.3 X 10.7 inches
- Connectivity of speaker: wired
Wireless bookshelf speakers from Audio Engine HD3
The next set of speakers is a wireless powered bookshelf system. Thanks to their Bluetooth capabilities, the Audio Engine HD3 allows you to stream music from your favorite sources. In contrast to the traditional speakers you are used to seeing out there, these have a totally different build quality.
Despite not having a carbon fiber woofer or a visual dome tweeter, they still produce the same quality and sound. This makes them more visually appealing. Modern technologies do increase the cost, though. Additionally, you can buy them in black, red, and white.
Though, they are small but mighty. You can control them with Bluetooth. However, we mentioned above that the mesh lining in the speaker system covers the soft dome tweeter and the carbon fiber woofer. Meanwhile, their range is 100 feet.
Product specs
- Output power max: 60 watts + subwoofer pass through (125 watts)
- Passive or active: Active
- Frequency response: unidentified
- Dimensions of the speaker: 7 X 4.25 X 5.5 inches
- Connectivity of speaker: Bluetooth
