10 Best Floor-Standing Speakers In 2023

Factors To Consider Before Buying Floorstanding Speaker

Floorstanding vs. Bookshelf Speakers

Floorstanding speakers are larger and more powerful than bookshelf speakers, typically used in home theater systems. However, bookshelf speakers have a few advantages over their larger counterparts:

1. They are more compact and can be easily placed on a shelf or in another small space.
2. They often provide better sound quality than floor-standing speakers due to their smaller size and lack of bass resonance.
3. Bookshelf speakers are generally less expensive than floor-standing speakers, making them a more budget-friendly option.

Ultimately, the best type of speaker for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Floorstanding Speaker Placement Explained

When considering the placement of your floor-standing speaker, it is essential to keep in mind that the location of your subwoofer is generally more important than the placement of the floor-standing speaker itself. It is because the subwoofer is responsible for reproducing the low frequencies in your audio, which are highly directional. It means that the sound waves produced by the subwoofer are more likely to bounce off of walls and other objects if placed in a corner.

As a result, you may get a partial range of bass frequencies when listening to your music. Instead, try to place the subwoofer in an open area where no obstacles could block or reflect the sound waves. As for the floor-standing speaker, it is generally best to avoid placing it in a corner. It is because corners can cause sound waves to bounce off of surfaces and become distorted, which can decrease the detail and clarity of the audio. However, ultimately, the ideal placement for your speakers will vary depending on the size and shape of your room. So experiment with different locations until you find a sound you are happy with.

Drivers Explained

Drivers are the components of a speaker that generate sound, and the more drivers a speaker has, the more powerful it will be. Floorstanding speakers usually have multiple drivers, producing a richer, more detailed sound than smaller speakers with fewer drivers. In addition, floor-standing speakers often have a more significant bass port, which helps to improve low-frequency response and create a fuller sound. Of course, floor-standing speakers are only sometimes the best choice for every room or every budget. But you’re looking for the best possible sound quality. In that case, you’ll want to ensure your next speaker has plenty of firepower under the hood.

The drivers in a floor-standing speaker are responsible for converting an audio signal into hi-fi playback. Different speakers employ different types of drivers in varying combinations. Still, the most common variety is A bass driver (also called a woofer), a midrange driver, and a tweeter. Each type of driver has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of driver combination depends on the desired sound quality. Bass drivers are designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, such as bass notes and percussion. Midrange drivers produce midrange frequencies, such as voices and guitars.

Wattage Explained

While looking out for speakers, you may have encountered the term “watts.” Wattage refers to the power that each speaker consumes. You should look at watts per channel, as this is a broad measure of how many ohms each driver will have.

In audio, wattage is an essential measure of a speaker’s power. The higher the wattage, the louder and more powerful the speaker. However, wattage is further divided into two categories: Peak and Continuous. Peak wattage is the maximum power an appliance can use. It is usually only needed for a short period, such as when starting up a motor. On the other hand, continuous wattage is the power required to keep an appliance running for an extended period.

Frequencies Explained

The human ear can hear a wide range of frequencies, from the low rumbling of thunder to the high-pitched chirp of a cricket. Frequencies are measured in hertz (Hz), and the average person can hear sound waves with frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. While this range is sufficient for most everyday sounds, some sounds fall outside of this range.

Speakers need to have a wide frequency range to produce sound waves at extreme frequencies. A speaker with a wide frequency range could present a more detailed sound. However, other factors also contribute to the quality of sound produced by a speaker, such as the size of the driver and the type of enclosure. As a result, a speaker with a wide frequency range is only sometimes guaranteed to produce better sound quality.

Sensitivity Explained

Most people think that prominent speakers are better for bass. But that’s not always the case. Floorstanding speakers come in all shapes and sizes, and the size doesn’t always dictate the quality of the bass. In fact, some of the best floor-standing speakers have small woofers. So, if you’re looking for excellent bass, don’t just focus on the size of the speaker. Instead, look at the specs and see what kind of frequencies the speaker can reproduce. You’ll also want to pay attention to the sensitivity rating, as this will tell you how much power the speaker needs to produce a certain sound level. With a bit of research, you can find a floor-standing speaker with an excellent bass response without breaking the bank.

Passive vs. Powered Floorstanding Speakers

When it comes to choosing floor-standing speakers, there are two main types to choose from: passive and powered. Powered speakers can also be referred to as active speakers. More detailed info about active vs passive speakers has already been discussed.

Passive floor-standing speakers rely on an external amplifier to produce sound. In contrast, powered speakers have their built-in amplifier. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Passive floor-standing speakers tend to be more affordable, and they offer more flexibility when it comes to choosing an amplifier. However, they also require more effort to set up, and the sound quality is highly dependent on the quality of the amplifier.

Powered speakers, on the other hand, are easier to set up and usually provide better sound quality. However, they are often more expensive than passive speakers and can be more difficult to upgrade. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some audiophiles prefer the flexibility of passive speakers, while others prefer the simplicity of powered speakers.

Hi-Fi vs. Home Theater

When choosing a sound system for your home, there are many factors to consider. Do you want something simple and easy to use, or are you willing to invest the time and effort required to set up a more complex system? Do you prefer listening to music or watching movies? And, of course, the cost is always a factor. Two of the most popular choices for home sound systems are hi-fi and home theater systems.

Hi-fi systems are typically less expensive than home theater systems and can be used for music and movies. They usually consist of a receiver, amplifier, and speakers. Hi-fi systems can provide high-quality sound, but they often lack some of the features of more advanced systems. These floor-standing speakers are designed specifically for movies.

They typically include a receiver, amplifier, speakers, subwoofer, and Blu-ray player. Home theater systems can provide an immersive experience with surround sound systems and high-definition video. However, they can be more expensive than hi-fi systems and may require more time.

Toe-In And Sweet Spot Explained

The sound that a floor-standing speaker generates is sometimes different in all parts of the room. Usually, there are certain positions about the speaker where the sound is best. For example, the bass might sound fuller or the highs more detailed in certain spots. Additionally, the mids might be deeper in other areas. Suppose you’re trying to get the best sound quality possible. In that case, it’s important to experiment with different positions until you find the sweet spot. Once you’ve found it, you’ll be able to enjoy your music to the fullest.

Burn-In Explained

Three-Way vs. Two-way Floorstanding Speakers

Floorstanding speakers are a great option for anyone looking to improve the sound quality in their home theater or music setup. But with so many different types and styles on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are right for you. One important distinction is the difference between three-way and two-way floor-standing speakers. Three-way speakers have a dedicated tweeter, midrange, and woofer, while two-way speakers combine the midrange and woofer into a single driver. Three-way speakers generally offer better sound quality, as each driver can focus on a specific frequency range. However, they also tend to be more expensive than their two-way counterparts. So, if you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, three-way floor-standing speakers are the way to go. However, if you’re working with a limited budget, two-way speakers can still provide excellent sound quality.