Speaker systems: A basic guide for homeowners

by Maggie Dawson 12/15/2024

For homeowners who love to share their favorite media, speaker systems are at the forefront of ensuring a high-quality experience. Whether you want smaller speakers or an elaborate surround sound speaker system, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.

Here is some more information about popular speaker options for homeowners who love to entertain:


Choosing the best home speaker system for the space

It’s important to consider your listening room or entertainment space before you begin the hunt for perfect speakers. Among the multitude of choices, you can find a wide range of sizes and setups. 

For example, if you like to integrate your media components into your decor, try subtle bookshelf speakers. Smaller speakers can be hidden around the room for optimal performance. If you want a full surround sound system, determine where you will place each speaker for ideal sound quality.


Knowing the important parts of your speaker system

A typical sound system is broken down into four parts:


  • Amplifiers determine how the sound is delivered by processing audio signals.
  • Surround sound receivers are the hub components you use to connect your television, stereo or other components to your speakers.
  • Loudspeakers refer to the speaker boxes themselves.
  • Surge protectors manage voltage levels between your home electrical system and your media components. This protects you and your electronics from unexpected surges or power outages.

Budgeting for a good speaker setup

There are many factors that go into determining the cost of a speaker setup. For smaller spaces, you can spend as little as $50 on a compact speaker system. For larger rooms and more audio depth, sets with multiple speakers can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars - especially those with custom smart home integration features.

If you’re in the market for speakers, keep these basics in mind. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect setup for your home media space.