There are many components to a great sounding audio system but the speakers are the most important because they actually deliver the sound to you. Picking the proper loudspeakers for your needs is imperative to getting the best sound possible out of your audio system.
Different Types Of Speakers
Tower Speakers - Also known as floor standing loudspeakers, these speakers are the most popular type of because they can reproduce a wider range of frequencies than other speakers. They are larger and more expensive than most speakers but they are great if you need speakers for a large room or for stereo music applications.
Bookshelf Speakers - Bookshelf loudspeakers are a great alternative to tower speakers if you are looking to save space. They generally provide excellent performance in a much smaller package. Keep in mind that because of the smaller size, they will not be able to produce the low bass sound that tower loudspeakers can. Adding a subwoofer can help create the deep bass sound that you may be looking for.
Surround Speakers - These speakers are extremely small but can deliver surprising sound quality. They are a great choice for home theater systems and take up very little space as they can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, or a shelf. You will also need a subwoofer with these to get some low end bass sound.
Personal Speakers - These speakers are great for portable applications and can be used on portable radios, cd players, or a dock system for a MP3 player. Most personal loudspeakers are battery operated but can also be plugged into a wall outlet. They are very convenient and also provide surprisingly adequate sound quality for the price.
There are many other types of speakers available but these are the most common. Different sized rooms can play a role in sound quality as well so make sure you do your research on room acoustics!
