Choosing the right speaker

 I'd like to take some time and discuss a VERY important part of your system...speakers. There are a couple of points I'd like to make right off the top:

1.  Smaller speakers are NOT as good as larger ones.
2.  Don't buy a speaker based on looks.
3.  Quality vs. quantity.
4.  Most important...SOUND!

1. Smaller vs. Larger:

So, you want a pair of speakers, or a home theatre setup. We'll start with the main speakers, as they are the most important speaker purchase you'll make. Just think about it, the main left and right speakers are "on" 100% of the time the system is on. Therefore, they should be of the best quality you can afford, especially if you appreciate good sound for your music. Let's face, little dinky "cube" speakers just don't cut the mustard when it comes to music. Sure they're ok for movies or television, but for your music....NO WAY! Use at least a bookshelf type speaker. They will sound infinitely better than those "cube" speakers. Now, let's look at why a little bigger is much better.

It's simple physics. A small box does not have the same volume of air inside to move the drivers, and make the sound. Plain and simple. The larger the speaker, the more bass it is capable of producing. Granted, some bookshelf speakers make good bass. The PSB Alpha B is a great example. Excellent bass response from a bookshelf speaker. In my opinion, a free standing tower speaker is the way to go, especially if you are a music person. A larger speaker has better frequency response, meaning better highs, lows and mids.

2. Esthetics

You like the free standing towers, your spouse likes the small inconspicuous speaker because they are "cute", or they are the right colour. WRONG! This is not what matters when buying speakers! Buying a pair of speakers based on what they look like is basically judging a book by its' cover. Some companies make really nice looking speakers but, they sound awful! Where some companies make rather unattractive speakers that sound phenomenal! The best thing to do is find a speaker that most importantly sounds great, and as a secondary thing, suits your decor.

3. Quality vs. Quantity

Budget is a major concern for most of us. Ideally, you'll find a pair of speakers that sound great, suit your decor and you can comfortably afford. First off, decide if you want to do all 5, 6, or 7 speakers as a package or, build your system as time and money permit. What I tell my clients, is buy the best of what they can afford at the time. You can always take advantage of our tradeup program later! So, if you've decided that you'll just buy the mains for now and add on later, get the absolute best that you can in your price range. Our professional sales people will help guide you to the speaker that's best for you. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. That's why there are so many speakers out there.

4. Sound!

The most important issue when buying speakers is sound! Sound is a very subjective thing. What I like the sound of, you may not; and vice versa. Listen to a couple of different pairs of speakers before deciding. Don't buy a speaker based on what your friend, brother in law, or father says. They are your ears, and you know what you like the sound of. Bring a couple of your favourite CD's. If you're going to listen to mostly new jazz, bring some! If it's to be old Robert Johnson blues, bring that. You'll know if you like the sound within 60 seconds of listening. Find a couple of pairs that you like the sound of and whittle it down as you listen. Find the best speaker for YOU! I can't stress it enough. You're the one that has to listen to these speakers every day.

A good system is an investment. Your satisfaction is important to us at Just HiFi. That's why we offer our excellent trade up program. You can keep trading up until you get to the ultimate speaker of YOUR dreams! We have speakers to suit every need. From the "have it on" family to the "critical listener". We have speakers to suit every requirement. Even studio monitors for the musicians out there! A good monitor can make or break your recording!