Bookshelf Speakers: A Complete Guide

Bookshelf speakers are meant to rest on a table, shelf, or other elevated surfaces but not on the floor. They are designed specifically to maximize sound in small and medium-sized places. Like any other product, knowing the product completely before you buy it makes your sale perfect and worthy of what you pay. For example, some bookshelf speakers are specific for movies while others are perfect for making your music listening experience perfect. When you are ready to go with bookshelf speakers, read this article. It contains everything you need to know about these speakers. We have tried to cover the basics of these products.

However, keep in mind that the name “bookshelf speakers, does not mean you have to place them on a bookshelf. Think out of the box and place them where you think they fit. Read this article to know everything about bookshelf speakers.

Specifications of Bookshelf Speakers

If you are not an audio junkie, these speakers and the technical jargon attached to them may be in Greek for you. By trying to understand this jargon, you are actually doing yourself a big favor. Below is everything you need to know when you go shopping for these speakers.

1: Hertz

The lower the number, the heavier the bass will be in your speakers.

2: Watts

Generally, the higher the number of watts in a speaker, the greater output you will get. And when you match your speakers to an appropriate amplifier, the number of watts becomes particularly relevant.

3: Drivers

Basic speakers come with two tweeters that produce high-frequency sound and woofers that generate bass. Buying a bookshelf speaker that has a third mid-range driver will result in better full-range sound.

Bookshelf Speakers as a Part of a Home Theatre System

You can buy these speakers either as a part of a larger home theatre system or as a stand-alone addition to your living room. If you really want to upgrade your audio game, the market is replete with plenty of home theatre systems that come with these speakers. However, if your budget does not allow such kind of luxury, you can certainly purchase a pair of high-quality bookshelf speakers that can easily up your music-listening or movie-watching experience.

Don’t have much room to accommodate them? Don’t worry. The R-41M speakers are ideal for this situation. They are specific for small living rooms. Not only do they come in a compact size, but also they don’t compromise on the performance a little bit even. However, if lack of space is not an issue with you, then the R-51M speakers ensure next-level bass and sound, unlike many other bookshelf speakers.

Despite this, it is not a bad idea to consider the option of larger home theatre systems when you buy these kinds of speakers. Broadening your horizon of thinking about the purchase will save you from buying another pair afterward. In addition to this, you can also check out most used bookshelf speakers. 

Bookshelf Speakers and Powered Monitors

In addition to knowing about the specifics of bookshelf speakers, it is also important to comprehend the difference between powered monitors and bookshelf speakers. Except for differences, they have a lot of similarities. There would be no surprise if you would have looked at the R-41M powered speakers and R-41M speakers and could not differentiate between them. Outside of minor aesthetic tweaks, these two sets look the same, both boost a similar acoustics package and are equal in size.

When it comes to the main difference, the powered monitors have amplifications built directly into the speakers, unlike bookshelf speakers. All of the connections and functions of an A/V receiver are built right into the R-41M. On the other hand, the use of a separate AVR is required by passive bookshelf speakers like the R-41M. Due to the built-in connections and amplifications of the powered monitors, they not only give the manufacturer full control of the signal path but also cut down the number of additional parts you need for completing this setup. On the flip side, many users may choose to use their existing AVR systems and upgrade their hardware separately whenever required.