Bookshelf speakers
Big sound from compact speakers
Even though their physical presence is not as imposing as floorstanding speakers, compact speakers are a perfectly valid solution if you are looking for great sound that does not take up too much space. These small speakers, also known as bookshelf speakers, are a practical and versatile solution that, in terms of pure sound quality per dollar, can actually be a better investment than a floorstanding speaker in the same price range. The smaller cabinets are cheaper to produce, and since a compact speaker typically only contains one or two drivers, this naturally also affects the price.
The many advantages of a bookshelf speaker
Small compact speakers do not play with the same body and fullness as larger floorstanding speakers. They also cannot deliver the same sound pressure, meaning they cannot play as loudly. If you are listening in a smaller room, or simply do not need to play music at very high volumes, a small speaker is an excellent solution.
When it comes to placement, there are also more options for integrating a compact speaker into the home – typically in the living room. As the name bookshelf speaker suggests, these speakers can be placed in a shelf, as long as you pay attention to a few important details. Since a shelf typically stands against a wall and is therefore closed at the back, compact speakers with a rear-facing reflex port, or bass port, are not an optimal solution. In this situation, we recommend choosing a speaker with a sealed cabinet, meaning without a reflex port, or a speaker with a front-facing reflex port. A speaker with a rear-facing reflex port placed in a closed shelf will not sound optimal and will result in a muddy, boomy and imprecise reproduction – the exact opposite of what we want.
Need help choosing the right bookshelf speaker?
In our Hi-Fi range you will find a large selection of compact speakers in all price ranges and quality levels. We have many of them available for demonstration in our store in Højbjerg, where you can stop by and experience them firsthand. If you are not able to visit, feel free to contact us and we will gladly guide you toward the right purchase if you are in doubt.
Should a compact speaker be placed on a stand?
Yes, that is generally the best solution when we are talking about the kind of high-quality compact speakers you will find in our range. A speaker stand serves several purposes, but the primary one is of course to bring the speakers up to listening height and place them at the optimal distance. The latter is really worth experimenting with, and if possible you should aim for a listening position that forms an equilateral triangle – for example 3 meters between the speakers and 3 meters from you to each speaker. Another advantage of speaker stands is that they are often designed with effective isolation, preventing the energy from the speakers from transferring into the floor. Some speaker stands even have cavities that can be filled with lead shot or dried sand, which helps dampen and stabilize the stand.
Can a speaker be placed on furniture?
Yes, it certainly can. Again, you should make sure that the speaker is not placed in an enclosed space in relation to its reflex port. If the speaker has a rear-facing reflex port, you should make sure that there is enough space behind it so the port can work properly. If the compact speaker has no reflex port or a front-facing port, it still needs some space behind it, though the requirement is slightly less critical. One issue that can arise when placing a compact speaker on furniture is that the energy from the speaker can transfer into the furniture. This can be greatly minimized by using mechanical isolation such as IsoAcoustics Aperta or the IsoAcoustics Orea series, which you can find here. If you have a turntable, you should never place the speakers on the same surface or piece of furniture as the turntable. The cartridge on the turntable will pick up the energy transferred through the furniture and reproduce it through the speakers, creating feedback.
Can a standmount speaker be mounted on the wall?
Yes, a compact speaker can in many cases be mounted on the wall, but it requires a few considerations before getting started. First of all, you should check that the wall can support the speakers, which can weigh more than 10 kg each. Next, you need to find the correct mounting hardware such as wall plugs, anchors and similar fittings. Once that is in place, you should determine the optimal placement of the speakers on the wall. Placement is crucial for sound quality, and ideally the speakers should be positioned at listening height when you are seated in your chair or sofa. Mounting speakers high up near the ceiling and angling them downward is a no-go if you care about achieving the best possible sound. The exception would be Dolby Atmos speakers, but that is a different discussion.
To mount compact speakers on the wall, you will of course need a bracket. Some compact speakers are prepared for speaker brackets with integrated threaded inserts, while others require the bracket to be screwed directly into the cabinet. Finally, some speakers have a built-in keyhole mount so they can simply hang on a screw, though this is primarily found on small satellite speakers and dedicated wall-mounted speakers. You can find a selection of speaker stands and brackets here and see what suits your needs best. If you have questions about the technical aspects, feel free to contact us for assistance.