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Let’s make this one simple: A “bookshelf speaker” is a speaker that fits on a typical bookshelf.
Once that’s settled, we can start asking the important questions: Does a bookshelf speaker have to go on a bookshelf? (No), Should it go on a bookshelf? (maybe), Does it sound best on a bookshelf? (probably not). But we’ll save these and other questions for later. Right now, let’s look at some of the nitty-gritty specs.
Remember that a speaker doesn’t have to be this big to qualify as a bookshelf model. There are a lot of very good speakers that are smaller and lighter than the limits we’ve set. Many so-called “mini-monitors” and “micro” speakers fit our definition of a bookshelf speaker.
Consider four things:
Let’s look at the most important items individually.
What Do I Like?
You have to answer the first one yourself. After all, whatever speaker you choose will have to reproduce the sounds you like whether they’re from music or a movie soundtrack. If you’re an opera buff, you’ll want your speakers to reproduce the vocal range particularly well. If you’re an action movie fan, you’ll probably want more bass.
What’s the speaker sound like?
This is harder to answer. A speaker’s “sound” is the culmination of the its drivers (the active elements – generally cones and domes – that move air to make sound waves), the enclosure itself, and the crossover circuit inside the enclosure that routes highs to the tweeter and lows to the woofer.
The tough part is that there’s no way you can predict your satisfaction from the specs themselves. Sure, decent specs will help point you in the right direction but that’s all they’ll do. Your final decision should be based on listening to the kind of music or soundtrack you like in the only place that really matters – your own home!
Where can I put my speakers?
The short answer is “Any place you want to!” Unfortunately, that’s usually the wrong answer, too. Yes, you can place your bookshelf speakers on a bookshelf. And many people do. The surprising fact about shelf-placement, though, is that most speakers don’t sound their best there. In fact, most bookshelf speakers sound better when they’re well away from room boundaries like walls, floors, and ceilings. That’s why a lot of sound-conscious people place their bookshelf speakers on speaker stands that may be as much as three feet into a room. (Sort of argues against the classification “bookshelf speaker,” doesn’t it?)
Whether you place your speakers on a shelf, hang them from a wall or ceiling, put them on stands, or just stand them on the floor, here are some suggestions.
For stereo music listening:
For home theater listening
The Speaker Company makes excellent bookshelf speakers at an incredible price. Check them out here.