WHY GREAT SPEAKERS MATTER

One of the biggest debates in the audio world is, “which part of the system is the most important?”. Typically, these arguments center around three key components: The listening environment, the amplification coupled with the source, and speakers. There are logical arguments on all sides, but I’ll do my best to make a simple case for (giant surprise) speakers.  

Some will claim that the room itself is paramount. Unfortunately, a “perfect” listening room tends to suit that sole function only, and is less concerned with how the space looks and lives otherwise. Bass traps in the corners and acoustic panels on the walls and ceilings don’t usually complement most interior design aesthetics. Anyone who isn’t a self proclaimed audiophile might prefer to consider their spaces for living, and not prioritize the space solely for listening. We totally agree. I can’t imagine giving up the wall of windows in our living room, letting in all that light, just so we could have a little less sound reflection. That’s what curtains are for. ;)

Others say that the source and the amplification of that source are what’s most important. This is a fair perspective, as a speaker can only reproduce what it is given. That said, no matter how good the source is, or how much money you’ve spent in electronics to amplify that source, the sound will always suffer if the speakers are not up to the task. In all my days with HiFi system design, I’ve heard literally hundreds of sources and amps. Sure, there is a clear difference between an inexpensive off-the-shelf integrated amp from a big box retailer versus a high-end amplifier such as McIntosh. But once you have a decent set of electronics amplifying a good recording through a GREAT set of speakers, I’ve found the return on investment for ultra high end amplifiers and receivers tends to diminish quickly.

We believe that speakers make the biggest impact on a system, because they are the only component that you actually hear. The scenario I often return to when trying to make my case is; “You can have an ultra high-end amplifier, but if your speakers are sub-par, the sound will never be GREAT. If you have mid-fi or even entry level electronics and amazing speakers, you will be happy every time.” Everything else along the signal path is just part of the equation, but speakers are where the magic happens. The fact that electrical current goes into this thing, creates an electrical field that then reacts with a magnet to cause a cone to go back and forth in precisely the right way to make sound is both mind blowing and beautiful. All parts of your system do matter to a degree. But if you are building a new system or considering an upgrade to your existing system, I’d always recommend prioritizing speakers first.