A PC, a tablet or even a Smartphone is able to play your audio files, whatever they are. But often, their reading quality is not always there. To improve the sound, you can use either headphones or an external speaker. However, the second option is much more advantageous. A speaker delivers more powerful sound without risking damaging your eardrums. If you plan to acquire one, know how to make the right choice by taking into account several criteria. Things you’ll find in our buying guide. You can also decide by referring to our top 5 in which Sonos Move Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart speaker is listedwith its multiple voice commands, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections as well as its long battery life. Added to this are Bose 251 environmental speakers with very wide sound coverage outdoors.
Buying Guide – How To Choose A Good Speaker?
How to choose the best speakers of 2022? How to find the rare pearl among the swarm of models swarming on the market? It’s simple. You have to compare. For our part, we advise you to weigh the pros and cons by considering the following criteria: power and sensitivity, connectivity and connection, autonomy.
Power and Sensitivity
Why buy speakers? To be able of course to listen to audio files with better sound quality. However, not all models offer the same sound delivery clarity. To know which speaker to choose, compare by taking into account the sensitivity or sound pressure (expressed in decibels). This element defines the acoustic level delivered. The higher this index, the more the device offers a high volume and a sound experience that is neither saturated nor distorted.
Also, the most powerful speakers must have good power. This is vital if the device wants to deliver clear sound, with good depth in the treble, midrange and bass. It is also essential to have no distortion and no saturation. For this, we recommend that you choose 5W (watt) models. These deliver resonant bass that vibrates well. They also offer a rich and balanced sound, regardless of the type of music: rock, live, jazz, pop, classical, etc.
Connectivity and connection
What is the best speaker on the market? Is it the most powerful or the most aesthetic? Or is it the most versatile? To answer this, remember that a good HP offers wide compatibility with source devices. To connect an HP to a device, you can use a cable or a wireless connection (Bluetooth and Wifi).
Regarding the wired connection, a speaker connects to a PC, an iPad, a Smartphone or other devices via a 3.5 mm audio jack or via a USB port. This connection is essential to allow a connection with devices without Bluetooth or to connect headphones.
A loudspeaker can, on the other hand, use a Bluetooth function in order to remove the constraints of the wired connection. This makes the HP and the source device more pleasant to use. Thus, there is no longer any need to place them side by side. You will no longer have to tangle your brushes with wires and connections. You will be able to move the speaker freely.
Still with a view to wireless connection, there is also the Wifi speaker variant. This can connect to an audio source device via the internet. Note that the best speaker today is wireless, Wifi and with a wide Bluetooth range of up to 15 meters. It also offers simultaneous pairing with multiple source devices.
Autonomy
To power a loudspeaker, you have various options: AC power via a mains socket or plugging into the source device. There are also cordless models that come with battery power. These wireless speakers are compact and portable. These speakers allow you to listen to your audio tracks anywhere and anytime.
If your balance leans towards the portable variants, choose the right model by matching the future use you have in store for them with the battery life. In this buying guide for the best speakers, we recommend those offering 8 hours of battery life, or even 12 hours for continuous listening. It’s perfect for outdoor use like beach, country, etc. Otherwise, opt for those with a more limited autonomy: 4 to 5 hours. They are suitable for occasional use.
The 5 Best Speakers (Reviews & Tests) of 2022
August, Sonos or Logitech, it is not always easy to know the best brand of loudspeakers. You can rely on hearsay, a price comparison or the local vendor to find out. But you can just as well put aside the brands and pick some good models from our ranking below.
1. Sonos Move Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart Speaker
Looking for the best speaker? Do you want to have the top of the top of the market in Canada: powerful sound, quality design, beautiful design? In this selection, we offer a model that meets these criteria: Sonos Move.
This Sonos speaker has the distinction of being easy to use. It is easily configured in minutes. It is controlled by voice with the Sonos application and Apple AirPlay2 (via Bluetooth).
This allows you to control audio playback, alarm settings, etc. hands-free. This audio streaming device is also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Thanks to its Sonos Move technology, it delivers clear sound with deep bass in all circumstances. Very functional, this device even has an automatic True Play sound adjustment.
This wireless speaker allows compact and portable use thanks to battery power (10 hours of autonomy). And its Smart function allows long diffusion indoors and outdoors.
But still, its Wifi connection, 802.11bgn allows you to broadcast your multimedia content via the internet and a connection to the Sonos ecosystem in your home. As for its Bluetooth function, it is useful for offline remote reading.
Built tough, this outdoor speaker is weatherproof (IP56): humidity, rain, snow, dust, UV rays, extreme temperatures and salt spray. It has also been designed to withstand drops and shocks thanks to its robust case.
By design, this speaker is very durable. It withstands various types of weather. It is even structured to withstand drops and shocks. Making it an indoor and outdoor device.
For ergonomic use, this Sonos model includes various voice commands. You will be able to enjoy your audio content without having to constantly adjust it from its case.
Its Sonos Move technology allows this speaker to offer excellent sound quality. The bass is good, the sound is clear.
This speaker has the merit of having several remote control options. That said, switching between Wifi and Bluetooth is done directly on the device.
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2. Bose 251 Environmental Speakers
Where to buy a new speaker that surpasses the one you have now? How to choose when the market is constantly evolving and continually offering new models? Our advices ? Follow our guide and get to know this very special item: the Bose 251.
These two Bose environmental speakers are more than just loudspeakers. They have an Intel Core i7-4510u 2.0 GHz processor with 8 GB DDR3 RAM.
They carry a 1TB hard drive running at 5400 revolutions per minute. A little gem of technology, these outdoor speakers run on Windows 8.1. They are each equipped with a 15.6” HD screen. Their total power is 200W.
These high-end speakers deliver well-balanced stereo sound. Due to their performance and technology (Articulated Arrayr® and Stereo Everywhere®), they have greater sound coverage compared to other outdoor speaker models.
Equipped with a battery, a Bose speaker can broadcast audio content for 5 hours straight. On the design side, it looks beautiful with its immaculate whiteness.
It has an elegant and refined look. Since it is installed outdoors, it has been given increased weather resistance. Note that one of these wall speakers is made of a fiberglass composite cone, a polypropylene box and a velvety envelope.
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3. JBL Professional Lsr3 MKII Series
Where to buy the best loudspeaker of the moment? How to recognize the best references on the current market? How to be sure of your choice? In store or online, there are always those models that far surpass the others. Among these, you will find Lsr3 MKII Series from the JBL Professional brand.
This 5” JBL audio monitor is distinguished by its high-end, professional-quality two-way sound. Indeed, it uses the image control waveguide specific to the Lsr3 series of the brand.
This element allows it to broadcast a powerful, clear sound without harmonic distortion. This also allows it to deliver detailed imaging, wide dynamic range and sweet spot.
305p MKII features optimized HF (high frequency) and LF (low frequency) transducers. These allow you to have deep bass at any volume level.
This JBL speaker also features a new frontier EQ. In view of its quality, this model is not expensive. It is supplied in pairs. Its 2 amplifiers offer a total power of 82W. Compact in design, they are modern in appearance.
These monitors and speakers are optimized for studio use. They offer good sound quality thanks to their image control waveguide as well as their HF/LF transducers.
Being a JBL product, these speakers are blessed with a solid design and quality finishes. They show good durability.
When you push the volume button up, the sound is parasitized by buzzing noises. To remedy this, 1/4” TRS grounded cables will have to be used.
These monitors exhibit a slight hissing noise in office use.
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4. Bose 354495-1100 Companion 2 Series III
How to buy a better value for money speaker? Which model to choose? Since the market offers a thousand and one variations, knowing which one to buy is not always easy. If you need some recommendations, refer to our comparison. Discover Bose Companion 2 Series III.
This is a multimedia speaker system that stands out for its audio performance. The sound it delivers is clear and powerful thanks to Truespace stereo digital processing circuitry.
Its volume levels are pleasantly high. Black in colour, this Bose model has a volume control. This allows direct and easy adjustment of the volume of its 2 speakers.
For private listening, a headphone jack is available on the front of its right speaker. This model is connected to an audio device via its auxiliary input.
It should be noted that this model is the cheapest multimedia system from the Bose brand. It works on Mac computers and Windows XP, iPhone and iPad.
The audio performance of this Bose model is excellent. Its speakers deliver clear, detailed and full sound, regardless of the volume chosen.
The sound delivered by this pair is more intense, spacious and more realistic thanks to deeper and more noticeable bass at any volume level.
Compact and portable, these 2 speakers easily find their place on a table. In addition, they have the advantage of an elegant design.
Since these speakers deliver a full sound, it may sound relatively heavy and too bright (especially when listening to speeches).
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5. Logitech Z50 Multimedia Speaker
Which speaker to choose? What model should you set your sights on? If you are looking for one that is compatible with laptops, tablets and smartphones, Logitech Multimedia Speaker Z50 is for you.
Available as a pair, this gray-colored mini speaker has a maximum amplification power of 10 W. This allows it to deliver powerful and rich 360° stereo sound. Due to its small size (63.5 cm), it is compact and portable. It is easy to move and transport.
This multimedia speaker is compatible with MP3 players, smartphones, tablets and laptops (Windows XP/Vista/7/8; Mac OS X).
It connects with these via a 3.5 mm jack. It is very easy to use, as it is Plug&Play. Simply plug it into the source device to sync and start audio playback.
Also, this portable speaker works on alternating current. It does not have a power battery. This saves you the hassle of charging or changing batteries. Its connectors include inputs for multimedia devices and a headphone jack.
Thanks to its 10W peak power, this Logitech speaker is able to deliver clear and intense sound, with high volume and without distortion.
Being a multimedia speaker, Logitech Z50 is intended to pair with a wide range of mobile devices.
Getting this speaker up and running on a media device doesn’t require any complex setup.
It would have been a plus if Z50 had its own volume button directly. You must go through the source device to set this item.
The sound delivered is powerful, but it lacks bass.
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frequently asked Questions
Q1: How to connect an external speaker to a Samsung TV?
Connecting external speakers to a Samsung TV can be done with an audio, digital or coaxial digital cable. You must connect each end of the cable to the corresponding sockets on both devices. After plugging in, turn on the Samsung TV. Don’t forget to set the TV sound. Then, turn on the speakers (if necessary).
Q2: How do I turn on my PC speaker?
On a Windows PC, here are the steps to follow to activate your computer speakerphone:
– Click on Start then right click on My Computer or My PC
– Bring your cursor back to Properties. You will see a tab called Hardware , click on it. Then Device Manager
– Go through the list that appears and pull down the Sound, video and game controllers pane
– If an option in this pane has a speaker icon marked with a red cross, right-click on it and select Enable . Test the sound and continue to the next step if the sound is not yet enabled.
– If there is no speaker with the red cross, find the name of your speaker in Device Manager. If necessary, download and install its audio driver. Test the sound.
Q3: Why does my computer display this message: “no speaker or headphones are connected” in Windows 10?
If you see this message, Windows 10 PC’s sound card or processor may be malfunctioning. The audio card may require a driver update. It’s also possible that the speaker or headphone connections are loose. The cables are probably incorrectly connected. It could also be because the volume and power level of the PC and audio device needs adjustment.
An audio connection via USB and HDMI can also be the cause. To solve this problem, you can use the audio troubleshooter, update the audio driver of the audio card, or uninstall the Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Definition Audio (in Device Manager > device system ) and restart the PC.
Q4: How to test a speaker?
Before testing a speaker on PC, it must first be set to default. To do this, here is the process:
– Open the PC control panel, click on Audio hardware then on “ Sound”
– In the Reading tab , choose the reading device and click on Configure
– Then, choose the desired type of configuration (Stereo, Surround 5.1 or other) in Audio channels
– Click on the Test button or click on the speaker images to start the test
If the sound is audible from all sides, the test is complete. If necessary, you must continue the configuration by clicking on Next and following the instructions displayed.
Q5: How to measure a speaker?
To measure a loudspeaker is to measure its impedance. To do this, you can make a quick estimate of the nominal impedance using a simple ohmmeter. It is also possible to use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the device.
Here you need to connect the red probe of the multimeter to the (+) terminal of the speaker and the black probe to the (-) terminal. Be sure to change the units to ohms and unplug the speaker. From the displayed result, calculate the impedance. Typically the resistance is 15% less than the impedance. To get an accurate speaker ohms measurement, use a sine wave generator.
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