Quality vs. Price: How to Get Both in Your Audio Equipment
Whether you're a professional musician or just a general audiophile, a quality speaker system can enhance your life in many ways. However, there's a common misconception that to afford quality audio equipment, you need to spend a fortune. While it is true that audio equipment can get expensive, the reality is that if you know how to buy speakers, you can find affordable options that don't sacrifice quality. So to help you find a balance between quality and price, here is a beginner’s guide on how to buy speakers.
Determine Your Budget
The first step is to set your budget. You can find quality audio equipment at many different price points, so there's no point in breaking the bank just to get the most advanced system available. While it is true that the larger your budget, the more options you have at your disposal, you can certainly find affordable equipment that will get the job done if you're willing to do some research.
Ultimately, affordable doesn't mean cheap, and if you only have $50 to spend on speakers, then you shouldn't expect the highest quality. But if you want the most value for your dollar, be realistic about what you can afford and honest with yourself about what you want in an audio system. Having a price range in mind will make learning how to buy speakers much easier.
Do Your Research
Once you've determined your budget, it's time to start researching different options. You can start your research phase by quickly searching on Google or Amazon to see what's out there. If there are any particular brands you're interested in researching, visit their website and see what they have available.
Also, be sure to identify any features or characteristics you need in a sound system. Is there a particular wattage you want, or do you need Bluetooth capabilities? When learning how to buy speakers, it's crucial to identify your needs and wants so you can focus on the products that provide the right features. If you aren't sure exactly what you want, that's also fine but use the research phase to see what's out there and begin narrowing down your search.
Learn What Makes Speakers More Expensive
A crucial component of learning how to buy speakers is figuring out what makes speakers more expensive. That way, you can determine whether or not the price of a product is actually related to the value or if it's simply overpriced.
Weight is a major factor in identifying quality audio equipment. Heavier speakers are often more solid and robust. They'll also contain heavier coils capable of producing better sound and thicker enclosure walls, making them more durable. Lighter speakers tend to be lower quality, unless they’re meant to be portable. So check the weight if it's available online.
More expensive speakers also tend to feature more complex parts and sophisticated engineering. Audio equipment being offered at a higher price tag will often have a long list of features that justify the price - such as a unique design, dynamic range, and advanced controls. So when learning how to buy speakers, pay attention to these details and observe how they factor into the price.
Compare Prices Side By Side
After extensive research, you should narrow your list to a handful of potential options and start weighing the pros and cons. Compare the prices side by side and determine which offers the best value for your money. Just because one product is offered at a lower price doesn't mean it's necessarily a better value. Say, for example, you have one speaker set that costs $1,500, but it offers lower sound quality and fewer features than another set that costs $2,000.
Sometimes, the difference of $500 can increase the speaker quality 5x, making the more expensive option actually the product offering the most value. But again, price does not imply quality, so you should consider what each product offers carefully. Learning how to buy speakers ultimately comes down to determining what equipment offers the most value for your dollar. The easiest way to determine that is to look at all your options side by side and see which product features the greatest range of capabilities at the lowest price point.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask the Experts
Learning how to buy speakers can often get overwhelming on your own. Today, so many options are available, and many brands prey on unsuspecting consumers who believe they are paying top dollar for quality audio equipment, only to receive cheap, imported products. So, if you need help researching or understanding exactly how price impacts audio quality, don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert.
At Gemini Sound, we've been in the business since 1974, and we love helping customers find products that allow them to enjoy their favorite audio at the highest capacity. We are happy to have a chat about what you're looking for and recommend the speakers offering the best value for your money.
