How to choose between freestanding and bookshelf speakers?

The choice of speakers is probably the most personal and important decision when building a Hi-Fi system . They are the component that has the greatest impact on the final sound character, and the decision between floorstander and bookshelf design is the first and most important turning point on this journey.

It's not just a question of size or price; it's a fundamental decision about what type of sound reproduction you're looking for and which approach will work best in your space.

In this guide, we'll bust the myths, explain the key technical differences, and the pros and cons of both designs to help you make the decision that perfectly suits your needs.

Bookshelf speakers

Precision and the illusion of space

First, let's clear up the biggest misconception: "bookshelf" speakers don't belong on a bookshelf. The name is a historical relic, but to achieve their full potential, they need to be placed on purpose-built, solid stands . This places them at the correct listening height and, more importantly, prevents vibrations from being transferred to furniture, which would muffle the sound.

• Advantages:

  • Exceptional sound imaging: Due to their smaller enclosure and smaller front panel, bookshelf speakers have fewer problems with sound diffraction. This allows them to "disappear" from the room more easily and create an extremely precise, three-dimensional sound imaging. The sound seems to come from the space between the speakers, not from the enclosures themselves.

  • Bass speed and definition: In small to medium sized rooms, bass control is more important than raw depth. Smaller bass units in smaller enclosures are often faster and more responsive, resulting in more defined and "musical" bass, without the unpleasant overtones.

  • Value: For the same money, you'll often get higher-quality components in a bookshelf speaker than in a freestanding model, since less of the budget goes into the cabinet itself.

• Disadvantages:

  • Limited bass depth: A smaller enclosure volume simply can't reproduce the lowest frequencies with the same authority as larger speakers.

  • Need for stands: Quality stands are a necessary additional expense.

Freestanding speakers

Power, dynamics and full range

Floor-standing speakers are designed to stand directly on the floor, often on special feet or spikes that provide stability and vibration damping.

• Advantages:

  • Bass depth and authority: The larger enclosure volume and the use of larger or more bass units allow them to reproduce the entire frequency spectrum, including the lowest octaves.

  • Greater dynamics and volume: They are the ideal choice for larger spaces and for listeners who want a concert or cinematic experience.

  • Full soundstage: Creates a larger, more powerful and spatial soundstage.

• Disadvantages:

  • Difficulty of placement: In smaller spaces, they can quickly overload the room with their bass energy, resulting in a distorted and uncontrolled bass.

  • Price: They are usually more expensive than comparable shelf models from the same series.

Hybrid solution: The precision of bookshelf speakers and the power of a subwoofer

For those who want the best of both worlds, there's a great hybrid solution: a 2.1 system. This combines a pair of high-quality bookshelf speakers with one (or more) active subwoofers. This gives you the precision and spatial imaging of bookshelf speakers, and the depth and power of a dedicated subwoofer.

Examples from our offer

• Bookshelf speakers for precise sound in smaller spaces

  • JBL Stage2 240B : The smallest speaker in the Stage2 series is ideal for places where space is really at a premium, such as behind a desk or in a smaller room. Despite its compact size, it maintains the distinctive, energetic JBL sound.

JBL Stage2 240B bookshelf speakers

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• Guru Q10 : A speaker with studio roots. The Q10 is not designed to embellish sound, but to deliver it exactly as it was recorded. It is the choice for audiophiles and purists seeking absolute sonic truth in a compact form factor.

Guru Q10 speaker

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• Revel PerformaBe M126Be : A reference compact speaker with a beryllium tweeter that offers absolute transparency and fidelity. It is an example of superior engineering in a bookshelf format.

Revel PerformaBe M126Be bookshelf speaker

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• Freestanding speakers for power and fullness in larger rooms:

  • JBL Stage2 280F : The most powerful model in the Stage2 series, offering incredible power and dynamics for its price. With dual 8-inch bass, it is ideal for larger rooms, home theater and music that requires a lot of dynamics.

JBL Stage2 280F floorstanding speakers

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• Guru 20 : The smallest floorstanding speaker in the Guru range, ideal for those who want deep bass in a slim and stylish package. It combines the precision of the Guru 12 with greater authority in the low tones.

Guru 20 speaker

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• Revel PerformaBe F226Be : A premium floorstanding speaker that combines the most advanced technologies to achieve sound without compromise. It is the choice for the most demanding listeners who seek complete accuracy, dynamics and elegant design.

Revel PerformaBe F226Be floorstanding speaker

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The decision is yours, and we can help you choose.

The final decision between bookshelf and floor-standing speakers depends largely on the size of your space, your listening habits, and your budget. There is no universal "better" - there is only a better solution for you.

We understand that purchasing speakers is an investment. That's why our goal is to provide advice to ensure that your decision is the right one and will bring you long-term satisfaction.

We invite you to our salon, where you can listen to different concepts live and decide with professional help which path to superior sound is right for you.

How to achieve perfect synergy between amplifier and speakers?

In the world of Hi-Fi, "synergy" is a term that goes beyond subjective agreement. It represents the measurable electrical and acoustic interaction between components, where the right combination of amplifier and speakers works as a unified, optimized system.

Achieving this synergy is not magic, but an engineering discipline based on an understanding of power, impedance, and control. This guide aims to make these key technical principles easy to understand.

The importance of amplifier power and stability

This is the first question we need to ask ourselves. But the answer is more complex than just comparing watts. It's about the amplifier's ability to respond to the demands of the speaker in real time.

• Impedance or terrain complexity for the amplifier:

  The impedance of a speaker (listed in Ohms) is not a fixed number. Think of it as the difficulty of the terrain for a car. Even though the road is mostly flat (e.g. 8 Ohms), steep gradients (impedance drops to 4 Ohms or less) occur during the drive. The amplifier is a motor that must have enough torque (current) to drive this gradient effortlessly. If the amplifier is not designed for such loads, the sound will become compressed and distorted during demanding musical passages. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an amplifier that is stable even at low impedances.

• Continuous vs. Dynamic Continuous power (RMS) , measured by manufacturers like NAD to a strict "Full Disclosure Power" standard, tells you how much power an amplifier can deliver at a constant level. But music is not a constant tone. Dynamic power (IHF) is a measure of how much power an amplifier can deliver in short, millisecond intervals to reproduce musical highlights—a kick on a drum, a strum on a string. High dynamic power is the hallmark of a quality power supply and is key to realistic, vibrant sound.

How to achieve precise and defined bass?

Power without control is useless. It's the subtler, yet for audiophiles crucial aspect that separates good systems from great ones. It's the amplifier's ability to fully control the movement of the speaker cones.

• Damping Factor or the art of speaker "grip" :

  Think of a bass drum as someone jumping on a trampoline. When the music signal ends, the drum must stop immediately. An amplifier with a low damping factor is like a weak person trying to stop the jumper – the drum will bounce a few more times, which we hear as a blurry, undefined and slow bass. An amplifier with a high damping factor, on the other hand, acts like a strong person stopping the jumper immediately. The result is fast, precise and extremely defined bass . Amplifiers like the NAD C 298 with a damping factor of over 800 are exceptional in this regard.

Matching the sound character of components

This is the most subjective part. Each component has its own sonic signature, which is a result of the materials and engineering decisions.

• Diaphragm materials: Tweeters with diaphragms made of hard materials such as titanium (in PSB speakers ) or even beryllium (in the Revel PerformaBe series ) offer exceptional precision and resolution. For mid/bass, materials such as carbon fiber (e.g. PSB Synchrony ) are used to achieve high rigidity and speed.

• The art of matching: The trick is to make sure the sonic character of the amplifier complements or balances the character of the speakers. If you have speakers that are naturally very bright and open, a neutral or even slightly warmer amplifier may be a better choice to tone down the system.

What does synergy look like in practice?

• Entry-level Hi-Fi system (best value for money): The combination of the legendary NAD C 316BEE V2 entry-level amplifier and JBL Stage2 250B speakers is a perfect example of how to achieve exceptional sound on a budget. The high dynamic power of the C 316BEE V2 amplifier easily drives the energetic Stage2 speakers, extracting surprisingly powerful and vibrant sound from them.

• A system for a modern lifestyle (style and entertainment): Combining the modern NAD C 338 amplifier , which offers built-in Chromecast and Bluetooth, with the iconic JBL L52 Classic bookshelf speakers creates a system that is perfect for any modern home. NAD provides the clean power and all the necessary connections, while the L52 brings the legendary, fun JBL sound and timeless retro look.

• Analytical Listening System (Clarity and Detail): The combination of an extremely low distortion amplifier, such as the NAD Masters M33 , and high-resolution speakers, such as the Revel PerformaBe F228Be , will create a system that is completely faithful to the original recording.

• Energetic listening system (power and dynamics): To drive large and energetic speakers like the JBL L100 Classic MkII , an amplifier with exceptional dynamic power and authority, like the JBL SA750 , is ideal .

• A system for energetic and musical listening: Combining an amplifier known for its neutrality and exceptional control, such as the NAD C 399 , with speakers known for their natural musicality and dynamic character, such as the JBL L100 Classic MkII , creates a system that is both accurate and extremely fun and enjoyable for long listening sessions.

From theory to experience

Understanding the technical principles is a key tool for narrowing down your choices. But numbers are only part of the story. The final confirmation of the synergy between components always comes in a listening test. We invite you to our showroom in Maribor , where you can hear live how these technical principles translate into music, and with expert help find the perfect combination for your system.

How to choose speakers - the heart of every audio system?

Speakers are not just the last piece of the audio chain; they are its voice. They are the critical component that converts an electrical signal full of musical information into the sound waves we hear and feel. That's why speakers have the greatest impact on the final sonic character, color, and soul of the entire system. But choosing the right ones is often the hardest decision, as it's not just about technical specifications, but finding the sound signature that suits your space, your amplifier, and most importantly, your personal taste.

In this guide, we'll delve into the key factors that separate good speakers from great ones, helping you make an informed decision.

1. Partnership between speaker and space

This is the absolute first and most important rule that all experienced audiophiles know: even the best speakers will sound bad in the wrong room. Ignoring room acoustics is the most common mistake when building a Hi-Fi system.

• Bookshelf or freestanding speakers?

  For small to medium sized rooms (up to 25m²), high quality bookshelf speakers are often a better choice . Placed on purpose-built, solid stands, they can create an extremely precise and three-dimensional soundstage. Their bass is usually faster and more defined, which is key in smaller rooms to prevent unpleasant bass.

  Larger rooms (over 25m²) require more air to be moved. This is where freestanding speakers come in . With larger enclosures and larger (or more) speaker units, they can reproduce deeper bass and reach higher volumes with less compression and distortion.

• Bass-reflex or sealed enclosure?

  The vast majority of speakers use a bass-reflex design, where a port on the cabinet harnesses energy from the back of the diaphragm to amplify low frequencies. This allows for greater efficiency and deeper bass from a smaller cabinet. It doesn't matter whether the port is on the front or back - rear-ported speakers usually require a greater distance from the wall.

  A closed-back enclosure (acoustic suspension) has no opening. Such speakers are known for their extremely fast, precise and defined bass, but are usually less efficient and require a more powerful amplifier to produce the same volume.

  
  

2. Matching speakers to an amplifier

The speakers and the amplifier are inextricably linked. The amplifier must have enough power and control to fully "capture" the speakers and control their movement.

• Sensitivity and impedance:

  Sensitivity (in dB) tells you how loud a speaker will be at 1 W of power at a distance of 1 meter. Speakers with low sensitivity (e.g. below 86 dB) need a more powerful amplifier. Impedance (in Ohms) is the resistance that the speaker offers to the amplifier. An important piece of information is the minimum impedance - if it drops very low (e.g. below 4 Ohms), this poses a heavy burden on the amplifier, which must be able to deliver enough current.

  
  

• Power (Watts):

  It's not just about the number of watts, but their quality. An amplifier with high current handling capability (high dynamic power) will be able to more easily drive speakers during demanding musical transitions, resulting in better dynamics and less distortion.

  
  

3. Finding a character that suits you

This is the most subjective part of the choice. The sound character depends largely on the materials of the speaker units and the philosophy of the manufacturer.

• Membrane materials:

  • Tweeters: Metal domes (aluminum, titanium, beryllium) are known for their exceptional accuracy, detail, and openness. Silk (soft-dome) domes often offer a smoother, less tense sound.

  • Midrange/bass: Materials like paper and polypropylene are prized for their natural, warm sound, while more advanced materials like carbon fiber or ceramic composites offer greater rigidity and speed, resulting in lower distortion and more defined bass.

    
    

• Brand philosophy:

  • PSB : They follow a scientific "True to Nature" approach. Their speakers are known for their extremely natural, neutral and balanced sound that faithfully follows the recording.

    

    
    

  • Revel : Based on extensive blind testing, they aim for absolute sonic accuracy and purity, with no added "coloration" of the sound. They are extremely transparent.

  

  
  

  • JBL : Often associated with a dynamic, lively and energetic sound reminiscent of a concert experience, they are great for rock, electronic music and home cinema.

  

  
  

  • Bluesound : They are the answer to the question "What if I could have all the music in the world at my fingertips, with the sound of a real Hi-Fi system?" Bluesound's multiroom wireless speakers combine the convenience of Wi-Fi streaming and the ease of Bluetooth connectivity with uncompromising sound quality that's full of energy and detail.

  

  
  

  • Guru Audio : Unique Swedish speakers designed to be placed against the wall, offering surprisingly deep bass and exceptional musicality.

The full story of the Guru brand

Active speakers, stands and advanced connections

• Active vs. Passive Speakers: This has become a key decision in recent years. Passive speakers are the classic choice where you need a separate amplifier. This gives you the freedom to mix and match and upgrade in the future. Active speakers , on the other hand, have an amplifier built in, which means easier setup, fewer cables and perfect synergy between the amplifier and speakers, as they were all designed by the same engineer. They are a great solution for minimalist yet powerful modern systems.

  
  

• The Importance of Speaker Stands: With bookshelf speakers, stands are not just a piece of furniture. They are a key component. The right stand places the speaker at the optimal listening height (tweeter at ear level) and, more importantly, provides a solid, inert base. This prevents vibrations from being transmitted to the floor and back into the speaker, resulting in significantly more defined bass and a cleaner soundstage.

  
  

• Bi-Wiring and Bi-Amping: Some speakers, like the PSB Imagine T65 or Synchrony T600 , have two pairs of connectors on the back. This allows for two advanced connection techniques. Bi-wiring involves using two separate cables from a single amplifier, one for the treble and one for the bass. Bi-amping involves using a separate amplifier channel for each frequency band. Both techniques can provide even greater precision and control over the sound.

Concrete suggestions from our offer

Speakers for smaller spaces where every centimeter counts:

• JBL Stage2 250B : If you're looking for the most sound for your money, this is it. The Stage2 250B is a real workhorse, delivering that signature, energetic JBL sound in a compact form factor. It's a great first step into the world of true Hi-Fi.

• Guru 8 : What if you need to push your speaker right up against a wall? The Guru 8 is a brilliant solution. This Swedish speaker uses the wall to its advantage, conjuring surprisingly deep and musical bass from a small enclosure.

• JBL L52 Classic : The smallest member of the legendary Classic family, it delivers iconic retro style and surprisingly full, dynamic sound in an extremely compact form factor. It's the perfect choice for a desk or smaller space where you want sound with a rock 'n' roll character.

Speakers for larger rooms where you want power and fullness:

• JBL Stage2 280F : When you need power you can feel more than hear, the 280F is here. With dual 8-inch woofers, it's ideal for home theater, where you want every explosion to grab your stomach, and for music that demands plenty of dynamics.

• JBL L100 Classic MkII : There are speakers and there is the L100. This is not just a speaker, but a piece of history, updated for the 21st century. Its 12-inch bass and energetic character are the ticket to a concert experience in your living room. Uncompromising and legendary.

Listen with your ears.

Technical data and descriptions can only be a guide. In the end, the most important thing is to hear the speakers live in a controlled environment. Only then will you be able to determine which sound signature suits you best.

We invite you to our showroom to discuss your wishes and listen to the different options together. Our goal is to find speakers that will become the heart of your home and will bring you joy for many years.