Speakers

A loudspeaker is an electro-acoustic device that is used to reproduce acoustic energy, or sound. When selecting a pair of loudspeakers, find one with proper stereo imaging (sound you can "see") and a flat-ish, neutral frequency response. If taken care of, and driven responsibly, a good quality pair of loudspeakers will deliver you pleasurable music listening for many years to come, and is a worthy investment.

Buyers Guide

Bookshelf Speakers From cheapest to highest, not limited to:

• Dayton B652
• Micca MB-42X
• Polk Monitor 40
• Pioneer SP-BS22-LR
• Audioengine A2+
• KEF LS50

Studio Monitors Studio monitors are for music/movie/broadcast production, and typically are more clinical than Hi-Fi speakers as they are tools used to reproduce the material "as-is". This means poorly mastered music can sound dull on them, and they will point out the issues in mixes more obviously. Nonetheless, they are still excellent performers when supplied quality material, and are also conveniently active.

• iLoud
• Dynaudio
• Genelec
• ATC
• Focal
• ADAM

Subwoofers

• Polk Audio PSW10
• Polk Audio PSW111
• Klipsch R-100SW
• SVS, JL, etc

Amplification

• Lepai LP 2020A+ ($20)
• Audiosource AMP-100 ($75)
• Sherwood RX4508 (Under $200)
• Yamaha, Pioneer, Onkyo, Marantz, NAD, etc

Placement

For placement, refer to your loudspeaker's manual. If this is not available, place the speakers in a triangle, and aim the speakers 60° degrees to the listening position. Finish studio monitor manufacturer Genelec has an excellent guide for proper loudspeaker placement.

Surround Sound

For those who want surround sound, and have an audio interface or sound card that supports it, purchase a surround sound amplifier and then pair it with matched speakers of your choosing/budget. You will also need a subwoofer and a center channel speaker. There are various sizes of surround sound (5.1, 7.1, Atmos, etc) but 5.1 is arguably the most common.

Avoid

• Bose
• Cheap KRK
• Beats
• Logitech
• PC Speakers, aside from the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1.

If equalizing, don't be fucking stupid and crank the bands up. Typically for room correction, you will do subtractive EQ, fixing room modes and subsequently improving your stereo imaging and detail.

Don't hurt your ears, and keep listening. May you be blessed with many years filled of wonderful music. Peace.