Hey everyone it’s nice to meet you. I'm Jay, writer & founder of the site Easy Home Theater. I've been with this hobby of home entertainment for many years now. I decided to create this site to be a helpful resource, and share everything that I've learned from personal experience with you. I also happen to be a huge gamer, lover of all things tech related, and a major fitness buff (love weightlifting)
Audioengine A1 Review – Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
This is the Audioengine A1 review, a deeper insight into compact, 2 speaker music system that offers Bluetooth capabilities and premium audio.
It can also be connected to a receiver and used as a traditional sound setup too.
So what I wanted to do is quickly go over what these speakers actually offer, my real world experience with them, and most importantly, whether they’re actually the right speakers for you.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Features
Powered Bluetooth Speakers
The Audioengine A1 are powered Bluetooth speakers with a range of up to 100 feet that can be used for your desktop or as home theater speakers
60 Watts For Powerful Sound
Despite their small stature, the A1 have 60 watts of power to work with a variety of rooms.
Can Also Be Used With A Receiver
Should you prefer, you can also use these speakers with a receiver for a more traditional setup
Setup of the Audioengine A1 is going to depend on what you plan on using them for, but it’s mostly done the same way for the most part.
To make it simple though, here’s how it’s done.
You’d first connect the AC power cord, then connect the included wire from the (powered) left speaker to the (passive) right speaker.
Then press the pair button on the back of the speaker, and pair the bluetooth device from within that menu and that’s it really.
Or if you wanted to connect a device, you could do so with any of the included cables.
You’re also able to connect these speakers to a receiver as an analog connection too which is nice.
Thoughts On The Sound Quality Of The Audioengine A1
What’s most important though is sound quality, and you’ll be relieved to hear that the Audioengine A1s don’t disappoint in that area what so ever.
Sound quality is crisp and balanced, not erring one way or another in terms of tonal presentation.
Everything is just crystal clear and quite frankly, makes them a real joy to listen to.
What I like about these speakers in particular is the fact that they utilize a vent design rather than just going for ported one.
Even with subwoofers, I’ve always been a big proponent that vented design is the best for a clean sound over ported and sealed designs, and the fact that it’s being used in a budget speaker is absolutely fantastic.
It’s also a big contributer in why these speakers work so well for big rooms despite their smaller size.
The claims that these are small speakers with big sound was something I definitely found to be true, and was just amazed by how much output they actually had.
Even at louder volumes there was no straining or distortion, everything just sounded really clean.
What I think also makes these great is that because of their smaller form factor and easy setup, these would be great desktop speakers for the occasional music listening session or even gaming.
Of course the bass doesn’t get as deep as a dedicated subwoofer, but for a bookshelf speaker, I definitely found the bass to be better than I expected.
It was a really punchy and upfront bass, meaning these would be great for music.
However they also did really well with movies too — and because of the fact you can still use a receiver & separate subwoofer with these speakers, it makes them really well rounded in general.
In terms of negative gripes when it comes to this particular speaker, there aren’t many that immediately come to mind to be quite honest.
The only minor things I could really think of is it’d be nice if it had an attachable speaker grille or maybe if it had wifi capabilities although the A1-MR has that if that’s what’s important to you.
But other than that, there’s really not much bad to say.
In general, they’re just a great pair of speakers and are definitely worth a look in my opinion.
Funnily enough, the A1’s are actually pretty compact in size despite their big sound.
At only 6”H x 4”W x 5.25”D, fitting them in your entertainment won’t be much of a hassle at all.
Taking a closer look, the design of the speaker you could say is..well.. A1!
With a dark gray furniture grade finish on the exterior that skips any kind of outward branding, it’s a speaker that I feel values subtlety over standing out.
However it’s understated design is one to be commended as it won’t call attention to itself in your room since it’s focus is the audio.
That being said though, it’s still a really nice looking speaker in person.
At the top you’ll find a .75 inch silk dome tweeter, and underneath that 2.75 aramid fiber woofer.
The cabinet itself is made of a thick high-resin MDF wood with extensive internal bracing to reduce unwanted reflections inside.
The edges of the A1’s speaker cabinet are also rounded and besides just looking cool, they also help to reduce high-frequency diffraction effects on the front baffle.
In other words they result in a cleaner audio.
On the back is the Audioengine logo along with a volume dial and various connection options for the speaker.
Other than that, there’s really not too much else to say in regards to the appearance.
It’s a speaker that looks good, and is small enough to make space for in your entertainment space.
Likes/Pros
Big boisterous sound in a small package
Good bass quality
Bluetooth capabilities worked without issue
Easy to set up
Dislikes/Cons
No wifi capabilities
Final Thoughts
In summation, the Audioengine A1 are great speakers for not only their quality stereo sound, but for those that are more budget conscious as well.
They look great, sound great, and are a great fit in most rooms sizes.
The DALI SPEKTOR 2s are fantastic passive speakers that combine an almost retro look, with spectacular audio and a premium feel. Their auditory precision, tonal balance, and expressive sound signature gives them the proficiency to deliver a quite memorable home theater experience. Provided you have the ability to power them given their low sensitivity, they’re strong performers.
In this DALI SPEKTOR 2 review, I wanted to highlight a speaker that I believe truly punches above its weight in a way that I haven’t seen in a really long time.
In fact the very reason for this review was to share my thoughts on it because of that.
So let’s take a closer look and see why this is a speaker that’s certainly worth your time.
Features
Improved Audio Output
Improved from the Spektor 1 line, the Spektor 2 boasts a larger inner volume that allows it to output greater sound quality without drastically increasing its size
Wide Sound Dispersion
Using purpose designed driver materials and shape, the sound from the Spektor 2 is dispersed more widely, providing better cohesion and audio quality even off axis
Soft Dome Tweeter For Highly Accurate Sound
Made from a light weight woven fabric, this soft dome tweeter is nearly half of the weight of similar tweeters which allows it to reproduce every part of the frequency range for highly accurate sound quality
5 1/4 inch Woofer For Increased Sound Pressure Levels
A 5 1/4 inch woofer increases sound pressure levels allowing it to get louder at a smaller size
Unique Fibre Cone Woofer Enhances Sound Quality
A unique fine-grain paper and wood fibre pulp woofer allows it to be light weight and rigid, while minimizing unwanted resonances for better quality sound
Low Signal Loss
By using custom built drivers, signal loss is kept minimal for a cleaner resulting audio
Can Be Wall Mounted
Besides being able to place it on a stand, the SPEKTOR 2 can also be wall mounted for even further placement options.
But basically, what you’d do is measure the length of speaker wire you’d need, cut it, strip the wire, attach it to the back of the speaker, then attach the other end to the appropriate terminal on the receiver.
While that’s oversimplifying it, that’s basically the entire process in a nutshell.
Here’s how to fully set up a speaker if you’re curious about the entire process.
Also with regards to their placement, given that they’re rear ported speakers, I feel that they’re best placed a little bit from the wall in my opinion.
The Sound Quality Of The DALI SPEKTOR 2 Speakers
Initial First Impressions
But how do the DALI SPEKTOR bookshelf speakers sound?
Well you’ll be happy to know that their audio quality is really amazing.
Having previously heard the Spektor 1 some time ago, these feel like a sensible step up from the prior line in every way.
While those were decent, this second generation offering feels like a massive improvement comparatively.
Gone is the slightly brighter nature of the first line, and is instead evolved into something much more mature and refined.
It’s now more tonally balanced speaker, with substantive bass and delicate treble blended together beautifully.
The sound signature definitely leans on the warmer side of the spectrum, but make no mistake, it’s still able to capture even the most subtle details in the sound stage amazingly.
I think that’s partially due to its stiffer drivers that allow it to produce those really difficult high frequencies with precision.
During music playback, what was immediately noticeable was just how seamlessly its punchy bass and crisp highs came together.
Everything just sounded right.
What was also suprising was just how much sound these things were able to belt out given their smaller stature.
Of course they aren’t exactly small by any means, but the quality of the sound and the volume & degree at which they played would really make you think it’s coming from something much bigger than this.
I think that’s a testament to a quality speaker, and this one proudly carries that moniker.
This would also make them a good fit for most room sizes since they’re small enough to fit in more size constrained environments, but have the necessary power to excel even in larger rooms.
Plus their musical capabilities even makes them suitable as stereo speakers if that’s your focus.
How They Perform Off Axis
What was also particularly impressive was just how well they performed off axis.
Typically when you sit off to the side, the audio experience diminishes quite a bit,
However due to the Spektor’s wide dispersion design, there wasn’t nearly as much fall off in quality which was surprising.
Dialogue was still discernable, and it didn’t feel much like a compromise if at all which was nice.
That means you have more versatility with seating in the room with this speaker.
Quick Note About Powering Them
Something to note is that they do have a lower sensitivity at around 84dB/W/m and an impedance of 6.
That means it’ll take more power to get them really loud since they have a lot in the tank so to speak.
I’d say partnering them with a proper amp/receiver that can sufficiently drive them is is likely preferable, but not exactly necessary either.
They’ll perform great either way, just something to note if output in a larger room is a concern.
Their Performance With Movies
These speakers also excell when it comes to movies, with action on screen being represented with lifelike accuracy.
In busier scenes, sound effects of the lower end had an almost weighty feel to them.
While in the quieter scenes, subtle details were articulated with convincing precision.
Their dynamic nature allowed them to switch from delicate to powerful on the fly without skipping a beat.
I found that this also allowed them to be proficient as surround sound speakers too.
When using them as part of a surround setup, I was surprised by how much ambience they added to a scene with their attention to detail.
Gaming
Interestingly, that characteristic is what also makes them great for gaming since gaming typically involves instant changes in volume.
To put it simply, games sounded incredible on these.
So for the gamers out there, this is a solid choice to go with.
DALI SPEKTOR 2 VS Elac Debut B6.2
A common comparison and question I’ve been asked is how they compare with the Elac Debut B6.2 speakers.
Well one difference is the Elac B6.2 is bigger at 10.6 x 7.7 x 14.8 inches so if you don’t have much room space, that’s something to keep in mind.
Also the DALI SPEKTOR 2 can be wall mounted so there’s that.
In terms of their tone, I would say that the Elac Debut B6.2 had a slightly warmer sound signature than the SPEKTOR 2, at least to my ears.
But sound quality wise, both sound amazing so whether you prefer one or the other will really boil down to preference.
Overall Sentiments On Them
So long story short, with an almost retro look that combines spectacular audio with a premium feel, the DALI SPEKTOR 2 is an easy choice if you’re in the market for a pair of new speakers.
They’re really performant and are suitable as front, surround or even stereo speakers in my opinion.
It’s a distinct looking design that really adds to the speaker’s individuality.
But what really adds to the unique aesthetic of the SPEKTOR 2 is its woofer.
Made of a mix of fine grain paper and wood fibre pulp, the woofer’s cone actually has visible flecks of of these fibers dotted all around it.
Besides just looking cool, it actually has real world utility that we’ll go over in a sec.
In terms of size, this is actually a relatively compact speaker at 11.5 x 6.69 x 9.37 inches so while not tiny by any means, it’s not necessarily gargantuan either.
That means finding space for this speaker shouldn’t be difficult if you’re in an average sized room.
The one thing I kind of do wish was that the driver color matched the speaker in the black and white variants but that’s a minor nitpick honestly.
As a whole, the SPEKTOR 2 is a very aesthetically pleasing looking speaker that looks even better in person.
Pros/Likes
Incredible Sound Quality
Dynamic yet balanced
Great bass response
Premium Build Quality
Great for music, movies & gaming
Cons/Dislikes
Low Sensitivity
Final Thoughts
Overall, the DALI SPEKTOR 2 are a fantastic set of speakers — with the auditory precision, tonal balance, and expressive sound signature to offer a truly memorable home theater experience.
They’re also a beautiful looking speaker too, with a meticulous build quality that tells you a lot of care was put into them.
It’s an outstanding performer and is a speaker I wholeheartedly recommend.
In this Zidoo Z1000 Pro review, we’ll take a quick look at a 4k HDR Android multimedia player that poises itself as a great solution to playing your favorite content.
It has great performance, the ability to use 3.5 inch disks, great image quality, and is pretty simple to use in my opinion.
Although it can’t play physical discs like CDs, in terms of digital prowess, it works great in terms of a quality streaming device.
Zidoo Z1000 Pro Review – A Quick Summary
The Zidoo Z1000 Pro boasts amazing audio & picture quality, along with the helpful ability to expand storage externally. It uses android, which in turn allows it be a versatile multimedia player when it comes to all kinds of content. Its rich feature set and incredible build quality makes this an excellent device.
That’s a quick summary of course, but for those with more time, we’ll dive a bit deeper to see whether or not this is the right device for you.
Appearance
The appearance of the Zidoo Z1000 is certainly quality, with a matte finish in black which I feel allows it to really blend in with an entertainment center due to its subdued look.
On the front of the device, there’s an LED display to the left, a power button situated in the middle, and a hidden HDD over to the right.
Under the device is 4 metal & rubber feet for balance, and on top is the company’s logo.
On the back you’ll find a vent for keeping the device cool along with various connection options, and on the side are 2 USB ports and a SATA drive for SSD expansion.
Even better, is the fact that the units antennas are built into the chassis, meaning you won’t have to deal with unruly antenna sticking out the back.
It’s a really streamlined yet bespoke design that offers an attractive look in one neat package I feel.
In terms of size, the Z1000 is actually pretty compact at 13.78 x 9.45 x 2.36 inches and only 8.48 pounds which is definitely something to appreciate, especially if space is a factor in your decision.
In the box you also get a remote control, power adapter, user manual, sata cable, and an HDMI 2.0 cable.
Features
4K Support
Full support for 3840 x 2160 (4K) 60Hz output ensures pristine picture quality
Support For HDR
With full support for most formats of HDR, enjoy visually stunning content with a vibrant dynamic range
12 Bit Color Support
Support for up to 12 bit color allows the Z1000 Pro to produce beautiful picture quality with stunning color accuracy
Ability To Expand Storage
The Z1000 Pro has a SATA 3.0 and hidden HDD bay, conveniently allowing you to expand the storage
Large LED Display
An easily visible LED display provides a wealth of information at a glance
Convenient Mobile App
A convenient mobile app allows you to control every part of the Z1000 Pro wirelessly
Lossless Music Playback
Whether it’s FLAC, WAV, APE,DTS etc., enjoy lossless music playback
Intuitive Home Theater UI
An Intuitive HomeTheater3.0 UI provides easy navigation and helpful features like custom classifications and automatic posters scanning
How To Set Up The Zidoo Z1000 Pro
Luckily, setting up the Z1000 Pro is pretty easy.
There’s a plethora of different connection options thanks to its many ports however for simplicity sake, we’ll just cover HDMI since that’s how most will do it anyway.
If you’re using a receiver, the first thing you’ll do is take one HDMI cable and plug it into the HDMI-Out output on the back of the device, and plug the other end into one of the receiver’s inputs.
You may need to also use an optical cable for the sound if your receiver doesn’t support eARC.
If you’re not using a receiver, then you’ll need 2 HDMI cables to run from the device to your TV using both the Input and output on the device respectively.
After you turn the device on, you’ll be greeted by a very helpful boot wizard that’ll take you through the installation process.
When that’s done, you’ll be brought to the home page where you’re presented with options for media centre, poster wall, music player, apps and settings.
Thoughts On the Zidoo Z1000 Pro Itself
So with all that being said, is the Zidoo Z1000 Pro worth taking a look at?
I would say yes it absolutely is.
It actually starts up really fast, (merely 20 seconds) and actually using the menus and getting around the settings was really simple from what I noticed.
Everything is on the homepage being only a click away, and is a serious step up when compared with similar media players and even it’s predecessors.
On the homepage you’ll find the media centre which is basically your file explorer to help you easily find and edit specific files installed on your media player.
It includes options like showing files that might be hidden, scrolling to the next page, showing how long you watched something, showing helpful notifications for your storage.
Then there’s the poster wall which displays the information and artwork for each movie along with custom recommendations and the ability to search according to categories which is pretty awesome.
You also have the music player which is pretty advanced and gives you a great degree of control when it comes to your music library.
It’s able to display lyrics, categorize according to the genres, allow you to adjust the menus to how you prefer, etc.
It’s really robust, and I found it to be a huge help when searching for a specific song or even creating a folder.
The 4th icon on the homepage is the apps icon, and as you would guess, contains the applications that are installed on the device.
Lastly is the settings menu which is has an impressive amount of settings options too numerous to go through here.
But it has everything you’d want for specifically tailoring the experience for you which is certainly nice.
I’m personally a big fan of how simplistic the homepage looks, as it’s really easy to navigate, understand, and find the things you’re looking for — while still being really helpful too.
When it came to wireless connectivity, there were no issues and performance was completely smooth during playback.
The fact that it supports up to 4K resolutions and most forms of HDR was something I really appreciated as it was able to produce a beautiful looking image.
Even music files like MP3 and FLAC worked without issue, and I was able to enjoy all my content normally.
All in all, it’s a solid device, and if you’re in the market for a quality streaming device, the Zidoo Z1000 might just be worth having a look at.
Yamaha TSR 700 Review (7.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver)
(Note: Another receiver model to consider that might be of interest to you is the Yamaha RX-V6A which is an alternative to the one talked about in this review.
I bring this up because due to its age, availability of the older Yamaha TSR 700 might be variable; but the newer 7.2 channel Yamaha RX-V6A is just as good as the originally mentioned receiver.
The original positives mentioned hold true with this one as well, like support for up to 8K resolution, 100 watts of clean sound quality, etc., making it an amazing option)
In this Yamaha TSR 700 Review, we’ll take a look at an awesome 7.2 channel AV receiver that not only has enough power to sufficiently drive your speakers, but has so many attractive features that it’s just an easy recommendation all around.
For those short on time, long story short, it’s a receiver that does everything you’d want it to and then some.
Compatible with everything from speakers to soundbars, it’s an extremely solid & feature rich receiver that’s great for movie nights.
Appearance Of The Receiver
While not vastly important, the appearance of a receiver can still add to the tangible feeling of actually getting a truly solid product.
With that being said, it’s safe to say the Yamaha TSR 700 completely excels in that category.
What you’ll immediately notice on the unit is the large volume knob directly in the center of the chassis.
It’s definitely an interesting choice being that the volume knob is usually placed to the left or right, but I think it makes the device look really unique personally.
Towards the top left is a Yamaha logo, and towards the bottom right is the TSR 700 branding.
Directly to the right is a physical selector that let’s you navigate the menu manually if you wanted to browse that way rather than use the included remote.
On the faceplate, there’s information regarding zones and pure direct, as well as a really nice looking blue led display when the unit is turned on.
This display shows a bunch of useful information like the current sound profile, source information, and even the current input.
It’s certainly helpful, and provides the kind of quick info at glance that you’d want.
A minor nitpick would be wanting the display to be a little bigger, but it’s nice it has one at all honestly.
The bottom left is where you’ll find the power button, as well as a host of useful connection options like the USB slot, the YPAO mic input, and the headphones input.
With regard to size, the TSR 700 is pretty average, measuring 16.87 x 13.12 x 6.75 inches and weighing 21.6 pounds making it not the biggest receiver in the world, but certainly not small by any means so make sure you have adequate space for it.
Something that might help in that respect is the fact is the antenna can be placed down, so that’s a plus.
As for the receiver’s appearance overall, it’s a very clean yet distinct look, making it effortlessly blend in yet stand out simultaneously.
It’s very contemporary, with an all black aesthetic that allows it to easily fit in with most rooms without calling attention to itself.
Even the knobs feel premium, gliding easily along without feeling plasticky or cheap.
The only thing I did notice was that the shiny exterior picked up fingerprints pretty easily, so you’ll want to keep a dust cloth or microfiber cloth handy.
But other than that, there’s not too much else to say about its appearance.
It’s a really nice looking receiver in person, it’s unique, and is sure to serve as nice piece of eye candy in the entertainment center.
Features
7.2 Channels
With support for up to 7 speakers and 2 subwoofers simultaneously, enjoy top quality surround sound with the TSR 700
Compatible With Dolby Atmos
You also have option of using 2 overhead speakers for for even further immersion through Dolby Atmos support
Compatibility With DTS:X Audio
By placing sound where it would naturally occur in space, DTS:X is able to create life-like, multi-dimensional audio virtually
Yamaha Room Optimizing Software
A unique Yamaha proprietary sound field creation technology created by combining measured sound field data with digital signal processing optimizes your speakers for your specific room
Enhanced Media & Gaming Features
A collection of enhanced media and gaming features ensures full support for all of your favorite content
8K Support
For those that love to have the most bleeding edge technology the TSR 700 has support for 8K resolutions
Bluetooth & Wifi Capability
The Yamaha TSR 700 is fully Bluetooth & Wifi capable and supports your favorite streaming services and devices
Multi Room Support
Similar to HEOS, the TSR 700 receiver even has the ability to play music in multiple rooms simultaneously through Yamaha’s Multicast controls via app
HDMI 2.1 Support
With 8 HDMI slots, 3 of which are full 40Gps HDMI 2.1 slots, and one supporting eARC passthrough, every current device & format is supported
Sleek Appearance
The TSR 700 sports a sleek appearance, making it a great fit for a wide variety of rooms.
How To Set Up The Yamaha TSR 700
Setting up the Yamaha TSR 700 receiver is really simple. Given the amount of connection options at your disposal, how you set it up is going to depend on whether you’re using a wired connection or streaming.
So to help you out, we’ll quickly go over both ways.
Setting Up the TSR 700 with A Wired Connection
Setting up this receiver through wired methods is done the same way you would with any receiver.
Obviously unplug everything before you connect anything.
Since it’s eARC compatible, all you have to do is plug an HDMI cable from the very first slot labeled eARC into the back of your television, then take a second HDMI cable and plug it into the back of the device you plan on using with it.
After this, connect the speakers/soundbars you plan to use into the back of the receiver.
Then turn the unit back on and turn it to the appropriate HDMI input.
Setting Up The Yamaha TSR 700 Wirelessly
Setting up the Yamaha TSR 700 wirelessly can be done in 2 ways, through wifi, and through bluetooth.
Luckily both ways are seamless and simply involve pairing the receiver through your respective device.
The Sound Quality/ Performance Of The TSR 700
Alright so long story short is the Yamaha TSR 700 actually worth your time?
Well taking into consideration the sheer abundance of features and how they enhance the experience, this is a receiver that’s absolutely worth your time.
When plugging my speakers up with this receiver, what was particularly notable was how clean everything sounded.
The speakers didn’t struggle at all, and when I turned the receiver to those higher volumes, it was easy to tell that the receiver supplied more than enough power to actually drive them properly without distortion.
The virtualization technology that basically emulates height surrounds worked pretty good too, but I wouldn’t say it’s a complete replacement for it.
Certainly use height or ceiling speakers if you can, especially since this receiver actually supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
But the different DSP modes that Yamaha are known for are still here, and allow you to switch sound profiles to your liking.
For example for movies there’s a movie preset available to use, but should you want something a little more dynamic you could change it to spectacle.
There’s a bunch here, and it’s particularly fun to experiment and see how the sound changes with each preset.
It reminds me of the Denon AVR-S760H in that way where you can use the presets and adjustments to get a really custom sound output.
Another thing you’ll really like about this receiver is just how feature rich it is.
The fact that it supports pretty much every modern AV feature means you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues with a certain TV or device.
From Dolby Vision support to low latency mode and VRR for gaming, it really feels like it has everything.
I mean it’s even 8K compatible which is impressive enough as is.
But when you factor everything else it’s able to do, it becomes a no brainer.
It’s really easy to setup too with helpful features like bluetooth working without issue.
There’s also the included optimization microphone included with this receiver that allows you to easily calibrate your speakers for your specific room.
Simply plug it in and hit start, and it’ll automatically optimize your audio for your particular setup.
It’s a simple way to get much better sound quality, and the fact it’s so easy to do is just another plus.
Even in terms of appearance, it’s a really unique looking receiver, and actually looks really cool in person.
It’s not huge, but it’s not a small device either, so make sure you have the space for proper ventilation.
So with all this being said, there’s not a lot I outright dislike about this unit honestly.
I mean maybe it would be nice if it supported IMAX Enhanced, or maybe the display could be a little bigger.
But other than that nothing really comes to mind.
It’s really that good of a receiver.
It’s an all around solid performer and with everything it offers, is definitely worthy of a spot in your home. It’s awesome.
Pros/Likes
Provides speakers with abundant power
Future proof with support for even 8K
Abundance of features
Has a unique aesthetic
Very easy to set up
Bluetooth works effortlessly
Cons/Dislikes
Not small at 21 pounds
No IMAX Enhanced support
Display could be bigger
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha TSR 700 is an excellent receiver, with an abundance of features and enough power to make it an incredible option.
Its performance is top notch, and from this review it’s clear to see why this is such an easy recommendation.
But that’s all I got for now.
Until next time, make it easy, keep it simple.
Specs
The specifications of the Yamaha TSR 700 AV Receiver are as follows:
7.2-channel AV Receiver with 8K HDMI and MusicCast
MP3 / WMA / MPEG-4 AAC: up to 48 kHz / 16-bit, ALAC: up to 96 kHz / 24-bit, FLAC: up to 384 kHz / 24-bit, WAV / AIFF: up to 384 kHz / 32-bit, DSD: up to 11.2 MHz
The Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer has good hard clean bass that even performs well at higher volumes. It’s easy to setup, looks good, and handles a variety of content. Best suited for average sized rooms, bass quality was tight & controlled yet powerful — and made for a really enjoyable listening experience. Overall it’s an awesome subwoofer!
Total Pieces 1 Electronics Warranty 3 years Drivers Warranty 5 years Original Purchaser Only Yes Carton 1 18″ (45.72 cm) h x 19″ (48.26 cm) w x 19.5″ (49.53 cm) d – 31 lbs (14.06 kg)
SUBWOOFER
Total Pieces 1 Availability US Orientation Vertical Height 14.375″ (36.51 cm) Width 14″ (35.56 cm) Depth 16.125″ (40.96 cm) Weight 26 lbs (11.79 kg) Subwoofer Array Driver Enclosure Type Vented Via Front Panel Flared Port Subwoofer Array Driver Complement •(1) 10″ (25.4 cm) d (Round) Dynamic Balance polymer composite cone – Subwoofer Amplifier Distortion <1% Amplifier Bandwidth 40Hz – 200Hz Amplifier 220V Availability Yes Amplifier Type Subwoofer Amplifier Type 50 watts Amplifier Dynamic Power 100 watts Lower and Upper -3dB Limits 40 Hz → 160 Hz Audio Inputs •Stereo Line Level – (2) RCA Pair (L/R) Analog RCA Speaker Inputs (2) Pair of Spring Terminals – Gold-Plated Audio Outputs – Speaker Outputs (2) Pair of Spring Terminals – Gold-Plated
Here’s 19 ways to make your older speakers sound better — whether they’re vintage stereo speakers, retro music speakers, or just older home theater speakers.
The problem is that over time audio equipment can degrade and fail with age.
No worries though because in this guide we’re going to show you how to make your older speakers sound better so you can enjoy them for many years to come.
Let’s take a look!
1). Optimizing Placement & Position Of Your Speakers In The Room
Proper room placement for your speakers can have one of the biggest impacts regarding their audio quality.
As a general rule since every setup is different, placing your speakers the same distance away from each other as you are seated can help with their output.
For example if you’re in your entertainment room seated 6 feet away from the speakers, spacing them 6 feet apart from each other can help with more uniform output in the room.
This kind of placement is what’s known as the golden triangle, as it helps being in the sweet spot for better sound quality & spatial imaging while reducing delay or overlap in incoming sound waves.
So whatever distance you’re sat from your speakers, try placing them that same distance apart to see how it sounds to your ears.
Luckily I created a placement calculator to help with getting an idea of both the optimal place to sit from the TV, and where to place your front speakers.
Also worth noting is you might be able to improve your sound quality further by decoupling the speaker from the surface it’s on.
One way is through speaker stands — since by isolating it in this way, it can prevent the speaker from buzzing or distorting when at those higher volumes (as long as they’re optimally placed)
Speaking more on placement though, optimal placement also depends on not just the room itself, but the speaker’s design too.
That means whether they’re ported, sealed, or vented can affect the optimal distance to place the speaker from the wall.
For rear ported speakers, placing them about 18 inches from the wall in my experience tends to help reduce unwanted resonances and room nodes that may color the sound.
I’ll caveat that by saying that is, unless you’re specifically looking to influence the bass of your speakers particularly, in which case you may prefer moving it closer to the wall.
Front ported and sealed versions can often still sound good slightly closer to the wall though it depends on your preferences.
Also using speakers that are timbre matched, meaning using multiple of the same ones within the same line, can be helpful to your audio experience as well.
Another helpful tip is to turn your speakers slightly inwards towards the middle of the room.
Keeping in mind that speakers are directional devices, regardless of the sound waves that radiate outward, their cleanest audio will often come from the waves aimed directly at you.
So by using what’s known as toe in, meaning angling the speaker inwards or outwards, you can get better auditory imaging for a more immersive experience.
It’s definitely worth a try, just keep in mind you don’t need to over do it — just enough to where the grille clothe is pointed towards your seating without actually seeing the sides of the speaker cabinet.
That’s a general idea of how they should be angled but you can play around with this further — that’s just a good rule of thumb to start with.
For better sound, also make sure your front speakers are at ear level when seated.
If they’re too high or too low, it can sometimes sound disjointed — unless they’re surround speakers, which I’ve found can sound great when slightly above ear level.
2). Upgrade Your Speaker Wires/Cables
There’s also the hypothesis that upgrading your older wires may have a direct influence on the sound you experience.
Now admittedly I’m undecided on this as on one hand I’m of the opinion that a cable is a cable and shouldn’t make that much of a difference.
While on the other hand having personally played around with a bunch of different wires and noticing a slight difference (admittedly much more premium ones) it’s not definitive.
Long story short, it’s something you’d have to try for yourself, but it may make a difference.
Try to opt for copper wires rather than those made of aluminum as they’ll be immune to things like oxidation which do have an effect.
Using wires that are too thin may also affect audio levels, as the signal may not be as strong.
3). Don’t Put Your Cables On The Ground
One thing that is definitive however is that messy speaker wires can make for an unsightly looking home theater.
But did you also know it could be having an effect on your sound too?
To put it simply sound creates vibrations and by them being on the ground, those vibrations inevitably travel through the wires.
This could then in turn negatively impact the sound you hear.
Now there’s multiple ways to ditch the wires, be it making your speakers Bluetooth or even hiding them, but just be aware that unruly wiring (obviously making sure they aren’t tangled too) could be having an indirect effect on how everything sounds to your ears.
4). Bi-Amping The Speakers And/Or Bi-Wiring Them
One potential improvement you can implement if your speakers and setup supports it is Bi-Amping them.
Bi-Amping gives the high frequency and low frequency their own amplification channels which can have multiple potential benefits.
When there’s more demanding scenes that require a lot of power, using separate amplifiers would mean each one would only be responsible for the power to that speaker.
This could put less overall strain on the system if you use separate amplifiers in combination with a receiver since each amp would only be responsible for that speaker or set of speakers.
Plus there’s also the benefit that you won’t be as limited by power since each amplifier would be separate — potentially giving them a cleaner sound.
You can tell if your speaker supports this by looking on the back and seeing how many binding posts it has.
If there’s 4 then it supports it.
You would also need a receiver that supports outputting to separate amps, and you can tell this by looking for one that supports pre outs.
In the case of Bi-Wiring, it separates the treble and the bass components of a speaker into separate entities.
By using 2 sets of wires for each that is then connected to the same amplifier, the idea here is that in theory it should provide better sound quality.
There’s lots of contention on whether this is actually true but personally I’ve noticed a difference so it’s possible you might too.
If it has 2 sets of binding posts, then it supports bi-wiring/amping.
5). Replace Your Connectors
Over time, the sound you experience can be affected by oxidation that affects your plugs.
By replacing them, it just might breathe new life into those old speakers.
Just make sure your speakers are actually wired correctly — meaning the positive connections are wired to the positive terminals and the negatives are connected to the negative.
If they aren’t their polarity could be reversed causing them to play out of phase with each other.
Also another interesting tidbit, you can reduce wire hum you might experience from the old connectors to your speaker wires by gently rubbing the pins on the plug with wire-wool.
6). Replace The Clothe/Foam Around The Driver
Over time, the foam in a speaker can actually go bad (usually in conditions with lots of moisture and heat and things like that), causing it to become brittle or fall apart while drivers with a clothe surround can become abraded.
Replacing this material can allow your speakers to perform like they use to.
7). Calibrate Your Speakers Using A Digital Room Equalization Software
Most modern receivers have some form of room EQ calibration that optimizes your speakers’ sound for your particular room by utilizing a small mic.
Calibrating your speakers this way should provide for a better experience all around and may even help with the bass from your speakers that you experience as well.
8). Upgrade Your Receiver
However not all receivers have this calibration software, and so if you find that you have one that doesn’t, it might be time to upgrade your receiver.
Another reason to upgrade your AVR is it might be underpowered for the speakers you’re using it with.
But yet another, almost speculatory reason is that some believe that disregarding DSP modes, the receiver actually has a direct influence on the sound quality itself though whether it’s noticeable depends on a number of factors.
9). A Cut Tennis Ball Placed Under Equipment To Help With Extraneous Vibrations
Here’s a little bit of an unusual method to help with the sound quality of older speakers and equipment; using tennis balls!
So the way to do this would be by first cutting them in half. The amount of these that you’ll need will depend on the amount of speakers/tables, etc. that you’re using.
But when cut in half, place each half under the feet of your entertainment equipment, tables, etc.
The reason for this is because of the fact they’re made of rubber, it’s effective at eliminating extraneous vibrations making it one way to fix the sound quality in a room without having to do things like acoustically treating a room (though that does actually help too)
Just make sure they’re stable before doing this, and for heavier equipment, having more than one person can help.
For larger floorstanding speakers capable of outputting lots of bass, decoupling them from the floor like a subwoofer could help with resonances.
10). Room Treatment Including Using Acoustic Panels
Room treatment, is another route you can have a massive effect on your home theater experience and can directly affect your speaker’s performance.
To put it simply, the more reflective surfaces in a room, the more your sound is going to be all over the place, figuratively and literally.
Doing what’s known as a clap test can be a helpful way to figure this out.
Clap once and note any echoes.
Now try to add as much soft and plush material to the room as possible, do that same test and you’ll notice the difference.
Without being too long winded, basically the more soft materials in the room, the more it’ll absorb unwanted echoes which should improve your sound.
11). The Bracing Of The Speaker/Subwoofer’s Cabinet
On the more advanced side of things, should your older speakers begin to leave more to be desired, you can always add internal bracing to them to improve their audio quality.
Internal bracing basically involves adding additional pieces of wood inside the cabinet to improve sound quality.
It’s typically more geared towards something like a floorstander since it’s a bigger cabinet.
Even subwoofers are often internally braced to reduce resonance, and the larger the cabinet volume, the more this becomes necessary for a better bass and audio quality in general in my opinion.
12). Replace The Damping Materials Inside
Something else to keep in mind, especially if your speakers are on the older side, is the material inside may need to be replaced.
There’s a few things to consider in that regard, whatever the speaker happens to be on the inside of the speaker and the material in the area where the woofer is.
The wall behind the driver of the speaker is important to treat acoustically since any reflections from the driver will likely be present there as well.
To remedy this, a few handfuls of thick wool placed loosely behind the driver can help improve audio quality to some degree.
The amount of stuffing you use matters too since if you under-damp the speaker (meaning not using enough soft materials inside the cabinet) the sound can seem somewhat muddy.
Conversely, if you use too much, it can cause the speaker to sound less dynamic.
Speakers on the older side might include less optimal materials for the lining of its cabinet which may not give as much clarity (though it depends)
Replacing this lining with a different material too can sometimes make a big difference.
It’ll depend with regards to your particular speaker in terms of sound of course, but those are a few things to keep in mind.
13). Change The Driver Unit
Another way to breathe new life into your speakers is to replace the drivers.
This is obviously a more extreme measure, but opting for a similar driver ensures your speakers will be able to perform like new.
Sometimes manufacturers offer the same exact driver separately, but if not, try to match the new driver as closely as possible with the old one.
14). Make Sure To Remove The Dust
Be sure to dust your older electronics & speakers from time to time as it not only has an effect on the look of your speaker, but its performance as well.
Dust can get in the wires and basically affect your sound.
A microfiber clothe should suffice, but if they’re really vintage, then you can use a gentle wood cleaner to help restore them.
Another tip you can use is warming up your speakers and equipment for 30 minutes before you use them.
This helps for optimal performance, and gives the components adequate time to warm up.
There’s also what’s known as running in, and although it’s mostly applicable to newer speakers, should you replace the drivers, it’d be applicable here too.
Running in is basically the idea that over a period of a few days or more, the materials loosen up and allows your speakers deliver a better sound than right out of the box (this is also known as burn in)
Now whether this actually true or simply your ears becoming adjusted is up for debate, but it’s worth mentioning.
16). Use Pure Direct Mode/ Higher Quality Source Material
On most receivers is a mode known as pure direct mode, and this basically sheds any extraneous processing or subwoofer bass so that all your left with is the speakers’ pure capability.
This can be a way to guage what they’re capable of, and you may even prefer it.
Adding to that point, using source content with a higher quality bitrate is an easy way to make things sound better almost instantly.
This is because lower bitrate sources have issues accurately representing higher and lower frequencies since it trades those off for the size of the file itself being smaller.
However if there’s lossless encoding, that information is retained giving a better audio quality.
Examples of these often included on Blu ray discs include Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
17). Use A Hi-Fi DAC Or External Amp
Should the processing in your receiver be insufficient, using an external amp & or Hi-Fi DAC can be a great way to add some additional power to your older speakers.
The one you use will depend on your particular setup since some are Bluetooth while others are optical, but implementing one into your hifi sound system can be a great way to step things up.
18). Listen To Your Music With The TV Off
Now this one might sound a little out there, but something that may help with audio quality when listening to music for example, is turning off your display.
Displays can sometimes introduce some degree noise in the signal, and this can in turn effect what you hear depending on how sensitive your hearing is.
So by turning it off, what you might notice is a slightly better quality sound.
It’s an interesting thought for sure, and is certainly at least worth the try.
19). Forgoing Lights Entirely
Building on the previous point, listening to your content in the dark can actually make a potential difference in the sound quality you might hear.
As random as it might sound, when there’s a lack of visual stimuli, you tend to be more attentive to the finer details in the content (though it depends on the person to what degree of difference they notice)
Even former chief scientist of Dolby Laboratories, Dr. Poppy Crum in an interview from 2008 talked about how our brain compensates for the sounds we hear which may be different than how they actually which is pretty interesting in my opinion.
With that in mind, some companies like Pitchblack Playback even do music listening sessions without any light so the focus is on the audio which might make things sound better.
It’s also a reason why movie theaters dim the lights when it’s time for the actual movie to start (pretty interesting to think about)
Bonus: The Option Of Getting A New Speaker
If all else fails and you just simply can’t be asked, there’s always the option of getting a new speaker all together.
Sometimes, things can prove too difficult to repair and it’s better to go with something new.
It’s ultimately your call but if that’s the case, then here’s 2 articles to help with that.
As you can tell from all of this, there’s many different ways to make your old speakers sound better than they currently do.
So if you have an older pair of vintage speakers that you thought you’d never be able to use again, using these tips are great way to get them up and kicking again.
With this review of the Logitech speaker system Z623, I wanted to cover why this awesome little 2.1 channel system manages to punch above its weight in a way, that I feel, makes it a pretty easy recommendation.
So let’s take a closer look and also see if it’s the right system for you.
Logitech Speaker System Z623 Review
The Logitech Speaker System Z623 provides powerful & clear audio quality that makes for an entertaining 2.1 channel experience. It’s a nearfield system best for the casual listener who simply wants something that’s a step up from their TV audio, without taking up the space typically required to do so.
The first thing I noticed about the Z623 speakers and subwoofer was how nice they actually looked in person.
It was suprising, but I felt they had a subtle yet refined look about them.
Starting with the speakers, they have a pretty unusual shape; slim at the top and wider towards the bottom.
It certainly helps them stand out, going for a unique design language opposed to the typical monolithic design that’s common.
Up top is a THX logo, and in the middle is a 2.5 inch full range driver covered by a non removable metal grille.
At the bottom is the Logitech logo, and a bass & volume rocker to the right.
The satellite speakers are also two piece ABS plastic with 6 screws holding them together (4 are visible on the exterior)
What was most surprising about the speakers besides their sound, was how hefty they felt for their size.
They’re not giant speakers by any means — but taking them out the package and holding them in the hand, you’ll notice they have a certain heft to them that makes them feel more premium.
They’re not too big either at 7.7 x 4.6 x 5.0 so you won’t have to worry about placement unless you have an extremely limited area.
As for the subwoofer, it’s an all black MDF wood cabinet that looks really good.
It houses an 8 inch, stamped steel basket driver covered by a black metal grille — with a smaller port over on the side for enhanced clarity.
That’s actually pretty unusual for a pack in subwoofer because stamped steel baskets allow them to output deeper bass, and are found on more premium variants.
So to see that here is a welcome surprise.
Also the way the driver and subwoofer port are outlined by this matte plastic makes it look incredible in person honestly.
The subwoofer as far as size goes, is pretty standard fare at 11.2 x 12 x 10.5 inches meaning you’ll likely want to place it on the floor unless you have a really big desk.
From a visual perspective then, the Z623 is an attractive looking 2.1 system; with little details and flourishes that give it a unique aesthetic that works in most rooms.
Features Of The Z623
A Quality THX Certified 2.1 System
Being that this is a certified THX 2.1 system, a relatively hard standard to reach, awesome sound quality is a key focus.
400 Watt Peak/200 Watt RMS System
With a 400 watt peak and 200 watt RMS (35 watts per speaker) you can enjoy powerful sound in even large entertainment rooms.
Integrated Controls On The Speaker
Integrated controls right on the speaker make it easy to adjust your sound and bass the way you want it.
Enhanced Flexibility With RCA & 3.5 Millimeter Inputs
RCA & 3.5 millimeter inputs allow you to connect up to 3 devices; ranging from a game console, to your TV, or even a computer.
This flexibility allows you to have choice with how you listen to your content.
Setting up the Z623 system is relatively simple but will of course depend on what you plan on using it with.
With A TV
Being that this is an active, or self powered system, it skips the need of having to use a receiver with it.
The downside of that of course is the lack of an HDMI slot so you’ll have to use RCA cables.
So to set this system up with your display, you’ll have to plug in the left speaker with the included VGA cable into the subwoofer, and the right speaker connects into it via the included phono plug.
Then connect the red & white RCA cables into your TV from the subwoofer and you’re good to go.
With A PC
Setting up with a PC is pretty similar, but you also have the option of using the included 3.5mm jack if you chose to do so.
The Sound Quality & How It Fares
First Impressions On Sound Quality
So how does the Z623 actually sound?
Simply put, I was blown away by the audio output.
It’s one of the best 2.1 channel systems I’ve heard in a long time.
I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did, but the more I listened to it, the more impressed I became.
The bass output was especially impressive, and wasn’t something I was expecting having personally heard separate subwoofers prior.
The bass was hard hitting but smooth, and did so without distortion.
Sometimes with 2.1 systems, you run into the issue of distortion because there’s not enough power to handle the volume.
But this system didn’t have that issue at all.
The bass was tactile, and really made movie, music, and even gaming a lot more fun.
None of the finer details were lost in the mix, and it was able to really showcase its power when turned up.
You can definitely tell why there’s a THX certification here because when it came to the speakers, not only did they get loud, but they handled a variety of content like a champ.
Their treble seemed balanced, the mids weren’t recessed, and when combined with the sub, made for a really enjoyable experience.
A Quick Note
A little tip for you by the way — I found turning the bass knob between the 1 & 2 o clock position to be best as going below that made it feel a little mellow, while going too much past that caused output to feel boomy and inaccurate.
Your experience might vary since it depends on how they’re positioned, and the room they’re placed in, however that was the sweet spot that I found to be a good starting point to go with.
Something worth mentioning is that there’s a lack of Bluetooth support in the base model; so if that’s something important to you, the model with a Bluetooth adapter would be the one to go with.
The lack of an optical port is also an interesting omission so if that’s important to you, then the more premium model in the line, the Z625 would offer that.
Another caveat is that there isn’t an included remote, so if you use this system with your TV, you’ll have to change the volume by hand since most TVs have a fixed audio output and not a variable one.
Not a big deal but it’s something to be aware of nonetheless.
I found them to be better for nearfield and stereo usage with things like a desktop or smaller room.
Overall Thoughts
But it’s hard to personally fault for what it doesn’t have when the essence of the system, and one of the most important things, the actual sound quality, is really good.
I found them to be better for nearfield and stereo usage with things like a desktop or smaller room.
Audio quality is powerful, clear, and offers a cinematic experience that really makes you appreciate it.
If you don’t mind those things previously mentioned, then it’s a great 2.1 channel system to go with.
It’s a system for the casual listener who just wants something that’s a step up from the typical TV audio that listens to movies, music, and occasionally games from time to time.
It’s an amazing system for what it does, and it genuinely caught me off guard with not only its sound quality, but how powerful this little system really is.
For nearfield use with a PC, or a quality stereo experience in an average sized room, this is a great choice to go with.
If you don’t mind the caveats previously mentioned, it’s honestly a lot of fun.
In this Samsung HW A550 review, we take a closer look at this 2.1 channel system that’s intent on improving upon its predecessors in the T series.
But how does it compare with other soundbars in the series, and most importantly, how does it actually perform?
Let’s find out!
The Samsung HW-A550 is a fantastic soundbar that handles movies, music, & even gaming with impressive audio quality. Setup is easy too since it can be done via HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth. There’s even wall mount support and a slim design, making it an easy recommendation.
Design/Appearance Of The Device
As the successor to the T-650, the design of the Samsung HW A550 doesn’t actually deviate all that much.
It measures 33.9 x 2.2 x 3.3 inches and weighs about 4.63 pounds.
This slim design is compact enough to fit under TVs larger than 43 inches which is helpful and makes it a viable option for those constrained on space.
Now in terms of its appearance, I noticed that the exterior of the device looked really subdued; going for subtle detailing rather than full blown opulence.
But it’s when you look closer that you begin to appreciate the aesthetic that Samsung went for that really gives that premium feeling.
The front of the sound bar has a black non removable, diamond pattern magnetic grille that stops before the bottom and sides of the unit.
Beneath the grille is a helpful LED display placed in the center of the unit since there isn’t a center channel.
I noticed that the LED display was bright and easily visible in a bright room.
The display only showed 3 letters at a time though, so messages had to scroll sideways across it whenever I changed a setting.
Chamfered upper corners also bevel towards the top, which I felt gave it that distinctive flair that Samsung soundbars are often known for.
Even though the top of it is made of plastic, it still had an almost brushed metal texture to it that felt really cool.
Plus there was a unique thing I noticed that I felt was worth mentioning — that material helped mitigate fingerprints!
Nothing ruins a nice design like unsightly fingerprints, so you’ll be happy to know that the A550 does a great job in that regard.
On the back of the soundbar was simply where all the connection ports were located.
Do note there isn’t any internal IR tech in it so if it blocks any part of the bottom of your TV, it may not be able to communicate with it.
Or you could always wall mount it since there’s holes on the back that would allow for that.
The subwoofer also has similar design language to the A550, what with its subtle yet refined aesthetic that opts for blending in.
Theres a large reflex port on the back to help with reducing chuffing at higher volumes, along with the pairing button and the connection for powering the sub.
It’s also made of wood which is even better for bass.
The simple design it sports forgoes additional buttons besides the pairing button, and gives it a cleaner look which I think looks good.
At about 11.7 pounds and 14 inches tall, I’d say it’s a pretty manageable and placeable sub (especially when compared with some of the more gargantuan subs out there)
So when it comes to overall looks, the HW A550 easily blends in with most rooms due to its subtle visual presentation, harboring a design language that screams quiet confidence.
Features
Bass Boost For Harder Bass
With an already impressive 250 watts of power from the subwoofer alone, if that’s not enough, enjoy an additional boost in bass with the press of a button
160 Watts For Powerful Sound
Touting a dual driver & tweeter combo, each of the 4 drivers is capable of 40 watts each or 160 in total — which provides for an extremely powerful sound that fully immerses you in the action
Virtual 3D Surround Sound
Utilizing DTS Virtual:X technology, experience a thrilling surround sound experience without the need for external speakers
Great For Gaming
Your gaming experience is completely transformed with synced directional audio that moves with the on screen action, and crosstalk cancelation that minimizes distractions, giving you a gaming experience like no other
Optimized Sound For Various Types Of Content
It’s not only gaming that’s optimized with the A550, but other types of content too including sports, movies, and more
Multiple Connection Options
Whether it’s through wireless with Bluetooth/Wifi, or a wired connection via HDMI, optical, or USB playback for Hi-Res audio, the way you enjoy your content is truly up to you
Full Control With One Remote
With compatible Samsung TVs, streamline control of both your soundbar and television with the included Samsung remote
Wall Mountable
Using the included brackets, wall mounting this soundbar is an option also available to you, providing a true level of convenience
Can Be Used With Additional Samsung Speakers
Should you wish to go for a more traditional setup, the HW A550 can used with additional rear Samsung speakers to further enhance immersion
How To Set It Up
Thankfully, the process of setting up the A550 is pretty easy, and can be done in a wide variety of ways.
Should you wish to go the wireless route, getting things up and running is as simple as pairing the soundbar via Bluetooth, holding the button on the back of the subwoofer to pair it, and adjusting the treble and bass to your liking.
Should you opt for the wired route, you can connect the soundbar with an HDMI or optical cable from your television to the unit.
Something important to note is that this sound bar in particular utilizes ARC instead of eARC; meaning there isn’t Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio pass-through.
Luckily it can still play the most common audio formats like LPCM 2 ch, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, DTS, and even Dolby Digital Plus which is utilized by most streaming services.
But as far hooking up this device, it’s very accessible and user friendly which is definitely a plus.
Performance/Sound Quality
So what’s the performance like on the Samsung HW A550?
Honestly, it’s really solid to put it shortly — with great sound and really impactful bass. However my opinion on it is a little more nuanced than that so I’ll explain my experience further.
Performance With Movies
For listening to movies, the A550 is a massive step up from a TV speakers, and it was really easy to see the difference.
Listening to a wide variety of movies from Star Wars to Spiderman first in standard mode, what was immediately apparent was just how versatile this thing is.
Despite not having a dedicated center channel, dialogue still came through crystal clear and highly intelligible.
There wasn’t a need to crank the volume high to understand what characters were actually saying even in quiet scenes.
I know that’s sometimes a complaint with some soundbars, however there’s enough power here to completely avoid that issue.
The overall soundstage just had a certain sense of depth and presence — even though it’s not that big which was a surprise.
Sound effects were crisp and convincing, and it really just made movie watching a treat.
From a surround sound perspective though, you could still tell that the sound originated from the front of the room.
It was to be expected since there aren’t any physical side firing drivers to remedy that.
Trying the surround sound mode next, I did notice an improvement for sure, but it wasn’t a markedly drastic one. It was a similar story with the Virtual DTS:X mode too.
However there were times were the emulation of the surround sound was actually convincing, so I’d expect it heavily depends on the type of content you watch and even the room.
The good thing about there being different sound modes and settings is you can choose the one that appropriately suits your content, which is really one of the best features you could have when limited by hardware.
I’d recommend sticking with the DTS Virtual:X mode for movies as that had the best balance of everything from what I noticed.
The subwoofer meanwhile had a lot of power and extension to it, and in real action heavy scenes, it delivered the emotional impact you’d expect.
The absolute lowest notes did bottom out a bit, but it’s not really something the average listener would even notice.
The sub managed to deliver clean engaging bass and complimented the soundbar in a way that definitely made the content fun to watch.
So to answer the question, the HW-A550 is great for movie watching.
What It’s Like Listening To Music With The A550
Listening to music is another area where the A550 shines. Pretty much all the accolades mentioned with how it handles movies holds true with music, making a great choice in that regard as well.
The sound signature was really balanced from what I could tell, not teetering in any one specific direction harmonically.
The front 2 channels had good separation when it came to representing all the details in the track, and stereo panning effects were certainly noticeable — making this a solid 2.1 channel experience.
Sonically, music sounded accurate, with none of the important hard to miss details overshadowed by midrange or low end.
The bass wasn’t boomy or muddled at high volumes, and had an authoritative thump that you couldn’t help but want to dance to.
So in summation, for the causal music listening experience, the HW-A550 is a great option to go with.
How The A550 Does With Gaming
The unique advantage that this soundbar has over others is a dedicated game mode for us gamers out there.
Utilizing stereoscopic sound, I noticed how prominent sound effects were, and it was truly a step up if you’re coming from just gaming on a TV or smaller speakers.
I liked that mode because it did a great job with immersion in action heavy sequences without losing any of those important details.
And with HDMI CEC compatibility, controlling things like volume, input, etc is made super easy.
Whether it’s the newest Madden or Elden Ring (love that game) it really does a fantastic job when it comes to gaming performance.
Being that it’s ARC and not eARC though, I’d recommend using the included optical cable if you plan on doing any gaming over 1080p or with HDR as that’ll allow you the ability to use it with 4K content.
My Experience Watching General TV
What about with the most basic thing, how does the A550 do with simply watching TV shows or daytime television?
Well to no surprise, it does a remarkable job handling this type of content too.
Again dialogue was easy to hear even with basic cable, and there wasn’t any distortion or digital noise to make note of.
Here’s a quick tidbit you may find helpful though — for this type of content, I’d recommend using the adaptive mode so you don’t have to fiddle with the settings constantly.
The adaptive mode, like the name suggests, adapts the sound to whatever it is you’re watching – optimizing content on the fly and I found it to work really well surprisingly.
But as far as sound quality in general, everything sounded pristine, so no complaints there either really.
It works really well with everyday television viewing and content in general.
Likes/Pros
250 watt subwoofer delivers clean powerful bass
160 watt soundbar (410W system total) offers incredible sound quality
Versatility that makes it a great choice for a wide range of content
Great for movies, gaming, music, etc.
Ease of use with regard to setup
Choice of various sound modes
Can be used with external Samsung speakers
Bluetooth capability
Wall Mountable
Dislikes/Cons
No eARC
Doesn’t include HDMI
USB Port Placement
Surround sound effects sometimes narrow
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Samsung HW A550 is a fantastic soundbar that passes nearly every metric upon which a quality soundbar is judged on with flying colors.
It handles movies, music, and even gaming with ease, and is super easy to set up.
The quality of the audio itself is really solid, and because of that, I have no issues with recommending it.
Specs
The specifications of the Samsung HW A550 are as follows:
Wireless speaker kits and internal power sources are two options to make surround speakers wireless. Kits stream wireless signals like RF, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, but may require receivers. Internal sources require rewiring the speaker with a battery, but may offer more power and stability. Each option has benefits and drawbacks.
Be it intrigue or necessity, the very concept of making your surround speakers wireless may be something you didn’t even think of until now, but realize doing so could make all the difference in adding convenience to your overall experience.
Wires all over the place can be annoying, and not to mention unsightly (that’s before considering someone potentially tripping over them)
Ideally you’d want your home theater space as tidy as possible since it makes for a markedly better experience as far as the aesthetics of it are concerned.
But besides hiding the wires, is it even possible to ditch the wires all together, and if so, how would you even go about doing it?
Well the answer to that question is a bit multifaceted so here’s how to make your regular surround speakers wireless along with some other important things to know.
What’s The Difference Between Wired & Wireless Speakers Work And How Do They Work?
Before we dive into why you might want to make your setup wireless, you’re probably wondering well how do wireless speakers work?
So with that, it’s important to understand how wired & wireless speakers actually work since it’ll give some helpful context on everything.
For instance, the term “wireless speakers” is actually a bit of a misnomer since it implies no wires at all, but that’s actually not necessarily always true.
Speakers whether wired or wireless still need 3 things to work, power amplification, and audio signal for the speakers to actually work.
It’s the way they actually achieve those things that makes the difference between wired and wireless.
In a wireless speaker, the audio signal is what gets sent wirelessly to your device whereas when it’s wired, this is done through cables.
Differentiating further, wireless speakers have use their own sources, which are then powered by an external cord since it’s impossible to get that power wirelessly unless they’re also battery powered, and receive their audio signals via IR (infrared light), RF (radio frequency), WI-FI, or Bluetooth.
Wired speakers on the other hand don’t have a built in amplifier or battery, use a copper wire or cable for the audio signal, and get their power from an external receiver.
However there are kits to make them somewhat wireless which actually makes a great segue for why you may want to do so.
Why You’d Want To Make Your Speakers Wireless
There’s actually a few reasons why someone would want to make their speakers wireless, so I’ll detail a few possible reasons why.
Reason #1 Physical Limitations
Perhaps running wires from the back of the room is impossible without them crossing in front of a doorway/ living space and even placing a rug on top doesn’t help.
Or perhaps you feel there’s just not enough physical space in general without the wires posing a tripping hazard so you make the decision to go wireless.
This of course depends on your current home theater seating, but wireless is typically the preferable choice comparatively.
Reason #2 Wires Look Unsightly
Another reason you may want to go wireless is the wires themselves look unsightly.
Maybe you’re renting and can’t afford to drill holes in the walls to hide them, or maybe that level of commitment is a bit much in general so you decide to forgo them in a different manner.
Either way you might decide on this as a way to make your entertainment center look as clean as possible.
Sure you can hide them, but you may want to skip the wires all together.
Reason #3 A Significant Other Not Liking The Clutter
Yet another reason you may be looking into making your speakers wireless is your significant other giving flack for the additional clutter wires bring.
Reason #4 Wireless Capabilities Would Be Convenient
There’s also the reason that setting up wireless surround sound introduces a certain level of convenience that’s hard to go back from once you’ve experienced it.
Using a favorite older speaker with more placement options can be really convenient.
Reason #5 It Just Sounds Like a fun DIY Project
Or perhaps, maybe the reason you’re looking into this is you’re a home theater enthusiast and it just seems like a fun DIY project which is possible too.
Can You Make Any speaker Wireless & Are There Any Limitations?
So can you make any speaker wireless & are there limitations with doing so?
The answer to that is a bit multi faceted so I’ll try to explain as simply as possible.
Since the traditional speaker is passive by design — that is, requiring an external power source and an amplifier, it’s by default there’s always going to be some form of wires involved just because of the simple fact it’s impossible to transmit power.
The only way to make it fully wireless would literally involve adding some sort of internal power source and a bunch of other leg work that would quite frankly be a cumbersome process.
What you can do however, is reduce these wires as much as possible by using a wireless speaker kit which we’ll go over in a sec.
Think of it as a way to allow you to shift your existing wires out of the way rather than getting rid of them entirely.
Again keep in mind that while it is technically possible to make any speaker entirely wireless, the limitation there is it’s a much more involved process that isn’t the most user friendly.
So because we like to make things simple here, we’ll only focus on the surround speakers since the front speakers are already in front of the room and should be out of the way by default.
However if you’re only using 2 speakers ie. stereo, then this guide will be applicable for you as well.
What Is A Wireless Speaker Kit?
A wireless speaker kit is a kit that includes a transmitter and receiver that enables wireless functionality for otherwise passive speakers.
It basically allows you to make your speakers “wireless” in a sense since they wouldn’t have to be connected to the main source device, your receiver.
However there’ll still likely be some form of wire present since the speakers themselves need power to work.
Things could quickly become confusing too when you realize there’s an abundance of options available all with different functionalities, capabilities etc.
Plus it depends on the room you plan on actually using it in too since the range of each could potentially be different.
So to make it easy, here’s what to consider when choosing one along with ultimately, my top recommendation & what we’ll actually be using for this guide.
The Types Of Speaker Conversion Kits
In general, there’s typically 4 types of these speaker kits you’ll come across; ones with built in amplifiers, ones without a built in amplifier (transmits and receives audio signals only), ones that transmit radio frequency signals (RF), and finally those that just transmit bluetooth signals.
What works for you will of course depend on the type of speakers you have (active or non active) your setup, and your needs.
Transmission Range
The transmission range of the kits is also important to consider since that’ll be what directly influences where you can place your speakers.
The most common range is between 100-300 feet from what I’ve noticed.
Some even work when placed behind solid objects or walls (though this range may be reduced), boasting audio compression mitigation through specialized amplifiers.
Ease Of Use
Finally, one of the most important factors when choosing the right wireless speaker kit is ease of use!
What good is all of these features if you don’t know how to use them?
Luckily, the speaker kit we’re using as the basis of this article and my personal recommendation, the Rocketfish RF-WRSK18, makes setup super simple so you’ll be enjoying your surround sound in no time.
What’s The Best Wireless Speaker Kit?
So one of the best wireless speaker kits in my opinion is the Rocketfish RF-WRSK18 due to its accessibility.
The Rocketfish RF-WRSK18 being a lot easier to setup by automatically detecting the transmitter receiver pair is a big reason why I think I like it so much since it’s a lot less work to get things functioning.
The one thing I will say though is that you’ll still need some form of speaker wire for the surround speakers themselves if you don’t already have some which is something to keep in mind.
Luckily it’s not too difficult to get everything working so that’s definitely a plus and the audio quality seemed good too.
Is It Possible To Make Surround Speakers Wireless?
While you could technically modify your speakers to make them fully wireless by physically installing an amp, bluetooth transmitter and power source in each one, it that may be more time intensive, as well as way more complicated as well.
Not something I’d generally recommended unless you really know what you’re doing, understand the risks involved, and understand wiring and soldering.
Still, if you’re curious, there are videos that actually details that process.
But a wireless speaker kit, can provide additional placement flexibility with surround speakers.
Again keep in mind the surround speakers themselves will still be wired, they’ll just instead be connected to that wireless receiver instead which can be placed in the room.
But if using the Rocketfish RF-WRSK18, here’s how to set up the speakers with it.
First you’ll want to take everything out the box and separate the transmitter and smaller receiver into 2 separate piles.
The power brick and cables belong to the transmitter, and the flat wire is the power supply for the receiver.
To differentiate between the 2 so you know which one is which; the transmitter is the smaller unit and would be connected to your av receiver, while the bigger of the two is the wireless receiver that your rear speakers would connect to and can be placed anywhere.
Before doing anything, make sure all of your equipment in your entertainment center is turned off.
Now you’ll want to take the transmitter (the smaller unit) and plug it into the surround left & right slots of the receiver where those speakers would normally connect into.
It’s even color codeded to make it easy.
Just make sure that whatever color you choose for one end of the wire is the one you choose for the other.
Then plug the transmitter into the wall.
Next using speaker wire, connect your surround speakers to the included smaller receiver and plug that in.
Then make sure to switch on both the transmitter and the receiver and turn everything else in your system back on.
Adjust the volume on the back to what you feel is best.
Check for the system in Bluetooth settings in your device, pair it, and you’re good to go.
That’s it! There’s other ways to make to do this but this was the easiest method I could think of.
Some newer receivers even allow you to play bluetooth and wired at the same time so that’s an option potentially available to you as well.
Can I Make My Subwoofer Wireless Too?
If you were wondering if it was possible to make your subwoofer wireless too, surprisingly it actually is.
Similar to a speaker kit, there’s also wireless subwoofer kits made for this exact purpose as well.
You’ll need a Y connector as well for this since the RCA cable would connect into the end of the Y connecter from the slot labeled sub on your receiver, and the 2 jacks of that same connector plug into the transmitter; while the receiver simply plugs into your subwoofer and you’re good to go.
Remember the subwoofer will still need to actually be plugged in with a wire for a power source, but it definitely gives you a wider choice in terms of placement of the subwoofer which is nice.
Final Thoughts
So to sum up everything talked about here today, while yes it’s technically possible to make your wired home speaker system wireless through more complicated means, using a speaker kit can allow for a cleaner setup.
Though there’s the caveat of it being best used with surround speakers, and the fact that you can’t entirely ditch the wires since the speakers still need a power source to work; but it can still be a great way to at least get them more out the way if that makes sense.
But hopefully this at least helps somewhat and you learned something new.
That’s all I have for now. Until next time, make it easy, keep it simple.
