Speakers

The loudspeaker shapes the sound more than any other component. Bookshelf speakers suit small to medium rooms and sideboards; floorstanders deliver more bass and volume for larger rooms; a subwoofer adds low-end foundation and a centre speaker keeps voices clear in home cinema.

Three things count when choosing: room size (small rooms don't take big bass), sensitivity (how much amplifier power is needed) and placement — distance to the wall and the listening position often changes the sound more than the next equipment swap.