What is be the best amp for bookshelf speakers or is it really necessary or are there any better alternatives?
A speaker without an amp is like a sandwich without the filling; they are incomplete without each other. Amplifiers give you all the control over your sound. You might even feel like a DJ owning and tuning one, assuming you know its use.
For starters, one may think it is not needed. Buying a speaker with the amplifier built-in solves the cable management issue. It also eliminates the need to buy an extra component. Having a separate unit for sound input has its perks, for example, better sound quality.
Be that as it may, setting up an amplifier is no simple feat, and choosing one means you need to have enough knowledge about the sound system you require. If you follow through with the article, you will understand how easy and straightforward it is to install one.
What is an Amplifier?
These are the power source for the sound transmitted to the speakers. It takes the input from your connected device, amplifies it, and sends it to the speakers and the power to play it. These bookshelf speakers come in two types: passive speakers that need an external amp, and active speakers with an amp built-in.
The standard active bookshelf speakers already have outstanding sound quality, like Sennheiser and Bose, which makes you wonder why people buy passive speakers? The answer is simple: premium quality and immersion. Amplifiers give you control over the audio, letting you choose where to bounce and which notes to hit, making the sound experience way better!
Moreover, amplifiers are a need for passive speakers; it powers the sound. Music studios and producers worldwide rely on amplifiers to produce the songs that we all love and listen to. Hitting the perfect note, feeling the right beat, and bass are all adjustable with speakers.
But, you don’t need that complicated equipment, do you? All you want is a great sound system that may double as a home theatre according to your preferences.
Read: 2 Best Amp from JDS and Magni
Why use the best amp for bookshelf speakers?
This question has probably been bugging you for a while, and to your reassurance, here is the answer. You don’t need it if you don’t think much of the sound quality. Amplifiers nowadays have become more compact and less complicated. You can easily connect one and get the best sound quality it can deliver.
Also, you have more control over the signal, its properties, and how much it outputs. Additionally, if you have to upgrade your sound system, change the amplifier, and you are good to go. It is cost-efficient if you are willing to invest.
Moreover, buying an amplifier means you don’t have to deal with the unnecessary extra components that come with the pre-builts, a property that all audiophiles appreciate.
Pros:
- Greater sound quality.
- Easy upgrade.
- Customizable audio properties.
- Can get the best out of any bookshelf speaker.
Cons:
- Expensive as it requires you to buy the components separately.
- More cable management.
- Takes a lot of room.
- May risk damaging the speakers if the power output is not exactly right.
5 Best Stereo Amp
Match your speakers with the amplifier:
One of the most common issues people face is proper power delivery. It is risky and can possibly damage your system if it not done right. But, a little studying can get you a long way. First, read the spec sheet of your speakers as that is where you will get your values.
Suppose, the Edifier P12 Bookshelf speakers have a rated power of 20W – 100W. Any amp with an output power between 20 – 100 Watts is applicable for this product, like the Rockville BluTube, which outputs 70W. You can also take impedance and sensitivity into account, but let’s not confuse you for now.
Getting a powerful amplifier is also an option, but then, you have to reduce the output power to avoid damaging the speakers. Ergo, it is a bottleneck, which means the system has residual power unused.
What are Impedance and Sensitivity in amplifiers?
These are the other less crucial factors that matter when you look for compatibility between a speaker and an amplifier. Impedance is the electrical resistance of the internal components, measured in ohms (Ω). And Sensitivity is the measure of the loudness of the speakers, measured in decibels(dB). Both of which are on the specs sheet.
Generally, most amplifiers work between 4-16 ohms, and a higher impedance speaker is the best fit for it. Moreover, loudness is equally essential; you don’t want to have your volume rocker cranked all the way to hear clearly. Ergo, pair a high sensitivity (high dB) speaker with a less sensitive amplifier. You will have increased volume and also save some money on the amp.
The sound system for you:
The ideal sound system would be where you can feel the quality buzzing in your ears. If it is a home theatre, you want to be present in the movie. If it is music, you would want the sound to flow through you. The best setup would be to hear a clear voice while also not compromising on the background music.
Additionally, hearing the same volume from every corner of the room is what an ideal sound set-up is. Usually, when watching movies, using a standard active speaker will often reduce the dialogue volume and increase the sound effects. However, with amplifiers, you can get your desired quality without compromises.
Read: 2 Amazing Amp from Topping and THX
Buying guide for the best amp for bookshelf speakers:
Getting the right speaker and amplifier combo is essential, whether you are an audiophile or a dad who’s installing a new home theatre system. The easy way to avoid mismatch is to check the power rating on the speakers and the amplifiers’ output power.
It is an investment in the beginning since you are avoiding the cheaper option of buying a stereo speaker, but the results are worth the money. When it comes to choosing the best speakers, the bigger the size, the higher the room for amplification. However, this is not necessarily true in some cases yet; if you value quality, passive speakers are the way to go.
Last but not least, the positioning. Most speakers now come with mobile applications letting you adjust the sound in any placement. If you can, go for these premium models as it also eliminates the hassle of choosing the right amplifier.
Recommended Amp for Bookshelf Speakers:
Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speaker and Cambridge Audio AXA35- best amp for a bookshelf speaker
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Pros:
- The combination is perfect for both small to large rooms.
- Produce the best sound for movies and comes with a cinema systems
- Can give you a party feeling with high bass
Cons:
- Amps do not support Bluetooth or Wi-FI
Klipsch Reference R-51M and Sabaj A4- best mini amp for bookshelf speakers
Pros:
- Provide clear and loud sound at your home
- Speaker comes with tractrix technology
- The amplifier has a wireless option like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Cons:
- The amplifier does not have an RIAA Phono preamplifier built-in
KEF Q150 and Pyle Wireless Bluetooth Amplifier- best budget amp for bookshelf speakers
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Pros:
- The speaker and the amp is highly affordable
- Deliver clear and loud sound at your home
- The amplifier comes with a wireless option with a digital display
Cons:
- The amplifier is a bit haver than the same range of amps
B&W (Bowers & Wilkins) Bookshelf Speaker 606MW and RME AD Converter (ADI2DAC)- best dac amp for bookshelf speakers
Pros:
- The speaker is one of the best to produce music at your home
- Suitable for a big room and capable of high bass
- The amplifier is a remote control and comes with wireless options and a digital display
Cons:
- Expensive than other speakers and amplifiers
Polk Audio S20 and Sonos Amp- best bookshelf speakers for Sonos amp
Pros:
- Suitable for home theater and comes with power port technology
- Provide surround sound and premier music at home
- The amplifier is easy to use and can provide the best sound
Cons:
- Sonos amps is a bit expensive than the regular one
DAC & Amps perfect combo for use
FAQs of the Best Amp for Bookshelf Speakers
This section is going to discuss some of the most asked questions from all over the internet. Let’s see if it can really solve your problems.
Q: How do I know which speaker is the best for me?
A: You don’t until you have a picture of how you want your sound to be. If you’re going to feel the room shake, suppose the bass and the lower beats, focus on a subwoofer.
Q: Why should I get a bookshelf speaker that needs an amplifier for power and signal?
A: You are here because you value quality, getting these passive speakers is the answer to that. These provide premium quality and in-depth control over the sound characteristics, which is unlikely of many stereo speakers.
Q: Where will I find the power ratings of the amplifiers and the speakers?
A: The details are on the box and device. But for further assistance, consult the employees of the store.
Q: How do I know where to set my speakers?
A: It depends on where you are facing. If you are going for a home theatre set-up, keep them facing you and your sides. You can buy the modern speakers have a built-in object detection system that directs the sound to you no matter where you are. You can also read the speaker placement article to know more about it.
Q: Why are they called Bookshelf speakers, and do I have to place them on my bookshelf?
A: You don’t have to place them on the bookshelf, but you are welcome to do so. Place them wherever you want. The name bookshelf speakers come from its outlook; they go beautifully on bookshelves if kept.
Q: Do I need to hire a professional for installation?
A: It is not needed, but if you are not confident, feel free to take help. Otherwise, just reading a small set of instructions will suffice; the rest is cable management.
Final Verdict:
True immersion lies within the sound. It speaks more than pictures can visualize. A good sound system can give you that and more if you are willing to work for it. Yes, it is expensive than stereo speakers, but the audio, in contrast, is far superior. Also, it is fun to feel the vibrations all around the room.
To put it simply, you can have your very own movie theatre with a good amplifier and bookshelf speaker combination. Your wife may not agree with the amount you are spending on sound quality. But, once the sound flows, she will admit you’re right. In the end, it’s the little victories that we live for.
Related Article:
- How to match the amplifier for speakers
- Difference between Preamp and Amp
- Power Amplifier VS Integrated Amplifier
Engineer and Tech Journalist.Read More