Mistake №3: Spending Too Much on Speakers
There’s a common misconception that expensive speakers are the key to great sound. If your budget allows for high-end speakers, that’s fantastic. However, prioritizing costly speakers at the expense of the rest of your system components can backfire.
Speakers are the final link in the audio chain, and their performance is only as good as the signal they receive. Advances in speaker technology over the past decade have made it possible to find excellent-sounding options at more affordable prices. You no longer need to spend a fortune to get great sound.
Instead, focus on achieving balance across your system. A good source and quality amplification can make an affordable speaker sound exceptional and allow a high-end speaker to truly shine. The old rule of thumb suggesting 50% of your Hi-Fi budget should go toward speakers is outdated. With today’s designs and technologies, you can allocate your budget more evenly without compromising on quality.
Remember the saying, “garbage in, garbage out”? This holds especially true in audio. Even the best speakers cannot deliver great sound if paired with subpar electronics and sources. That said, great speakers don’t have to cost as much as a car. There are outstanding options available for under $500 per pair, with even more impressive choices in the $1,000 to $3,000 range.
Do your research, but more importantly, trust your ears. Listen to speakers at a dealer or take advantage of in-home trials and return policies. While appearance matters—after all, speakers are often considered part of your room’s decor—don’t let aesthetics outweigh performance. Choose wisely, listen carefully, and build a balanced system for the best results.
