Before you buy powered speakers, know your listening taste

A powered speaker ("active speaker" in Indonesia) is a speaker which has a built-in amplifier. With this type of speaker a separate amplifier is not needed to get a powerful sound from any source such as a television, VCD/CD/DVD player or PC.

One weakness of a powered speaker, if compared with any regular (high end) speaker, is this kind of speaker has less detailed sound. One of the most annoying characteristics of a poor powered speaker is a colored and pitchless bass.

But it is able to deliver a powerful sound. That's why powered speakers are better for any (cheap) home theater. Sure it is lot cheaper if you want to have a stereo sound system with a high impact of sound, because there would be no need to buy an amplifier.

How to choose speakers, especially powered speakers?

First, you have to read up about speakers in any reputable audio media (the Internet, audio magazine, etc.) with a high standard for what constitutes good powered speaker performance. Not all powered speakers are good, therefore not all information should be positive. After reading up on speakers, make a list of what would suit your requirements: * Size and appearance. Determine the optimum power output number (known as PMPO) and loudspeaker size for your room. Some listeners like speakers to discreetly blend into the room, while others make the hi-fi system the room's focal point and don't mind large, imposing speakers. Many people believe that the larger the powered speaker and PMPO size and the more drive it has, the better it is. This isn't always the case. * Match the powered speakers to your electronic (both electrically and musically) needs. The first electrical consideration is loudspeaker sensitivity (SPL) and load impedance. * Music preferences and listening habits. Your powered speaker should work equally well for any kind of music. If you like to hear many sound effects in a film rich in sound effects like Terminator 2-Judgment Day played on a DVD/VCD player, then powered speakers would probably be the best choice. You can also use powered speakers to listen mostly to classical music, choral works or classical guitar on a CD player. Powered speakers are also suitable for rock music.

You have to be careful, the sound of some powered speakers is probably fine at low levels, but could produce a giant roar when at high volume.

There are some general guidelines in order to get the best powered speaker for your money. First, buy from a specialty audio retailer who can properly demonstrate the speakers and advise you on system matching. Make sure the powered speakers are driven by electronics and source components of comparable quality to those you already use. The speakers should also be under warranty.

You also have to remember one important thing: know your listening taste!

At Harco Glodok there are some shops which service and sell powered speakers. The speakers here come in all forms, from super tweeter 1/2" to powered subwoofer 12". The average price for powered speakers here is about Rp 250,000 (for brands like Randall), Rp 450,000 (like DK) up to Rp 650,000 (like Sanex and Sanken brand).

Besides powered speakers, they also have other speakers. Speaker brands offered here are Tango, Audax, Randall, Onyx, Boston, etc. They also sell speaker boxes for small speakers (two-way), big boxes (three-way) and boxes for audio pro, which are equipped with a tweeter horn for powerful sound. Gatot

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