Turn on Hi Fi and relax: TOP-5 bookshelf speaker systems 5.1

High–quality, powerful and balanced sound is the key to the popularity of the sound equipment of the Japanese company Yamaha, which has been producing musical equipment for more than 100 years. The NS-P40 speaker system will satisfy the requirements of most connoisseurs of good sound.

The design of the speaker is made in a traditional classical style. The name of the manufacturer is given only by neat nameplates on the grills. Plastic cases are "dressed" in black gloss, perfectly combined with the design of most modern televisions. The speakers can be mounted on the wall, for this purpose they have holes on the back panels.

NS-P40 is a single–band speaker with a total power rating of 200 watts and a frequency range of 30 – 25000 Hz, the upper threshold of which is obviously not large due to the lack of high–frequency tweeters. But the overall sound quality of the system is quite acceptable – neat, accented, with a predominance of the middle frequency range.

The satellites are equipped with 7-centimeter midrange drivers with a rated power of 30 watts, and the front and surround speakers are made using bass-reflex technology, which dampens membrane vibrations and reduces sound distortion. A 50-watt subwoofer with a linear phase inverter port produces low frequencies well, but, as in the case of "midrange speakers", it will not be enough for high-quality reproduction of heavy rock, even despite the Advanced YST II technology, thanks to which a more or less even linear characteristic and a good sound pressure level are provided. With the wires, the manufacturer also did not slightly modify them, according to some users, their standard length is not enough for optimal placement of the system.

Otherwise, the Yamaha NS-P40 is the perfect balance of high–quality sound, design and cost. An excellent choice for unbiased fans to indulge in a good sound at home.

The products of the German company Magnat, specializing in the production of Hi-Fi acoustics for more than 30 years, have won the hearts of many music lovers. Interior 5.1x fully meets the expectations of many connoisseurs of the brand and is successfully sold in 50 countries around the world.

The design of the speaker will satisfy the requirements of even a picky buyer looking for a decent "home audio". A set of miniature speakers in a case made of durable black plastic will fit seamlessly into any interior. Thanks to the adjustable bracket, wall mounting is not a problem.

Four 2-band satellites, a centre and an active sub with bass-reflex technology give a total of 300 watts of very good, accented clear sound in the range of 32-32000 Hz. The design of the downfire phase-invertor subwoofer directs the sound down, so the middle and upper frequencies issued by the satellites are generously flavored with juicy basses, which provides excellent speech intelligibility and the perfect balance between the clear transmission of special effects and the reproduction of emotional soundtracks. Sometimes it seems that there are not enough midrange frequencies in the mix, but this is solved by the correct placement of speakers.

Interior 5.1x has everything that allows you to achieve maximum comfortable listening: adjustable crossover (frequency cut-off filter), phase and level adjustment and LFE (low-frequency effects channel). The latter is a nice addition, since it was conceived specifically for cinema speakers, as a separate sound channel for especially strong, "deafening" low-frequency effects, such as: shots, explosions, thunderclaps, etc.

The high sensitivity (89 dB) of the amplifier and magnetic shielding eliminate interference, enhancing the positive impression of playback. Against the background of such advanced characteristics, the speaker clearly lacks a wooden or aluminium body (obviously, plastic was chosen for the sake of reducing weight and price), which, in our opinion, would make this system almost perfect.

Nevertheless, Magnat Interior 5.1x will already be appreciated by all fans of a good soundtrack, especially in the cinema.

The American company Harman Kardon specializes in HI-END electronics and has been in global demand for more than 60 years. The HKTS 30 shelf speaker system is distinguished by high quality of assembly and reproduction.

The design of the HKTS 30 aluminium housings is presented in two classic versions – white and black. Three satellite speakers arranged vertically in a row form racks that look very stylish. The system is supplied complete with speaker switching cables 4.5 and 10 metres long, an LFE cable and wall mounts, thanks to which the speakers can be placed in any convenient place. By the way, each cable and connector have their own colour, which simplifies the connection. But there is no RCA cable included.

Four 2-way satellites with midrange and treble speakers are capable of reproducing sound effects that are fascinating in their volume. Special waveguides expand the frequency response diagram, giving the sound volume in the frequency band from 45 Hz to 20 kHz. At the same time, you can be sure that at any point of the "cinema hall" the nature of the sound will be the same. The centre is perfectly aligned with the rest of the satellites, and the bottom of the subwoofer does not clog the channels. By the way, the sub here is of a closed type, which provides a clear and accented sound of low frequencies. For those who will not have enough bass, the Bass Boost function is provided, which increases the sound pressure of the subwoofer by 3 Db, and a phase control that allows you to adapt the low-frequency range to a particular sound character, making it brighter, or, conversely, deeper.

The RCA and LFE connectors will provide pairing with other devices, and the Standby mode will save some electricity.

Harman Kardon HKTS 30 will perfectly brighten up both the interior and the leisure of fans of good movies and music channels, being a popular option for modern speakers with traditional sound requirements.

Over the past 50 years, the acoustics of the British company KEF has been at the top of the ratings. The E305 model belongs to a completely new series of acoustic systems, characterized by innovations in the field of professional sound.

The kit is supplied in the original egg-shaped cases of white or black colour. The unique design combined with compactness and excellent sound characteristics put the system head and shoulders above many competitors. Aluminium housings with low diffraction minimize scattering, and stiffeners and sound-absorbing coating eliminate the reflection of sound waves.

The system can be hung on the wall, the only disadvantage is that it will be difficult to do it in the corners because of the shape. Stylish racks are offered for front speakers. But the wires are not supplied in the kit, which is at least strange for such an expensive system, but justified by the fact that the user can pick up the wire himself, the quality of which also contributes to the overall sound of the system.

Thanks to the proprietary 100W Uni-Q emitters, the system is perfectly balanced and easily integrated into any environment. Due to the expanded directional pattern, the space is filled with a voluminous and extremely natural sound with a stunningly rich frequency range (33 – 45000 Hz)

Thanks to the excellent consistency of the frequency and phase characteristics of the subwoofer and satellites, a clear and clearly accented sound transmission is provided throughout the frequency range. A 250-watt closed-type subwoofer pumps powerful "not blurred" basses out of an 8-inch aluminium diffuser. And the total power of the speaker is no less impressive – 750W.

KEF E305 is an invincible combination of large-scale sound and compactness, capable of conquering any moviegoer who will not regret paying an impressive amount for it.

German HECO is a brand that has been setting itself the task of creating uncompromising acoustics for the environment for 65 years and handles with it with honor. Ambient 5.1A has successfully embodied a spectacular stylish design and excellent frequency characteristics.

At first glance at the HECO Ambient 5.1 A, there is a feeling that it is difficult to compete with it in terms of performance: cases made of anodized aluminium, bases made of tempered glass (6 mm), black piano lacquer in the finish of MDF panels, gold–plated connectors — everything here is the best and sound and beautiful in German.

Ambient 5.1 A uses a two-way circuit with dome tweeters with a diameter of ¾ inches and 75 mm midrange speakers. The drivers are equipped with diffusers made of long-fiber paper and aluminium coils with magnetic shielding.

Ambient 5.1 characteristics are configured using measuring equipment when tested on modern film materials. Thanks to the excellent layout of speakers with a bass-reflex subwoofer, a wide stereo panorama is provided.

The active sub is made according to the "Downfire" scheme: the 4-inch driver is directed downwards. Thanks to this solution, the bass sounds deeper and more powerful. With rather modest dimensions, the rated power of the 60 W subwoofer is quite at the level. Adjusting the crossover frequency, level and phase allows you to use the speaker in rooms of any configuration.

A large reserve of the total rated power of Ambient 5.1 A 320 W guarantees complete identity of levels in a sufficiently wide frequency range (28 – 34000 Hz) at any point of the room.

HECO Ambient 5.1 A is the real king of movie sound, even if it is small. However, it is worth it accordingly.