Shelf acoustics are not only a sound source, but also an element of the interior
 

In most cases, a modern shelf system has a housing with a phase inverter – a special hole, a nozzle through which low–frequency sound from the rear surface of the low-frequency speaker - midwoofer, facing inside the housing, gets into our ears. Such a technological technique makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the system precisely at low frequencies, because it is especially difficult for a small speaker to reproduce them due to the elementary laws of physics, according to which the larger the emitter, the lower the frequency. And this same phase inverter (I also call it bandpass) in ninety-nine percent of cases is directed either forward, located on the front wall of the case, usually under the speakers, or backward.

In the first case, after purchase, the speaker system can be installed close to the back wall, for example, really on a shelf between books, if the dimensions allow. For normal sound, it is enough that the plane on which the speakers and the phase inverter are located is not obscured by anything from the listener. In addition, it is desirable that there are no large objects near the speaker itself, which are located at a shorter distance from the listener than its front wall. That is, if the phase inverter is located in front, there is practically no hassle with placement.

But if the phase inverter is located at the back, you need to take into account that the acoustics must be installed freely. There should be free space around it, including behind and on the sides. The distance to the nearest objects, and especially to the back wall, can have quite an interesting effect on the sound of the system. You have an additional opportunity to adjust, in particular, the lower frequencies – and this is not so bad.

As for which option of the location of the phase inverter is better – opinions differ here. But the more expensive the speaker, the more reasonable its developers believe that the attitude towards it will be respectful and there will be enough space for it.

The system can be developed

Systems equipped with a tape tweeter
 

It must be understood that the lack of "bottoms", predetermined by the size, is a surmountable matter. Shelf acoustics can always be completed with a subwoofer – this is an exceptionally low-frequency speaker, which is better to read about separately. The main thing is that its presence allows you to use "shelves" (in this case they are also called satellites) of a minimum size.

A set for playing stereo sound from two satellites and a subwoofer is called a trifonic. Sounds good if set up correctly. From the triphonic, by adding a couple of speakers, after it is easy to fold the kit for a home theater.

Amplifier – friend and enemy

But let's return to our shelves. Some of them are equipped with built–in amplifiers - such speakers are often considered monitor speakers. In this case, they are intended for professional use. They sound clean, strict, but, frankly, uncomfortable, and cost more. But they do not need an amplifier, and the amplifiers already built into them correspond as accurately as possible to their intended purpose in terms of their parameters.

If you already have a separate amplifier, then when choosing speakers, the most important rule is that their maximum claimed power should exceed the power of your amplifier. Otherwise, even with very careful use, "no matter how much the string twists ..." – but there is still a real opportunity to "burn" the speakers.

Speakers can be protected

Usually, there are two speakers in the shelf speaker, and the system itself is two–way. Especially vulnerable is a high-frequency speaker, in a simple way a "scribbler", and correctly a tweeter. The tweeter is most often domed, dynamic, and also vulnerable purely mechanically – touching it with a hand or some object can irreparably damage the membrane. The same applies to the diffusers of low-frequency midwoofers.

If such a danger exists, pay attention to the presence of a grill in the kit – a fabric, plastic or metal grid-grid protecting the front panel of the acoustics. By the way, not only from mechanical damage, but also from dust and other contaminants. Grills are more often made removable, and real audiophiles really prefer to take them off before listening. You can do the same if you can feel the difference in sound at the same time.

Premium-class shelves are often equipped with original stands
 
 

The wires (cables) going to the amplifier are connected to the speakers at the back. Sometimes (very rarely) in shelf acoustics it is allowed to connect bi-wire and bi-amping, in which two amplifiers are used. If you have them and have a desire to improve the sound of the system, your acoustics should have not two, but four connection terminals, in the usual case, shorted in pairs with removable jumpers.

Attention – to the "little things"

Oddly enough, but in such a case as installing speakers, accessories are important. In particular, they include wires, that is acoustic cables. In the first approximation, it looks like this: "shorter and thicker" to minimize resistance. This is only then the understanding and the corresponding appetite will come, requiring the purchase of exactly the same, special branded acoustic cable.

Another important point is a high–quality support for acoustics. In the case of shelf systems, special stands are used, sometimes sand is poured into their special cavities to make them heavier. To improve communication with the support, you can purchase special spikes, stands and legs. The choice depends on the specific situation, and the right choice can dramatically improve the sound.

 

See also:

Amplifier for the speaker system

What should you pay attention to when choosing a transistor amplifier for your acoustics?

Choosing stationary acoustics

If a pair of speakers is really correctly selected, listeners are guaranteed to enjoy the sound.

Choosing shelf acoustics

Dimensions are important for shelf acoustics, but this is only the first thing to pay attention to.