What are stereo speakers quality measured in?

Question

as in for computers its the 1GB DDR Ram (and the clock speed).... what is it for speakers? And also what is the best quality rate

Answer 1

Can you line up 10 flavors of ice cream and by looking at the ingredients put them in best to worst tasting order?

Would your order agree with mine?

No.

Speakers have 'flavor'. While they all make sound, if you put them side by side with a favorite CD of yours, some speakers will sound better than others.

But the music I like would lead me to select other speakers than you would.

This is why all 'experts' in this hobby tell you to get to the store with a favorite CD and audition.  This is the only real way to tell.

You cannot just look at the specs, a frequency response test or the price.

Answer 2

I agree with Joseph's answer, I would just add that the room you listen to your speakers in will also have an impact on the way they sound.

Answer 3

Phone Bloor Audio Video. I've been dealing with them for decades.

The Muse

Answer 4

You measure quality in how much you're willing to spend for them after hearing them next to other speakers you wouldn't be willing to pay as much for.

Really.

Answer 5

There are numerous ways to quantify the quality of a given speaker, though all the data in the world won't provide a true measurement of it's quality, or lack thereof. Music and music reproduction are very subjective. Some people like the color green, others dig blue. Some like snickers, others can't stand them and favor kit-kat. Nobody is right or wrong, just different.

Common data to look at in a speaker, given it's physical size are thiel/small parameters (or t/s). These are a lengthy set of mechanical, acoustical and electrical measurements of a speaker. Basic specifications such as frequency response, power handling, impedance, input connection types and physical size are commonly listed on the packaging.

Now, to purchase speakers you will actually LIKE, take a listen. Bring some music (on I-pod and CD disc) with you to the store. Listen to each model you are considering. Spend a good amount of time a/b comparing them with eachother, at the same volume level, and in the same listening position.

Buy speakers with your ears, not your eyes or based on a price tag (unless budget shopping).