How do floorstanding speakers work?

For those envisioning a home theater with superior sound quality, floor-standing speakers are the ideal option. But what makes these models so effective? Their larger size allows them to produce significantly better bass compared to bookshelf speakers. With their more substantial design, floor-standing speakers deliver expansive sound, enhancing the overall audiovisual experience for the listener.

What are floorstanding speakers?

Floorstanding speakers serve as the foundation for any home theater or audio system. True to their name, these speakers do not necessitate stands or shelves, allowing them to be conveniently placed directly on the floor in any area of the room, assuming there is adequate space. These speakers are typically larger than other varieties, often reaching heights comparable to a sizable television. There is no need for additional stands or support; floorstanding speakers are designed to be set directly on the floor. They can be positioned alongside a television, projection screen, or other audio devices. When strategically placed in a closed environment, a pair of these speakers can deliver a captivating audio experience, effectively filling the room with sound. For instance, when viewing a concert video, these speakers can create the sensation of being in the front row of a live performance.

Due to their larger dimensions, floorstanding speakers take up more room in the room.

How do floorstanding speakers work?

For an immersive cinematic experience, it is essential that floor-standing speakers match the height of seated viewers. Typically, these speakers range from 90 to 120 cm in height, with certain models exceeding this range. However, shorter speakers can also deliver exceptional sound quality and effects. These compact speakers offer several advantages.

Various system layout options

The floorstanders can be used as a standalone set, or combined with other speakers for a more convincing surround sound. In both cases, they must be connected to an AV receiver.

Vertical design

Due to their larger dimensions, these speakers take up more room in the room. However, many of them have very slim bodies, which will help you save space with proper planning.

Multiple speakers for reproducing individual frequency sub-ranges

Floorstanding speakers are designed to enhance sound quality for various audio formats, including movie soundtracks, music tracks, and television shows. Typically, their cabinets house multiple drivers that work together to cover the full spectrum of audible frequencies. This configuration allows floorstanding speakers to deliver audio with greater precision, as each driver is dedicated to reproducing a specific range of frequencies. For instance, one driver handles the bass, another manages the lower midrange, a third addresses the upper midrange, and a tweeter is responsible for the high frequencies. It is important to note that having more drivers does not necessarily equate to superior sound quality. An increase in the number of drivers within a cabinet can lead to potential inaccuracies and failures. Only skilled speaker designers possess the expertise to create effective multi-driver systems.

The floorstanders can be used as a standalone set, or combined with other speakers for a more convincing surround sound.

Increased sensitivity

Due to their dimensions, these speakers are capable of creating stronger and deeper bass. At the same time, they are endowed with high sensitivity.

This parameter is measured in decibels (dB) per watt of power for speakers. The higher the value in dB, the less power the amplifier requires to drive the speakers. In this regard, floor-standing models are superior to all others. They usually require less power to provide a higher sound pressure level; this means that they are more sensitive compared to speakers of other form factors.

For example, the ELAC Debut floor-standing speakers have a sensitivity of 86 dB at 2.83 V/1 m. This is much better than the average representative of the bookshelf category. Since the large-volume body of the floor-standing speaker itself helps to amplify the sound and radiate more solid bass, less power is required from the amplifier to play at the same volume as the bookshelf speakers.

Musical scene effect

When strategically placed, floor-standing speakers in a home theater can create a rich, three-dimensional acoustic environment. This arrangement allows musical instruments to resonate more fully, giving the listener the sensation of being present at a live performance. This phenomenon, often described as the “wall of sound,” significantly enhances the cinematic experience for all family members. The positioning of floor-standing speakers is essential in establishing a high-fidelity audio system. Many homeowners tend to position them on either side of a television or projection screen without much consideration. However, there is ample opportunity for experimentation. It is advisable to try various locations within the designated home theater space to determine the optimal arrangement in conjunction with other speakers. It is important to note that placing floor-standing speakers too close to a wall can compromise sound quality. Walls can significantly influence audio performance, leading to suboptimal results. Ideally, speakers should be positioned at least 30-45 cm away from the wall to achieve the most immersive listening experience.

Pros and Cons of Floorstanding Speakers

Now that you know how floorstanding speakers work, it’s time to learn about their advantages and disadvantages so you can choose a system wisely for your home theater.

Pros

• Pairs perfectly with bookshelf speakers
• Improved dynamics due to more precise delivery of individual frequency sub-ranges
• High sensitivity for easier control
• No additional tools or actions are required for installation.
• Due to their larger dimensions, such speakers are capable of creating a richer and more expansive acoustic panorama.

Cons

• Floor standing speakers take up a large area and require thoughtful planning of their placement in the room.
• Requires installation at a significant distance from the walls, which reduces living space

Floorstanding speakers dramatically enhance the sound quality and experience of your home theater system. Once you have this experience, most owners will never go back to a smaller model.