Which is more important: speakers, amplifiers, or audio sources?

February 19, 2025

Which is more important: speakers, amplifiers, or audio sources?

As we know, a HiFi stereo audio system for music listening consists of three main products: the amplifier, the speaker, and the audio source equipment. Which of these three products is the most important?

If we break them down into percentages, we can assess their contribution to good sound as follows:

Speakers: 50%; amplifiers: 30%; audio source equipment: 20%

Some people may object, believing that the source of the sound is the most important factor because it determines everything. If the source is not good, then everything else will also be lacking.

When purchasing a sound system, you often encounter various issues.

The salesperson who sells cables usually claims they are crucial. If the high and low frequencies are inadequate, consider replacing them with premium audiophile cables.

The salesperson who sells speaker stands will tell you that if the speaker's low frequency is not good, replacing it with this stand will improve it by 50%.

The salesperson who sells projector screens will tell you that changing to a more expensive screen will have a more noticeable effect than changing the projector.

These are all tactics used in commercial sales!

From a scientific point of view, the speaker exhibits the highest distortion in a home audio system, followed by the amplifier, the sound source, and the wiring/cable.

Different speakers use various cone materials, and how their cabinets are built can lead to unique frequency responses and sound qualities. This means each speaker has a unique character!

This difference reflects the unique characteristics of each person's vocal cords. You can identify this person by the sound of their voice.

Most people can quickly notice the difference when the speakers are changed.

The power amplifier has a slight distortion, with total harmonic distortion typically ranging from 0.01% to 0.05%, and is generally controlled within two decimal places.

If you use various amplifier models from the same brand to drive the same pair of speakers and play some popular songs, many people will not notice the difference at first.

The difference in sound performance becomes more evident with large-scale music or symphonies.

For example, let's look at Japanese-brand AV receivers priced between $500 and $3,000. Within this price range, the differences in mid- and high-frequency sound quality are minimal. The main distinction lies in the control of low frequencies. As a result, the impact of the amplifier is not as significant as that of the speakers.

The audio source device exhibits the lowest distortion among the three major products. The total harmonic distortion can achieve levels between 0.001% and 0.002%, generally maintained within three decimal places.

When upgrading your audio system, it is advisable to upgrade your speaker and amplifiers first, followed by the audio source equipment.

To give an extreme example, if you have a cheap low-end audio system (speakers + amplifier). If you compare a $300 CD player to a $3,000 one, many beginner audiophiles may not be able to discern the difference.

Because the resolution of the amplifier and speakers may not match that of the expensive CD player.

If you are planning to upgrade your sound system, remember to prioritize the upgrades that will have the greatest impact.

First, consider the speakers, then the amplifier, followed by the player, and lastly the cables, stands, and other accessories.

Do not waste money on accessories if your speakers, amplifiers, and audio source equipment are not up to standard.

That's all for this time. We hope you have a great time!

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