Checking speakers for sound quality

Sometimes you need to check the sound quality of your speakers. However, not everyone knows how to understand exactly how to do something like this. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at this issue.

Ways to check the sound quality of your speakers

Checking sound quality is relevant for any speaker system. This can be done in two main ways:

• online tests;
• test audio track.

The first option is suitable for quickly checking the performance of the system speakers. The boundaries of low, medium and high frequencies are checked using a test disk that reproduces different types of frequencies. If the system consists of two columns, then one of the simple right-left tests is used.

For example, the door knock test allows you to determine which speaker is not working by knocking on each speaker in turn. The beep test is based on applying a signal in an increasing frequency range from 20 Hz to 10,000 Hz to both speakers. If they work properly, the sound will be the same in both speakers.

Reference! The human ear perceives frequencies in the range of 20-20,000 Hz.

The second option involves listening to a test audio track to analyze the entire range. When the system is turned on at 60% of the declared power level, all instruments should be heard without distortion. The best tracks are those with recordings of instrumental music in a wide range with maximum quality in terms of bitrate.

How to choose the right track to check

There is no single correct track to check. Everyone can choose for themselves, adhering to the basic rules. The test track must have the highest quality sound version, at least Flac.

The best ones to check are:

• classical music performed by a symphony orchestra, which leads in frequency characteristics and perception;
• albums of instrumental groups (for example, the Swiss group “Yello”, working in the genre of electronic music);
• recordings with sound design;
• classic rock bands (Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Beatles).

Tracks with recordings of such music allow you to check the dynamic range and amplitude-frequency response (AFC).

Attention! Significant criteria for the quality of speakers are the width of the range and clear detail of all sounds.

The test can be done using a professional FSQ test disk. Sound evaluation is based on a subjective statistical method. The disc is intended for professional experts, but is also accessible to experienced listeners. The method includes 15 criteria for assessing sound quality.

Checking the sound quality of speakers: step by step

Analysis of the sound quality of speakers in an acoustic system includes a sequential check of all speakers:

Step 1. Check the bass reflex, which improves the sound of low frequencies. Turn on the test track, cover the speaker with a book or hand. During normal operation, the sound of bass instruments (bass guitar, bass trumpet) will become quieter.

Step 2. Testing the woofer using the “Sound Track” with an increasing frequency range of 20-2000 Hz. In the low frequency range of 20-30 Hz, the operating speaker begins to vibrate.If this does not happen, the frequency is gradually increased to the value at which vibration begins. The actual operating value of the LF is determined.

Step 3. Test the midrange speaker by running a test with instrumental or classical music. Mid frequencies are responsible for volume and clarity of sound. Speaker performance is assessed by an individual listening assessment. The speaker must reliably convey the sound of all musical instruments (from the violin to the drum).

Step 4. Checking the HF column. Use the same test track with classical music. Cover the column with a book or hand. During normal operation, the sound quality deteriorates.

Reference! The high frequency range is in the range of 5000-20000 Hz.

Step 5. Check the power of the entire system. Depending on the manufacturer, peak PMPO or nominal RMS may be specified. In the first case, at maximum load, sound distortion will occur, in the second, the system will operate without distortion even at maximum load.

Checking the sound quality is not that difficult. It is important to follow all rules and recommendations.