Comparison Samsung SWA-9200S vs Samsung SWA-9500S

The general specialization of the acoustic system.

Nowadays, this indicator distinguishes home, concert, monitor, information, outdoor and cinema systems, as well as solutions for expanding existing speakers. At the same time, the appointment is not a categorical prescription — many models also allow non-standard use cases. However, it is easier and more convenient to choose a speaker in accordance with the method of application that was originally intended for it. The specific features of acoustics for various purposes are as follows:

— Home. A kind of speaker designed, as the name implies, for individual use at home. Note that the characteristics of such models can be different — from the simplest bookshelf speakers to powerful multi-band speakers designed for home theaters and high-quality audio systems.

— Concert. A distinctive external feature of speakers designed for concerts is their large dimensions and high rated power (in some models it exceeds 1 kW). The latter is indispensable for vast spaces — halls, stadiums, etc. — where the sound must also “shout out” the reaction of the listeners (sometimes quite loud). But it makes no sense to purchase such speakers for home use — not only because of the high cost, but also because instead of hi...gh-level inputs (as in home speakers), such systems have a connector for special equipment, musical instruments, etc. Most often, concert acoustics are sold in 1.0 configurations (see "Number of channels") in the expectation that sound engineers can assemble the desired acoustic configuration from a certain number of components.

— Monitor room. The main purpose of monitor acoustics is sound quality control; accordingly, all such models are distinguished by extremely high accuracy of transmission of all sound details, smooth frequency response and almost complete absence of distortion. This makes them indispensable for professional use (for example, in recording studios): a monitor speaker will allow you to very accurately determine all the shortcomings of the incoming signal, including amplifier noise, audio editing inaccuracies, etc. Like concert systems (see above), such systems are usually equipped with specialized inputs, but it makes no sense to use monitors for home listening for another reason: all sound flaws that are imperceptible on ordinary acoustics will then appear — and can significantly spoil the impression . And the price of such models is very high.

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— Outdoor. Acoustic systems designed for outdoor installation. They can be used, for example, for sound accompaniment of holidays in the country or in nature, playing music in the summer areas of cafes, etc. All models of this type necessarily have a waterproof and corrosion-resistant housing (see "Moisture protection") in case of adverse weather conditions; in addition, they are usually additionally protected from ultraviolet radiation. Outdoor acoustics can be mounted in different ways (see above), however, hanging options are most common.

— Cinema. Models designed, in accordance with the name, for use in cinemas — and not so much in the halls of the "home" format, for 6-10 spectators, but in large-format entertainment complexes for tens and hundreds of seats. Cinema speakers have the following common features. Firstly, they are all made passive, counting on connection to specialized amplifiers; accordingly, high-voltage connectors in the form of terminals or Euroblock sockets are used as inputs. Secondly, the power of such devices is quite high — from 100 W and above. Thirdly, cinema acoustics are usually produced in 1.0 format (see "Number of channels") — in other words, such models are not ready-made acoustic systems, but only separate components from which a specific multi-channel speaker is assembled. This output format makes it possible to accurately select the speakers needed for a particular hall. By type of installation, cinema acoustics usually refers to floor, built-in or wall-mounted. The latter variety is most often designed for installation on the side walls, and the first two are behind the screen. At the same time, floor versions can actually consist of two parts — a classic speaker for low frequencies and a horn for midrange and treble.

— Expansion of the acoustic system. A specific type of acoustics, which initially does not involve independent use and is used as an addition to traditional speakers. Such models are used mainly in multi-channel surround sound systems — to expand the sound stage vertically; they have a characteristic appearance: relatively small dimensions, an inclined top panel and a speaker built into this panel. Thus, the sound from the speakers is directed at an upward angle — in order to be reflected from the ceiling, reach the listener and give the impression that the sound source is from above. The use of "expanding" acoustics allows you to do without the use of specialized ceiling speakers. This is especially convenient in light of the fact that in-ceiling speakers are usually made built-in and rather difficult to install, while expansion modules often allow installation directly on the main speaker components. Also note that this type of acoustics can be initially designed for certain models of the main speakers; this point should be clarified before buying.

Rated output of the rear speaker. See "Front" above for details on power rating.

The total rated power of all speaker components, in other words, the sum of the powers of all speakers. As a nominal one, they usually indicate the highest average (rms) power at which acoustics can operate for a long time without overloads and damage. In this case, individual power surges can significantly exceed this value, however, it is the rated power that is the main characteristic of any speaker.

First of all, the sound volume depends on this characteristic: the more powerful the speakers, the louder the sound they can produce if there is a suitable amplifier. In addition, in passive and passive-active models, compatibility with an external amplifier also depends on the power: the output power of the “amplifier” should not exceed the power of the acoustics connected to it, otherwise overloads and even breakdowns are possible.

Detailed recommendations regarding the choice of speakers for power for a particular situation can be found in special sources. However, in general, an indicator of up to 100 W by the standards of modern acoustics is considered quite modest, 100 – 200 W — average, 200 – 300 W — above average, and the most powerful sets give out up to 500 W or even more.

In conclusion, we note two more nuances. Firstly, when comparing different systems according to this ch...aracteristic, one must also take into account the sound format in which they work. In particular, if there is a subwoofer, it can account for a significant part of the total power — up to half or more. As a result, for example, a 2.1 set of 50 W with a 20-watt subwoofer at the main frequencies will not be able to pull out the same volume as a 40-watt 2.0 system: in the first case, each main channel will have only 15 watts, in the second — 20 watts. Secondly, in multichannel systems, the total power can be distributed among the channels in different proportions; so, say, two 5.1 systems with the same total power can differ markedly in front and rear balance at maximum volume.

The total weight of all components of the speaker system.