When You Might Choose Freestanding Speakers

You’re Adding Speakers to an Existing Room

One of the key differences between freestanding and architectural speakers is installation. Freestanding speakers, whether bookshelf or tower, don’t require opening walls. If you’re upgrading an existing room and don’t want to tear into walls for built-in speakers, then choose freestanding instead.

You Prefer to Showcase Your Audio Gear

Whether you’re upgrading an existing room or building from scratch, you might still choose freestanding speakers if you love the aesthetic appeal that they add to your home theater. After all, many high-end tower and bookshelf speakers today are works of art! Still, keep in mind that large speakers—especially those placed on either side of your display—could distract viewers from the screen.

SEE ALSO: Home Theater FAQ: What to Know About Screens and Projectors

You’re Not Limited on Space

The most common surround sound configuration in home theaters is 5.1, which comprises six speakers. If you prefer freestanding, then be prepared for your speakers to take up a lot of room. However, that might not matter to you if you’re working with a large space. You could also choose a combination of tower and bookshelf speakers on stands to create a slightly less intrusive layout.

Your Room Layout Isn’t Set in Stone

While some models can be incredibly cumbersome to move around, freestanding speakers are much easier to relocate if you haven’t yet placed your seating or plan to move it around later (although this factor doesn’t totally rule out built-in speakers since some models feature aimable drivers). Expert tip: Decide on your theater seating first since the listening position dictates ideal speaker placement.

When You Might Choose Built-in Speakers

You’re Building or Renovating

The best time to install architectural speakers is during a new build or a major renovation when walls aren’t up yet or you’re okay with opening them. If you’re building from scratch or redoing a room, we recommend adding in-ceiling speakers at the very least so you can take advantage of a 360-degree soundstage with audio formats like Dolby Atmos. However, keep in mind that you’ll likely need professional assistance with the installation, so that service will take up some of your budget.

You Prefer to Conceal Your Audio Gear

When you picture a commercial movie theater, you don’t envision large freestanding speakers. Instead, you see a wall-size display and seats. Speakers are typically hidden in walls and ceilings to focus the attention on the screen. If you want to emulate the look of a commercial movie theater, then you’d want to do the same. Plus, many homeowners simply prefer to hide their gear for a cleaner aesthetic.

You’re Limited on Space

Even if you love the look of freestanding speakers, they’re not always in the cards for small spaces. You could consider freestanding speakers with a smaller footprint, but that also means smaller drivers and potentially wanting audio performance. High-performance built-in speakers and subwoofers can deliver the powerful sound you desire without taking up any room in your small home theater or media room.

What About a Hybrid Design?

It doesn’t always have to be black and white. Why not balance the best of both worlds with a hybrid layout? If you have room and want to use your favorite freestanding speakers on the front wall, you could complete your surround sound setup with in-wall surrounds and in-ceiling height speakers—if you’re okay with opening walls in an existing space.

Many high-end home theater speaker brands offer a solid selection of freestanding and architectural speakers that acoustically pair well together, so this option is doable if a hybrid layout works best for your space, budget, and style preference.

We hope you enjoyed this three-part blog series on surround sound! If you’re building or renovating a home theater or media room in the Park City, UT area and need professional assistance with your sound system installation, Show & Tell AV is standing by to help. Schedule a free consultation by contacting us here or sending us a message in the chat box below. We’d love to hear from you!