Wireless Speakers vs. Stereo Systems: Which Sounds Better?

Explore the debate on wireless speakers versus stereo systems and discover which option elevates your listening experience.

Choosing Between Wireless Speakers and Stereo Systems

When considering quality sound, have you ever pondered whether to go for wireless speakers or a traditional stereo system? And should price really guide your choice? Let’s delve into it!

What comes to mind when you hear “wireless speakers”? Perhaps a square box reminiscent of a boombox, or maybe a stylish dome or cylinder wrapped in fabric? It could even be something small and battery-operated, easy to toss in your weekend bag. If you own one, it’s likely sitting comfortably at home.

In either case, you probably envision a standalone device — although not necessarily one that costs as much as a used car! Yet, such high-end options do exist: I’ve heard of “desktop” wireless speakers in a single-box design priced around $3,000 (with some nearly doubling that). These units are more than just sound systems; they are stunning design elements that deliver sound quality exceeding what you'd expect from single-box speakers, featuring multiple drivers, premium components, and thoughtful construction.

I'm referring to wireless speakers from brands like Devialet, Bang & Olufsen, Linn, and Marantz, to name a few. Even those most people would deem "premium"—like the Naim Mu-so 2, Sonus Faber Omnia, or Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition—seem rather ordinary, justifying their hefty price tags.

For the same amount of money, you could assemble a respectable Hi-Fi system made from individual components. However, individuals looking for wireless speakers aren’t typically interested in piecing together a system; they either don’t want the hassle or don’t have the space for it.

Indeed, those willing to spend approximately $1,200 on a Naim Mu-so aren't considering an alternative of a similar price with a separate source, amplifier, and a pair of stereo speakers — and vice versa. It’s akin to how a Mini Cooper Convertible and a Ford Everest can appeal to different audiences while being priced similarly.

Why Monoblocks Lag Behind Stereo Systems

And that's perfectly okay! There’s a lot to be said for a neat, compact, and user-friendly music system like the Naim, especially when the sound it produces is likely to pleasantly surprise and satisfy most listeners. In fact, in some areas of musical performance, a single-box system can match the quality of a more intricate alternative.

There’s no reason why a mono speaker can’t be just as musical, bass-heavy, or detailed in the high frequencies as a stereo pair. It all boils down to the size and quality of the drivers and how well they're implemented alongside other components in the speaker.

However, there’s one audio element where a single-box wireless speaker simply cannot—and likely never will—compete with a set of stereo speakers, and that’s the true stereo soundstage and imaging.

Of course, digital signal processing (DSP) has advanced to the point where sound emanating from wireless speakers can feel more spacious than if it were solely coming from the speakers themselves. Many speakers offer modes that specifically enhance this spatial effect. I’ve sat in front of various wireless speakers whose soundstage size and scale far exceed their physical dimensions. It's quite impressive!

The Importance of Soundstage

Yet, even the most expensive, largest, and highest-quality models cannot reproduce the soundstage achievable with a pair of stereo speakers spaced about a meter apart (and often even more based on how far back you sit).

This makes sense when considering the closer physical proximity of drivers within a single enclosure, even in wide horizontal speakers like the Zeppelin, notwithstanding their impressive quality. In its latest version, a tweeter and mid-range driver are situated at each end of the 65 cm wide oval enclosure, with a central subwoofer between them.

When you reach a certain level of performance, where other sound elements don’t interfere with playback quality, I believe it’s essential to achieve true stereo separation. After all, a wider sound range allows for clearer visualization (meaning when everything in the audio mix is positioned in a stereo representation) and a better examination of details. It just feels "right."

This is one reason I welcome the emergence and further development of "all-in-one" wireless speaker systems (for lack of a better term) that incorporate true stereo systems with two speakers, such as KEF LSX II LT and Focal Diva Utopia, both representing different price categories in a thriving market.

No, they’re not as easy to place as a monoblock — sure, it’s an additional unit and often at least one more cable, and that alone may deter some wireless speaker shoppers. But they overcome the main limitation of traditional monoblock wireless speakers without being as demanding as a system of separate speakers, making them well worth considering for buyers with available space who value sound quality enough to invest substantially from the get-go.

It’s a shame that truly enjoyable sound quality can’t be had without a genuine stereo presentation.

FAQs:

• Are wireless speakers as good as stereo systems?
  Wireless speakers can provide excellent sound quality, but stereo systems often offer better soundstage and detail due to their separate components.
• What is the main advantage of stereo speakers?
  The main advantage of stereo speakers is their ability to create a wider soundstage and better imaging, enhancing the overall listening experience.
• Can you achieve good bass with wireless speakers?
  Yes, many high-end wireless speakers offer substantial bass, but achieving deep bass often requires larger drivers or dedicated subwoofers.
• What should I consider when purchasing speakers?
  Consider factors like sound quality, size, price, and whether you prefer the simplicity of a single unit or the performance of a separate stereo system.
• Is it worth investing in a stereo system?
  If you value high-quality sound and have the space, investing in a stereo system can greatly enhance your listening experience.

Shop our favorite album cover posters at our store to elevate your space visually! Visit Architeg Prints for unique designs.