Satellite speakers are the ultimate power boosters for your bookshelf or tower speakers. Those who love listening to music in medium and high frequencies, always prefer to have satellite speakers. But selecting the right pair is the real hassle.
They rarely come for sale alone. They always come in pairs with either a central channel speaker or a subwoofer or both to call it a home theater. That’s when it really gets difficult to make a call. But before we try to solve that issue, first let’s get our basics clear.
What are Satellite Speakers?
Satellite speakers belong to the small size category with frequency response in the mid-range, usually below 100 Hz. You can place them on the side or behind the listening area to create a theater-like experience. They come with the two most popular subwoofer pairs, 2.1 and 5.1. In a 2.1, you get two satellite speakers for a single subwoofer and five satellite speakers in case of the other.
They are compact and fit in any tight space, even on the walls. With this basic knowledge, let’s explore the 9 best satellite speakers trending on the internet right now.
Best Satellite Speaker Systems
1. Bose 161 Speaker System
Bose 161 satellite speakers can generate balanced sound with a moderate 10-100 watts of amplifier power per channel. Their compact size fits them well both on shelves and walls. With an automatic protection circuitry inside, the speakers never overdrive and thus last longer.
When you position them as instructed in the user manual, you get a complete surround sound. As these speakers use Articulated Array driver positioning and come integrated with Stereo Everywhere technology, you get a 360-degree effect instead of a unidirectional sound.
Each speaker has two Twiddler drivers inside. They push out more air out of the speaker’s small enclosure to create sound effects similar to large speakers. Supplied custom mounting brackets let you hang speakers over any place as per your convenience.
You can easily hang them on the walls with screws that come with the package and easily set up a sound system to keep your family entertained all day.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions : 5 x 11 x 4.2 inches | Item Weight : 3.31 lbs | Speakers Maximum Output Power : 100W | Speaker Type : Bookshelf | Frequency Response : 80Hz | Sensitivity : NA | Impedance: 8 Ohms
Pros
- Balanced sound throughout the listening area
- Flexible placement possibilities
- Magnetically shielded speakers
Cons
- Plastic mounting brackets
2. Polk Audio TL1 Satellite Speakers
Polk Audio TL1 is a set of magnetically shielded versatile satellite speakers for small rooms. It comes with 4 TL1 satellite speakers and one center channel speaker, without a subwoofer. You can connect them to the Harman Kardon AVR 1510 Receiver to feed enough power to get amazing sound.
You will get good music on higher ends than the lower end. You can use them for a 6.1, 7.1, or 9.1 surround speaker system. That pretty much covers your left, right, and their relative surrounds. As the speakers are white in color, they easily blend with any wall background.
Quality wise, Polk Audio speakers are better known for offering elevated sound effects and enhanced audio details with silk dome tweeters. Thus you rest assured of a smooth response for your home theater.
The presence of Time Lens technology makes your onscreen magic come alive. The tuned rear ports blend well with the subwoofer and serve big halls with 2.5” long-throw drivers. In short, it is a great choice for music and movie lovers.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.8 x 6.5 inches | Item Weight: 1.8 pounds | Speakers Maximum Output Power: 100 Watts | Speaker Type: Subwoofer satellite | Frequency Response: 135Hz-20kHz | Sensitivity: 89 dB | Impedance: 8 ohms
Pros
- Dynamic Balance Driver Technology
- Time Lens Technology for superior imaging
- Silk Dome Tweeters for smooth response
Cons
- Small size speakers
3. Polk Audio Signature Series S10
If the previous one disappointed you with its small size, here comes another product from Polk Signature Series. This S10 series satellite speakers offer improved vocals at high 40KHz high resolution. You feel like being inside a live theater performance.
It has got a high-resolution Terylene tweeter to produce a clear bass and high temperature Conex fiber spiders to offer greater durability. These speakers are compatible with 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 9.1 setups.
You get a deep bass, all thanks to Polk’s patented Power Port technology. The flow of audio comes smooth from the source to your ears without any quality distortion. Its acoustic array precision cross-overs make a perfect dynamic balance while watching your favorite movies and TV shows.
The curved edges instantly grab anyone’s attention and the whole set speakers make a perfect wall-mount decor with an in-built threaded screw system. Just make the correct placement satellite surround speakers and get ready to maximize your sound quality like never before.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 5.4 x 8.4 inches | Item Weight: 6 pounds | Speakers Maximum Output Power: 100 Watts| Speaker Type: Satellite | Frequency Response: 67 Hz – 40 kHz| Sensitivity: 87 dB | Impedance: 8 ohm
Pros
- Dynamic Balance Designed Acoustic Array
- High-Resolution Audio Performance
- Exclusive Polk Power Port Deep Bass Technology
Cons
- Not good for near-field listening
4. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
How about a Bookshelf speaker with a modern sense of audio quality? The R1280T bookshelf speaker delivers rich bass notes with a 4-inch driver and a flared bass reflex port.
As it comes in a classic wooden vinyl enclosure, it adds a new touch to your existing home interior. The studio sound comes natural out of a 13mm silk dome tweeter and is easy to control from a remote.
Unlike the Polk S10 Series, the R1280T speakers serve as near field monitors. It can easily connect to a 3.5mm jack or dual RCA output. That makes it easy to connect with a laptop, mobile or record player.
You can parallelly connect two devices with a 2 x AUX input without requiring any additional plugs or switches. Moreover, you can connect the speakers through regular wires. With a hassle-free 2-year warranty on the product, it ensures you enjoy a quality music right out-of-the-box.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 9.5 x 5.8 inches | Item Weight: 10.8 pounds | Speakers Maximum Output Power: 42 Watts | Speaker Type: Bookshelf | Frequency Response: 75 Hz -18 KHz | Sensitivity: 85dBA | Impedance: 4 Ohms
Pros
- Reliable Performance
- Precise Bass and Treble Control
- Dual RCA Input for multiple connectivity
Cons
- No Bluetooth
5. Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker
With an impressive power handling capacity, Pyle 3-way mini box speakers can withstand long hours of outdoor playtime. It features a 4-ohm impedance rating marine speakers perfect to soothe a poolside environment.
The 200-watt peak power coupled with 100 watt RMS offers a heavy sound profile to take your guests by surprise. The dome tweeter is of an average 10” size and comes with a bass reflex vent for added bass response.
It has got a universal mounting appeal and thus can easily latch on to any tube, frame, or wall. The speaker is kept inside a heavy-duty ABS cabinet to offer extra mechanical support.
The removable mesh grills around it are corrosion and water resistant. The speaker features a 24oz magnet structure for offering superior sound both indoor and outdoor. You will find it better than dash speakers with no modification required.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 9 x 6.5 inches | Item Weight: 1.98 pounds | Speakers Maximum Output Power: 200 Watts | Speaker Type: Single Speaker | Frequency Response: 70Hz-21kHz | Sensitivity: NA | Impedance: 4 Ohms
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- Heavy Duty ASB Construction
- 1” Super Dome Tweeter
- Easy to configure Speaker Terminals
Cons
- No RCA inputs
6. Edifier S350DB Bookshelf Speaker
Edifier S350DB is a fully-featured Bookshelf Speaker that resonates with old school style while delivering a modern sound profile. The massive subwoofer easily connects with the source through multiple options such as Bluetooth, RCA, and AUX. That makes it superior to both Bose Companion 2 series and Cyber Acoustics CA-3810, which have only wired connectivity as their only option.
To maintain a clean look, the control buttons are present on the left sidebar, and it can be controlled through a wireless remote as well.
The 8-inch subwoofer brings your listening experience to life by delivering deep rumbling lows. To further enhance your audio environment it has a side panel bass reflex port so that you can really hear things in low that you’ve never heard before.
The opposite is true as well, the S350DB can pack some punch to create highs that none other speakers can at this price point.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions: 24.8 x 15.3 x 15 inches | Item Weight: 19.84 pounds | Speakers Maximum Output Power: 70 watts | Speaker Type: Subwoofer, Bookshelf, Satellite | Frequency Response: 40Hz –160Hz | Sensitivity: 85dB | Impedance: 6 Ohms
Pros
- Multiple connectivity via Bluetooth, RCA, optical, coaxial or AUX
- Easy side panel controls
- 8-Inch Subwoofer for Deep Lows
- enhanced side panel bass reflex port
Cons
- No front grill covers
7. Cyber Acoustics CA-3610
This curve series from Cyber Acoustic provides crisp sound with clean stereo separation through its magnetically-shielded satellite speakers. They are further aided by a 5.25” poly carbon subwoofer to create a powerful audio experience.
Its curved design is the latest in styling and marks an impression wherever you place it.
Interestingly, it comes with a desktop control pod that gives you full control over the speaker system. The pod has a power button, a LED indicator, and volume controls on its surface.
There are also headphone output and Aux input jacks for seamless connectivity with your phones or gaming systems.
Technically, it is powerful to fill the entire room with audio at a peak power of 62 watts. The 30-watt RMS gives an edge to its bass and you get a deep audio experience. As it is affordable and offers sharp mids and low end of highs, gamers love it.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 10.6 x 9.8 inches | Item Weight: 1 pound | Speakers Maximum Output Power: 62 Watts | Speaker Type: Subwoofer| Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz | Sensitivity: NA | Impedance: 4 Ohms
Pros
- Magnetically-shielded satellite speakers
- Convenient Desktop Control Pod
- 5.25 inch Power Pro bass driver,
Cons
- No Bluetooth option
8. JBL Professional Control 52
This subwoofer-satellite loudspeaker system produces sound at very low distortion. The high fidelity sound comes perfect from a 2.1 or 4.1 surround configuration to jazz moods at home and outside.
The satellite speakers feature a secondary bucking magnet and a rubber half-roll surround to kill distortions and enhance bass performance.
The 150 watt subwoofer can perform at a 600-watt peak with an extended low frequency response and good transient response. Both the speakers and the subwoofer come with easy-mount wall-bracket installs.
You can make a secure surface mount in no time with its self-guide manual. The whole package comes with four control 52 satellite speakers and one Control 50S/T subwoofer. So, you can either go for a 2.1 or a 4.1 configuration for a wide variety of applications.
As JBL recommends, place the subwoofer at the centre of the wall between two speakers in a 2.1 system for a perfect tonal balance. Similarly, mount it at a 2-boundary area (i.e. wall-wall or wall-floor) to get a stronger bass in a 4.1 configuration.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions: 2 x 5 x 3 inches| Item Weight: 85 dB| Speakers Maximum Output Power: 50 Watts| Speaker Type: Surface-Mount | Frequency Response: 140 Hz – 20 kHz | Sensitivity: 85 dB | Impedance: 16 Ohms
Pros
- 2 Hrs Continuous Program Power
- Stylish and compact enclosure
- Extended high frequency response
Cons
- No Bluetooth compatibility
9. Monoprice 5.1 Channel Home Theater
As the name speaks, it’s a 5.1 channel home theatre speaker system. You get four satellite speakers and one center channel speaker. While the center speaker handles mid and high audio, an 8” subwoofer takes care of the lows.
Despite featuring a half inch dome tweeter, each satellite speaker can handle frequencies from 150 Hz to 20KHz. The same goes true for the centre speaker too that uses 3” mid range cones for producing audio. The subwoofer takes inline or speaker-level inputs and handles 50 Hz to 250 Hz frequencies with ease. All you need is a 60 watt RMS amplifier.
The package comes with necessary mounting elements, including C brackets and plastic feet for proper speaker orientation. With a series of RCA inputs and outputs, your connectivity options go endless.
You can connect phones, CD players, speakers, amplifiers, and headphones. This 5.1 home channel theater comes as a better deal than the Acoustic AA5170 5.1 model as the latter doesn’t come with a Centre Channel and even costs more than the former.
Technical Specification
Product Dimensions: 16.8 x 15.2 x 19.4 inches | Item Weight: 27.6 pounds | Speakers Maximum Output Power: 125 watts | Speaker Type: Center Channel, Subwoofer, Satellite | Frequency Response: 150 Hz – 20 kHz. | Sensitivity: 85db | Impedance: 16 ohms to 600 ohms.
Pros
- Wide impedances (16 ohms to 600 ohms)
- RCA line inputs and outputs
- Crystal clear sound, booming bass
- Four C brackets for easy mounting
Cons
- No “sub line in” option
Wrapping Up
Here are some things to remember. Use the satellite speakers in their specific amplification range to avoid damage to the speakers. Also, make sure they are turned off while connecting or disconnecting cables. Improper adjustments can lead to product damage so it’s better to have a qualified technician to make the initial setting of the product. Cheers!
