Thoughtful guides to hi-fi, without the nonsense

Haute Fidelity publishes clear, practical guides to audio equipment, system building, and what actually matters when you’re listening to music.

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What are sealed loudspeakers?

Sealed loudspeakers, also known as acoustic suspension speakers, use an airtight cabinet to control bass response. They prioritise accuracy, control, and consistency over sheer bass output.

What Are Ported Loudspeakers?

Ported loudspeakers, also known as bass-reflex speakers, are a type of speaker enclosure that uses a tuned port or vent to reinforce low-frequency bass response. The port allows air to move in and out of the cabinet in sync with the woofer, increasing efficiency and producing deeper, louder bass compared with sealed loudspeaker enclosures.

What Is a Midrange Driver?

A midrange driver is a loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce mid-frequency sounds, typically between 300 Hz and 3,000 Hz, where vocals and most musical instruments reside. It plays a central role in clarity, tonal balance, and realistic sound reproduction.

What is a crossover?

A crossover is an electronic circuit that divides an audio signal into different frequency ranges and sends them to the appropriate loudspeaker drivers. It plays a critical role in clarity, balance, and overall sound quality.

What is a woofer?

A woofer is a type of loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds. It is responsible for bass, weight, and the sense of scale in music and film soundtracks.

What is a tweeter?

A tweeter is a type of loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce high-frequency sounds. It plays a crucial role in clarity, detail, and the sense of realism in music.

What is a loudspeaker?

A loudspeaker is an electroacoustic device that converts an electrical audio signal into sound waves by moving air. It transforms the output from an amplifier into audible music through the controlled motion of a driver diaphragm.