What are Floor Standing Speakers?

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  • Written By: Carol Francois
  • Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
  • Last Modified Date: 12 August 2019
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Floor standing speakers are typically larger than other speakers and are built to stand independently on the floor. Although all speakers perform the same basic function, floor speakers transmit a larger range of sounds and frequencies, including deep bass. Due to the overall design of floor standing speakers, they provide a greater level of energy efficiency than other speakers.

Floor standing speakers that include a powered subwoofer are called powered towers. These types of speakers make best possible use of available floor space by combining the sub woofer in the speaker tower. Floor standing speakers are an average of 5 feet (60 cm) in height.

When selecting speakers, compare the different types of speakers first. There are bookshelf speakers, in-wall speakers and sub woofer/satellite speakers. Each type of speaker is designed with a particular user in mind.

Bookshelf speakers are very common in apartments and condominium units, where space is at a premium. They can be mounted on stands or placed on shelves. They provide a standard range of sounds and frequencies and typically have a lower price point than floor standing speakers.

In-wall speakers are built into the ceiling or wall of your home. These types of speakers can fit in the palm of your hand and all the connective wiring is hidden in the walls. They are usually fitted with a plastic grill and are mounted flush with the wall or ceiling surface.


A subwoofer and satellite speaker combination is a relatively new configuration, made possible by the vast improvements in speakers and audio receiver technology. The smaller speakers carry the sounds well, but the subwoofer is necessary to properly transmit the deep bass sounds. This combination is most effective with a high quality receiver that is able to transmit sounds at the appropriate levels.

When you are choosing floor standing speakers, there are three important features to consider. Frequency response, price and power are critical when comparing speakers. These details are provided in all speaker specification sheets and are an excellent way to ensure you are truly comparing the correct information.

Frequency response is the range of sounds that the speakers can produce. Compare this value between the different floor standing speakers that you are considering. The broader the range, the better the sound will be.

Speaker prices are often a reflection of brand names, but there is definitely a connection between the price and the quality of sound. Floor standing speakers typically start at $200 US Dollars (USD) each for a basic model. A mid-range floor standing speaker costs approximately $500 USD, and a high quality model can be as much as $10,000 USD.

Review the power output of your audio video receiver or amplifier before selecting speakers. There is no value in having speakers with a higher power rating that the receiver. This amount of power output has a direct impact on the cost of the speakers and can only be enjoyed if you have a receiver that can provide output at the same level.


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