How to Choose a Home Audio System

A sound system is the heart that transforms the vibrations read by the turntable into music that fills the room. When choosing the right solution for their homes, more and more people are discovering active speakers—a simple yet powerful way to enjoy high-quality sound without complicated connections or extra boxes.

Why an Active Sound System Is a Convenient Solution

In active speakers, the amplifier is already built into the speaker enclosure itself. This means you don’t need a separate amplifier, there are fewer cables, it takes up less space, and setup is simpler—usually, all you need to do is connect a turntable or other source directly to the speakers. This system is perfect for those who want to start enjoying high-quality sound without having to deal with complicated technical setups or bulky equipment.

An additional advantage is flexibility. Most active systems today have Bluetooth, optical, RCA, or even phono inputs, so a single system can connect to a turntable, a TV, and a phone.

 

 

Which system to choose based on the size of the room

• – Up to 15 square meters (bedroom, small study, work area): Compact models are perfect for this Onkyo GX-10DB Active speakers—a compact yet balanced and clear-sounding system with Bluetooth 5.3 and a phono input that doesn't take up much space but doesn't disappoint in terms of detail.
• – 15–30 square meters (living room, open-concept kitchen-living room): For this amount, we recommend Onkyo GX-30ARC – the larger GX-10DB model with HDMI ARC for TV audio, or Argon Audio Fenris A4 – a compact yet powerful bookshelf active speaker system, perfect for medium-sized spaces where you want clear, detailed sound without taking up much space.
• – 30–50 square meters (larger living room, open-concept space): At this point, it's worth heading over to the floor columns. Klipsch R-40PM – a popular choice among those who want to combine the classic, warm sound of vinyl with a modern, user-friendly design.
• – 50 square meters or more, high ceilings, or loft-style spaces: For larger, open-concept spaces, we recommend Klipsch The Fives – a versatile system that works equally well with a turntable (built-in phono input) and a home theater (HDMI ARC), or Argon Audio Fenris A55 – active floor-standing speakers with a four-channel DSP amplifier (2×50 W for low frequencies, 2×25 W for high frequencies) and dual 5-inch low-frequency drivers that naturally fill even spacious, open-plan rooms.

 

It's important to remember: Higher power doesn't mean you'll have to listen at a higher volume—it means the system will have more "headroom," so it will sound clear even at moderate volumes. That’s why even a more powerful system can fit perfectly in a smaller room—these size guidelines are just a rough starting point, not a strict rule. It’s more important to assess your budget, needs, and expectations: do you want a system that will last for many years and grow along with your listening habits, or are you simply looking for a convenient, compact solution for everyday use?

 

 

Versatility – one system for multiple purposes

One of the biggest advantages of active systems is that they are often equally well-suited for both listening to vinyl and home theater. Klipsch The Fives and Argon Audio Fenris A55 – These are both good examples of a single system serving as both a turntable and a TV sound system, so there’s no need for two separate systems for different occasions.

How to Make a Decision

When choosing between these and similar models, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions:

• – How large is the room where the system will be installed?
• – Will the system be used only with a record player, or also with a TV and a computer?
• – Is design and how the system will look in the room important, or is sound quality the top priority?

 

No matter which model you choose, the active sound system lets you start enjoying high-quality sound today, without any additional components or complicated setup. And if you’d like to see and hear these models in person, stop by Phono.shop—we’ll help you choose a system that’s perfect for your space and listening habits.