Buying indoor speakers is a lot like buying a new car. While the cost may not be as high (for the average person), you still have to take the time to figure out what you need and research your options. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for indoor speakers:

Consider the Environment

The quality of the sound will be affected by the size and shape of the room. Even the furniture and construction material of the space can have an effect on the quality of the sound. There are a few things to consider about your environment:

• Seating – Where will people be seated? What material is your furniture made of? Fabric surfaces tend to absorb sound, so keep this in mind.
• Outlets – Where are your electrical outlets located? You’ll need to run wires, or invest in a wireless system if you don’t want to go through the trouble.
• Architecture – What does the space look like? Does it have arched walls, tall ceilings or large doors? Enclosed rooms with very few openings and low ceilings are optimal, but if your space is not built this way, you will need to choose speakers accordingly.

Consider the Purpose

What do you plan on using the speakers for? Will they be hooked up to a home theater system for movie watching, or do you plan on using them for music?

If you’re purchasing speakers for your home theater system, you’ll need six speakers: front right, front left, rear right, rear left, center and a subwoofer.

If you’re purchasing speakers for listening to music, front right and left speakers are all you generally need.

Consider Your Budget

Of course, your budget is another thing you need to consider. While you may be tempted to buy the cheapest speakers you can find, it’s often best to spend more on quality speakers that will give you high quality sound and last for years. As a general rule of thumb, you want to invest in the best quality speakers you can afford.