Operating Frequencies

When searching for the right wireless speakers for your home, you will need to understand the basic differences between wireless speaker frequencies. Wireless speakers that rely on radio frequency (RF) waves consist of a receiver and a secondary unit containing the transmitter of the radio signals. The wireless transmitter translates the signal into the same type of radio signal used to broadcast FM radio. The receiver is usually built into the speakers themselves.

The transmitter can be connected to the audio output of a number of audio devices such as stereo equipment and TVs. An electrical outlet is normally required for the receiver unit, which contains an amplifier to boost the audio signal to the loudspeaker.

Wireless Speaker Frequency Ranges

Wireless speakers generally use the same radio frequency range as that used by cordless telephones, which is about 900 MHz. These signals can travel through walls and other obstacles. You can overcome possible interference from other wireless devices such as cordless telephones or baby monitors by using a tuning knob, which most wireless systems have, to change the frequency that your transmitter is using.

A 2.4 GHz frequency system can ensure high performance sound up to 70 feet away from the transmitter. But the 2.4 GHz frequency band has just 11 channels, of which only 3 (1, 6 and 11) do not overlap, making channel overcrowding an issue. This is a frequency used by many other wireless products, such as cordless phones and home networks, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors and even microwave ovens. All can cause interference problems with a 2.4 GHz system.

With a 5.8 GHz system, CD quality sound can be sent up to 100 feet away from the transmitter. Since this frequency is used less by other devices, interference problems are less frequent, especially since the 5.4 GHz frequency range has more than a dozen non-overlapping channels. The 5.4 GHz frequency range is expected to be used by the coming generation of connected consumer electronics streaming multimedia.

As you begin to shop for wireless speakers, keep these basic details in mind so that you can select the best set for your household and your individual sound needs.

Now to the fun part, placement for your new speaker