# Guides

Explainers on how loudspeakers are built and measured, written for this catalogue.

Source: https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides

## Why a real hi-fi system is worth it (and how to move on from mainstream audio)

What separates a real system from a soundbar, and what the step up actually buys you.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/why-invest-in-hifi.md

## How to read a speaker spec sheet

Every number on a spec sheet in plain language — and which ones actually matter.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/how-to-read-a-speaker-spec-sheet.md

## How big is that speaker, really?

Why product photos lie about size, and how to picture a speaker in your room.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/how-big-is-that-speaker-really.md

## Bookshelf vs floorstander: which one for your room?

Which format suits your room, your budget and how loud you actually listen.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/bookshelf-vs-floorstander.md

## How to choose your first hi-fi speakers

A practical path to your first serious pair, without overspending.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/choosing-your-first-hifi-speakers.md

## Sensitivity and impedance: what amplifier you need

The two numbers that decide whether your amplifier can drive a speaker.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/speaker-sensitivity-and-impedance.md

## Tweeter types explained: domes, ribbons, AMTs and horns

Soft domes, metal, ribbons, AMTs and horns — what each one changes in the sound.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/tweeter-types-explained.md

## Driver cone materials: paper, metal, Kevlar and beyond

Paper, aluminium, Kevlar and sandwich cones — and why the material is only a hint.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/driver-cone-materials.md

## The box and the brain: cabinets, ports, damping and crossovers

The box, its ports and damping, and the crossover that ties the drivers together.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/cabinet-ports-and-crossovers.md

## Active vs passive speakers: which kind of system do you want?

Amplifier inside or outside? Two systems, two costs, two upgrade paths.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/active-vs-passive-speakers.md

## Home hi-fi vs studio monitors: two briefs, one goal

What a studio monitor is built to do, and the brands that sell to both worlds.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/hifi-vs-studio-monitors.md

## Amplifiers explained: a century of designs, and what the numbers mean

A century of amplifiers: integrated, monoblocks, classes, watts and impedance.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/amplifier-types-explained.md

## Sources: analog and digital

Where the music comes from: streaming, CD, vinyl, tape and radio — and what actually reaches your speakers.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/sources-streaming-cd-vinyl.md

## Bi-wiring and bi-amping: what the extra terminals are for

Those two pairs of terminals on the back of a speaker, and whether bi-wiring or bi-amping is worth it.

https://truescaleaudio.com/en/guides/bi-wiring-and-bi-amping.md