Technical speaker specifications aren't everyone's choice of bedtime reading.
Phrases such as 'near field' and 'ultra linear frequency response' tend to only have audiophiles grinning over their Horlicks.
But getting to grips with the basics can help you draw a budgetary line in the sand. And stop you spending more (or less) than you need.
When looking at specifications, there are two main things to consider:
Output power
Frequency response
There are of course secondary considerations - how the speakers look, how many devices you can plug into them, and their portability. But when it comes to how they sound, these are the two things that really matter.
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Output power refers to how loud they can go, and still accurately reproduce the sound of the original source. In a small room you could get away with power of 10-20W. But for a larger average room, you're looking at 40W. And naturally the bigger the space, the more power is required.
The frequency response refers to how well the speaker plays music at high and low frequencies. For example, if the specification says 'flat response from 50Hz to 2.5kHz' then the speaker should pay music accurately at all those frequencies with no distortions.
In practical terms, this means a speaker that can reliably reproduce everything from from drum 'n' bass, to a soprano aria. And the wider their versatility, the more they will cost.
If you mainly listen to pop, there's a good chance you'll never need such a high-spec speaker. This is where it's worth trying them out with your own music, to see what makes you happy.
Click through our gallery to see why you might want to spend a bit more...
8 Reasons To Buy Expensive Speakers
Sound in every room of your house(01 of08)
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If you want to have sound in every room of your home, then a wireless home entertainment system, such as a Sonos, will give you access to all your music easily in every room of your house.However, this will not come cheaply. (credit:Donna Day via Getty Images)
Surround-sound home entertainment system(02 of08)
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You'll pay for an expensive speaker system if you want surround-sound. This could be a great investment if you watch lots of movies, or are a games lover.The system will include multiple speakers that can be placed around the room to give that all-important 'surround sound' effect. (credit:archideaphoto via Getty Images)
To avoid distortion(03 of08)
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At the loudness limit of any sound system, the sound will always be distorted. One way of avoiding distortion is to buy a sound system that distorts in ways that are less unpleasant to the ear.This is one of the reasons that sound systems based on 'tube amplifiers' are popular among audiophiles.Tube amplifiers are also said to produce a 'warmer' sound. But they are also much more expensive. (credit:John Slater via Getty Images)
Better materials(04 of08)
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Cheaper sound systems have cheaper casing boxes made of plastic. This can adversely affect the sound quality. Typically, speakers that come in wooden boxes will sound better than those that come in plastic cabinets. (credit:Tommy Ingberg via Getty Images)
To produce loud noises(05 of08)
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Sound systems that are able to produce loud sounds without distortion are going to be inherently more expensive.A 100W speaker system that can comfortably produce much higher volumes without distortion than a 20W speaker set, will not be cheap. (credit:Tommy Ingberg via Getty Images)
Cooler design(06 of08)
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If you want really gorgeous walnut-cased speakers, don't expect them to be the cheapest versions out there. (credit:czekma13 via Getty Images)
Speakers don't go out of date(07 of08)
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If you invest in more expensive speakers, you don't need to worry about upgrading them in a year's time.There's little chance of speaker technology going out of date (like with, say, your PC).The fundamental technology is based on wires and magnets. So unless there's some remarkable advance in material science, the wires are always going to be made of copper. (credit:Jorg Greuel via Getty Images)
They'll last a lifetime(08 of08)
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Speakers are very hardy.Whether you spend £50 or £500 the parts inside the box are unlikely to wear out.So if they last six months, they'll probably last forever.That said. If you do spend less, that also means you'll probably never buy anything better. So it might be worth investing now. (credit:ugde via Getty Images)