Kerry Armes

Dealer markup, direct-to-consumer audio, and DIY speaker kits all price products differently. Learn what you are actually paying for and which route offers the best value.

If you’ve spent any time looking at home audio upgrades, you’ve probably run into the idea of DIY speakers. The idea is simple: instead of buying a finished pair of speakers, you buy the drivers, crossover parts, cabinet components, damping, and wiring, then build the speakers yourself. But are DIY speakers kits actually worth it? The short answer: yes, they can be an excellent value, but only if you choose a well-designed kit. A good speaker kit can give you performance that competes with...

Connecting a subwoofer to a 2-channel audio system can significantly enhance your sound experience by adding depth and richness to music...