Some floor standing loudspeakers are prone to easily toppling over posing a safety risk to vulnerable young toddlers.
This concern was raised in a Consumer Council test report on 11 pairs of floor standing speakers measuring in weight from 9.6 kg to 24 kg and in height from 85 cm to 105 cm.
The test indicated that some samples (2) were prone to falling at an angle of less than 10 degrees from the original position. At 15 degrees or more, almost all samples would topple over tumbling down the floor.
Considering the weight and height of the speakers, the impact of the crash could cause potential serious injury to young toddlers who happen to be nearly.
Parents should therefore be alerted to this potential hazard and always ensure that their infants and babies are not left unattended when near the listening area.
In general, loudspeakers vary in their performance as some are better than others in a particular aspect of music, and vice versa.
The test showed that with the aid of experienced panelists, most samples were judged to be more than competent in classical music; but few were considered all-rounder in different types of music - rock'n roll, pop songs, jazz/blues, and instrumental music.
Further, the test sets to verify a common belief that the length and gauge of the speaker wire, and twisting of the wire could affect the listening pleasure.
The panelists, however, could find hardly any difference in the sound quality between long twisted thin wire and normal straight thick wire. Generally consumers will do well to use speaker wire of a cross-section area of 2.5 to 4 sq. mm which is regarded suitable for most speakers.
For further information on the technical measurements of the speakers included in test - conducted in a controlled environment for frequency response, sensitivity, low frequency sound pressure level and impedance - consumers are urged to consult the test report in CHOICE.
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