SpeakerCompare™ Patented Virtual Audio™ technology
There's always been one big hurdle when shopping for speakers online — you can't tell how they sound. SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through headphones. This exclusive Crutchfield technology lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so you can make a more informed shopping decision.
Grab your best set of headphones and listen!
We've preloaded a few bookshelf speakers so you can try it out
Klipsch Reference R-50M
KEF Q150
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20
1. Choose a new category below
2. Expand More info on up to four items and check Compare & listen
3. Select the Compare the sound tab at the bottom of the screen
1. Choose a new category below
2. Check Compare & listen on up to four speakers
3. Select the Compare the sound tab at the bottom of the screen
The best option without going to a showroom. A wonderful sound experience for comparing and listening to many speakers.
A better way to shop
Over 20 years ago, Bill Crutchfield imagined a new type of “virtual” store, where speakers could be demonstrated online — something that had never been done before. He hired a team of engineers and built a specially designed testing facility in Virginia. This patented Virtual Audio™ technology is now available as a shopping tool on our website, alongside conventional resources like reviews, feature lists, and specs.
Inside the research lab
It all starts inside our anechoic chamber. This acoustically neutral room uses sound-deadening material to eliminate reflections. It's where lead engineer Rick Wright captures each speaker’s frequency response, sensitivity, power handling, and other attributes. SpeakerCompare then tailors the listening experience to the specific type of headphones you have. "We control as much as we can," Rick explains, "so that you hear a realistic tonal comparison between the speakers."
How our technology works
First we carefully measure the sonic characteristics of each speaker inside our anechoic chamber.
Then we gather data on everything from room characteristics to how our ears work.
Finally, we create a unique profile for each speaker, so we can replicate it through your headphones.
Hear an accurate comparison
Hear an accurate comparison
If you don't have a set of headphones that we've researched, we recommend renting our SpeakerCompare Listening Kit for the most accurate experience.
Rent a kit 