A compact speaker usually reproduces a broad frequency range of the sound, however, highly dependent on the size, construction, and quality. Many choose a rack speaker, as it is not as bulky as a floor loudspeaker, or because it meets the needs of most people - as long as one disregards the cheap models of course. This speaker type is placed either in a rack, as the name suggests, or, as is best recommended, on a speaker stand matched to size.

A well-designed rack speaker can often create a sound image of surprisingly large size, so it doesn't always have to be necessary with a large floor speaker in the living room.