Modern consumer electronics will really let freedom ring as you take your audio favorites just about anywhere! From personal iPods and MP3 players to car audio to home theaters, this audio buying guide presents basic information to help you wade through the options and help you pick the sound system that will be music to your ears.
Audio buying tips
When it comes to buying audio equipment, consider four points:
Price
You can go for an easy-on-the-pocket stereo, or you can go for broke with a pro-grade home theater that features a 5-foot wide HDTV plugged into 6-foot tall tower speakers. Before you begin, decide how much you're willing to spend, choose the room then pick the components that fit.
Location
The portable radio has almost, but not entirely, been replaced by portable CD players, iPods, MP3 players and even DVD players. You might think these wouldn't work in a home stereo. Actually, an iPod or MP3 player makes a great core component in a mini stereo system, and even a small DVD or CD player can run a big home theater, so you can save money by integrating mobile and home stereos. This is also true of car stereos and mobile video; many have plug-ins that connect to other types of components. If you're looking to build a major home theater system, remember that a 10-ft. x 10-ft. square room doesn't need the same audio system as a 15-ft. x 20-ft. room with seven corners. You should also consider factors that don't seem to matter: Does the room have large doors or open walls? Where are the electrical outlets and cable hook-ups? How is the room's traffic flow? These things will affect the sound output.
Options
Now that you have an audio system in mind, make a list of the components that fit your budget and rank those components: Number of speakers? Floor, bookshelf or wall mounted? Does it need to fit into an entertainment center? Will this be an indoor-only system or in and out of doors? The more questions you ask, the more you'll know exactly what to buy. When you know what you need and want, then it's time for comparison shopping.
Connections
Audio cables come in an amazing variety to deal with the amazing variety of technologies. Some are just wires; others are gold-plated and designed for specific types of components. You can't plug the wrong cable into electronics, so be sure you have the right cables or buy adapters. Good cables and adapters are relatively affordable; the best are not cheap, but they do provide superior signal transfer.
Parts of a Home Theater
Amplifiers and pre-amps
Basically, every device that makes sound has an amplifier. Modern microphones are very small and use a tiny amount of electricity which, when recorded without amplification, would reproduce as a whisper. Think of an amplifier as a copier set to enlarge; in fact, imagine using two copiers. The first is the pre-amp. If a recording has very low signal or a lot of distortion, a preamp can strengthen and clean up the signal, then the amplifier will power it up to speaker level.
Equalizers
Recorded sounds can be run through this device that raises or lowers the volume of selected frequencies without affecting volume of other frequencies, in effect, fine tuning output to the personal preference of the listener.
Receivers
The heart of the audio system, with pre-amp, amp, microchips and plugs aplenty -- they provide power to the speakers; they also take codes and signals from radio, CDs, DVDs, TV or other sources, decode them, amplify them and send them into the speakers. A receiver can combine any of several components -- a pre-amp, amplifier, equalizer, radio tuner (newer models may be Internet or satellite radio-ready), DVD or CD player, and maybe more, especially in a home theater in a box.
CD players
Come in many sizes, from the single-disc CD player to the modern equivalent of the malt shop jukebox, CD changers. Many also have an AM/FM radio built-in. CD recorders are also available for those who want to keep audio records of family and friends.
iPod and MP3 Players
Provide, for many, the ultimate audio freedom -- go almost anywhere, use almost anytime. Docks for these mobile units can form the core of mini stereo systems or be a component of a larger home theater. You can also upload/download music between portable players and your home system. Many iPods and MP3 players are integrated with cell phones, PDAs and other consumer electronics.
Radios
AM/FM radios are still the way to listen to local broadcast stations, especially the new HD radios, which have more stations. A satellite radio tuner is another inexpensive way to access to dozens of stations -- live via satellite from all over the world!
8-tracks, cassette decks and turntables
No joke here; many people still have audio cassettes and vinyl disks, many are becoming collectors' items, so don't throw away those 'manhole covers'; take a walk down memory lane with the original analogue tracks.
Speakers
Sold individually or as multi-speaker systems. Stereo speakers always include a center speaker (also called a center channel speaker) -- the core sound, dialogue, music, etc. -- with other satellite speakers:
- Left & right speakers: placed in front of listeners to create 3-dimensional sound effects.
- Left & right surround speakers: placed just behind listeners to add depth.
- Rear surround speakers: one or two speakers placed left & right in the back of the room for additional realism.
- Subwoofer: placed near the receiver or center speaker to pound out those really low notes.
Speaker placement can also be important:
- Floor standing speakers do just that; if they are very tall, they're called tower speakers.
- Speaker stands get floor speakers off the floor, creating what some consider a better sound.
- Bookshelf speakers are small, unobtrusive units that sit quietly (well, not so quietly sometimes) between Shakespeare and J. K. Rowling.
- Wireless speakers use radio transmission instead of wires; makes for an uncluttered look.
- Wall mounts are the hardware needed to attach the speaker to the studs.
- Wall speakers (or in-wall speakers) are designed for recessed wall or ceiling boxes.
- Outdoor speakers are weatherproofed, but also work indoors.
Home Theater in a Box
It's a complete home theater system in a kit. HTIB, as it's sometimes called, is a great concept in affordable home audio -- video & audio receiver plus surround sound speakers (usually 5.1-channel) all sold together. Some home theater sets include a DVD or VHS player and a power amplifier. No TVs yet -- guess they had to draw the line somewhere. Most people prefer buying audio components separately, but this is a great first-time audio system or to buy for a small apartment or dorm.
Audio component care
Audio systems and related devices don't require much care. Few have moving parts to break, but dust, heat and humidity can cause problems. Electrical components will wear out eventually, so extend their service life by not abusing them:
Wipe down the exteriors regularly. Buy a can of air and blow clean the openings, air vents, CD & DVD slots, etc. Never blow them clean yourself; the humidity in your breath is bad mojo. A room dehumidifier or air purifier is worth considering.
Electricity flow generates heat, so be sure the components get proper ventilation. Don't place them in completely enclosed cabinets. If your home theater room gets hot, use a fan or air conditioner and always turn components off when not in use.
"Heads" are the components that actually read the VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs and so on. These also need to be cleaned. Commercial kits are available, inexpensive, quick to use and components give put out better sound with clean heads.
For more information :
Consumers Union is a non-profit products testing service. They publish Consumer Reports magazine, which accepts no advertising so they can remain objective. Since 1936, they have independently tested and evaluated thousands of products for consumer use (http://www.consumerreports.org).
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., has specialized in consumer safety testing since 1894. The "UL" mark is a prized achievement for millions of consumer products--it's a certification that products are physically and environmentally safe (http://www.ul.com).
Phoenix Roberts has been a journalist, freelance writer and desktop publisher for over 10 years. Presently, he is an SEO Content Writer for Internet discount retailer Overstock.com (http://www.overstock.com).
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