A Guide To Buying A New Audio System

Photo by William Hook

Music has a soothing effect on our emotions, and it’s only fitting to indulge our inner selves with the highest sound quality possible. When listening to your favorite tunes, it’s important to have them reproduced by a sound system that can achieve optimal audio performance. With the integration of home sound systems and home theaters, it’s now more crucial than ever to understand what to look for when purchasing a new sound system for your home, considering both sound quality and setup.

While the idea of gigantic speakers and powerful receivers may excite you, it may not be the ideal scenario for your listening space. You first need to determine what size of components your room can accommodate. Decide where the system will be located and find out the dimensions of the TV, disc player, receiver, amplifier, and any other components you plan to have. Calculate the combined space these components will occupy and ensure they fit well in an entertainment center or shelving unit. Components crammed together too tightly can overheat and malfunction.

Speaker size and placement are also important factors to consider. Think about where you typically sit while listening to your system. Ideally, the front speakers should be equidistant from your seating position. As a general guideline, the speakers should form a 22-30 degree angle from the television. While large speakers may seem appealing, they can be overwhelming for a smaller listening area. In a confined space, large speakers tend to compete with each other rather than projecting sound in a cohesive manner. Speakers that fit spatially in a room provide clearer audio.

Although it may seem trivial, the weight of the collective components is far from insignificant. Shelving units without sufficient load-bearing capacity will lose their structural integrity over time and start to warp. This not only compromises the aesthetics but also leads to potential breakage. You wouldn’t want to witness your large TV, disc player, and receiver collapsing onto the floor. Simply look up the weight specifications for each component online or visit a store to gather this information.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision when purchasing the right sound system. Finding the appropriate size and power for your room is key, ensuring a satisfying viewing and listening experience every time.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME