| Audio Systems Buying Guide You want a new sound system...but how do you make sure you get the best one for you? |
| This guide can help you choose the very best home audio equipment for your money. The same guidelines can be used to get the best home theater sound system as well, because the movie soundtracks will sound better if the music and speech sound closer to the real thing. (The other major component of movie soundtracks, the "big bass," simply requires a good, powerful subwoofer system capable of handling Tyrannosaurus Rex footfalls and so on. We'll talk about that, too.) |
| 1. How can I tell a good system from one not as good? |
| 2. I don't think I'll hear any differences in different components. I haven't been able to before when I listened to two different units. |
| 3. Is there some formula I should use to know how much to spend on each part of my system? |
| 4. What part of the system is most important? |
| 5. I want a good system, but I can't afford to buy it all at once. What is the best way to start and then upgrade my system? |
| 6. Can I use a 100 watt amplifier with a 60 watt speaker? |
| 8. Should I buy separate components instead of a receiver or integrated amplifier? |
| 9. Should I get a surround sound receiver? |
| 10. Do I need a subwoofer to get good bass response? |
| 11. Do the audio cables make a difference in the sound? |
| 12. Why does Audio Systems carry some brands and not others? |
1. How can I tell a good system from one not as good? Or, What kind of stereo
will give me pleasure for the longest time?
will give me pleasure for the longest time?
The short answer is: the kind that sounds the closest to the original live performance.
Let's go a little deeper, though. What is it about a live performance makes it really exciting? The best
thing about the best live performances is the interaction between the performers-- each one doing their
best, and listening to the playing (or singing) of the others to enhance the entire performance.
thing about the best live performances is the interaction between the performers-- each one doing their
best, and listening to the playing (or singing) of the others to enhance the entire performance.
Assuming the recordings are of really good performances, then, the best stereo will let you hear just
how good the performance is. You will be able to hear the relationship of the various voices and
instruments to each other. The rhythms of the performers will all propel the music, not break up the
music's flow.
how good the performance is. You will be able to hear the relationship of the various voices and
instruments to each other. The rhythms of the performers will all propel the music, not break up the
music's flow.
So, listen to the stereo as if it were a live performance. Which system plays the best performance
from the players? The quality of the performance counts far more than the quantity of sound. If none
of the systems do very well, try better equipment to move to a level that does thrill, excite, or move
you. If your system is good enough,it will expand your musical horizons. You will be able to listen to
and appreciate music that a mediocre system would blur together.
from the players? The quality of the performance counts far more than the quantity of sound. If none
of the systems do very well, try better equipment to move to a level that does thrill, excite, or move
you. If your system is good enough,it will expand your musical horizons. You will be able to listen to
and appreciate music that a mediocre system would blur together.
2. I don't think I'll hear any differences in different components. I haven't been
able to before when I listened to two different units.
able to before when I listened to two different units.
You'll probably be surprised to find that you can hear the difference between two units-- if it's quiet
enough to hear (like it would be in your own home). This is the worst part of shopping in an
electronics "superstore." It's so noisy, you can't hear any differences between different components.
This is like buying a car without being able to drive it.
enough to hear (like it would be in your own home). This is the worst part of shopping in an
electronics "superstore." It's so noisy, you can't hear any differences between different components.
This is like buying a car without being able to drive it.
Our experience is that anyone who can tell the difference between two brands of vanilla ice cream,
can tell the difference between two different shirt fabrics, and so on, will be able to hear the
difference between two different CD players or two different amplifiers or ...
can tell the difference between two different shirt fabrics, and so on, will be able to hear the
difference between two different CD players or two different amplifiers or ...
3. Is there some formula I should use to know how much to spend on each part of my system?
No. Sometimes you will read an article advising you to spend so much on the speakers, so much on
the amplifier, and so on. This kind of formula is so general as to be useless. A good store will be able
to help you pick out a system that will give you the best sound for the money, considering your tastes,
your room size,and the number of sources you are going to use.
the amplifier, and so on. This kind of formula is so general as to be useless. A good store will be able
to help you pick out a system that will give you the best sound for the money, considering your tastes,
your room size,and the number of sources you are going to use.
4. Which part of the system is most important?
The source of the music (the CD player, LP player, or FM tuner (radio)) is the most important part of
the stereo, because all the parts that follow the source in the stereo chain depend on the information
available initially.
the stereo, because all the parts that follow the source in the stereo chain depend on the information
available initially.
The next most important component is the amplifier, and then finally the speakers. But wait,
you say, I've always heard the speakers were most important.
you say, I've always heard the speakers were most important.
It's true that the speakers are the last stereo component before your ears, and, of course, you
can certainly hear differences in the performance of various speakers. Loudspeakers, though,
are totally dependent on what is sent to them for their performance.
can certainly hear differences in the performance of various speakers. Loudspeakers, though,
are totally dependent on what is sent to them for their performance.
Put another way, the loudspeakers do not know what note to play,they can only play 100% of
whatever is sent to them from the source and amplifier. If the signal sent to the loudspeakers is not
very good, then "not very good" is all you can get out of the speaker.
whatever is sent to them from the source and amplifier. If the signal sent to the loudspeakers is not
very good, then "not very good" is all you can get out of the speaker.
You'll find that good inexpensive speakers with a good source and amplifier will be more fun to listen
to than more expensive speakers with a poorer source and amplifier. The more expensive speakers
will show you even better what the problems are with the source and amplifier.
to than more expensive speakers with a poorer source and amplifier. The more expensive speakers
will show you even better what the problems are with the source and amplifier.
Try it. A stereo that has good sound with small speakers is more fun than a stereo with mediocre
sound, but using big speakers. That's the way it works.
sound, but using big speakers. That's the way it works.
5. I want a good system, but I can't afford to buy it all at once. What is the best
way to start and then upgrade my system?
way to start and then upgrade my system?
Not surprisingly, the best way to start a good system is with the most important part... the source. If
you have a really good source component, the system will be enjoyable even with modest
amplification and speakers. Then, as your budget allows, you can get a better amplifier, and later, the
better speakers that complete your basic sound system. After the basic system is complete, you may
want to add surround sound for movies, or perhaps sound for other rooms in your home.
you have a really good source component, the system will be enjoyable even with modest
amplification and speakers. Then, as your budget allows, you can get a better amplifier, and later, the
better speakers that complete your basic sound system. After the basic system is complete, you may
want to add surround sound for movies, or perhaps sound for other rooms in your home.
By following this upgrade path (source to amplifier to speakers)you will always have an enjoyable
sound. On the other hand, if you get good speakers but skimp on the source or amplifier, the sound
overall will be disappointing, because the speakers can only play the not-so-good sound of the
source.
sound. On the other hand, if you get good speakers but skimp on the source or amplifier, the sound
overall will be disappointing, because the speakers can only play the not-so-good sound of the
source.
6. Can I use a 100 watt amplifier with a 60 watt speaker?
Yes. Loudspeakers are hurt more often with too little power, rather than too much power. In any
case, if the speaker sounds like it is distorting, or in distress (making noises not related to the
music), turn the system down. This simple rule is always effective.
case, if the speaker sounds like it is distorting, or in distress (making noises not related to the
music), turn the system down. This simple rule is always effective.
7. Can I hook my television, DVD, cable or satellite to my stereo?
Sure, and you should, if you want better sound from video sources. You don't need a surround
sound system to get better sound from TV and movies. Just think how much better your stereo
amplifier and speakers sound than the 4" to 6" speakers found in TV sets. You'll get far more
enjoyment out of a good video sound system because the voices and music will sound more
realistic-- for the same reason a good audio system is so much more fun than a mediocre one.
sound system to get better sound from TV and movies. Just think how much better your stereo
amplifier and speakers sound than the 4" to 6" speakers found in TV sets. You'll get far more
enjoyment out of a good video sound system because the voices and music will sound more
realistic-- for the same reason a good audio system is so much more fun than a mediocre one.
8. Should I buy separate components instead of a receiver or integrated amplifier?
The best reason to get separates is that they can sound better than a receiver or integrated
amplifier. On the other hand, the separates are almost certainly going to be more expensive than
multiple components on a single chassis.
amplifier. On the other hand, the separates are almost certainly going to be more expensive than
multiple components on a single chassis.
The separates can sound better than multiple components on a single chassis because you get
separate power supplies specific to the components task, less background noise by separating the
circuits, and more space and budget for the circuitry. Obviously, you can only choose which is best
for you by listening to see if the difference in performance is worth the difference in price.
separate power supplies specific to the components task, less background noise by separating the
circuits, and more space and budget for the circuitry. Obviously, you can only choose which is best
for you by listening to see if the difference in performance is worth the difference in price.
9. Should I get a "surround sound"receiver?
Maybe. A surround sound receiver has everything you need for movie and TV surround in one
box: all five channels of amplification , plus a decoder to send the different sounds to different
speakers. Sounds appealing, right?
box: all five channels of amplification , plus a decoder to send the different sounds to different
speakers. Sounds appealing, right?
There are drawbacks, however. For the many people who listen to music as much or more than
listen to movies, the overall quality of the sound is going to suffer by using a surround sound
receiver. When you get this many items in one box, for a relatively low price, the quality of each
part is not going to be that great. Stereo sound is only as good as the weakest link, so a receiver
with several weak links will generally yield a mediocre result, compared to the same amount of
money spent on a two channel system for music, dialogue,and sound effects. Then, too, many
movies do not have interesting surround sound information, so the money invested in the decoder
and extra amps and speakers doesn't do anything useful.
listen to movies, the overall quality of the sound is going to suffer by using a surround sound
receiver. When you get this many items in one box, for a relatively low price, the quality of each
part is not going to be that great. Stereo sound is only as good as the weakest link, so a receiver
with several weak links will generally yield a mediocre result, compared to the same amount of
money spent on a two channel system for music, dialogue,and sound effects. Then, too, many
movies do not have interesting surround sound information, so the money invested in the decoder
and extra amps and speakers doesn't do anything useful.
How are you going to use your system? If you will primarily listen to movies and TV, then a
surround sound receiver may well be the best way for you. If you mix music and video, or prefer
the highest quality sound without the effects, then you will probably enjoy a good two channel
system more.
surround sound receiver may well be the best way for you. If you mix music and video, or prefer
the highest quality sound without the effects, then you will probably enjoy a good two channel
system more.
10. Do I need a subwoofer to get good bass response?
One thing is certain-- most movies are a lot more fun with a good, powered subwoofer. A
powered subwoofer has its own amplifier, just for the subwoofer. For several reasons, the
powered type of subwoofer is the only one worth considering.
powered subwoofer has its own amplifier, just for the subwoofer. For several reasons, the
powered type of subwoofer is the only one worth considering.
Music reproduction with a subwoofer is generally better, but it is not improved as much as movie
soundtracks. In the movie soundtracks,the bass is often not part of a musical event, but just a way
to move your body around. In Jurassic Park, for instance, the footfalls of Tyrannosaurus Rex are
just low frequency booomp, booomp, booomp.
soundtracks. In the movie soundtracks,the bass is often not part of a musical event, but just a way
to move your body around. In Jurassic Park, for instance, the footfalls of Tyrannosaurus Rex are
just low frequency booomp, booomp, booomp.
Music, on the other hand, must have a lowest frequency sound and the harmonic structure to
make it musical. For music, a loud bass sound is not good enough, because the bass sound is part
of the higher frequency notes that make the sound of instrument or voice.
make it musical. For music, a loud bass sound is not good enough, because the bass sound is part
of the higher frequency notes that make the sound of instrument or voice.
If your system is primarily for music reproduction, a subwoofer is probably not necessary. If you
want the best movie soundtrack sound,then you should get a subwoofer.
want the best movie soundtrack sound,then you should get a subwoofer.
11. Do the audio cables make a difference in the sound?
Yes, they do. The cables that come with your components for free, as you might guess, are not
the best cables. You don't have to spend a fortune on good cables, but you should regard the
transfer of information from one component to the next as important. Ask us for
recommendations, and try out some good cables when you get your system.
the best cables. You don't have to spend a fortune on good cables, but you should regard the
transfer of information from one component to the next as important. Ask us for
recommendations, and try out some good cables when you get your system.
12. Why does Audio Systems carry these brands and not some others?
Because these particular companies offer the best value. We believe that every person wants
the most for the money.
the most for the money.
In stereo systems, the most for your money means the closest to the original sound, for the
amount of money spent, and with components that are reliable. Each of our manufacturers must
meet these requirements. As a result, many highly advertised brands and companies that are
currently in vogue do not meet our standards.
amount of money spent, and with components that are reliable. Each of our manufacturers must
meet these requirements. As a result, many highly advertised brands and companies that are
currently in vogue do not meet our standards.
While many companies make pretty good products, you don't want just "pretty good" for your
sound system. You want the very best equipment for the money spent.
sound system. You want the very best equipment for the money spent.
OK, now I know more than I did. But what if I still have more questions?
Please ask us! As you see, we specialize in home audio-video systems. We really
enjoy our own systems and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
enjoy our own systems and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Audio Systems
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Tel: 512-451-5736 Fax: 512-323-5574
Tues-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-6, Closed Sun.,Mon.
Tues-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-6, Closed Sun.,Mon.
| 7. Can I hook my television, DVD, and VCR to my stereo? |
1102 West Koenig, Austin, Texas 78756