Is it time to buy a new set of speakers? How much mileage does a sound system really get from a cheap pair of speakers? If the audio system's sound is less than outstanding, the answer to the first question is probably yes. The answer to the second question depends on several factors, but the short answer is "not much."
Where should speakers be located?
The left and right speaker in a set of speakers will separately reproduce each of two channels of a stereo recording. Buy extra speakers and experience near-total immersion in movies, music, or sporting events with surround sound from an HDTV, DVD, Blu-ray or audio file. To identify the best location for each speaker, choose a central listening point in the room. Normally, for home use, this point will be somewhere between the television and the back wall of the room.
The front surround sound speakers or front speakers for the stereo system should be placed on either side of the television at equal distances apart. Place them at a 30-degree angle toward the listening point. These will relay the sound effects or music that appears to be coming from the sides of the action point on the television. Usually, full-sized floor-standing speakers are the best choice. Since these units are fairly large, buy speakers that blend into the background of the room's décor. If full-sized speakers don't fit, consider purchasing bookshelf speakers instead.
Center-channel speakers are designed to relay the movie soundtrack. This includes music, speech, and some sound effects. This speaker is ideally situated either at the top or the bottom of the TV screen, directly in front of the listening point. This will make the sound appear to be coming directly from the television screen. Choose the biggest possible center channel speaker.
Situate the surround speakers on the left and right sides, just behind, the listening point. These will act in conjunction with front speakers to fully surround the listeners with the music or sound effects. Floor or bookshelf units, or even small satellite speakers work well in this position, and can be placed on tables or attached to the wall. For other alternatives, consider in-wall and ceiling speakers, or even wireless speakers, that will help enhance sound without being conspicuous.
The final set of speakers in the surround sound system is the rear surround speakers. Choose from two configurations. A single rear speaker can be mounted behind the listening point, offering 6.1 surround sound. To achieve 7.1 surround sound, mount two rear speakers instead. Surround systems using Dolby Digital or DTS playback, which offer five audio channels, do not require rear speakers.
Although it's technically not a speaker, a subwoofer is an essential part of a good surround sound system. It is designed to relay bass and low-frequency sounds. These are available in a number of different sizes and shapes, and are usually locate well out of the way. A remote corner of the room is idea for good bass response. As a general rule, larger subwoofers yield a deeper bass tone than a smaller unit will.
Optimize the Audio Output with Receivers, Equalizers, and Amplifiers
Receivers are an essential part of a good sound system because they send power to the speakers and permit the adjustment of certain sound settings, including treble or bass output. They are useful for home entertainment systems, and most are equipped with an internal AM/FM radio as well.
Stereo receivers deliver stereo audio that originates from conventional music sources, such as CD, radio, audiocassette, or even turntables. In comparison, home theater receivers are designed to send power to several speakers and relay audio from DVDs or high-definition television. These receivers can also be used to play traditional music sources as well.
For the ultimate experience in sound control, purchase separate preamplifiers, amplifiers, and equalizers. An equalizer will either boost or moderate a signal from an audio output device. Sometimes it's necessary to buy a separate equalizer in order to properly balance the audio signal. In comparison, a preamplifier is constructed to increase a low-intensity sound before this sound gets to the amplifier. This will result in a cleaner sound and decrease the amount of noise produced.
A good amplifier is critical to maximizing sound output. A quality amplifier should provide a minimum power of at least 100 watts for each channel of audio. Another important consideration is total harmonic distortion, or THD. This measures the purity of an amplifier's signal. THD is an indication of how clean the sound from music or movies will be. The best amplifiers will feature THD ratings of less than one-tenth of a percent. These also provide the cleanest sound.
Playing music on a good home audio system with these home audio components is easy, and the sound is outstanding. Play CDs on a single-disc player or rotate between several favorites using a multi-disc CD player. Alternatively, opt for a CD recorder that will store music as well as play back CDs. For Mini Disc playback, choose a Sony Mini Disc player/recorder and listen to recordings of music or interviews.
For regular radio, turn on a receiver or add an AM/FM tuner. To listen to stations much further away, tune in with a satellite radio tuner and enjoy digital-quality music and cleaner sound. Download digital music, network it with the home entertainment system, and play it back using a digital audio server. For older classics, or to play back collections of older music, opt for a cassette deck or even a turntable.
Turn up the volume and enjoy music at any level with headphones. To avoid being disturbed by other noises, choose noise-canceling headphones. Alternatively, choose to move around freely with the use of wireless headphones.
Cables and Other Accessories
Additional home audio gear is required to connect speakers and amplifiers, and to make the sound system complete. Opt for a single universal remote control to manage each of the components on the home entertainment system. The best cables, surge protectors, and power centers are also a good investment. These will help to provide a good signal without risking a power surge or short that would permanently damage the entire audio system.
Use speaker cab les to connect the speakers with the receiver. Buy enough cable to make the connection easily, and allow about two feet of extra cable for each connection so that the components can be easily moved. For high-quality low-frequency sound, buy subwoofer cables to connect the subwoofer with the system.
A coaxial RF cable allows an AM/FM tuner, a turntable, VCR, or even an analog TV antenna to be connected to the sound system. For digital audio, use a 75-ohm digital audio cable. Be certain that the receiver inputs are identical to the audio source outputs. Optical digital cables, or Toslink cables, are useful for transferring digital audio from high-definition TVs, digital music players, and certain DVD players. As with other digital audio cables, verify that receiver input is identical to source output.
Cheap speakers may generate a loud sound, but a quality home audio system means a small investment in both time and cash. Put some effort and money into the entertainment system, and soon you will have a surround system that will be the envy of all your friends and neighbors. Be warned, though, everyone will probably demand that the next Superbowl Party, and the next, be held at your house!