Home Stereo Systems
Is There Only One Choice For Perfect Home Stereo Systems?
Think back in time, I want you to remember an old movie, not just any old movie, but one that speaks to each generation anew. The movie, “The Sound of Music”… Now imagine Julie Andrews standing on the hillside, her powerful and melodic voice singing, “The hills are alive with the sound of music”.
Music, no matter the genre, speaks to our soul, even more so when it’s delivered with clarity, power and brilliance. In order to achieve that brilliance you need quality (but affordable equipment). A quick trip to Amazon shows a wide assortment – (partial listing shown)
- Sony CMTBX20i Micro Hi-Fi Shelf System
- Denon DHT-391XP 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with HDMI 1.4a connectivity and 650-Watt Total System Power
- Bose Acoustimass 5 – Speaker System, ideal for stereo or home theater use
Or walk into almost any electronics store and you’ll see multiple brands and models on display. The sheer volume of choices is enough to make you run for those hills where Julie Andrews sang. How can the average consumers (unless they have a skilled audiophile in tow) make an informed buying decision?
In Real Estate its Location, Location, Location, and it’s really not much different when choosing a home stereo, where exactly do you want the stereo to sit? Think about the room where you (or your family) spend the most time listening to music, bedroom, basement, office or a common area?
Once you make this decision, choosing the best model will be that much easier, since you’ll know the ambiance and size and available shelf space of the room.
NOTE: Don’t worry about hearing the music in different areas of your home, a few wire runs (or wireless in the best case) and you can easily have… “Our Home Is Alive with the Sound of Music” (forgive me; I tend to get carried away).
Features
First off let’s dream about the possibilities and call it our “wish list”. I’m sure you know you can (if you have the budget) spend thousands when hundreds will usually do just fine. But for the moment, put budgetary concerns away and simply think about what you want; you can always put a sharp (budgetary) pencil to it later.
In today’s audio world, technology is a marvel and you can easily use you iPod (or other MP3 player) as a component, letting you listen to all your digital media whenever (and possibly wherever) you want.
What if you’re Old School?
While we live in a digital world, able to download almost any song (for a price) immediately, it’s still possible to listen to the oldies but goodies (albums and tapes). Fact of the matter is there are no real limitations except, budget, style and space.
Delivery (Speakers)
Even though I live in the world of audio, I’m still amazed at the technological marvels; stereo speakers have become extremely small, but still able (in most cases) to deliver impressive fidelity. Another quick trip to Amazon will show choices WELL under $100, up to $400 or more.
- Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker Package
- Sony SS-B1000 5 1/8-Inch Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
- Coby CSP96 300-Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System (Black)
What you’ll find is simply this… (and excuse the pun in advance) bigger isn’t always better.
Imagination
Take the time (and imagination) to sit in the space where your new stereo will reside, is the room big or small? Does it have good sound baffling or is there an echo (which might influence your choice). When you do this, you’ll begin to think in terms of the room (with its strengths and limitations) and can make a better decision concerning free standing or built-in speakers. It’s simply a matter of taste, space and budget and what may for work for me, could be completely different than you.
It’s not simply the hills, it’s the world that is alive with the sound of music, and soon (with a little careful planning) your home also.