Home Audio Equipment
The right home audio equipment can amplify your enjoyment of your home. A good sound system can help you entertain guests, maximize your recreation time, or just help you relax after a long day. With the many options out there, though, where does a newbie even begin the process of navigating all the different systems and the various electronic components available? Speakers, preamplifiers, turntables, MP3 players ... what does it all mean? And how much do you have to spend in order to find optimum entertainment value? Whether you're creating a whole new audio system or just adding to the entertainment system you already have, the first thing you need is a quick elementary education on some of the different electronic parts that go into sound equipment. Armed with this basic information, you can make wiser decisions about which components are best for your new home audio system.
Sound source
Every audio system needs basic components to work properly. The concept of 'stereo sound' is defined as using multiple audio sources or microphones to create a kind of three-dimensional sound effect. In other words, this setup generates the effect that the sound is more lifelike, rather than coming from just one direction. The first stereophonic sound was used in Paris in the early 1880s when French inventor Clement Ader demonstrated his two-channel audio system. The system used a series of telephone transmitters connected from the Paris Opera stage to various rooms at the Paris Electrical Exhibition, allowing listeners to hear the live performances through receivers for each ear. The first modern stereo came onto the scene in 1931. Invented by electrical engineer Alan Blumlein, this system was used to improve the sound of early talking pictures. Today, home stereo systems are typically set up either with the two-channel arrangement, allowing sound to come from both the left and the right sides, or the 'surround-sound' system, generating sound from left, right, and center, with this type of system requiring additional electronic components. Naturally, then, the first thing your audio system will need is an audio source, such as an MP3 player, CD player, or even a record player. The electronic components of these such as the semiconductors and capacitors that hold and manage the electrical current can sometimes be as important as the device itself. Professionals at audio stores can help decide which electronic components and audio sources are best for you. There are many types of devices offered in stores and on the internet today. If you're looking to build a whole new home audio system, or simply add to your current system, always be sure to do a little research about the different options available.
Sound power
The second most important electronic part of your home audio system is your speakers. In fact, you will probably invest a good bit of your budget on these. You will want to choose speakers that recreate the most natural sound possible. The sound coming out of your speakers should not sound brassy, and your speakers should not distort the sound. A good way to help you decide which speakers are right for your system is to take your favorite CD to a retail store and ask them to play it. Sit back, close your eyes, and listen for a good, natural sound. Don't automatically think that the more you spend on speakers, the better the sound. Some of the more expensive speakers only cost more because they create louder sound, not better quality. Louder sound is not the idea. Recreation of the music is what you're looking for in speakers. Good speakers should help you to almost see a soundstage before you, with the capacity to distinguish between the individual instruments. The more natural it sounds, the better the speakers.
Sound quality
The next electrical component in a home sound system is a preamplifier. Though not an absolute must, this device does help because, when used along with your audio equipment, it improves the overall sound quality. The preamplifier reads audio information sent from the source to the amplifier and decodes it. It prepares a small electrical signal for increased processing or amplification of the audio in your system. The benefits of a preamplifier are reduction of noise and interference. You may also want to include a preamplifier in order to boost the strength of your signal.
Talk to knowledgeable salespeople at some of the many retail shops about which audio playback devices such as MP3 players, CD players, and turntables. Then build on that device with the preamplifiers, amplifiers, and speakers that are right for your needs.
Sound source
Every audio system needs basic components to work properly. The concept of 'stereo sound' is defined as using multiple audio sources or microphones to create a kind of three-dimensional sound effect. In other words, this setup generates the effect that the sound is more lifelike, rather than coming from just one direction. The first stereophonic sound was used in Paris in the early 1880s when French inventor Clement Ader demonstrated his two-channel audio system. The system used a series of telephone transmitters connected from the Paris Opera stage to various rooms at the Paris Electrical Exhibition, allowing listeners to hear the live performances through receivers for each ear. The first modern stereo came onto the scene in 1931. Invented by electrical engineer Alan Blumlein, this system was used to improve the sound of early talking pictures. Today, home stereo systems are typically set up either with the two-channel arrangement, allowing sound to come from both the left and the right sides, or the 'surround-sound' system, generating sound from left, right, and center, with this type of system requiring additional electronic components. Naturally, then, the first thing your audio system will need is an audio source, such as an MP3 player, CD player, or even a record player. The electronic components of these such as the semiconductors and capacitors that hold and manage the electrical current can sometimes be as important as the device itself. Professionals at audio stores can help decide which electronic components and audio sources are best for you. There are many types of devices offered in stores and on the internet today. If you're looking to build a whole new home audio system, or simply add to your current system, always be sure to do a little research about the different options available.
Sound power
The second most important electronic part of your home audio system is your speakers. In fact, you will probably invest a good bit of your budget on these. You will want to choose speakers that recreate the most natural sound possible. The sound coming out of your speakers should not sound brassy, and your speakers should not distort the sound. A good way to help you decide which speakers are right for your system is to take your favorite CD to a retail store and ask them to play it. Sit back, close your eyes, and listen for a good, natural sound. Don't automatically think that the more you spend on speakers, the better the sound. Some of the more expensive speakers only cost more because they create louder sound, not better quality. Louder sound is not the idea. Recreation of the music is what you're looking for in speakers. Good speakers should help you to almost see a soundstage before you, with the capacity to distinguish between the individual instruments. The more natural it sounds, the better the speakers.
Sound quality
The next electrical component in a home sound system is a preamplifier. Though not an absolute must, this device does help because, when used along with your audio equipment, it improves the overall sound quality. The preamplifier reads audio information sent from the source to the amplifier and decodes it. It prepares a small electrical signal for increased processing or amplification of the audio in your system. The benefits of a preamplifier are reduction of noise and interference. You may also want to include a preamplifier in order to boost the strength of your signal.
Talk to knowledgeable salespeople at some of the many retail shops about which audio playback devices such as MP3 players, CD players, and turntables. Then build on that device with the preamplifiers, amplifiers, and speakers that are right for your needs.