So you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade from your old “Boom-Box” to a sound system. What do you need?
Now with the availability of affordable systems, surround sound is a quality everyone can enjoy. One of the first questions you need to ask yourself is, “Where will you be putting it?” This will tell you how big the room is, and how your system will be installed in the space.
A typical sound system consists of an AV Receiver, which is commonly called an Amp. The Av Receiver is the unit that you connect to all your audio & visual gadgets such as your Bluray Player, Xbox, Projector so you can hear the sound through the speakers. You may remember them as the box with the dozens of coloured input terminals at the back.
Receivers range in price, depending on the built in features. You should ask questions about these various features before you buy, because what one person wants or needs, may not suit you.
Next on the list are your speakers. Most typical rooms suit a 5.1 system which sounds complicated, but essentially means that you have 5 speakers and a Subwoofer (which is the .1). This comprises of 2 front speakers (left & right), a centre speaker, and 2 rear speakers (left & right). A subwoofer compliments your system producing the bass tones.
Surround sound, defined by the ability to hear the sound coming from all areas of your room, gives a fuller audio experience compared to a system without rear speakers or subwoofer.
If you have a large room, you may choose to expand to a 7.1 system. This includes 2 additional speakers which will typically be positioned half way between the front & rear speakers, on the left & right hand side of the room.
Keep in mind when choosing your speakers, that in this case bigger is often better. It doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy the biggest speakers you can find, especially if it means you will be tripping over them, or lose space for your couch. You should know that although a big speaker produces more sound diversity, there are speakers in various sizes which still provide excellent sound.
Selby techs are available to speak with if you would like to discuss your needs. Call 1800 69 2225 Monday – Friday 9am-5pm