In the present world of electronic media, one has got many ways of entertainment at his footsteps. Among these an integrated audio system is a great option to go for. An audio equipment is that which collects sound inputs from various sources, mixes them and reproduces a high quality amplified output for a quality hearing experience.
The basic elements we need to buy for a best audio system:
- High sound clarity.
- A Hi-Fi kick of bass.
- Portability.
- Wide Range of connectivity with other peripherals and other audio sources.
- Multiple features like radio, cassette players, voice recording facility, etc.
- A reasonable price tag.
Key specification tips for best audio system:
- First of all focus on the specification board of the product. There are numerous specification heads of which some are the most important ones which decide the listening quality of your device.
- Among these, the surround sound encoding/decoding pluginssuch as Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus (The next generation of Dolby Digital), Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS, etc. are the best in this business. Dolby Digital is an old famous name for its excellence in sound processing and reproducing surround sound effect for a mind-rocking hearing experience.
- Next comes the frequency range part which generally comes as 40 Hz-20 KHz +/-3dB which implies that the system can reproduce sound waves of the above frequency range within a tolerance of 3 decibels which generally is the hearing range of human beings. The lower is the low-limit, the more is the sound clarity.
- The number of speakers or channelsdepends on the individual’s choice and appropriateness of his house. He can chose from 2.0, 2.2, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 audio channels of which the 5.1 audio channel is so far the best for a medium sized room for a pleasant hearing experience. It consists of a main woofer delivering the main bass thump along with 5 sub-woofers which give the rest part of the music other than the bass.
- Sound Resolution is another important factor which differentiates thinly between two almost identical sounds. A good sound system has this quality inbuilt. It is importance to create a clear difference between a high pitched sound and a low pitched sound without much alteration in the power output.
- Another most common but confusing feature is the bass output. It’s not about how much the room vibrates or how much your doors and windows thump. Excessive bass output often blurs the clarity of the sound coming from the sub-woofers and spoils the fun. Instead, the bass should be a modest one which has got it’s own platform completely isolated from the finest sound outputs.
- Connectivity to other peripheral systems such as MP3 players, i-phones, headphones, TV, etc. boosts the flexibility of the product. Besides, most of the audio systems are nowadays equipped with AM/FM radio, Flash Drive Readability port, Satellite Radio Receiver, Colorful LCD display, cassette player, etc. which adds on to the multiple functionality of the product and enhances the style statement of the also.
- Another important checkpoint is the selection of the number of sources of signal input. As for example, if one wants to get the audio output of his TV in the music system box, he will need to connect the two with a RCA co-axial cable. For this, one needs to check the connectivity of the system and the connection ports provided with the device. Many systems possess optical-fiber cable connectivity.
- One can choose between a wired system and an unwired system, the later being a bit heavy for the wallet.
- Apart from these, the sizeof the integrated audio equipment is an important issue. This again goes along with the size and requirement of one’s house interiors. A massive 7.1 system is absolutely inappropriate for a small room.
Tips for buying best audio equipment for your home:
- First of all listen to the sound yourself in the shop. If possible carry your own music CD/DVD with you which you are familiar to listen. Your ears are the best judge in this matter. Don’t focus on how loud it sounds. Rather concentrate on the clarity of the sound produced. Listen keenly to the depths of the sound. Make sure that the bass thump is not too high to suppress the audio output from the sub-woofers. If your ears give a green signal, don’t hesitate any more because that’s the right audio system for you.
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In this confusing market of electronic media, it’s really very hard to opt for a high quality integrated audio system. Despite numerous specifications available on the products people often get misguided while choosing a good music system. So it’s very important to have a clear idea about the criteria of a good quality audio system for one’s home; at least to make it worth the cost.
However, it is important to say at the end of this discussion that a “wise and well judged purchase is far more logical than the investment of a lot of bucks to purchase a big overpriced system”. This is because the satisfaction in such kind of investment comes from a hi-fi listening experience and not from a pointless price-tag show off.
