Home Audio buying guide

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Contents

1 Building a Home Audio System
2 Related Guides
3 International Resources
4 Related Searches

Home Audio

Is listening to an iPod the same as having a mini surround sound system built into your eardrums?--I assure you it isn't. Personal audio systems are all fine and good if you are limited by the guidelines of public disturbance, but why settle for this when you are at home? You know you want to strip down to your knickers, pull out the Guitar Hero, and rock out like never before. I assure you that if you do this without the proper audio equipment, the experience will be lacklustre; because in these circumstances, no musical fantasy can be properly fulfilled without the right speakers.

Building a Home Audio System

Audio Shelf Systems
These audio mini-systems are easily ported and stored away. Best for homes that do not have their own professional audio room (i.e. most houses).

AV Receivers
These receivers amplify sound from a multitude of audio sources and they also route video signals to your telly. They can be programmed to whatever devices suit your needs.

CD Players and CD Changers
Play your favourite tunes with a CD player and don't worry about getting up to change the disc! CD changers hold anywhere from 5 to 300 CDs and can be programmed with the remote or front panel.

DVD Minisystems
These stealthy shelf systems have a visual bonus to the lightweight and portable home theatre--great sound and great visuals!

Digital Music Systems
A digital music system will provide music and the ability to control your music in any room(s) of the house--regardless of where the source is placed.

Home Theatre Systems
Home cinema systems are entertainment systems that seek to reproduce movie theater quality video and audio in a private home.

Satellite Radio
Because this type of radio is broadcast by a communications satellite, it covers a much wider geographical range than that old stereo you refuse to bin.

Record Turntables
If you are an up and coming DJ who wants to practice his mixing--or simply a vinyl enthusiast--then you need to get one of these.

iPod and MP3 Player Speakers
Unless you want everyone at your parties to discuss your bad hostmanship, allow them to sample your tunes--simultaneously--with these speakers.

Digital Audio Recording Systems and Digital Recording Software
These hardware and software systems work together to capture and modify the audio files within a computer.

Subwoofers
Subwoofers are loudspeakers dedicated to the reproduction of bass audio frequencies. Without a subwoofer, these low frequencies would be otherwise inaudible.

Table Radios
Modern table radios have come a long way from the static spewing boxes of yesteryear. Now they offer features like HD Radio reception, iPod connectivity, and even wireless access to your PC music collection.

Tape Players
If you want to swing back to the old days, but not so far back that you end up with a record player, then it might be time to bring out the dusty box of 1980 cassette tapes.

Portable/Desktop/PC Speakers
You can't have surround sound without speakers, and home theatre speaker packages include a full set of matching surround speakers. Individual speakers can be bought also, but the work involved with buying them is tedious.

Music
There is little point in having a fantastic audio system and no music to play on it. Revisit musical favourites or learn about some new styles and artists by building up your music collection.