A Guide to Understanding Home Audio
Home audio, whether used for television,
movies, video games or just music, can create an incredible
entertainment experience. Depending on the quality speakers and sound
system, a listener could easily transform their living room space into a
full-on home theater. Audio is just one component in a home theater
system, but it is an important one. It adds depth and suspense to any
entertainment center.
Technically, home audio refers to audio electronics that are intended
for home use but that are generally not built into standard equipment
such as television speakers. Rather, home audio is mostly accessory
equipment used to enhance or replace standard home speaker equipment.Types of Home Audio
- A/V receivers make it possible to amplify sound from a multitude of audio sources. They can also route video signals to your TV from various sources. These are very common in DVD players, VCRs and, more recently, MP3 players. The type of A/V receiver you have will determine what kind of speaker systems you can attach to your TV or radio.
- Woofers and subwoofers are loudspeaker drivers that produce low-frequency sounds. They are very valuable to a full home theater unit, because they amplify lower pitches, making sound fuller and more realistic. All surround-sound systems have at least one subwoofer.
- Headphones are more popular with single-person entertainment systems, but there are many different types, shapes and quality headphones. In-ear headphones are called earbuds or earphones, while out-ear headphones are known as headsets or stereophones. Special extension cords are available for movie viewers who don't want to disturb other household residents.
- Home theater systems from many manufacturers have audio speakers built directly into them. While they technically are not included in the "home audio" field, they are the most common form of home speaker systems used, so they are included here. Home theater systems are extremely common in modern LCD and plasma TVs, TV-DVD combo units and other home entertainment packages. While they typically have a lower quality sound, they do provide ample noise for the standard viewer.
- Floor-standing speakers, also known as loudspeakers, include woofers, but they also include other floor-standing speakers, wall units and shelf models. They are the most variable elements in a modern audio system, and they are usually responsible for the most distortion and audible differences between systems.
- Surround-sound is a system that generally encompasses a range of techniques for enriching sound reproduction quality in a home audio system. This usually includes a woofer, subwoofer, wall-mount speakers and other sound-defining features, depending on the system and manufacturer. Surround sound is popular in movie theaters, as well.
Important Home Audio Features
- Channels: There are 5.1- and 7.1-channel speaker systems. The 7.1 systems create a more convincing surround-sound experience. However, they have more speakers, which can be inconvenient if you are limited on space. There are also limited movies and radio sources that have 7.1-channel capabilities, mostly DVDs and Blu-rays. Some older receivers are only capable of outputting 5.1-channel audio, so if yours is one of them, then do not purchase a 7.1-channel system, because it won't be compatible.
- Music factor: If you plan to listen to music using your home audio, then you should look into spending more money. Many budget and mid-range speaker systems work well in creating movie audio but do a poorer job with music audio. To more successfully transmit music, speakers need to be able to reproduce many different sound waves and types, so the device quality must be higher.
- Room size: If you have a small living room where your home entertainment system will go, then six or eight speakers can quickly overwhelm the space. However, small satellites can help minimize visual impact on the room. Still, larger speakers often do a better job of providing smoother frequency response, because smaller speakers sometimes leave a gap between where they cut off and where the subwoofer picks up. If you want a higher quality system, then a bigger room may be necessary.
Home Audio To-Do List
- Test the speakers before you buy them. Personal opinion makes all the difference. While the line between awful and amazing speakers is obvious, the subtle levels in between are usually subjective to each listener. Ask the store manager if you can listen to the speakers before you buy them, so that you can hear for yourself what you will like. If the manager says you may not test them in store, then purchase from a vendor that has a good return policy, so that you may test the speakers from home and return them if necessary.
- Check the manufacturer's policy before making an online purchase. Many manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers, so they may void their warranty if you purchase your home audio through an unauthorized source. Even if the deal seems amazing, nothing is worth risking damage to or poor quality in a nonrefundable product.