Evaluate how well a Bookshelf Audio System meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a bookshelf audio system and you've learned about the different features of bookshelf audio systems. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of bookshelf audio system - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the bookshelf audio systems available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed bookshelf audio systems to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Bookshelf Audio System meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available bookshelf audio systems in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any bookshelf audio systems that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any that clearly exceed your price limit.
First, determine what you will use it for. If there is any chance you will want it to be portable, pay close attention to the weight of your system. Bookshelf systems can range from 14 pounds (6.4kg) to upwards of 51 pounds (23kg). Generally speaking though, most bookshelf audio systems are not meant to be portable.
Tip:
Consider adding video functions to your bookshelf system. There are now systems that can work as a DVD player as well as a music player, again including all types of music files. If your bookshelf system will be near your television, why not add movie-playing capabilities as well?
You can purchase a bookshelf system that only plays CDs or you can purchase a system that plays CDs, records, cassette tapes, DVDs and even MP3 players and iPods. The cost is minimal when choosing a multi-functional bookshelf system, so consider a system that can play any and all formats of audio and video files that you own. For instance, if you have a lot of MP3 CDs, you need to be sure you purchase a system that will play and record from MP3 CDs. You may also have music files in DVD format. Be sure you purchase a system that meets all your formatting needs.
Tip:
Understand the power of your system in terms of watts. The more power your system has, the higher the quality of sound at increased volume.
Exciting technology gives you the convenient option of turning your bookshelf audio system into an MP3 or iPod docking system. Higher-end bookshelf systems now include USB ports, allowing you to easily plug your computer or laptop into your system and many systems now include MP3 player and iPod docking stations and cords.
A multi-functional system with the MP3 option can essentially give you your own recording studio. You can transfer from MP3 to CD then record to cassette deck and back again. You can create your own mixes, and then transfer them to your MP3 player and take them with you in your car, to parties, and to work.
Tip:
Remember, out of all of the components in the bookshelf system, the cassette deck is in most need of regular maintenance. Routinely clean your deck with cotton swabs or purchase cassette tapes designed specifically to clean your system. High-end cleaning cassettes can even perform audio checks.
If you plan on doing a lot of recording, especially making use of the cassette deck, you will want to carefully choose higher-end recording options. This entails looking for manual adjustments for bias and speed control. Automatic adjustments may not always produce the quality of recordings you are looking for. However, purchasing a system with Compu Calibration, CompuLink and DDRP provides you with the best in automated recording technology.
A fun part of choosing your bookshelf audio system is choosing the style. Manufacturers have continued providing systems that can suit any room and personal tastes. Bookshelf systems that appear old-fashioned generally include the turntable feature.
When you were considering your requirements in a bookshelf audio system it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as the number of CDs held, double or single cassette deck, sound quality, playback features and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various bookshelf audio systems meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Functions
- CD Player
- Cassette Deck
- AM/FM Radio Tuner
- DVD Player
CD player
- Discs - 1 to 5
- Disc types - CD (audio), CD-R, CD-RW, HighMAT
- Format - MP3, WMA
- Multi-track memory playback
- Playback features - repeat all, random, programmed
Cassette Deck player and recorder features
- Single vs. Double/Dual
- CD-Sync Recording and/or tape-to-tape dubbing
- Automatic recording level control
- Electronic speed control
- Auto-stop
- Types of tapes - normal (lowest quality), chrome (most common), metal (designed to match the quality of sound on a CD)
- Cleaning - cotton swabs vs. specialized cleaning cassettes
Turntable Features
- Speeds - 33.3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
Radio Tuner
- AM/FM
- Digital Tuner
- Memory presents - 15 to 30
- Auto-scan tuning
- RDS Support
- Analogue
Speakers
- 3-way bands
- Detachable
- Woofer sizes - 2.5 to 8 inches (Woofers included in turntable systems are generally smaller than in systems that do not have the turntable feature)
- Look for watts per speaker/per channel - can range from 2 to 400 watts
- magnetically shielded speakers
Additional Features
- 3 to 9 Equalizer Presets
- Bass Reflex Speaker System
- SD card storage and SD card music player - gives you the ability to take recorded music with you wherever you go.
- Full-logic tape deck and counter
- Bass Boost vs. Active Hyper-Bass PRO
- Digital clock with sleep timer and Wake-up volume
- XM Satellite Radio-ready - need subscription
- Display dimmer
Style Examples
- Old fashioned-type turntable shelf systems housed in polished wood with gold-plated components - these generally will still include a single deck system, CD player and tuner
- More common chrome-plated and box-shaped boom boxes, usually without the turntable feature
- Modern flat-shaped systems with uniquely shaped speakers, usually without the turntable feature
Size
- Width - 16 to 41 inches (41 to 104cm)
- Height - 8 to14 inches (20 to 36cm)
- Depth - 8 to17 inches (20 to 43cm)
- Weight - 14 to 51 pounds (6.4 to 23kg)
Best Technology for Recording from CD to tape/tape to tape
- Compu Calibration
- JVC Enhanced CompuLink
- Dynamics Detection Recording Processor
Connections
- Headphone out
- Video in
- Video out
- Docking port
- USB input
- Front-panel inputs for almost all types of MP3 players
Accessories
- Remote control, batteries, FM Antenna, AM Loop Antenna, AC Cord, wall brackets for wall mounting, speaker wire, docking cable doe MP3 players and iPods, MP3 player stand
- Customer care packages - warranties are generally included, covering 90 days up to 1 year with the option to purchase Extended Service plans.
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your bookshelf audio system needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require.
Once you have finished evaluating the bookshelf audio systems available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the bookshelf audio systems one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Bookshelf Audio System compares with competing Bookshelf Audio Systems
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of bookshelf audio systems that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of bookshelf audio systems.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which bookshelf audio system on my short-list offers the features I need?
Which of these can provide the sound output I'm looking for?
Which can play all the formats I need now and in the future?
Which is compatible with my other electronics?
Which has the best warranty?
Which is the easiest to set up and use?
Which appears to be of the highest quality?
Which suits my furnishings and décor?
Which bookshelf audio system do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating bookshelf audio systems that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the bookshelf audio system, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the audio system is put together. Check the assembly - is the audio system solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the bookshelf audio system from the perspective of ease of use. Are the controls easy to use? Make sure the bookshelf audio system suits your furnishings, and that it is user-friendly - some bookshelf audio systems look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Controls - visible, easy to use, accessible, clearly labeled
- Maintenance - easy to clean and care for
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as if you don't clean the system as recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor, Mechanical, Electrical
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What about a contract or service plan?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Upgrades - will the product need upgrades, what are the costs?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- Contracts or Service Plans - conditions, penalties, costs
- What else will you need to get the most out of your bookshelf audio system?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of bookshelf audio systems that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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