Audio System: Research your needs

In order to end up with the audio system best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of audio systems are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in an audio system.

Research the market: Audio System essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the audio system market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Types: CD player, MP3 player, mini-disc player, record player, cassette players, multiple formats and dual formats.

Mobility: Portable, personal, stationary, car.

Durability: The less that an audio system has to be moved the better, though smaller portable audio systems can come with shock and skip resistant technology as well as weather resistant casing.

Controls: All audio systems will include the basics of play, stop, rewind, forward, skip, menu options, pause, and more.

Colors: Audio systems come in a wide range of colors and styles to suit your mood as well as your home or office décor and any existing entertainment centers.

Power system: Audio systems will generally be powered by power cords, though smaller systems can be operated by batteries, including rechargeable batteries.

Music formats: MP3, CD, cassette, records, DVD, mini-discs, .wav files, .mpeg files, CD-R/RW formats, etc.

Volume levels: Each system will have a different method of volume control that can either by manual (with turn wheel or button) or by remote.

Screen: Some audio systems will have a digital readout, digital display, or no display at all. Some might have the display in color, black and white or backlit options.

Amplifier/Receiver: This is the centerpiece of an audio system, which combines all the other components such as the speakers and CD player. It can also decode digital signals to create surround sound.

Extras: Speaker systems, headphones, USB cables, etc.

Cost: The more complicated the audio system, the more expensive it can be. Technology such as shock-resistance and large memory capacity or options like multiple CD stacking and continuous play also add to the cost.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a audio system. For example, will you use the audio system only for listening to music CDs or do you want to play audio files that you can download from the computer?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I owned an audio system before?
	If you have, work out what you did or didn't like about it. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

What is my main concern with an audio system?
	If you want an audio system for home entertainment you may look for different features than if you are planning to use it for a business. For instance, for business you might be looking for a system that can play in multiple zones.

Do I need to replace a current audio system or add to the one that I already have?
	If doing an upgrade you will need to make sure all the new components are compatible with your existing system.

Do I want to transport my music wherever I go?
	You may want to look at a portable audio system that can also be plugged into speakers at home.

How often will I use the audio system?
	If you use your audio system a lot you may want to spend a bit more for a quality, long lasting system. Alternatively, if you only use your audio system lightly you may do well with a basic model without the hassle or expense of fancy features.

How experienced am I in setting up an audio system?
	An advanced home audio system could be difficult to set up if you are not savvy with electrical components. Most systems come with good instructions though, and some are simply plug in and play.

How much money do I want to spend on an audio system?
	When you are buying the latest innovation in audio systems, you can expect to pay more. Basic models will be cheaper but may not offer the features you want.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of audio systems and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.

Video Links

Sony Ericsson MDS-70 home audio system - Reviewed
Cnet.com reviews a Sony Ericsson MDS-70 home audio system. It is for use with Sony Ericsson phones. (1m 34s)