Evaluate how well an Audio System meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in an audio system and you've learned about the different features of audio systems. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of 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 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 audio systems to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well an Audio System meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available audio systems in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any 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 audio systems that clearly exceed your price limit.
There are numerous ways you can configure the components of a home audio system and the cost of some could turn away the novice shopper. The good news is there are audio systems that match every shopper's budget and taste, whether you want one for your bedroom, your kitchen, living room or games room.
Before you begin shopping, consider whether you want your audio system located in one room or do you want to have the ability to expand your audio system to multiple spaces? If the latter is desired, then you will need to find a playing system that can cater for this with multiple speakers. Keep in mind that this often involves complex wiring; so hiring a technician may be necessary.
Alternatively, you might want to have multiple playing systems in each room, such as a bookshelf audio system in the study, a multi-component audio system in the living room, and a portable MP3 player with speakers that you use in the kitchen. Regardless of your choice, an important thing you need to consider is how the majority of your music is currently formatted. You want to make sure your CDs, MP3 files, cassette tapes or records are compatible with the system you purchase.
If you're looking to build an audio system that gives you the greatest flexibility with the number of speakers you can use, and which sound device you play the music on - then consider carefully the purchase of a receiver or amplifier. These are the center of any great home audio system. It is what everything is connected into: the speakers, the CD player, the mini-disk player, the turntable or the cassette player. Make sure that your receiver or amplifier has sufficient channels to suit your purposes. You want to make sure that it has at least as many channels to connect all your speakers and other components (CD or DVD player etc).
With the rise in home theatre systems, buying straight amplifier or receiver is becoming harder, with only Hi-fi specialist stores being able to supply them. For most people an AV receiver will be a good choice, as it works as a standard receiver for music, but also has the circuitry for handling video processing as well as sound. Therefore, if you're thinking of possibly turning your audio system into a home theater in the future, then look at investing your money in one of these.
Tip: When choosing a receiver, consider the power (measured in watts) per channel. This measure contributes to the quality of your music and helps to play your music louder.
Consider the space you have. One thing that many consumers do not do is look at how the audio systems are set up, especially the ones that will not be moving once they are set up. The complexity of the design and the cords might be something that your living space cannot handle. Look at the back of the receiver as well as the speakers and the main audio player to see what kind of space those pieces will take up. You might find that a bookshelf audio system will be a more practical choice.
If you're not a sound engineer or a musician, then you may not require the absolute best in your speakers. However, music will sound different between speakers and can make the difference between an average listening experience and an extraordinary one. So don't just buy the cheapest set you can find.
Tip: Take along one of your favorite music CDs with you to the store so you can really compare products.
When you were considering your requirements in an audio system it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as playback components, sound quality, size 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 audio systems meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Audio Players
- CD player
- MP3 player
- Mini-disc player
- Record player
- Cassette player
AV Receivers
- Audio Features - Digital Cinema Sound, Dolby Digital Decoding, Dolby Prologic Decoding, DTS 96/24 decoding, DTS NEO:6 decoding, Dolby Digital EX decoding, Dolby Pro Logic IIX decoding, Amplification Relocation, DTS-ES decoding, THX EX,
- Convenience Features - up to 40 AM/FM Memory Presets, XM Connect and Play, Sound Fields, A and B or A or B speaker switches, on screen displays, HDMI technology, digital cinema auto calibration, receiver acts as central speaker terminal
- Dimensions - Height can range from 16 to 17 inches (40.6 to 43cm); width from 12 to 15 inches (30.5 to 38cm); depth from 5 to 12 inches (12.7 to 30.5cm); weight can range from 15 pounds to 30 pounds (6.8 to 13.6kg).
- Per Channel Power - can range from 10 to150 watts or above
- Zones - 1 zone means the same music in all rooms. Higher-end receivers may have 2 to 6 zones.
- Multi-use Rear input connections
- Rear output connections
- Front A/V connections
Speakers Drivers
- Woofers - will most effectively produce low-frequency sound up to 1.5 kHz
- Subwoofers - low-frequency up to only 500 Hz
- Tweeters - designed to produce high frequency over 1.5 kHz
- Satellite - will best capture all average frequencies
- Combination - all of the above can be purchased separately, but the best deal will be the combination speakers, where there is more than one driver within the enclosure
Speaker Enclosures
- Sealed Enclosures - keeps drivers in the right position, but the amplifier has to work harder
- Bass Reflex - is the most common and most efficient, but not as precise with sound production
- Passive Radiator enclosures - most efficient and most precise
Woofers
- Power output - 50 to 350W
- Size of driver - 5.25 to 12 inches (13.3 to 30.5cm)
- Frequency ranges - 20 Hz to 4000 Hz
- Height - 9 to 14 inches (22.9 to 35.6cm)
- Width - 6 to 13 inches (15.2 to 33cm)
- Depth - 4 to 15 inches (10.2 to 38.1cm)
- S/N ratio - 88 to 96 dB
Tweeters
- Power output - 8 to 20W
- Size of driver - 1 to 4 inches cone or dome (2.5 to 10.2cm)
- Frequency range - 2500 to 30 kHz
- S/N ratio - 90 to 110 dB
Basic/Satellite Speakers
- Power output - 74 to 300W
- Frequency Ranges - 40 to 20 kHz
- S/N ratio - 90 to 110 dB
- Height - 1.42 to 12.15 inches (3.6 to 30.9cm)
- Width - 3.2 to 15.5 inches (8.1 to 39.4cm)
- Depth - 3.75 to 5.83 inches (9.5 to 14.8cm)
- Drivers as small as 1.5 inches (3.8cm)
Remote Controls
- Ask to see the remote before you purchase! Many are not pre-programmed and the layout of the keys can be confusing.
Solutions to piles and tangles of cables
- Cord covers, cable covers, cable protectors, floormats, Wiring Solution
Wireless Solutions
- 1 to 5 speakers
- no cables or cords to worry about
- Total power can range from 320 watts to 850 watts, adequate output for the average audio system.
- Range or wireless transmitter - 120 to 200 feet, even into other rooms
Accessories
- Instruction Manuals, FM wire antennas, remote controls, AM loop antennas, batteries, audio connecting cords, S-video cables, Video cables, surge power strip, extended warranties, optimizer microphone, speaker terminal wrench
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 audio system needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require.
Once you have finished evaluating the 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 audio systems one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well an Audio System compares with competing an 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 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 audio systems that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which audio system on my short-list is compatible with my music formats?
Which of these best meet my needs?
Which has the best warranty?
Which is the easiest to use?
Which appears to be of the highest quality?
Which has the best sound?
Which audio system do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating 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 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 audio system from the perspective of ease of use. Are the controls easy to use? Make sure the audio system is user-friendly - some 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
- 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 use harsher cleaners than those recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor, 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 really necessary, and whether these can be included with the purchase. What else is required - do you need blank cassette tapes, for instance?
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?
- What else will you need to get the most out of your audio system?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of 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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