How To

How to Pick Speakers for a Home Audio System

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The right home audio speakers can enhance the overall quality of the sound being produced. Having more than just the 2 speakers next to the audio system may seem extravagant to some. However, we do not just take in sound in front of us; we also experience the sound behind, above and below us. So having the right speakers for your home audio system can make the most of your entertainment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Specifications of current home audio system

Step 1

Determine the size of speakers you will need. The larger the room, the more sound needs to carry.
Step 2

Find out what type of speakers will fit your stereo system in terms of wattage. Check the factory specifications to make sure the speakers and amplifier are compatible.
Step 3

Pick your desired model of speakers. You can choose from bookshelf, floor-standing and in-wall speakers.
Step 4

Decide what type of speaker you want, such as two-, three- or four-way speakers. This unit represents the number of frequency bands the speakers will handle. The higher the number, the greater the clarity.
Step 5

Strive for balance in the speakers you pick. All of the speakers should work properly for maximum performance.
Step 6

Inspect the home audio speakers before buying them. Listen to the sound, gently rap on the sides to check for hollowness (a sign of poor quality) and check the weight of the speakers.
Step 7

Purchase the necessary accessories, such as the right speaker cable.

Tips & Warnings

Learn about the types of speakers that typically work with a home audio system, such as the front pair, surround speakers, center channel speaker and the subwoofer, before you make a purchase commitment. The Polk Audio website has an education center with a detailed description of each type of speaker (see Resources below).
For better sounds, quality should not be overlooked. The better the main speaker pair, the higher quality the other speakers need to be.
If you have an amplifier you plan to use, make sure its wattage fits your system. Most high-power amplifiers should be sufficient.
When it is time to pick a speaker system, try not to get so preoccupied with measurements and watts that you overlook the sound quality. How speakers sound is really the best measure.
Make sure you completely understand the merchant's return policy before you decide to purchase from a store. If you purchase incompatible equipment from a merchant with a strict or non-existent return policy, you could end up with useless parts and wasted money.

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