How to Design Home Stereo Sound Systems

Familiarize yourself with each component in your sound system.

Your home stereo system is only as good as the components you put into it. Before you purchase your components, it's important to familiarize yourself with the aspects of each component and what your personal needs are.

Instructions

1. Research the options available, then choose an amplifier. This is the central component of your stereo system. All of your source components send an audio signal through the amplifier before you hear sound coming out of your speakers. It is important to consider the input limitations of your amplifier. Think about the source components you want to include (CD player, tape deck and turntable, for example) and make sure that your amplifier has enough inputs for each. If you want to include a turntable, your amplifier will have to have a "phono" input. (Some turntables have "line" outputs that can be connected to a regular input, but these are mostly on DJ turntables. A "phono" input is necessary to convert the unique audio signal of a consumer-grade turntable to a high enough operating level for your speakers to reproduce.)

2. Research the options available, then choose your speakers. Consider frequency response (the accuracy with which sound is reproduced), as well as your size requirements and type of speakers. Many people choose floor-standing speakers, while others prefer a surround sound system, in-wall speakers or sound bar systems. This is largely dependent on the space limitations of your stereo room. Frequency response is probably the most varied aspect of speakers. The average range of human hearing spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Speakers that can accurately reproduce sounds that span at least this range will sound better than speakers that can't.

3. Choose your source components. This is purely a matter of what media you intend on experiencing. Turntables, CD players, radio tuners and tape decks are all source components. These components, like amplifiers and speakers, come in a vast range of qualities, from cheap and inexpensive to high quality and costly. In most cases, you get what you pay for, so be aware that the more expensive the component, the higher quality it will be and the more accurately reproduced your sound will be.

Tips & Warnings

• Audiophiles in particular may find need for additional components, such as graphic equalizers. Graphic equalizers are components that allow a listener to, in a more detailed manner, shape the sound by using faders to adjust the sound levels at certain frequencies. Using these components takes a certain amount of knowledge, but can dramatically improve the way the sound is experienced.

References

• Components of a Stereo System