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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

How To Choose Audio Review

By Anne Ahira

So you've obtained the stunning LCD or plasma television, perhaps even mounted it on the wall. You've invested in an upscaling DVD player or probably even progressed and put your bets on the success of Sony's Blu-Ray technology.

Audio Review: Speaker Configurations

If you've never obtained speakers before or if you're just not certain how many speakers are needed, you'll be more bewildered as you go to the shop, go into the speaker area, and find a large range of configuration selections.

The home theater package I acquired a couple of years ago came with seven speakers. With your basic two speaker set-up, you will can find true stereo sound. The 3-speaker set-up is quite better for music since it includes a subwoofer which may give more bass which is essential for rock, rap, metal, and other kinds of non-adult current music.

Nowadays when you're keen on acquiring a home theater experience, this audio review suggests investing in a 5.1 package. The name is a little deceptive since you're truly getting 6 speakers. The set contains a subwoofer, two front speakers, two rear speakers ( thus the planes or dinosaurs or monsters sound like they're coming from all around you), and a center channel.

A newer design is named the 6.1 package. Again, the name is deceptive since you truly get 7 speakers. You get everything that comes in the 5.1 set, and also a rear center speaker. The audio review should also mention 7.1 sets, like the one from Onkyo, which consist of four rear speakers and no rear channel speaker.

Audio Review Recommendations

Which speaker configuration is the best choice? Well, if you're only listening to music, the two speaker or three speaker configuration will probably be good enough. If you want an impressive set-up, consider purchasing floor standing speakers which typically come with larger woofers than bookshelf models.

The cost is normally higher, as well. At Amazon, for example, JBL speakers cost $300 each. Add another $300 if you want to add the JBL subwoofer for a three speaker configuration.

Price wise, however, the best choice from this audio review is a full home theater system that comes with a compatible receiver. Separate receivers are hard to find and very expensive. One of my favorite sets is the Samsung 5.1 home theater system. It includes a 5 CD changer, the receiver, front standing speakers, rear satellite speakers, and an included iPod cradle (something that usually costs extra with most of the systems).

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