When you first bought your home theater audio system, you thought it was "the bomb." The satellite speakers, the subwoofer, all those cool knobs and dials-you felt like the coolest kid on the block. Yet over the past year or so, you've begun to find certain flaws in what you once adored. Perhaps the sound from your satellite speakers seems a bit tinny. Or maybe you've begun to find your bass somewhat distorted or uneven. Or maybe you've just outgrown your original system and want something, well, louder! Fear not, my audiophile friend. There are lots of options available for individuals such as yourself that will allow you to upgrade your system without starting from scratch.
Let's start with the area that is usually thought of last. When was the last time you took a good look at your cables? If you're anything like most audio system owners, you haven't examined them since you first plugged them in. Take a gander and if they're of the skinny variety that usually comes free with the system, you've found your starting point. Upgrade to higher-end cables and you'll notice a significant improvement in the quality of your sound. It's ridiculously easy to find such cables and you'll find them to be well worth the expenditure.
Moving out from behind the television, observe your speakers and ask yourself a very simple question: do they match? An unmatched set of speakers, even speakers of higher quality, can produce a similarly unmatched or unsynchronized sound. Even if you don't have a lot of extra cash to spend, consider upgrading to a mid-range set of match speakers; even this level of upgrade will improve the cohesiveness of your system's sound. If you already own a home theater audio system, I'm sure I don't have to tell you that there are speakers out there for every pocketbook. Just remember, if you're going to the trouble of replacing your speakers to begin with, you may as well get the highest quality product you can afford. Your aural sensibilities will be grateful.
But maybe you don't want to improve the quality of your system so much as its decibel output. If brutally loud volume is your goal and your current system just doesn't cut it, you may simply need more power. In that case, a separate power amplifier may solve your problem, but first you need to establish that your system can accept such an addition. Look at your owners manual or, if you're a tactile learner, at the back panel of the system. If it has a set of preamp out jacks for the left, right, center, left surround and right surround channels, you're in luck.
There are plenty of power amps out there designed for domestic use. While they can come with as low as 20 watt delivery, if your purpose is to pump up the volume of your audio system, you're probably going to go for a 100-200 watt per channel model. See if your owners manual has anything to say on the subject and don't afraid to ask questions of the nice people at the electronics store. Then prepare to enjoy your newly improved home theater audio system.
Spend a little time in the room where you are planning to put your new audio system. Whether you know it or not the room is a large component in your home theater system. Consider whether or not this room will be used solely for the system or will also be used for other family activities. This will also help you decide if there any considerations with regard to the size of the components and speakers you plan to buy.
You might want to draw a map of the room where you plan to install the audio system which includes all the furniture as well as the components and speakers. Measure the room and make a list of all of the inputs that you currently have and will need to use. Also make a list of the inputs you intend to add for the new audio system. Write down which components will need cables and wires. All this should be worked out prior to going to the store to purchase a new audio system.
Think about how you will arrange a room for the best picture and sound by reducing screen glare and hard surface reflections. It's very difficult to see the TV picture when light is reflecting off the screen. Furthermore, audio does not sound very good when it reflects off of bare walls and windows.
Sit down on your couch and spend a few minutes thinking about the experience your are looking for when you set down with your partner and a big bowl popcorn. Do you want the experience of the theater with surround sound? Will you be watching mostly movies?
Spend some time during research to get as much information as possible about home theater audio systems before you buy anything. You can find out information from friends, family, trading consumer magazines as well as home theater system forms.
Go back and take a look at the drawing room once you have your research. Now you should be in a position to determine exactly what you want and need.
There are some good deals out there but the trick is to become an expert on home theater audio systems. Large electronic department stores offer promotions but online manufacturers can offer lower mark up than retailers.
Consider the size of your room and the size of your TV. You want to have balance. If your TV is too large you only see details of the screen and not the image. If it is too small you might feel like you're sitting in a nosebleed section.
Take your time and do your research and you'll find the perfect home theater audio system to meet your needs.
Both Victor Epand & Bivan Dense are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Victor Epand has sinced written about articles on various topics from Shopping, Trucks and Interest. Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music, guitar tab, and home theater audio. You can find the best marketplace at these sites for