There is a mind-boggling number of hi-fi system brands and manufacturers and for the uninitiated choosing a good hifi system can be an extremely daunting experience. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that the easiest thing they can do is to read the latest sound magazine, and then go out and buy the one rated five-star for the lowest possible price they can find. This could not be further than the truth.
All of us experience music differently. Music is an intensely personal and subjective experience so reading specifications and technical reviews will not tell you how the system will sound when you listen to it.
The size and furnishings of the room you intend to play your music is an important factor to consider. Sound will behave differently in a room that is huge and sparsely furnished, compared to a room that is small and has a lot of furniture in it.
The space you have available will also determine your purchase. You will need to consider whether you have room for free-standing floor units, or whether you are looking at micro hi-fi systems that will take up minimum space. There is a range of sizes available and you do not have to compromise on quality even if you do have to get smaller components.
Separates are good value for money as they allow you to mix and match different components from different manufacturers. You might feel, for example, that one company makes good cd players but that you prefer another manufacturer's speaker. If this is the case then you need to bear in mind that separates may not always look good together and decide if this is important to you.
At the end of the day however, it all comes down to how your music sounds when played on your new purchase. Make sure to take the time to compare sounds from different brands before making your choice. Take some music samples with you to the shop and let the retailer play it for you. Do not buy a hifi system without listening to it in the shop.
All of us experience music differently. Music is an intensely personal and subjective experience so reading specifications and technical reviews will not tell you how the system will sound when you listen to it.
The size and furnishings of the room you intend to play your music is an important factor to consider. Sound will behave differently in a room that is huge and sparsely furnished, compared to a room that is small and has a lot of furniture in it.
The space you have available will also determine your purchase. You will need to consider whether you have room for free-standing floor units, or whether you are looking at micro hi-fi systems that will take up minimum space. There is a range of sizes available and you do not have to compromise on quality even if you do have to get smaller components.
Separates are good value for money as they allow you to mix and match different components from different manufacturers. You might feel, for example, that one company makes good cd players but that you prefer another manufacturer's speaker. If this is the case then you need to bear in mind that separates may not always look good together and decide if this is important to you.
At the end of the day however, it all comes down to how your music sounds when played on your new purchase. Make sure to take the time to compare sounds from different brands before making your choice. Take some music samples with you to the shop and let the retailer play it for you. Do not buy a hifi system without listening to it in the shop.
About the Author:
Before you buy a hi fi system be sure to check out Chris Brooks Audio where you will see some of the systems in the world including components such as the Linn Klimax speakers.
