| Picking the right sound equipment may sound like a | | | | make sure you buy complementary products - there's |
| challenge, but it will be worthwhile to put in some effort | | | | no point in spending a fortune on surround sound |
| in making the right choices if you want high-quality | | | | equipment if you cannot use it on your existing |
| sound. | | | | television or DVD player. |
| Whether you're looking for a surround sound system | | | | 3. Know what you want to use it for |
| at home or want to build your own recording studio, | | | | If you want to enjoy movies with high-quality sound in |
| there are a few basic rules to keep in mind when you | | | | the comfort of your own living room, your needs will |
| go shopping. | | | | differ substantially from the requirements an |
| 1. Set a budget | | | | up-and-coming rock band will have. If you want to buy |
| Make sure you know how much you can afford, and | | | | surround sound equipment for your home, you should |
| then do your homework to make sure you get the | | | | know the details (e.g. size) of the room where you're |
| best value for your money. There's no point in | | | | planning to use this. If you're an up-and-coming rock |
| spending so much on one piece of sound equipment | | | | star, you should decide whether you want sound |
| that you end up with inferior products - and inferior | | | | equipment that will be optimal in small, intimate venues |
| sound. And don't allow an overeager sales assistant to | | | | or in large clubs. |
| tempt you into blowing the budget! | | | | 4. Remember the small things |
| 2. Do your homework | | | | Don't blow the budget on the speakers and forget the |
| Know what you are looking for, and make sure you | | | | most overlooked item - cables. Quality cables can |
| understand the different technical terms. Read online | | | | make a major difference to the quality of your sound, |
| reviews, compare prices and ask as many questions | | | | so make sure you leave enough money in the kitty for |
| possible. If you already own existing sound equipment , | | | | a decent set. |