Home Theater System Optimizing Step 2

Home Theater Optimization: Step 2

Initial Points to Consider

Hello readers! In my previous post, I stressed the importance of sticking with just one manufacturer, when creating your ideal home theater system. Now that you have decided on your manufacturer, the real fun begins. There are a variety of component choices that can help you reach your home audio goals with ease. Many consumers falter here though, because they fail to define tangible goals early in the process. These goals range from system optimization for sheer power, surround capability, accurate sound reproduction, or more. However, it is virtually impossible to assemble a home theater that can do all of these things well.

Meeting your surround sound goals

Let’s assume that you define your goal and are ready to move forward.  Your next step is to allocate a budget for your home theater system. If you have done that already, you’re ahead of the game! Make your money work for you by analyzing the different options available for each specific component, and how they fit your home theater goals. For instance, if you are striving for theater-quality surround sound, you know you are going to need a number of speakers to achieve that effect. This, in turn, means that you will require a top-quality receiver, with numerous outputs to accommodate these speakers. Moreover, a great receiver decodes digital surround sound signals, essentially “unlocking” Dolby capabilities, even for Blu-Ray applications.

Wireless Surround Sound System

Choosing a receiver, however, only addresses half of your needs. Focus on speakers that will maximize your existing acoustics. If you are planning to install your home theater system in a rather small space, you don’t need to splurge on more than a few reference speakers, in addition to subwoofers. If you have a rather large space, however, you will have to look into multiple groups of speakers including reference speakers, sub-woofers, and towers speakers.

Meeting your bass maximization goals

Audiophiles know that all bass is not created equal. For instance, listen to a sub-woofer distort at maximum volume to demonstrate what bass should never sound like. Great bass reproduction lies in the union of art and science. If bass is your ultimate home theater goal, I commend you, because it is a lofty one. It’s imperative to seek out the flagship model amplifier in your chosen manufacturer’s line. These models often come equipped with automatic shut-off switches in the event of overheating, or excess distortion. In addition, these models are equipped with highly sophisticated controls to be calibrated to the exact wattage specifications of your sub-woofers.

Once you’ve selected a premium amp, it’s time to consider speakers (which are drastically different from the surround-sound speakers mentioned above). You probably already know subwoofers dominate the lower registers, so let’s cut to the chase. A common misconception is that subwoofers can handle the max wattage listed by the manufacturer. This is not true, at all. Instead, look at the RMS wattage, as this is the actual sustainable max wattage. A good rule of thumb is to opt for subwoofers that have an RMS rating twice that of the amplifier’s output per channel. This ensures that your sub-woofers will never blow out from over-amplification.   

Finally, always use your best judgment, if it is a common sense issue that you can deal with directly. However, know your limits. Professionals are available to help you, and usually a consultation or several quick questions won’t cost you much at all. So don’t hesitate to contact someone who knows a thing or two. Or leave a comment, as a certified audiophile I will do my best to answer any questions I can! Seeking professional help can probably save you hours of headache in the long run! Until next time…good luck!