Selecting the perfect sound system can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. There is no perfect sound system — but there is a perfect sound system for you. It takes into account your musical preferences, budget, home audio space layout, and the type of listening experience you want.
This article will walk you through the key steps to finding the sound system that’s perfect for you, with insights from the experts at Audio Element.
Think about how you prefer to listen to and enjoy music. Your listening style might be intensely focused, meditative, or you may prefer music to set a background mood while you go about other activities. You’ll also want to consider the range of ways you might use a sound system, such as integrating it with a home theater, creating a multi-room system, or building a focused listening space.
“Understanding how you plan to use your system is crucial in selecting the right components,” says Brian Berdan, owner of Audio Element. The experts at Audio Element focus on understanding customers’ needs and lifestyle, and can then guide you to the type of speakers, amplifiers, and other equipment that best align with these preferences.
The size and layout of your space play a significant role in determining the best sound system for you. Larger rooms may require more powerful speakers or additional components to ensure even sound distribution. Conversely, smaller spaces might benefit from compact, high-quality speakers.
Contrary to what most audiophiles advise, budget should not be your first consideration. Instead, frame an audio system in terms of the value and meaning of music in your life. Art is meant to be appreciated. And while you can certainly access it in a lesser form … why?
If you enjoy Vincent van Gogh’s painting, Starry Night, why bother traveling to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, when a printed poster can be bought online for $9.99? If you enjoy food, why bother going to a Michelin-starred restaurant when you can eat more at a buffet? And why bother drinking good wine or good scotch, when there are cheaper versions available?
It’s not price, it’s value. You could spend a few hundred dollars on a new turntable, or tens of thousands on a speaker. Audio Element offers specialized demo rooms in Pasadena and Carlsbad, where guests get a personalized listening experience — using the music they love best — to help them find the sound their ears crave. This helps customers choose components that fit their budget comfort zone.
“We always start by understanding what our clients are looking to achieve,” says Berdan.
“Rather than starting at a price point, we let customers listen for what feels right, and decide what sounds best. This helps narrow down your options and ensures that you get the best value for your money, at any price point.”
When it comes to audio equipment, quality matters. Investing in high-quality components can make a significant difference in the sound quality and longevity of your system. This is nothing like a warehouse club-store television purchase — your audio components should last decades.
“We believe in using quality components that deliver exceptional performance and stand the test of time,” says Berdan. Audio Element carries a wide range of top-quality brands that offer performance and reliability, as well as sound purity.
One of the advantages of working with professionals like Audio Element, instead of simply purchasing the lowest-price components online, is the ability to customize your sound system to fit your specific needs and preferences. This might include choosing speakers aligned with the look and feel of your listening space, adding components for greater flexibility in music formats, or incorporating smart home features for added convenience.
Once you’ve selected your components, it’s important to test and adjust your system to ensure optimal performance. This might involve fine-tuning the placement of your speakers, adjusting the settings on your amplifier, or experimenting with different configurations. Working with experienced professionals for both selection and installation results in maximizing the value and performance of whatever sound system you choose.
“We provide support to ensure that your system is set up correctly and performing at its best,” says Berdan. “We want to deliver exceptional sound quality and enhance your listening experience by supporting the meaning and value music brings to your life.”
