How to build a Hifi system

The advantage with separates is that someone can buy one unit at a time. This means you buy simply choose the core components you desire, and dispense with unwanted units like a tuner for example. The disadvantage is the complexity, and potential mismatching of components. The space and time it can take to setup will also put off technphobes, and people with limited room in their home.

The first decision to make is whether you want a stereo or surround sound system. If all your after is to play CDs and LPs, then a two channel speaker kit is the answer. Two channel systems are also thought to produce better sound. Because, the sound and power is not split into lots of channels, and is dedicated to perform one task. An audiophile, budget allowing, will pick two dedicated system, one for music, and one for movies.

However, if your budget cannot stretch to two systems, don't worry. The performance of multichannel kits is dramatically increasing in performance. Next, set a budget your willing to spend. For a traditional core unit you will need three components, an amp, source, and speakers. For example, if your budget is £1000, then spend an equal amount on the amp, source unit, and speakers. However, always keep an open mind, it's not a hard and fast rule.

Picking the source unit, is for some, the most important aspect of any system. Some even believe that 50% of a system's budget should be spent here. The choice is between a CD player, DVD Audio player, cassette deck or turntable. If your picking a CD player, then going to a retailer to audition your component is important. Take along a selection of CD's, amellow music band like the Beatles, a classical concerto, and something more thumping like 50 Cent will give your prospective 'source' unit a good test run. A good source unit will provide both analogue and digital outputs. RCA plugs are the most common type of analogue plug, but balanced XLRs provide increased performance. Co-ax and optical connections are the most common digital outputs, the former usually provides a superior sound.

The job of the 'amp' is to take the audio signal from the 'source' unit and make it louder. A good amplifier should keep the audio signal free of distortion, and give as little sonic loss to the speakers as possible. Stereo and mulitchannel amps are most widely available. A stereo amp is less complicated, and does not require an SPL meter to judge the correct channel balance. The most important thing is to make sure your amp can provide enough power to drive your speakers. Next, ensure your amp has enough inputs for your requirements, for example, a record player requires a phono stage input. A preamp output is also desirable, as it allows you to increase the performance with the addition of a power amp. Speaker inputs, or 'terminals' as they known, come with two choices, spade connectors and banana plugs. For the best contact pick a spade connector, but the banana plug are less fiddly to use.

Speakers are the final component to pick. Most enthusiasts believe that speakers are the hardest component to choose. The size of a speaker is never much to go by, and is certainly no indication of quality. For subwoofers however, size is important, and a big sub is needed to drive a big system. A good speaker will use reflex ports for tuning low frequency sounds. But, the design of these ports means they cannot be placed against a rear wall. Therefore if your speaker has a reflex port, ensure you have enough rear space, otherwise you will achieve an inferior defined bass note. Stand mounts for the speakers are advisable, because they help decouple the speaker from the surface it's placed on.

Overall, to make sure your system will meet your exact needs: visit a retailer with a listening room. It's next to impossible to judge how a system will sound from magazine reviews, and matching stats from brochures. To play it safe, if your buying online, choose an amp and source (turntable) from the same manufacturer, such as Nad, Arcam, Denon or Marantz. Good cables are a must. Spend around 15% of your total system budget on the cables alone.

The typical attributes audiophiles look for in a high end system are as follows,

clarity
depth versus the soundstage
pace
speed versus tonal colour
timbre
timing
warmth versus accuracy