AUDIO HI-FI Auctions

Multi-speaker sets take the guesswork out of matching tone and include instructions for speaker setup, but some music lovers may want to buy surround speaker separates instead. Although they require additional setup time, speaker separates allow an audiophile to make minute adjustments.

* Match speaker brands: If you already have stereo speakers that you plan to use for your front left and right speakers, buy the same brand surround speakers, center-channel speaker, and subwoofer.
* Meet your speaker budget: People who put music above movies should spend money on front speakers and a center-channel speaker. Make sure their treble, midrange, and bass balance match. If you prioritize surround sound movies and enhanced audio, distribute your budget equally across all speakers.
* Get the right size speakers: You can have large speakers and small speakers in the same setup. Just make sure your front speakers are the same size and your surround speakers are the same size.
* Look at subwoofer size: If you have small surround speakers with 4-inch woofers, get a small subwoofer with an 8-inch woofer. If you have larger surround speakers, buy a larger subwoofer with a 10- to 12-inch woofer.
* Buy a powered subwoofer: Amplifiers drive most speakers in a system, but you should look for a powered subwoofer that can pull its own weight in your system.

Speakers should have complementary tonal characteristics, which can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from model to model. For the most part, speakers made the same year by the same manufacturer should be close. Also make sure your speakers all have the same impedance ratin; mismatched speakers sound distorted.


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