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1.1 - CD Player/Recorder
Most audio systems today have a CD player. Most systems with CD Players have the ability to hold only a single CD.
Some systems have a system of CD changers; such systems can hold up to 7 CDs. This means that the CDs will continue
to play in a sequence without you having to load CDs into the system. A few audio systems also allow you to record
your music on blank CDs. Almost all audio systems available in the market today allow you to play CDs recorded on
computers.
1.2 - Cassette Player/Recorder
Almost every system has a single cassette player/recorder, the high end ones offer dual cassette player/recorder.
Audio systems with dual cassette decks are very useful for recording from one cassette to another. You can play music on one
deck while simultaneously recording it on the second deck. Some of the high priced audio systems offer auto-reverse
feature. This feature makes it possible to play both sides of the cassette without reversing the cassette.
With the recording feature, you can record cassettes which you can later play in a car-stereo or a ghetto-blaster.
The popularity of CD players and mini-disc players has led to the reduction in demand for cassette players; this has
made cassette decks cheaper. |
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1.3 - DVD Player
Audio systems with DVD players play the audio portion of a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) videodisc.
DVD players generally hold a single DVD. However, there a few models that that can hold 3 or more DVDs.
This feature allows you to play long hours of uninterrupted music. The DVDs continue to play in sequence
one after the other. Virtually all DVD players can also play CDs; making CD Players redundant in an audio
systems with a DVD Player.
1.4 - Mini Disc Player
Mini Disc players are increasingly becoming an integral part of audio systems—more so in the smaller sized
audio systems. The mini disc is similar to CDs; only a bit smaller. The mini disc has a size of 6.4 cm and has
a playing time of 74 minutes. The mini disc is reusable like tape cassettes, hence you can overwrite existing
files without deterioration in sound quality. Mini discs provide vastly improved quality than cassette tapes
and are much more durable.
1.5 - Radio Tuner
The basic hi-fi models have an analog radio tuner. The mid-range and high end range have a digital tuner which can store
stations in its memory. Digital tuners also have an auto-tune facility. This allows you to program your favorite radio stations
and switch channels at the flick of a button. Most tuners can pick FM/MW radio bands. RDS (Radio Data System) is available on
digital tuners, making it possible to display on the LCD screen; the name of the station you are listening to.
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2 - Features
2.1 - Amplifier/Pre-amplifier
The amplifier/pre-amplifier strengthens the amplitude of the signal being sent to the speaker. A signal with higher strength translates into a higher volume sound. A stereo unit will have 2 channels and 2 speakers. A surround sound unit may have 6 or more channels and 6 or more speakers. Many of the audio systems support Dolby Digital sound, which is considered standard for surround sound.
The strength of the amplifier is determined by strength of output per channel; measured in watts. In separate component sound systems, this factor is very important and is usually 100 watts per channel. In a home audio system, wattage is less significant because the system is created, with perfectly matched parts, to deliver quality sound.
2.2 - Spectrum Analyzer and/or Equalizer
Almost every audio system has an equalizer. This feature allows you to increase or decrease the volume for certain
frequencies of sound. This allows you to create surround effects of being in a theater, stadium, jazz club etc.
Quite a few audio systems have pre-sets which allow you to select the mode/effect you require at the flick of a button,
eliminating the need to individually adjust separate frequencies. Having an equalizer in your audio system allows you
to choose optimal acoustic settings while listening to music.
2.3 - Illuminated Display
Almost all audio systems feature a multifunction display. This screen shows the CD track information, the name of the
radio station, the preset equalizer mode, set programs and more.
2.4 - Connectivity Ports
The speakers that come with the system connect to the speaker ports. In the absence of additional ports you can only
connect the speakers that were included with the system i.e. you are restricted to using the system with the same number
of speakers as those that are shipped with the system. If your system has auxiliary ports you can connect your TV or DVD
player to the audio system and listen to the sound through the audio system. Quite a few audio systems have a headphone
jack. This feature allows you to listen to the sound using a headphone instead of using the speakers. The speakers
automatically turn to mute once a headphone is connected to the jack. This feature facilitates you in listening to
your music without disturbing any one around you.
2.5 - Timer Modes
Quite a few audio systems have the timer mode. The timer mode allows you to set the time at which the audio systems turns
on or off. This feature has interesting applications. You could set the time limit for the unit to play, and listen to
soothing music as it lulls you to sleep. You could also set the specific time of the day the audio system turns itself on.
This feature could be used to convert your audio system into an alarm clock; that is if you require earth shaking music to
wake you from your slumber.
2.6 - Remote Control Operation
Most audio systems have a remote that can control the operations of the system. This is a great feature to have! It allows
you to control the operations of the audio system from any corner of the room.
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3 - Speakers
While all the components of the audio system are important, it is the speaker that delivers the sound. Hence it is important
that you get yourself speakers that can reproduce distortion free sound. Choose speakers depending on the type of music you
enjoy. Test the speakers you intend to buy, by listening to your favorite music through them. Check for “Hiss”
at high volume when you are not playing music. There are 2-way and 3-way speakers available. A 2-way, full-range speaker
has two drivers (a tweeter and a woofer) which handle, respectively, upper frequencies and mid-to-low frequencies. A
3-way speaker, on the other hand, has a tweeter to handle high frequencies, a mid-range driver to handle mid-range
frequencies, and a woofer to handle lower frequencies. It is obvious that a 3-way speaker can provide better sound output
than a 2-way system. There are various types of speaker systems. The most common types of speakers are Floor Standing
and Book Shelf speakers. Floor Standing or Tower Speakers are usually larger than other types of speakers. They can reproduce a wide
range of frequencies and are usually more efficient; giving you more volume per watt of amplifier power. Book Shelf speakers
offer value for money in terms of performance and occupy less space than tower speakers. They can easily be placed on a
stand or shelf. An audio system is compact, offers value for money and provides high quality sound reproduction.
Though parts of such systems cannot be upgraded, these integrated systems are extremely reliable and popular.
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Audio system links
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Price Ranges
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Popular brands
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