Which Home Theater Selection Mistakes Do You Make?

 

So which home theater selection mistakes are you making or have made in the past?

We all want to own home theater equipment but so many people don’t carry out the required research to get it right first time round. 

As a result, they end up with systems that don’t do what they need them to do which I have to confess has been me on more than one occasion.

I still frequently kick myself knowing that I should have brought that Bose system I was offered in Malaysia for less than half the cost of the US. Still no point in living with regrets as long as you learn from your mistakes right? 

Sometimes they end up with systems that are far too powerful than what they really need that was why I should of brought the Bose instead of the system with subwoofer which sounds like the San Adres fault is cracking open. Great for the blockbusters but sucked on the concert video’s.

Being a  well-informed and researched buyer can avoid all of this although I have to say I should have know better at the time. 

Today I will discuss a few common errors in home theater selection in hopes of providing you with the information you need to avoid such problems.

One of the most common errors I come across is putting together a system that lacks adequate amplification infact it is to an extent the manufacturers fault but let me explain why…

This error is particularly common among those who purchase less expensive systems and then attempt to use them in larger spaces. Often, bargain systems utilize smaller amplifiers that are not able to power speakers adequately to handle larger rooms. An absence of amplification is a common problem for new home theater buyers and can lead to feeling that the whole investment was a waste of money.

Fortunately, it is one home theater mistake that is easy to prevent. You must simply look not only for a low price tag but for adequate power, as well. 

Usually the biggest cause of this difficulty is the attempt to save a few bucks or preferring a more gimicky set up that one that delivers the goods. Don’t buy your home theater equipment based on it looks but on it’s suitability and sound.  Ask a sales associate or a knowledgeable friend about how much power you should really have and take their advice. 

 That small increase in upfront cost will represent a savings over an otherwise inevitable upgrade and often by shopping around good quality equipment can be brought at very reasonable prices.

Often, speakers fail to adequately perform as you would have expected once they are brought in to the confines of your home.

What sounded great in the showroom when demonstrated by the knowledgeable salesman sounds muddled and weak in your living room or den. 

Some people might think they were sold something different a scam known as bait and switch but more often than not it was the set up at home did not mirror the acoustically perfect room of the demonstration room at the Home Theater Store. 

Although it might be tempting to put your speakers at either end of the bookshelf to make them look good you must remember that speaker aesthetics are not as important as the sound they produce.

Use the manufacturer’s directions and/or utilize a trial and error strategy to optimally place the speakers or if your HOme Theater Store provides the service pay the extra to get them to set it all up for you for maximum impact.

 The results of simple shifts in elevation, angle and distance can be remarkable and make all the difference.

Another often encountered problem is that of space. We all love the idea of a huge screen.Commonly we will measure the space to determine what size of screen we can accomodate and will buy based on that calculation.

However, that size does not reflect the screen’s casing or the actual footprint of the unit.  People frequently underestimate the amount of floor space that will be required and often end up purchasing a screen that is far too big for their available space.

 A large screen is wonderful in the abstract, but it is nothing less than annoying when one is sitting only a few feet from it and can count every pixel! 

Which incidently was another classic mistake I made with my 56″ Front Projection Toshiba on the Malaysia trip works great in the huge living room but when I tried moving it to the den it was a nightmare.

Take into account the amount of floor space and don’t forget to compensate for the size of the screen’s casing when making a purchase even ultra modern LCD and Plasma screens require space.

People tell me almost daily that they screwed up buying home theater equipment. Fortunately, all of these small errors are easily avoidable with a little bit of care and attention and most importantly engaging your brain before handing over your credit card.

Take a few moments to make purchases wisely and conduct sufficient research before entering the store and you can avoid many common problems altogether.

Don’t get this wrong and turn against your system from Day 1 you wouldn’t buy a new car without driving it would you?

 

Technorati Tags: amplifiers, blockbusters, bose, Home-Theater-Equipment, movie, Systems, Toshiba

Tags: amplifiers, blockbusters, bose, Home Theater Equipment, home theater systems, movie, Toshiba