Checklist

Here's what to consider if you're buying home theatre speakers.

Match the current flow or impedance of the speaker to the output of your AV receiver. Mismatches can result in poor performance, or damage to the speakers and receiver.

Shielding is important for all 3 front speakers if you have a CRT screen, because CRTs produce a magnetic field (plasma and LCD screens don’t). This shielding is inbuilt – check the specs to find out whether a speaker has it. If there’s no shielding, don’t put the speaker too close to a CRT.

Subwoofers are bulky objects which sit on the floor. However, they may not be as robust as they look. “Downward-firing” models – which have the speaker facing the floor and a relatively small opening at the bottom – may be less susceptible to damage by pets or small children.

Tip: Most subwoofers will have a standby mode. However, turning them off when they’re not in use is the best way to make sure they don’t add to your electricity bills.

Listen before you buy

Assessing sound equipment is like wine tasting. It’s the subtle variations that can make the experience anything from merely acceptable to remarkable. Take a CD or DVD you know well and listen to it in the store’s sound room.

Some specialist stores will bring the speakers to your house. This is ideal because it gives you a real experience – the size, dimensions and furnishings of a room will affect the sound. Larger stores may not be able to do this but they may agree to exchange the speakers if you’re really unhappy after you’ve set them up at home.

Tip: Your room and its contents will affect the sound you get from your speakers. Rooms with lots of glass and hard floors will produce much harsher high notes than if they’re heavily curtained and filled with soft furnishings on a carpeted floor. On the other hand too much furnishing can mean a dull and flat sound.

See Setting up for great sound for tips on setting up your home theatre system.