Stereo systems: characteristics, varieties, best models

The range of modern stereos is huge and is constantly being replenished with new devices with rich functionality. Even the most demanding consumer can find the perfect musical equipment for themselves. In this article, we will learn more about stereos and understand what types they are divided into.

Acoustic equipment is constantly being updated and improved. Today on sale you can find such devices that reproduce a truly chic and juicy sound. Such characteristics can be possessed by high-quality stereos of sufficient power. By her own a stereo system is a chain of special components that, working together, reproduce a specific sound... Stereo provides a listening experience when sounds are spread across 2 channels, creating a 'stage' effect.

Modern stereos are available in various variations. They differ from each other not only in operational and technical characteristics, but also in sound quality and external design. Choosing the optimal acoustics model, consumers pay attention to all of the above parameters.

Let's consider in detail what types of stereos exist, and by what criteria they differ. Modern stereos are manufactured with different dimensional parameters.

There are such varieties on sale.

• Microsystems. Compact devices that are presented in a wide range. True, systems of this format, as a rule, are not very powerful. Microsystems are portable (wireless) - such devices can be carried everywhere with you.
• Mini format systems. The perfect portable home solution. They sound good, but they are small in size, so you don't have to allocate too much free space for them.
• Midisystems... The largest and most powerful types of stereos. Often on sale there are floor options that require a lot of free space for installation. More often than not, midisystems reproduce high-quality, rich sound. They are often used to complement home theater systems.

Modern stereos also differ in terms of functionality. Manufacturers supply musical equipment to stores, which are supplemented with the following useful options:

• the ability to play video files;
• the ability to connect flash cards, USB;
• high-quality recording to the hard disk built into the system is provided;
• models with an equalizer are popular;
• with karaoke (many devices provide for simultaneous connection of 2 microphones, which can be wireless).

In stores, you can find high-power devices, for example, it could be a 3000 watt system.

Let's take a closer look at some of the popular stereos.

Let's start our acquaintance with an expensive bass-reflex music system. The model is specially designed for “desperate music lovers”, true connoisseurs of quality music and sound. The technique combines exquisite design and advanced technology.

The maximum power of this device is 200W. The Italian stereo system has a lacquered body. The maximum frequency Hz is 100,000.

A popular speaker set that is inexpensive but of good quality. The vehicle body is made of MDF and is made in the traditional black color. The power of the subwoofer is 2 W., the central speaker is 12 W., the rear speakers are 2x12 W. (similar indicators for front speakers).

More often this acoustic system is used to equip computer equipment. The technique perfectly reproduces all the details of soundtracks, as well as low-frequency rumbles and percussive bass... The system is equipped with a built-in radio receiver and a media player that can read the necessary information from flash cards.

Hi-Fi speaker system, the total power of which reaches 140 watts. All enclosures are made of MDF. The system itself includes 2 front and 1 center speakers. Yamaha NS-P160 is renowned for its excellent sound quality.

All the speakers in the kit received a bass-reflex design, so they will sound best if you put them at a short distance from the wall. The design of the Yamaha branded system also looks attractive.

3-way speaker system with 3 speakers for better sound. Users will appreciate the clarity, naturalness and depth of sound... This stereo system is a shelf type with 3 speakers and a cellulose woofer. The speakers are finished with veneer. This high-quality Hi-Fi system features an attractive and minimalist design with a predominance of black colors.

In the production of this high-quality Hi-Fi system, a special Klippel laser system was used, with the help of which the operation of all key elements was analyzed with subsequent refinement. Magnat Tempus 55 speakers deliver premium sound quality... They are equipped with a dome tweeter.

It should be noted that the Magnat Tempus 55 boasts excellent tonal balance. The bass here is as clear and accurate as possible. The midrange sounds natural. In this case, the upper frequencies are more emphasized, but do not draw all the attention to themselves. The total power of this stereo system is 280 watts. The body of all components is made of MDF.

It is necessary to select a stereo system based on several important parameters. Before rushing to the store in search of the best model of musical equipment, you should figure out for what conditions you want to purchase it.

• Consider the size of the room in the house or apartment where you are going to install the equipment... If the area of ​​the room is small, then it makes sense to take a compact stereo system. If the room, on the contrary, is large, then more solid high-power options can be placed here. For the street, you only need to buy a street stereo system, which is protected from negative external factors, for example, from dampness and moisture.
• Consider the performance of your home stereo system. Decide in advance what exactly you want to get from the planned purchase. If you have a spacious home, and you want to put loud acoustics in it, then you should choose something more powerful. Always pay attention to the parameters of the equipment, carefully studying all the characteristics, since many merchants often artificially inflate many indicators of devices.
• Think in advance what functionality you want to get from the stereo system. For example, models with karaoke, equalizer, radio and other useful components are popular today. Decide which options you will need and which will not, so as not to waste money on a multifunctional model.
• It is recommended to buy only branded musical equipment. High-quality stereos that reproduce really chic sound are produced by many well-known brands, the name of which is known to everyone. Such solutions are good not only for high quality performance, but also with a manufacturer's warranty. In the event of breakdowns or detection of defects, branded equipment can be replaced with a new one, which cannot be said about little-known devices from unknown manufacturers.
• Buy a stereo system from a trusted storethat sells musical goods or household appliances. It is not recommended to purchase such technical devices at dubious retail outlets with an incomprehensible name. Here you are unlikely to find a high-quality and original product from a well-known manufacturer.

It is quite possible to assemble a stereo system with your own hands. The creation or self-improvement of such an acoustic technique cannot be called too difficult. Consider how you can carry out such work on your own. You can assemble your system on the basis of a separate receiver or amplifier (a tube is suitable - they are presented in a wide range), speakers (for example, wireless) and a source device. True, such a system may turn out to be too cumbersome.

Let's take a look at the main characteristics of a stereo receiver.

• Amplifier... Responsible for supporting 2-channel speaker setup.
• AM or FM tuner... Needed for listening to radio stations.
• Analog audio outputs... Needed to connect additional devices.

Let's consider additional parameters for connecting an audio receiver.

• Phono Input... There are almost all stereo receivers for connecting a turntable.
• Digital audio connections... This refers to optical and coaxial outputs.
• Speaker A / B connection... It makes it possible to connect 4 speakers, but at the same time listening to surround sound will not be provided. Speakers B are the main speakers and will draw power from the amplifiers. The A / B device option allows you to listen to the same sound source in your room.
• Zone 2... Output - "Zone 2" gives a stereo signal to the 2nd place, but it needs amplifiers.
• Subwoofer output... Find a stereo receiver that will allow you to connect this device.
• Wireless multi-room device... There are stereo receivers that have similar platforms, for example MisucCast. They can be used to send music wirelessly to shared speakers.
• Wi-Fi, internet... Can be enabled to access track streaming services.
• Bluetooth, USB... Often provided in many devices.
• Video connections... Some receiver models are available.

It is necessary to connect the stereo system to the computer after installing the drivers (corresponding to a certain acoustics model). Usually the driver disc comes with the equipment. After installing them, the system can be connected to the corresponding connectors on the PC. A window with equipment control settings will open on the desktop. Of course, the features of connecting different stereos depend on their belonging to a particular brand and other nuances.

See below for how to choose your home speaker.