By Sarah Knight

Klipsch offers several high-performance personal audio products that bring out the absolute best in your digital music, regardless of whether you own an iPod® or other MP3 player. From our sleek and compact RoomGroove and iGroove™ SXT iPod speaker systems to our extremely comfortable and superior sounding Image and Custom headphones, we’ve got you covered.

However, it’s important to know that when it comes to the superior delivery of digital music, the compression format you choose to import songs makes a huge difference. The more compressed a song is the more sound quality is lost. So, if you’re listening through our headphones or one of our iPod speakers and find that the sound is thin and inaccurate, the top end sounds harsh or the dynamics aren’t great, then it’s a compression issue, rather than a product issue.

Recommended Compression Formats
In iTunes, you can select between five different compression encoders when ripping music files from your CD collection: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3 and WAV. But which is best?

If you’re into serious listening and want to get the full impact of our performance prowess, you’ll need to select a WAV, AIFF or Apple Lossless format for your music. While WAV and AIFF are raw audio files from CDs in computer-readable formats, Apple Lossless preserves a CD’s original quality while cutting its size in half. You might compare this lossless encoding to a zip file: smaller than the original, but with no data loss. Keep in mind that these three formats take up a lot more file space than the standard AAC and MP3 encodings; you’ll get fewer songs on your iPod, but they’ll be delivered at a much higher quality.

Another thing to consider when choosing these compression formats is that only iTunes and the iPod can support Apple Lossless files and just about every other piece of music playing software will be able to play WAV files. AIFF files are specific to Macs, so if you are planning to listen to music on a PC, WAV is better.

Because they sound pretty good and achieve the best compression out of all five formats, most iPod users choose between AAC and MP3. AAC or advanced audio coding is the standard default on iTunes. When compared to an MP3 format, AAC gives better sound at the same bit rate. However, only iTunes and the iPod can support AAC; MP3s can be played on just about every digital music player.

PC users can make their compression selection in iTunes by going to the edit drop-down box, selecting preferences and then clicking on the importing tab. For Mac users, it’s going to the iTunes drop-down box, selecting preferences and then clicking on the importing tab.

Recommended Bit Rates
The second variable to consider when trying to get the best sound performance out of your digital music files deals with the “bit rate.” Bit rate refers to the rate that data is flowing in bits per second. The greater the bit rate, the more data is played back every second.

Most often, files are compressed to 128 kbps, 160 kbps or 192 kbps. The standard bit rate default in iTunes is 128 kbps, but you can customize your rate to go as high as 320 kbps (you make your bit rate selection when choosing your compression format). Kbps means kilobits per second; the higher the number, the better the sound and the more space a music file will consume on your computer or iPod. The lower the number, the lower quality of audio and the less file space you’ll take up.

To give you an example of how bit rates works, a 4-minute song requires about 3.7 MB of iPod/hard disk space at 128 kbps and about 4.7 MB at 160 kbps. If you go to 192 kbps, you’d have a 5.6 MB file, and file sizes increase accordingly each time you move to a higher bit rate.

You may find that your music sounds fine at the 128 kbps rate, but if you want true audiophile-quality sound from your Klipsch products, you should go with either a 192 kbps or 256 kbps rate. Bit rate and file size doesn’t usually pose a problem unless you have tons of music and want to fit it all on your iPod. That’s when you have to make a choice: better sound quality and fewer songs or lower sound quality and more songs.

Free Music for Your iPod
If you’re interested in free, legal music for your iPod, there are a lot of great sources you can turn to, including klipsch.com.

In 2004, Klipsch reached an agreement with garageband.com, the largest legal source of free music on the Internet, that lets klipsch.com visitors download up to 75 free songs every week in “The Garage” section of the site.

If you want full access to all of Garageband’s great independent music from over 140,000 artists of various genres, just visit www.garageband.com. You can even participate in their review process and rank new music.

Other sites offering free music:

3hive.com – A blog-style listing of free iPod compatible MP3 songs offered by record artists and labels in an attempt to entice full-album purchases.

Amazon.com – In the free music download section, find a surprising mix of music from mainstream and independent artists, available for free iPod-compatible MP3 format.

iPodlounge.com – Features daily updated links to great indie and major artist releases that are available for immediate download.

Power Surge Protection

Without the proper surge protection, you could be playing electrical "Russian Roulette" with your system every time lightening strikes or a fuse blows. While you could plug your gear directly into a wall socket and never experience an electrical blip, there is still that risk of completely frying your prized home entertainment possessions.

Putting up the dough for effective surge protection is a small investment that could yield enormous dividends in the long run. By not buying into this precautionary measure, a sudden power spike could result in you shelling out a hefty sum of money to replace your A/V equipment.

Aside from power spikes, electrical currents often experience sags and surges in voltage and these fluctuations, while rarely causing a complete meltdown, can take a serious toll on your electronic equipment. That's why it's important to seek a level of power protection that safeguards against spikes and over- and under-voltage.

In your pursuit for the perfect equipment-saving device, keep in mind not all surge protectors are created equal - the more advanced your system, the more advanced the surge protector must be. For example, if you have a big time home entertainment setup with all the bells and whistles (satellite, TiVo, cable etc.), you need to buy a protection unit that has enough outlets and connection types and can bite the bullet for your entire system.

Klipsch's warranty policy does not cover speaker malfunctions caused by power spikes and surges so don't gamble with the life of your gear! A simple power-strip surge protector can mean the difference between years of worry-free enjoyment and years of being mad at yourself for not taking the extra precaution.

Warranty Information

Klipsch does everything it possibly can to ensure that its speakers leave the factory in tiptop shape. However, it's not a perfect world and sometimes defects happen. That's why Klipsch offers its customers a warranty period.

The key to getting the most out of our product guarantee is to hang on to your receipt, be conscience of your warranty dates, immediately notify us of any problems and submit your warranty registration card information.

While most of us throw out warranty cards or make them a longstanding member of our junk drawer, it is really important to take the time to fill them out. Why, you ask? When it comes to Klipsch products, if you need to call tech support, we can quickly access your product information and expedite the time you could be spending listening to great music, movies and games. If you don't want to complete the card that accompanies your speakers, then you can also register online at klipsch.com.

Click here for Klipsch warranty details.

Invest in Enough Power

While Klipsch speakers are highly efficient and don't need a whole lot of power to drive them, you still need to purchase an amplifier/receiver that's relevant to the system you choose. After all, one of the most common causes of speaker damage is not having the right electronics to support it.

A good rule of thumb when trying to pair your speakers up with the right amplifier is to buy at least as much power as your speakers are rated to handle. For example, if a speaker is rated at 75 watts maximum power, then you should buy an amplifier that can deliver at least 75 watts per channel. However, you don't need to limit yourself. You can buy a 100-watt per channel amplifier for a 75-watt speaker because more speaker failure occurs from being under powered rather than over powered. It is safer to go slightly higher with your amplifier wattage because you'll never be in danger of clipping.

When an amplifier is expected to deliver more current to a speaker than it's capable of doing, clipping occurs. When an amplifier clips, it literally cuts off the tops and bottoms of the sound waveforms that it's trying to produce. This, in turn, sends a lot of distortion into your speakers, which is bad. Distortion puts a lot of stress on your speakers, typically the tweeter, and will eventually cause them to fail. In fact, your speakers will fail before your amplifier does.

Safety Instructions

Most of us are guilty of skimming over or not even looking at the safety instructions on the products we buy, but when it comes to electronic devices, we should all force ourselves to pay attention. Otherwise, the results could be devastating. By not following manufacturer guidelines, you run the risk of speaker damage, fire or electrical shock.

Here are some tips that will help protect you, your family and your equipment:

• Do not operate Klipsch speakers near water.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
• Do not install Klipsch speakers near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wider blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Unplug you're A/V equipment during lightening storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when a speaker has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the speaker, the speaker has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Cleaning Instructions

While we all hate fingerprints and smudges on anything, when it comes to Klipsch speakers you need to resist the urge to spray them with Windex. Whether you choose a model with an aluminum extruded cabinet or a real wood veneer finish, the same simple cleaning rules apply. All you need to do is dust them occasionally with a soft, dry cloth. Never use any abrasive or solvent-based cleaner or any harsh detergent. You can clean the grilles with the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

That concludes our basic speaker-saving lesson. Hopefully these tips prove to be helpful as you begin to hook up your much-anticipated Klipsch system. Because whether you purchase a compact multimedia setup or a home theater bonanza, it's important to safeguard your investment by understanding the proper care and feeding that goes along with it.

Did you know that we have an extensive Home Audio FAQ section housed on this site? Visit the customer service section to find out more.

"What is the home theater state of mind? It's the rush of emotional involvement that comes with a close-up shot on a big screen. It's the aesthetic thrill of hearing a rich orchestral score through an enveloping array of speakers. It's the quickening of the pulse that follows a gut-thumping subwoofer-borne explosion. It's about having more fun at home than you ever did at the movies. The movies come home."

Mark Fleischmann's engaging introduction to the 2005 edition of Practical Home Theater makes it clear why creating a custom home theater is so rewarding. For those who are looking to join the 30 percent of American households with home theater systems, this book offers a simple and informative guide to understanding the different audio/video components that make up home theater.

Truly practical home theater is "about a movie and music system that takes the best advantage of current technology but remains within a realistic budget," writes Fleischmann. "It starts with a big screen display, coupled with a surround sound system. Movies, music, and other programming arrive on disc, tape, via satellite or cable, over the air - and fill the past or future format of your choice. The right cables, remote and other accessories tie the system together."

Practical Home Theater is broken up into convenient topics of television, surround sound, picture and sound sources, accessories and connections, making it easy to answer your questions, using the index as a guide.

Several technologies are discussed including: HDTV, DTV up- and down conversion, copy-protected DTV interfaces, DVD-Video, Surround EX, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II, DVD-Audio, SACD, HDCD, and MP3 and the Pros and cons of new digital TV technologies are weighed.

Often ignored topics such as buying a DTV antenna, programmable remote controls, speaker mounts, power-line accessories and cables are also covered. The detailed connections chapter discusses how to hook up every component, solve common problems and offers useful advice on intelligent upgrades. There are even chapters on how to use manufacturer technical support and how to hire a custom installer.

After reading Practical Home Theater, the seemingly overwhelming task of building a home theater system starts to make sense, while the excitement of visualizing the possibilities begins to take over. This book will answer all of your questions and make you realize how staying home on a Saturday night could be the highlight of your weekend.

About the Author

Mark Fleischmann has been a technology writer and expert on home theater for more than 20 years. His writing appears regularly in Home Theater, E-Gear, Custom Retailer, CrutchfieldAdvisor.com, and DesignTechnica.com. He has served as founding editor-in-chief of etown.com, senior editor of Video Magazine, audio critic of Rolling Stone, and columnist for Premiere, The Village Voice, and Audio Video Interiors. His writing has appeared in Bloomberg Personal, Details, Entertainment Weekly, The Men's Journal, Newsday, Spin, The Ultimate AV Guide, The Washington Post, and many other publications. He has lived in New York City since 1975.

By Sarah Knight

Three years ago if you had asked me the difference between a tweeter and a woofer I would have probably answered a bird tweets and a dog woofs. Ok, maybe that's a little exaggerated but at that time I was as audio illiterate as they come. In my defense, there are a lot of other women out there who could not answer that same question. And the irony behind it all is that today I am working for a leading loudspeaker manufacturer and writing about things like titanium compression drivers and square Tractrix® Horns.

Prior to being hired by Klipsch as a public relations specialist, I would have laughed if someone had told me I'd land a job writing about audio products. After all, my communications degree was designed for the technically challenged. Plus, I never found myself the least bit comfortable with technology and the industry seemed to have a male-dominated ring to it, which to me just screamed the word intimidation. But here I am loving what I do and enjoying the fact that I now know more about loudspeakers than my boyfriend. Not to mention, the industry employs more females than you think. The gist of it all is that had I let my fear take over, I would have overlooked one very cool opportunity.

In terms of actually experiencing high-performance audio, I think a lot of women are missing out and depriving themselves of the way music and movies should sound. This probably happens for a number of reasons. 

First of all, a woman might recognize and appreciate good sound but feel intimidated and overwhelmed by all the choices at electronic stores. Secondly, a woman who has not heard truly good audio might think sound is sound and be perfectly content purchasing a low performance stereo system simply because she doesn't know any better. Or a woman flat out typecasts audio as a man thing and avoids the thought of realistic sound reproduction all together, which is a shame.

Before coming to Klipsch, the thought of me walking into an audio retailer was unheard of and I was perfectly happy with my small boom box. However, after hearing Klipsch loudspeakers for the first time, I could have smacked myself for not holding more of an appreciation for sound. Up until then, I loved listening to music and watching movies but never gave any thought to the audio source. And to my dismay, I found that I had been listening to the low performance versions of my favorite songs and movies for years. But now that I have a taste of the good life, I listen to everything with a more discerning ear.

Whether you're a single woman or the primary shopper for your household, you should do yourself a favor and get the most out of your favorite music and movies by bringing high-end audio into your home. To clarify, high-end refers to a product's performance, not its price. High-end means getting all the power, detail and emotion out of an entertainment experience. The better a loudspeaker sounds, the deeper your connection with the music or movie. For instance, imagine watching classic love stories like Casablanca or Gone with the Wind and being completely drawn into the intense passion between Humphrey and Ingrid or Vivien and Clark just because the movie sounded good. 

Now, if you're convinced you need high performance sound in your home but have no clue where to start, I hope to arm you with enough basic information that will leave you feeling confident when purchasing audio gear. Before you get nervous and think I am going to start dropping words like high frequency response, bandwidth and power handling, don't worry because I plan to avoid all the technical mumbo jumbo. After all, if you are like me, you probably care more about what the speaker system will do, rather than how it works.

Starting off, you need to know your environment and survey the room where you plan to hook up these bad boys. In order to get a speaker system that meets your lifestyle and performance expectations, you need to know the size of the room and consider how you want things to look and where everything will be positioned. Believe it or not, how well your system performs also depends on your room's setup. For example, too many bare surfaces can cause reflections that add harshness to the sound or muddy the dialog. It is also a good rule of thumb to avoid rooms that are perfectly square or have one dimension exactly twice the other. Furniture placement also plays a major role in your room's acoustics.

Make the pledge to bring high-performance  audio into your home.	Women can handle anything so buying  speakers should be no sweat.

Next, it's important to determine everything you want this system to do. Will it be used to listen to music, watch movies and TV, play video games or all of the above? For instance, if all you want to do is listen to music, a 2.1 system (two speakers and a subwoofer) should suffice. But by adding movies and TV into the mix, you might consider a home theater system that includes 5.1-channel surround sound, which means three speakers positioned in front, two for surround speakers at the sides and a subwoofer placed in the front corner to capture those deep-driving sound effects you feel and hear. 

As a side note, you can even go as far as a 6.1 or 7.1-channel setup, but when building any surround sound system make sure you don't skimp on the center channel. This speaker, positioned front and center, is the most important and most often overlooked, component of a surround system. More than 60 percent of all the soundtrack material is reproduced through the center channel. Plus, with today's multi-channel digital soundtracks it is also necessary to get surrounds that can carry their weight. No longer relegated to ambient noise reproduction, surround channel speakers must act as high-performance, full-range speakers delivering both superb envelopment and excellent localization of specific effects. 

After evaluating your room and deciding what you want from a system, it's important to determine your price range. To get an idea of what speakers cost, I suggest reading audio publications such as Sound and Vision and Home Theater. These magazines will also familiarize you with the speaker brands on the market and give reviews of the latest products, which could be very helpful to you.

Always evaluate the room that  will contain your speakers.	Have a budget in mind before entering  a consumer electronics store.

When you're ready to buy, you need to decide where to purchase your speakers. There are several options, which include purchasing from a mass consumer electronics retailer, specialty audio/video retailer or a custom installer.

At a mass retailer, you will find good products that target the average consumer. Because these stores operate on a very large scale, you typically receive limited consultation services and have to go home and set the system up yourself. The bonus is that the prices are generally lower.

A specialty retailer is a boutique-style setting that caters to more of an audio enthusiast. Because their sales people usually make commission on what they sell, they tend to be more knowledgeable about their products and are willing to spend the time with you. But before you think, "Oh no, commission," these people rely heavily on referrals and your repeat business, so in most cases they will work hard to service your exact needs. The prices may be higher but the products are usually a step above the mass retailers. What's really great about these stores is that they will often deliver your system and set it up for you.

Compared to the retail experience, the custom installer route takes you further down the primrose path. In essence, they are a contractor who comes to your house and designs your home theater system for you - it's actually not much different than hiring an interior designer. Installers don't usually have a showroom so you might not be able go in and see, hear and touch the product. But by showing them your space and telling them what you want, they will make solid recommendations. 

A good way to find a reputable custom installer is by contacting the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association. CEDIA is a global trade association of companies that specialize in installing home electronic systems. After narrowing down your choices, you should contact each prospective installer and ask to speak with at least three former clients to get a sense of their work ethics. This is such an important step because you don't want to hire someone who leaves messes behind or doesn't show up on time. And if you haven't already guessed, this is probably the most expensive avenue when buying speakers. 

Take a diagram of your room when  shopping for speakers.	You don't need a trained ear to evaluate a speaker.  It's whatever sounds good to you.

If an installer is out of the question and you decide to go to a retailer, choose a day where you can devote a few hours to the cause. Be sure to take your favorite movie and CD with you because when evaluating how a speaker sounds it's important to listen to something that's familiar. As you demo several different speakers, you will discover that the things you enjoy sound different on each model. To be sure the retailer can accurately service your needs, it is also a good idea to take a diagram and the dimensions of the room that will house the speakers. This information will help determine what speakers will work and how much sound is needed to fill your area.

Just like walking into a bar, when entering the audio store the first thing you are going to do is scope out the most attractive choices. And that is ok, because I know women usually want the good-looking version of anything they buy. And for those of you who think speakers only come in huge, clunky boxes, you'll be happy to know that nowadays high performance audio, like apparel, comes in a wide variety of styles. In fact, some speaker companies use all-female engineering teams to design some of their speakers. Klipsch, who has always been known as a big box speaker company, has also started targeting women by developing products that are more stylish, compact and very lifestyle oriented. I personally think the new Klipsch Reference Series Satellites are as elegant as they are high performance.

When you're ready to speak with a salesperson, you should be very detailed with your needs and present your budget up front, but be willing to understand you may have unrealistic expectations. Keep in mind, a good salesperson will let you get comfortable, not be pushy and steer you in the right direction. If at any time the salesperson starts to get technical and confuse you, be very blunt and ask for the information in everyday-people terms. If he or she can't, ask to work with someone else or go to another store. This may seem harsh, but it's your money and satisfaction on the line.

After weeding out the speakers that are too expensive or don't complement your décor, you need to start listening to potential candidates. Keep in mind that speakers are not like bathing suits. If you are building a home theater system, it is NOT a good idea to mix and match between the brands because speaker companies typically design their products to work together to produce sounds at the same levels and tones. When evaluating how a system sounds you don't need to have a trained ear, it's whatever sounds good to you. However, it is important to pay attention to things like: Can you understand what is going on? Is the dialogue crystal clear? How dynamic is the speaker? 

When buying audio gear, there's no need  to rely on a man to get the job done.	After purchasing your ideal speaker system,  your friends will be jealous and want advice.

If you're wondering what the heck I mean by dynamic, it is the ability of the speaker to go from a very quiet passage to a very loud passage very quickly without sounding muddy or strained. A good way to test a speaker's dynamics is by watching the train wreck scene from the Harrison Ford movie, The Fugitive. As you watch Ford running from the derailed train, you hear the faint sound of his shackles clanking, then as the train gets closer and closer the sound slowly begins to get louder and louder. Most speakers are able to handle this because the sound level goes from quiet, to modest, to loud at a very slow rate. But then when the train finally crashes, the sound goes from a fairly subtle level to "Holy Cow!" loud in a split second and most speakers will crush at that point, in other words, they fail to bring the scene to life.

Once you have found speakers that make you feel as good as a new pair of Prada shoes, you will need a receiver to drive everything. A receiver is a tuner, preamplifier and amplifier all packed into one box. The tuner receives the AM/FM signals, the preamplifier acts as a traffic cop and routes all your connections to the amplifier, and the amplifier strengthens the signals. The more input connections you have, the bigger and more powerful your receiver will be. For example, a home theater system made up of a DVD-player, VCR, CD player, tape deck and TiVo will require a much larger receiver than a system that just has a DVD-player.

When selecting a receiver, be sure to leave yourself some expansion room because as new innovations (like TiVo) hit the market, you may want to add to your system. If your receiver can't handle these advancements, you will have to scrap it and start over. A good salesman will make sure your system can grow and change with you.

Since I'm almost positive you don't need (or give a hoot) to know about driver topology, crossover networks or enclosure types to purchase good speakers, I'll spare you the agony and stop my speaker lesson now. After all, if I can learn and write about advanced speaker technologies, you should have no problem on your quest for high performance audio. And if you are reading this article on www.klipsch.com, you're already well on your way.

*Poster Art: Materials published by the U.S. Government Printing Office are in the public domain and, as such, not subject to copyright restriction. Images used are credited to the National Archives and Records Administration (www.archives.gov) and Northwestern University Library (http://www.library.northwestern.edu).

Is this scenario all too familiar? If so, then it's probably time for an audio upgrade. Most of us want to bring the movie theater experience into our homes and with the latest in sound technology it's quite possible. But if you don't know what's available, where to start or are intimidated by consumer electronics, then shopping for a speaker system can seem like a daunting task. However, it doesn't have to be. If your ultimate goal is to have an audio system that will dynamically enhance movies, music, sporting events and video games, then it's a lot easier, and more affordable than you might think.

If 5.1 surround sound seems like a foreign language to you, it's actually really simple to translate. The term "5.1" (five-point-one) refers to the number of channels in today's most common surround-sound configurations. The "5" corresponds to the five main channels - left front, center front, right front, left surround and right surround - while the ".1" refers to the subwoofer that delivers the deep-driving bass effects you feel as well as hear.

Before embarking on a 5.1 audio quest, planning ahead is everything. It's wise not to purchase anything until you've carefully assessed the room that will house the system. In order to get a setup that meets your lifestyle and performance expectations, you need to know the size of your room, what size speakers it can accommodate, and where you want to position everything. It's also a good idea to make a diagram of your room and note its dimensions. Because when you finally start shopping, the salesperson can look at the illustration and help you determine what speakers will work and how much sound is needed to fill your area.

Believe it or not, how well your sound system performs depends on the room's structure. For instance, too many bare surfaces may cause reflections that add harshness to the sound or muddy the dialog. It is also a good rule of thumb to avoid rooms that are perfectly square or have one dimension exactly twice the other. Furniture placement also plays a major role in a room's acoustics. However, if you don't have the "ideal" listening space don't get discouraged because most acoustic issues can easily be solved. It's just important to know what you're dealing with before consulting an audio salesperson.

RF-83 traditional 5.1 system.	Cinema 6 satellite 5.1 system.

After evaluating the space, it's important to determine your price range. To get an idea of what speakers cost, it's good to read audio publications such as Sound and Vision and Home Theater Magazine. These and other magazines will also familiarize you with the brands on the market and give reviews of the latest products, which could be very helpful.

When you're ready to buy, you need to decide where to purchase your 5.1 system. There are several audio options you can explore at either a consumer electronics store or a custom installer.

Before visiting any A/V storefront or installer showroom, remember that when trying to achieve the "cinema effect" at home, audio is just as important as video. It's vital to keep this in mind because when you walk into a home theater display area, you'll probably be immediately drawn to the big, beautiful plasma, LCD and other flat-panel televisions that are receiving so much attention today. Because these sleek new products are so mesmerizing, you may be tempted to forget your audio needs and spend your entire budget on a new video display. And this makes just about as much sense as buying a Lear Jet without the wings, a Ferrari without the engine or a platinum ring setting without a diamond.

Not to mention, purchasing one of these sexy new televisions without a high-performance speaker system will not give you the dynamic movie experience you crave. You'll be right back where you started, relying on a television's tiny built-in speakers or a lesser-performing system.

Studies have shown that consumers will identify one TV as having a better-looking picture than another, even when the only difference between the two TVs is a higher quality speaker system. These experiments are where we get the sayings such as "video without audio is just surveillance" and "the sound is half the picture." High-quality audio triggers passionate, emotional responses that make the entire entertainment experience better.

Sound is half the picture.	Video without audio is surveillance.

Even if you realize sound is half the picture, you still need to decide what 5.1 speaker set up is right for you. These days speakers come in all shapes, sizes and colors. How you do know what to choose?

Most speaker manufacturers, including Klipsch, design a variety of audio systems to try and meet a variety of tastes and budgets. In fact, whether you're seeking traditional box-style loudspeakers, lifestyle-oriented products or in-wall models, you may want to keep in mind that Klipsch delivers best-of-class sound performance in every loudspeaker category.

While looking at 5.1 setups, you may be tempted to only listen to the speakers you can afford. However, it might be in your best interest to start with the system your sales associate thinks is the very best. This way you'll know what sound quality is possible and you'll have a better understanding of how much performance you can get for your dollar.

When rating a 5.1 system's performance, it's best to listen to something that is familiar to you, such as a favorite DVD and CD. As you demo different speakers, you will discover that the things you enjoy sound different on each setup. Depending on how detailed the system is, you may even notice content that you've never heard before. In fact, a major attribute of a Klipsch loudspeaker is its ability to uncover the slightest nuance within a soundtrack.

Keep in mind, you don't have to have a "trained" ear to know what speakers rock. It's whatever sounds good to you. However, it is important to pay attention to attributes such as: Is the dialogue crystal clear? How dynamic are the speakers? Or in other words, do the speakers go from a very quiet passage to a very loud passage very quickly without sounding muddy or strained? Because all Klipsch loudspeakers employ horn-loaded technology, they are more dynamic and alive than conventional speakers.

Also be aware that it is not recommended to mix and match between brands because speaker companies typically design their products to work together to produce sounds at the same levels and tones.

Once you have made a speaker selection, you need a surround-audio receiver to drive everything. A receiver is a tuner, preamplifier and amplifier all packed into one box. The tuner receives the AM/FM signals, the preamplifier acts as a traffic cop and routes all your connections to the amplifier, and the amplifier strengthens the signals. With most of today's speaker systems, it's advisable to use a receiver that supplies at least 100 watts of power to each speaker channel.

When selecting a receiver, be sure to leave yourself some expansion room because as new innovations (like TiVo) hit the market, you may want to add to your system. If your receiver can't handle these advancements, you will have to scrap it and start over.

One final thought, with all the sophisticated high-fidelity options that are out there, it's easy to find yourself with a system that is complicated to operate. If your system is going to be used by everyone in the family, be sure to keep ease of use in mind. After all, what's the point of having a rockin' system, if no one knows how to turn it on?

Resources:
An Instant Introduction to 5.1 Audio
By Richard Elen

Planning a Surround-Sound System
From "Home Tech"