OTHER TECH

By now you should have a good idea of what type of speaker system and receiver will best suit your needs. It's time to begin considering specific models - knowledge that can be augmented by checking out resources like the Sound & Vision Buyer's Guide 2005 (now on newsstands) and the Web sites of manufacturers and retailers. It doesn't take an Einstein to figure out that you should listen to and price as many models and brands as you can - especially for speakers. A/V gear offers better value per dollar today than ever before, and competition is fiercer than ever, both of which benefit you.

Before heading for the stores with your wish list in hand, here are some fundamentals to keep in mind:

• Stick with reputable brands and retailers. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true - especially online. While megastores can offer a big selection and big discounts, specialty retailers will usually have dedicated home theater demo rooms and can offer much more personal service.

• Consider spending a little more than you'd planned. Like anything else, in home theater you get what you pay for, and spending more now will very likely yield a system that will make you much happier in the long run.

• Bring demo discs you know and love. There are big differences in the recording quality of CDs and DVDs, and you'll get a better handle on a speaker system's sound if you bring your own discs to the store. Try to use a recording with mostly acoustic instruments since it's easier to compare the sounds of these instruments and the human voice with their real-life counterparts. The Sound & Vision Home Theater Tune-Up DVD is excellent for evaluating a system's audio and video performance. Also, try to listen to everything at the same volume, because what's louder always seems to sound better.

• Take your time - don't let anyone rush you. Sure, you'll probably want to buy something right now, but resist those impulses. This is especially true when you're buying speakers - there's no way you can make a good decision in a few minutes. Which leads to the next point:

• Speakers will sound different at home than they did in the store. It would be easier if all rooms were the same, but they tend to differ a lot in size, shape, and acoustical characteristics - so how you position the speakers has a lot to do with how good they sound. While some retailers carefully set up speakers for the best possible sound, many stores simply line up dozens of models on a shelf where they can't even come close to performing at their best. Ask if the store will let you return speakers if they don't sound good in your space at home. That way you can try different setups to make sure you're happy with the sound.

• Make sure the speakers will fit into your room and the receiver will fit into your equipment cabinet or rack. I know this sounds obvious, but . . .

• Make sure you have enough cable and the right mounting hardware or stands. Trust me, once you get your gear home and are ready to set it up, you're not going to want to go back to the store to get more speaker wire, an extra interconnect cable, or a mounting bracket you forgot.

To paraphrase a New York City discount-clothing retailer, educated consumers make the best customers. Armed with the knowledge from this article, you'll be well prepared to find the surround sound system of your home theater dreams!