With flat-panel TVs and iPods® leading the way, recent trends in electronics have focused on video quality and portability. But what about audio quality? Does your TV's sound really do its picture justice? Do your favorite songs sound muddy or flat on your MP3 player?

We think it's time to refocus on audio, so we put together a series of tips to help you get better sound. Here's the first of our 15 ways you can enjoy better sound with your system.

The recordings you play are the first link in the audio chain
A flawed audio system can certainly shortchange a great recording. And a great system will definitely reveal all the flaws in a poor recording. Like the saying goes, "garbage in, garbage out." So if you want to hear great sound, start with a great recording.

How do you find great recordings?

Most music- and movie-review websites tend to focus on the artistic aspects of recordings, but a few of our favorites also rate sound quality. Playback is a monthly online magazine featuring capsule reviews of the latest music discs. Both the print and web versions of Stereophile magazine feature an annual list of "Records to Die For" penned by the magazine's knowledgeable reviewers. And The Absolute Sound offers guides in a similar vein. Whether you like rock, jazz, classical, or all of the above, you'll find intriguing suggestions.

This post is based on the article "15 Tips for Better Sound from your Home System" by the Crutchfield Writing Team