Use & Enjoy Your A/V Gear : speakers

Directory of articles and videos on home theater

Jim R — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:36:00 GMT

Getting ready to build or upgrade a home theater system? Here's a handy guide to dozens of articles and videos to help you choose, install, tweak, and enjoy: Plan Your Room The components you need for home theater Choosing your TV's screen size...(read more)

Tech Terms Demystified: Impedance

Ralph — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:37:00 GMT

Impedance is one of those tech terms whose meaning is just close enough to its general definition to cause some confusion. In everyday language, an impedance is a hindrance — an obstacle to be overcome. Electrically, impedance is a neutral term...(read more)

Top Down Sound, Part 4: Equalizing the audio system in a convertible

Charlie — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:23:00 GMT

Jeff and I meet at the Crutchfield Research Bay for the final system tuneup. In the last installment , we set the crossover points and adjusted the gain structure in the Sebring's system. Now, we've borrowed an AudioControl Real Time Analyzer...(read more)

Top Down Sound, Part 2: Installing an audio system in a convertible

Charlie — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:21:00 GMT

The big day has arrived. In the first installment , we planned out the system for my convertible. Now we'll take a long look at the installation process. A system of this magnitude is completely out of my league, so I turn to Ben and Wayne, two ace...(read more)

Spring Cleaning Your Electronic Gear, Tip #4: Cleaning your speakers

Kristen S — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:56:00 GMT

In my recent spring cleaning posts, I talked about cleaning your TV , components , and cables — but keeping your speakers clean is just as important. Tip #4: Cleaning your speakers Cleaning speakers can be puzzling, because there are so many different...(read more)

Better home audio, Tip #3: Place your speakers properly

Ralph — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:13:00 GMT

There are many ways to improve the sound of your system. And some of them don't require any additional expense. In this third installment of our better home audio series, we present the simple concept of optimal speaker placement. Place your speakers...(read more)

Getting great sound on your boat is easier than you think

ZakB — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:39:00 GMT

I took a vacation with my family in Maine recently, where our main mode of transportation was a 19-foot center-console boat with room for six. Earlier in the year, in a conversation with my father, I learned that he and my mother were occasionally toting...(read more)

Going Bananas About Connectors

Dave H — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:30:00 GMT

In my last post , I talked about a tool that simplifies the process of stripping wire. Once the wire’s prepped for connection, the question becomes, “Now what?” There are many different connection options, each with advantages and disadvantages. Of course...(read more)

My Top 10 Car Audio Myths

Charlie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:16:00 GMT

1) I don't need a subwoofer because I never listen to loud music, just classical and jazz. Subwoofers go great with heavy metal, rap, and other types of high-impact music, but they're not just for people who like to turn it up. In fact, a well-tuned subwoofer...(read more)

Are you sitting on a wealth of untapped power?

DaveB — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:02:00 GMT

In my last post , I discussed the concept of bi-wiring. Although bi-wiring doesn’t increase the amount of power going to a pair of speakers many folks I’ve spoken with felt there’s a noticeable improvement in sound quality. That brings us to the subject...(read more)

Why Bi-wiring?

DaveB — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:31:00 GMT

“There is no physical reason why bi-wiring should improve a speaker’s sound.” I’ve heard this sentiment repeated over the years by some very reputable sources. So why do many respected manufacturers continue to build speakers with two separate sets of...(read more)

Three room-friendly ways to get surround sound

Amanda — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:03:00 GMT

I've become something of an ambassador for surround sound. Having enjoyed it for four years now, I simply can't let any of my friends or family upgrade their TV without also upgrading their sound. And invariably, when I'm halfway through extolling the...(read more)