Years ago, deciding on a home audio system was a pretty straightforward exercise. Only technical aficionados focused on wires, connections, bridges, and cabling. These days, home audio system installation is much more challenging due to the system, set-up, equipment, and settings options. Non-experts are left overwhelmed and unsure of how to select a system.
Turn to Revelation AV & Automation to take the guesswork out of your audio system. A provider of the latest high-quality tech, Revelation offers top-notch customer service and a thorough design process. From the first estimate to the final installation, our highly trained staff is here to create the best surround sound system for Arlington, VA, homeowners. To learn more about us and schedule an appointment, call (703) 677-4187 or visit our website today!
Below, we explore our process for picking the perfect surround sound system:
Size Out the Room for a Home Audio System Installation
Believe it or not, the first step has nothing to do with speaker options or model selections. Instead, start by measuring the room in which you plan to install the audio system (many people want their audio system in the same room as the main TV). The room’s size will affect the sound clarity, echo, and the audio system’s performance. Small spaces require only a few speakers (sometimes just two), while large ones demand multiple speakers to cover the sound spectrum’s high, mid, and low ranges.
On the other hand, the TV’s size can help determine the number of speakers. Incorporating multiple speakers makes sense if the TV is 65 inches or larger. If the TV is smaller than that, then fewer speakers will work better.
Decide on the Type of System: Music or Movies
Next, since the sound balancing needs of music and movies differ, you may have to choose which medium you prioritize for the full benefits of your audio system installation. While all systems can deliver a reasonable baseline performance for both, audio systems tailored to one or the other will enhance that particular experience the best. Be ready to choose which type of audio system is the priority.
Ideally, a music system gives an owner the full range of sound to cover all the notes, from low to high. Movie systems are less robust because movies involve more dialogue than orchestra value. A significant aspect of a music system is the stereo feature, giving the user the surround effect with two-directional sound coming from the right and left of the listener.
Determine the Channel Number
Third, a Revelation technician can help you determine how many channels your system needs. You will need a channel for each speaker, and—as noted above—the number of speakers depends on the size of the selected room. The simplest systems will have a minimum of 2 channels, but most high-quality audio systems start with a 5.1 setting, 5 channels, and one subwoofer. Large-room set-ups tend to move into the grouping of 7.1 and 9.1, which entail more speakers. High-end systems add ceiling speakers, usually in sets of four. The channel choice would then be 7.1.4, and so on.
Go With a Package or Build
With the above factors determined, decide between a pre-assembled package in a box or a customized system from different components to fulfill specific wants. Better known today as “plug-and-play” systems, these set-ups install quickly if all the parts are compatible as instructed. Things might go haywire, however, if you add a component to the mix, such as a part that doesn’t match the system.
Skip the Wires? It Depends
Finally, modern systems offer wired or wireless options. The latter choice is widely available and works exceptionally well with digital setups. Moreover, the installation is far more flexible with wireless, allowing the consumer to place the equipment as they like. Wired systems, unfortunately, are limited to the extent of the wiring and length. However, wired systems can offer increased reliability as they don’t have to fight signal reception through disruption or barriers.
Expert Home Audio System Installation Now Available in Arlington, VA
Audio system installation can be confusing and overwhelming. Yet Revelation Systems provides product guidance and equipment installment for all Arlington, VA, homes, facilities, and offices. Our customers keep returning to us for changes and upgrades because of our professional service and cutting-edge technology. For a free project estimate, visit our website or call (703) 677-4187.
