As technology grows and changes, so does the home stereo. It seems what was popular and the "hot new item" 10 years ago, is the antique relic of today when it comes to the rapidly changing world of entertainment technology. There are home stereos of all sizes, for all types of listeners from those who dedicate room(s) of their home to mini theater-like setups, to those who have a couple of speakers and a CD player. Regardless of the amount of work put into the hardware, what these people all have in common is a passion for the sounds that come out of the stereo- the music that so greatly influences and enhances their lives.
What more and more music aficionados are discovering is that not only the equipment but the furniture it is kept in/on can make a huge difference in the quality of the listening experience. A new type of product is becoming increasingly popular, that of audio furniture. These pieces don't just provide a stylish new home for stereo equipment; they give it a performance boost to boot. That's not something any old entertainment cabinet can say. Here are some examples of what's out there now.
One of the best pieces of furniture to improve the sound quality of a home stereo system is a Hi-fi stand. The term hi-fi, or high fidelity, refers very briefly to the quality of sound and image reproduction achieved by an audio/AV system. The concept of a current, home, hi-fi setup involves digital audio sources like CD players, digital audio tape, digital audio broadcasting (like HD Radio tuners), an amp, pre amp, and loudspeakers. What exactly do these hi-fi stands provide? Hi-fi stands come equipped with thick, isolated, shelves made of glass, or other incredibly sturdy materials that provide for vibration dampening, deadening, and leveling. The ideal stand should have an open-air design to help increase the lifespan of sound equipment by preventing overheating- which ultimately results in the equipment breaking down prematurely. Often the shelves may appear to be "floating," which means vibration interference will be at a minimum.
As a home's collection of quality high definition equipment grows, many hi-fi stands are able to expand with it. Choose from hi-fi stands that stack and expand, allowing a quick solution to space issues. For those just beginning to build a stereo system, start with a base 2-shelf unit and let the stereo system grow from there. It's a welcome alternative compared to growing into a larger entertainment until that sits empty for months or years, or buying new stereo furniture all the time. For those who already have specialized equipment, the shelves of these versatile storage units can be raised and lifted to accommodate even the bulkiest digital audio device. The convenience of stackable units is this flexibility to add and subtract height from the stand.
For those with wall-mount flat-screen television units, the hi-fi stand is a modern way to display connected audio and DVD equipment without adding a bulky piece of furniture to the room- part of the idea of having a wall-mount! Hi-fi stands are sold online, and in stores where high-end sound equipment is sold. When looking to upgrade audio equipment storage to a hi-fi stand, be sure to consider the specific needs and quality of the existing stereo system.
For those looking for a quick and affordable way to boost sound performance, speaker stands can be a great place to start when considering audio furniture for the home. As discovered in the 80's, the simple action of lifting a speaker off the floor improves its sound quality and performance immeasurably. Domestic furniture and floors carry vibrations which have a negative effect on the sound being produced. In order to cancel this effect out, the modern speaker stand has been designed to function as a sonically dead column, on which speakers can be isolated, lifted and mounted.
Speaker stand technology has improved drastically- far beyond just lifting a speaker into the air- and now there are many aesthetically pleasing brands and styles on the market that will not only optimize speaker performance, but enhance the look and ambience of any living or entertainment room.
The most important qualities in a speaker stand are stiffness and stability. The best materials are rigid like steel or thick glass. The flat top plate of a speaker stand supports the speaker with rubber padding, which further serves to eliminate vibrations. The proper height for speakers and tweeters is of utmost importance (they should be at ear level) and speaker stands allow for the perfect height adjustment. Another big element when optimizing sound is getting the speakers in exactly the right positions as related to the listener. Putting the speaker on a stands allows for the kind of fine-tuning and adjustment necessary to really get the best hi-fi sound out of a stereo system. These simple stands make for an affordable way to quickly and easily improve the sound quality of a home hi-fi stereo system.
The latest evolutionary phase of the TV stand is truly something to consider when choosing a home for a new flat screen TV. Combining all the utility of a hi-fi stand with support for a television, a modern TV stand earns its keep. Today, the stereo system and TV are often interconnected, and therefore it makes sense to keep everything in one, centralized location. These pieces of smart furniture combine not only the hi-fi shelving that isolates stereo equipment and eliminates vibrations (like the hi-fi stands), but hide cables and chords to increase the neat clean appearance. Part of the advantage for flat screen owners of going with a stand instead of a wall-mount is the swivel-action of many of the latest TV stands- now they can get the perfect picture from anywhere in the room.
At the end of the day, the method of mounting speakers is an individual preference. Speaker stands are an affordable way to quickly and easily improve the sound quality of a home hi-fi stereo system. They help the speakers work better by eliminating many common, completely avoidable, complications like picking up vibrations, and poor room and listener-related placement. Nobody wants those pesky "deleterious colorations" ruining the sound quality on yet another stereo system's speakers. Start hearing things clearly by giving speakers a quick and easy speaker stand makeover.
