Choosing a Hi-Fi System

'It's the Music - Stupid'

When you are faced with the vast array of Hi-Fi choices, remember that it's music and only music that matters. This advice may seem obvious, but you can read a Hi-Fi product review, and realize that music hasn't been mentioned.

How to Choose a Hi-Fi System

It may appear that a good way to choose a Hi-Fi would be to read one of the specialist magazines, then go out and buy the latest five star reviews, at the lowest possible price.

A second possibility would be to walk into a local Hi-Fi shop and just buy what the retailer told you to.

Of the two alternatives above, you would probably think your interests were best served by the 'objective' reviews of the magazine, however you would probably be wrong.

If you think about it, the priority of the Hi-Fi magazine has to be the maximisation of circulation-this will get it the best advertising revenues, and the best way to achieve circulation is to be sensationalist. Every month another set of products come along and knock last month's for six. Also remember that a magazine is far more likely to be loyal to its big advertisers, than to you, the one off reader.

By choosing the second way, and we're not recommending this approach, there is a good chance that they will offer you what they genuinely believe are good products. The shop will thrive or fail on the way they advise their customers, after all satisfied customers come back, and tell their friends.

The best way of all is to spend a little time, visit a few specialist dealers, and ask them to play you their recommendations. Take some of your own music (not necessarily your favourites, but a selection) and buy the system that sounds best to you, that fits your budget.

Common Misconceptions about Hi-Fi

1) I won't hear the difference

If you care about music, you will almost certainly very quickly pick up on the abilities of a better system.

2) A good system costs a fortune

It is true that the very best systems can cost many many thousands of pounds, a good system can be had for around £700.

3) Technology is moving so quickly that anything I buy today will be out of date by next year

The driving force behind the consumer electronics market is always new technology. By buying a good Hi-Fi system you are sidestepping these issues. CD will be with us for a long time to come-remember, LPs are still available 20 years after the introduction of CD. Quality lasts.