Whether it’s an MP3 player for your ears only - or you want the full stereo experience at home - we’ll help you choose from the best audio options. Use the drop-down menu on the left to choose the format and price range that fit your budget.

Audio

What’s the advantage of an ‘out-of-the-box’ home theatre system? A pre-packaged home theatre system gives you everything you need for a stereo or home theatre (minus the television). Most systems include a receiver and CD or DVD player in one component, five speakers for stereo and surround sound, and a subwoofer. The advantages are: compatible components, affordability, ease of set-up and a single remote control.

What does a subwoofer do? A subwoofer enhances the bass sound or low-frequency sound effects.

Where should I build my home theatre? Choose the place in your house where you’ll be listening to music – or in the case of home theatre, watching movies. The best room acoustically is one with lower ceilings and ‘softer’ surfaces including carpet and drapes. Your various speakers (front, center-channel, surround and sub-woofer) are then strategically placed around that primary listening position. Ideally you should have some space between the position and the room’s back wall. Just ask us - we can advise you on where to position everything.

What about multi-room systems? Your music doesn’t have to be limited to one room, and can also extend to outdoor living areas. You can use an existing receiver as the centre of a multi-room system, or install a dedicated whole-house music system.

What’s the difference between a Mini and Micro system? Micro systems are basically small stereos. Most of them are iPod-docking, and come in a choice of stylish designs. Mini systems are more about the sound than the looks; they’re usually at least 200 watts so have better output.

Battle of the brands: the Apple iPod or Sony Walkman? They’re both hugely popular MP3 players. Sony has traditionally offered better music quality, and better battery life; while Apple iTunes makes it really easy to download music. The best way to decide? Try them both in store – and go with your instincts.

What about noise-cancelling headphones? If you want to really lose yourself in your music and movies, noise-cancelling headphones will keep out the distractions. They come in two types – ones that completely surround your ear, with extra cushioning; or ‘over-ear’ headphones that are smaller and rest on your ears.

Home Theatre Systems

What’s the advantage of an ‘out-of-the-box’ home theatre system? A pre-packaged home theatre system gives you everything you need for a stereo or home theatre (minus the television). Most systems include a receiver and CD or DVD player in one component, five speakers for stereo and surround sound, and a subwoofer. The advantages are: compatible components, affordability, ease of set-up and a single remote control.

What does a subwoofer do? A subwoofer enhances the bass sound or low-frequency sound effects.

Where should I build my home theatre? Choose the place in your house where you’ll be listening to music – or in the case of home theatre, watching movies. The best room acoustically is one with lower ceilings and ‘softer’ surfaces including carpet and drapes. Your various speakers (front, center-channel, surround and sub-woofer) are then strategically placed around that primary listening position. Ideally you should have some space between the position and the room’s back wall. Just ask us - we can advise you on where to position everything .

What about multi-room systems? Your music doesn’t have to be limited to one room, and can also extend to outdoor living areas. You can use an existing receiver as the centre of a multi-room system, or install a dedicated whole-house music system.

Portable & Personal

Battle of the brands: the Apple iPod or Sony Walkman? They’re both hugely popular MP3 players. Sony has traditionally offered better music quality, and better battery life; while Apple iTunes makes it really easy to download music. The best way to decide? Try them both in store – and go with your instincts.

Car Audio

Do you need a GPS for the car? GPS devices are very useful if you drive to different addresses for work, live in a large town, or visit other cities regularly. Using a screen map and voice commands, it will take you to the number and street you program in – calculating the shortest or quickest route. It can also help you find the nearest amenities such as parking buildings, shopping malls, and parks. Compare the price and features of the different brands such as Navman, TomTom, Navig8r and Uniden. More features get added with every new model release, some of the latest features include “ Live Traffic” which gives you live information about traffic conditions and hold ups, they show this graphically and offer alternative routes. Advance Lane guidance is a new technology which gives both visual and voice guidance on the correct lane to be in. This is especially useful on motorways or multilane roads where signposts may not be clear. Some models will display the motorways signpost on the GPS screen.

Hands on the wheel – choosing a handsfree car kit Since November 2009 it’s been illegal to have your hand on the phone while you’re driving. So if you want to talk and drive, you’ll need the technology to do it. Your options range from an entry level Bluetooth headset only (which you can also use out of your care), a Bluetooth car kit (for better sound clarity while driving), or a GPS device that comes with hands-free capability.

Accessories

What about noise-cancelling headphones? If you want to really lose yourself in your music and movies, noise-cancelling headphones will keep out the distractions. They come in two types – ones that completely surround your ear, with extra cushioning; or ‘over-ear’ headphones that are smaller and rest on your ears.