Newbie Questions

I am purchasing my first audio equipment. What do I need to know?

First, do you have neighbors with a shared wall? If so, are they home when you listen to your stereo? Will they call the cops if your stereo is loud?

Give me Stereo

Have you considered good quality headphones? If not...

You can start with a simple two speaker stereo system to limit the complexity and expense.

If you don't need a radio tuner the simplest solution (beyond TV speakers) is a sound bar.

Not Sure what I want

Do you feel that two high fidelity speakers might be a better investment than 5 lower quality speakers?

Give me Surround

How important is sound quality to you? Do you want the surround experience with high fidelity as well?

Have you considered buying the components separately (loudspeakers & receiver) to get exactly what you want?

How important is the quality of the bass?