Audio Shelf Systems

For you to have the most complete audio experience, you need to set up one of the various audio shelf systems available. This will allow you to play music from different audio sources, with an excellent sound quality level. It will also allow you premium sound when you watch video on a home theater system.

First, you will need to connect all the stereo rack system components to your receiver. This is the hub of your system, the main part of all the components. The best way to connect your components is by using HDMI cables. These cables give you the best connection between your components, and they will deliver the best sound. These HDMI cables aren't as complicated as RF (radio frequency) wires, since they only require one connection, rather than three or four that RF wiring requires. HDMI connects all the capable components together, but RF wires are groups of colored cables grouped together.

Arrange all of your components on shelves that are made to handle the components' weight. Be sure to leave two inches or more between the top of each component and the shelf that holds another. In this way, you are providing adequate ventilation, and it will extend the lifespan of the components since they will not become overheated. Overheating can significantly shorten the life of your components, so allowing extra room between them is an excellent way to help them last longer.

Connect your speakers to the receiver. Depending on the level and type of surround sound capabilities that you seek, you will be connecting between two and eight speakers that will include a subwoofer. Setting up with two speakers is the most common arrangement if you plan to listen mainly to music.

Disable various speaker groups in your audio shelf systems and play a single source (like a radio or CD) at a time. In this way, you will be able to isolate each speaker or group and you'll be able to adjust the level of volume that you prefer in those speakers. Most receivers of good quality will give you an option for isolation of each speaker. Select the “A” or “B” speaker group, or scroll through the menu for each receiver, through different groups of speakers. If you want to isolate various speaker groups or speakers, you'll need to disconnect the wires of each of the speakers you want to mute.

You'll also need to program your universal remote that will control the various components in your system. The programming method for the majority of remote control units involves entering a code for every component. The manual will list the codes for each remote control unit, and they are separated by manufacturer. You may need to have the ability to plug the components into the receiver for power. The manufacturers recommend that you don't do this. A surge strip may affect your separate components if they're not connected for a source of power. A surge strip outlet should be used to provide power to every part of your audio shelf systems.