There are a plethora of options when it comes to home audio setups. When watching movies, surround sound is perfect for creating the immersive experience of a movie theater. A simple wireless speaker softly plays background music, and whole-home audio can take your song from room to room. But the preferred setup of audiophiles everywhere is a 2-channel audio system, meant to replicate a concert in your home. Stereo recordings incorporate left and right channels to create multi-layered sound where the speakers sit on each side of the listener.
System components
A 2-channel audio system needs more than a set of speakers. The most basic system requires two speakers, an amplifier, and source components. Even if you want to save money, it’s important not to choose retail options, which will lack the quality necessary for a proper 2-channel audio setup.
Attempting to understand the amplifier and speaker spec sheets can be confusing. The experts here at Origin Hifi can help you select and set up equipment right for your 2-channel audio system at home. Here are some basic points to get you started:
Speakers: Speakers with low distortion, high-power handling, and balanced sound are ideal for 2-channel audio. We offer several brands with wide-dispersion speakers that allow you to move around the room without a change in sound quality or volume.
Amplifiers: For your setup, amplifiers with big headroom can reach high volumes and high notes while avoiding a distorted sound. We suggest and offer 2-channel amplifiers with high power ratings and dedicated stereo settings.
Cables: A successful sound chain in a 2-channel audio system requires superior equipment, including the cables. The cables that link all the sources must be of the highest quality to ensure a clean signal. We’ll help you find the perfect ones.
Where to set up your system
A true audiophile should have a dedicated listening room to enjoy a 2-channel audio system, where you sit equidistant from each speaker so the separate audio reaches you simultaneously. We suggest constructing a space with ideal acoustics, which includes a windowless, carpeted space that prevents sound waves from bouncing around. Avoid a square room with high ceilings, which can interrupt the sound. We can install acoustic treatments that absorb or redirect the sound throughout the room to improve your listening experience.
What music can you listen to?
Now that the basics of your 2-channel audio system are set up, you can decide what you'd like to link it to. Traditionally, this type of system connects to a turntable, because vinyl records are analog recordings that create the best sound reproduction when compared to CDs, MP3s, or other streaming devices, which take a digital snapshot of an analog signal. Alternatively, a high-tech option includes high-end amplifiers and speakers that come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, so you can connect your system to a streaming device you prefer. If you want to utilize digital sources, we suggest using high-resolution lossless file formats such as FLAC or ALAC.
If you’re ready to invest in a 2-channel audio system that will heighten your music experience, give us a call today at Origin Hifi to get started!