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ECHO KA-916CE
5.1 channel subwoofer speaker system for Home Theater
Model details:
Things to Consider, not to get fooled when choosing the Home Theater System:
There is quite a variety of different 5.1 systems available today. If you are looking for a $500.00 + models, chances are that you are on the right track. Onkyo or Sony or some even more expensive 5K+ systems will deliver a magnificent sound experience. Although you probably will not shop for them on E-Bay. It is more likely that you are shopping here for a great deal under $200.00
The problem is that most of the models in this range are merely 5.1 computer multimedia systems. They were never even designed for a Home Theater Experience in a large living room. Most of Creative and Altec models were developed just to bring 5.1 channel experience to your gaming world on a PC. But you will rarely find this info, because, well, because then you would not buy them as Home Theater, would you?
What makes a real Home Theater system different from 5.1 multimedia speaker sets?
1.) First thing to consider is the size of the speakers. When shopping - compare the diameter of drivers and their quantity per channel.
It is quite simple. Multimedia system usually has 1 driver per channel. Home Theater Set will normally have anywhere from 2 to 4 drivers per channel. This is done for two reasons - first is the power (in Watts) as Home Theater systems need to be able to fill the entire room with rich sound, second is covered frequency range - some drivers deliver higher frequencies others - lower. When combined they cover a wider range.
2.) Subwoofer is the second key element to a good system.
Subwoofer for the PC is a relatively small block with 4"-6" driver that can output some low-tone frequencies. It may be enough to reach you while you are sitting right in front of computer but it will have a hard time achieving the same result in larger spaces. A good Home Theatre Subwoofer starts with at least 8" diameter driver. Best models would have it facing upwards or downwards - this really helps to fill the room with vibes. Also check the output frequency for the woofer. Normally it would be only the lower figures something like 60Hz-180Hz. Better models can go as low as 40Hz - 160Hz. A good way to test a sub - is to turn it on separately from the rest of the speakers (if you can). A good model will produce very muffled sounds without any high-tone frequencies. But will rock the room mighty with lower frequencies bursts.
And if you see that some "subwoofer" that covers 100Hz - 120KHz - do not stop. Keep walking. This is a regular speaker that has nothing to do with woofers.
3.) Amplifier
For the Home Theatre System it is an essential although invisible piece. Have you ever wondered how a pair of small speakers at the store for $15 can put out 100 watts of power? It all depends on your definition of output power...theoretically they can...and it has fooled too many people not to mention it here! Your friend would be one of them if he tells you that his home stereo unit has 3000 watts of power output...even though it is connected to a standard 120-volt power supply that is only allowed to draw 2000 watts before tripping the circuit breakers...
Vendors use PMPO power to hide underpowered power supplies and amplifiers. When you see something with a PMPO measurement on it, turn it around and look for RMS figure. Often, the PMPO figure would be 5-10 times bigger than RMS. RMS (Root Means Square) power - reflects an average output over time, creating a much more reasonable reading. Don't be fooled by cheap products which appear to put out big power.
It all depends upon how they measure the output power of the device. Usually if you look at these huge numbers, you will see the letters "PMPO" underneath. PMPO stands for "Peak Music Power Output" or "Peak Momentary Power Output". Notice the word peak. The vendor of the product calculates PMPO based on the maximum power output of the device under perfect conditions and 100% efficiency. These conditions are impossible to obtain, and no device could sustain the PMPO power for any significant length of time without being destroyed (due to resistive losses producing heat in the circuitry). The PMPO power relies on the fact that amplifiers can provide short bursts (basically on the order of milliseconds) of very high power. It may very well be possible to bring in 2600 watts through your standard 120 volt circuit (your refrigerator probably does this often, along with most other electric motors), but that 2600 watts will not be able to be sustained for long, because it will begin producing heat in the wiring which will kick the circuit breaker or blow the fuse. Over time, these short bursts when averaged with the lower output powers, gives the real value.
4.) Input / Output ports
Check for the input ports of the system. Make sure your model's output matches your DVD Player's or TV's output. As a warning - some multimedia systems that have only 5.1 input for 5 channels - they do not have any amplifier or channel-separating electronics in it. They rely fully on the external device (TV, DVD player or PC soundcard) to decode the sound and split it in 5 channels. Obviously - a poor choice. At least they have to be priced under $100.00 as they are just 5 speakers bundled together, not a Home Theatre System.
5.) Enclosures
Ever wondered why is organ music played only in special halls? Same thing here. Inexpensive plastic that may work with PC multimedia, will perform poor for the Home Theater. If your friend has got a system with real wooden subwoofer, or high-density refractory moisture-proof fiberboard woofer enclosure - you would definitely not want to show him the cheap plastic version. Well, maybe only if you got it at $69.99 versus his $650.00
Specially molded high-density plastic is good only for the satellite units. Do not even look at plastic woofers, it is too much of a sacrifice on the lower frequencies sound-wise.
6.) Remote Control, Volume and Mode Indication
Remotes make life easier. Look for the ones that can give you a control not only over master volume but also over each individual channel too. Latter is very important to adjust the sound for your individual room dimensions and juxtaposition of TV and the viewing point. Visual volume indication and mode indication windows are usually placed on the subwoofers. Make sure your system has one. Oh and one more thing - Volume Memory. This feature will help you to avoid re-adjusting the front and rear, left and right and center channels every time when you turn the system on.
7.) Length of wires or wireless
Wireless systems are cool, but may experience some interference if you are "lucky" to live near a military base or high-voltage powerlines. Wireless systems are generally more expensive. $600+ would be a fair estimate. Wired systems are good as long as the length of the wires matches the size of your room. Make sure to check that before buying. Oh and turn the rear speakers faces to the back wall to create a better audio 3D effect.
And last but definitely not the least - is the design of the system you are buying.
Do you need to buy additional pedestals for each of the speakers? Do the pedestals come bundled? Does they look sturdy and elegant at the same time? Or is it another one with cheap tiny pedestals that will be knocked down by your guest/ dog/ cat/ child when they make inaccurate move? Does the color match your TV and room styles? How does a sub-woofer look near your TV? Is it capable to support a variety of DOLBY and Surround Sound standards? Get answers to these questions and you will make a much better choice, then if you were looking only on the price tags.
Good Luck Shopping!!
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