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Headphone Amplifiers

Just like the amplifier that powers your full-sized speakers, a headphone amp works in the same way on a much smaller scale. This low-powered amp increases the signal from your devices, such as your smartphone or PC, amplifying low-voltage signals to higher levels.

Built-in amps tend to distort and compress sound, losing the dynamic range of the music, while high-quality headphone amps are designed to preserve the original signal.

The result is studio-quality sounds that greatly improve the listening experience, providing louder, crisper sounds. Power and quality are the two main reasons people use dedicated headphone amps from high-end companies like MyteK and McIntosh. Below are two of the models we most recommend for our clients.

The Liberty THX AAA Headphone AMP from MyTek provides powerful, precision sound with minimal distortion. The amp also comes with a reference tool to adjust volume and sound settings for optimal listening and production.

We also have the McIntosh MHA200 headphone amp coming to our showroom soon. This beautiful, compact amplifier boasts four different impedance ranges, balanced, and unbalanced inputs. Enjoy sound in stereo or left and right outputs. The MHA200 features McIntosh’s trademark vacuum tube amplification and a toroidal power transformer for powerful, pristine sound with a wide range of headphones and music sources.

Audeze LCD-X/LCD-XC

Cherished by music lovers, music producers, and mastering engineers, the LCD-X (pictured above) is Audeze’s most popular headphone. In fact, you can find the LCD-X and other high-end headphones from Audeze in some of the world’s most prestigious production houses!

These over-ear, open-back and closed back headphones feature Planar Magnetic drivers that reproduce the most intimate musical details with microscopic clarity. Experience pinpoint imaging, an impressive sense of space, and excellent transient response—allowing you to hear every recording as the creators intended.

And if you still need convincing that headphones are a fair competitor with stereo loudspeakers, consider this review by The Absolute Sound: “It is my opinion that the LCD-X can compete with all of the very best high-end loudspeakers.”

You can find both the open back and closed back models on display at our showroom.

Audeze LCD-2

Cleer Audio Ally Plus Wireless Earbuds

These noise-cancelling earbuds are packed with such great features, you’d wonder why they’re just $99. Enjoy exceptional peace and quiet with Active Noise Cancellation or let in some environmental noise and stay aware of your surroundings with Ambient Mode.

Their custom-tuned 10mm Neodymium drivers deliver premium quality to envelop you in your tracks. Plus, they’re sweatproof to survive any workout. With up to 30 hours of playback, you’ll never have to worry about losing your music while out and about.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds

Tech Radar calls these the “best true wireless earbuds you can buy today.” At $250, these industry-leading noise-cancelling earbuds are a must-have for those who prefer in-ear headphones but don’t settle on quality.

The WF-1000XM4 earbuds support high-resolution audio playback thanks to Sony’s LDAC audio technology, which transmits nearly three times more data than conventional Bluetooth wireless audio for sound performance that’s as close as possible to that of a wired connection. You can also upscale compressed digital files in real-time and restore lost details for a richer listening experience.

Get lost in your music for up to 24 hours without having to recharge and get notified via the Sony Headphones Connect mobile app when battery life is low.

When You Might Choose Freestanding Speakers

You’re Adding Speakers to an Existing Room

One of the key differences between freestanding and architectural speakers is installation. Freestanding speakers, whether bookshelf or tower, don’t require opening walls. If you’re upgrading an existing room and don’t want to tear into walls for built-in speakers, then choose freestanding instead.

You Prefer to Showcase Your Audio Gear

Whether you’re upgrading an existing room or building from scratch, you might still choose freestanding speakers if you love the aesthetic appeal that they add to your home theater. After all, many high-end tower and bookshelf speakers today are works of art! Still, keep in mind that large speakers—especially those placed on either side of your display—could distract viewers from the screen.

SEE ALSO: Home Theater FAQ: What to Know About Screens and Projectors

Speakers

As we mentioned, speakers are an obvious component of any surround sound system. You have lots of choices for speaker type, from bookshelf and tower to in-wall and in-ceiling (or a combination of these). Speaker configuration is also up to you, but factors like budget and room size will help determine how many speakers can fit properly in your home theater or media room.

A/V Receiver

To drive your speakers, you’ll need an A/V receiver at the very least. An A/V receiver is the nerve center of your system. Not only does it power your speakers, but it decodes various surround sound formats. Most high-quality receivers also feature room correction technology to overcome acoustic anomalies in any space. An A/V receiver is a cost-effective alternative to separates and delivers simpler connectivity.

Processor/Amplifier

Discerning cinephiles and audiophiles who demand the very best in audio performance might want to separate the audio processing and amplification duties to separate components rather than use an A/V receiver that does all the work in one system. Processors are specifically designed for top audio performance and feature connections you might not find on receivers. Plus, because the processor and amplifier aren’t crammed together in one box, the result you get is clearer sound and more horsepower.

SEE ALSO: McIntosh MX170: Create the Cinematic Soundstage of Your Dreams

Proper Cabling

Now it’s time for connections! You’ll need speaker wire to connect your speakers to your receiver or processor and amplifier. Wire gauge will depend on the distance of your wire runs and the impedance ratings of your speakers. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need properly-rated wire for in-wall runs.