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Exploring Sound Options that Appeal to Your Sense of Style

We understand that most people love great sound, but not everyone loves speakers. So even though we can wax ecstatic about speaker drivers, cabinet design, woods, and automotive-grade metallic finishes, some of our clients might yawn and say, "Can I just get the sound without seeing the speaker?"

We hear you, and of course, you can. Architectural speakers are built into walls and ceilings and virtually disappear. While they have been around for many years, the design and quality of architectural speakers have changed markedly over the years – they can now match the quality of their standalone counterparts. So if you are designing a new media room or home theater, you can have the sound quality you want without upsetting the room's aesthetic, no matter how many speakers are in the system. 

Let's explore some hi-fi disappearing speakers you can use in your Salt Lake City, UT, home sound system. 

Plus, Explore Some of Our Favorite High-End Audio Brands

Thanks to the internet, we need never be without music. Millions of songs live in our pockets, waiting to be played. In fact, music enthusiasts today might hail the internet for making quality music so easy to access, especially as more streaming services offer lossless high-fidelity audio formats.

Even so, no musical experience compares to that of a live concert. Whether you’re head-banging to the Foo Fighters or being serenaded by the Utah Symphony, live music truly immerses you in the moment. It elicits an emotional response that you can’t get from listening to music through a phone or earbuds.

If you crave the concert experience but enjoy the accessibility of music, then consider a 2-channel home sound system. Keep reading to learn what sets 2-channel audio apart and explore a few of our most cherished audio brands.

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.