Components of Hifi System
The source in a hi-fi system refers to the music playback device of the highest quality. Apart from the older LP discs, there are various sources available for the hi-fi systems of today. The CD and FM radio broadcasts are still being used even though the newer sources like super audio CD, DVD and DVD-A are preferred by the music enthusiasts. These sources are ideal for a hi-fi system to produce the best sound as they are capable of encoding the information of the original music.
Turntables
Numark LP 2 CD Turntable
Turntables of today are able to revolve at accurate speeds and the needle picks up the maximum data from the groove. So the LP is better, richer and more detailed than a CD.
LP records are cheaper, but they require regular cleaning before use, to get very good sound quality. Another disadvantage is that you need to put LPs on and take them off when you use turntables.
JVC XL-MC2000 200 Disc CD Player
CD player is the simplest source among the available options. Compact Discs store information in digital form and provide clear sound without noise or distortion. A few CD players allow you to place three more discs on a tray while some CD players come with stacking systems for more than 200 discs.
DVD Players
Numark MP3 DVD Player
DVD players are capable of playing up to seven channels; however, they can also hold audio information in the standard stereo format. Some DVD players can play both two channel music and DVD discs.
DAC
The Digital to Analogue Converter receives digital audio signals from the source and converts it into analogue signals. DAC helps the hi-fi system to enhance the quality of sound. If you use high end CD players, you need not require DACs. However, you can go for a DAC when your have a cheaper CD player in your hi-fi system.
Pre-Amplifiers
This is the essential component of a hi-fi system that has various knobs to control volume, source, sound effects etc.
In the integrated amplifiers, the pre-amp is assembled along with the power amp. They provide the connections for FM tuner, CD player and tape deck. You can also go for pre-amps that come with inputs for VCR, TV and PC. Some pre-amps also have a socket for headphones.
Power Amplifier
Power amplifier is the centre of the hi-fi system. It receives the signals from the source and converts them very powerful signals and transmits them to the loudspeakers.
A few high-end hi-fi systems have a separate, powerful amplifier for the left and right channel. The power amplifier is controlled with the help of knobs of the pre-amplifier.
Loudspeakers
Loud speakers are an important part of your hi-fi system so their design and quality should be considered as equally as other components. All standard speakers have a small speaker, called tweeter to produce the sounds of high pitch, a mid-range speaker that produces various sounds that the human ear can hear, and a bass speaker which outputs the sounds of the lowest ranges.
Loud speakers require sufficient space around them to give the best results. Recently, loud speakers come with a separate sub-woofer which picks up low bass sounds and produces excellent, theatrical sound effects.
Loud speakers usually get power from the amplifier. However, a few systems have amplifier integrated into the speakers so these hi-fi systems do not require power amplifiers.
