A Beginner’s Guide to Audio Quality

Training Your Ears to Appreciate a 2-Channel Setup

One of the challenges with sensory experiences is putting that experience into words. This challenge holds true when listening to a 2-channel audio setup in your Northeast or Central Ohio home. 

You sit back in your chair, put on a vinyl or a song from a high-resolution digital service, and listen. And, before you know it, you’ve drifted away from the confines of the room into the open soundstage where the details of every instrument come alive and the vocals resonate with pure emotion. Not only can you hear the full range of sound, but you can also see it. 

How did you get there? Was it the addition of the new configuration in your designated listening room? 

Here, we’ll explore some of the possibilities in our beginner's guide to audio quality. Discover what to listen for, and explore some of the best music tracks to test your 2-channel audio system.

You can also join us at our exclusive events next week. We are showcasing the best in high-performance audio and video, with live demos from McIntosh, Sonus faber, REL, and Sony. The first event is on Thursday Nov 13th from 5-9 PM at 750 Howe Ave in Akron & Cleveland (Cuyahoga Falls). The following event is Friday Nov 14th, 5-9 PM, 1216 Powell Dr, Columbus. We hope to see you there! 

SEE ALSO: How High-End Speakers Enhance Your Home Theater Experience

2-Channel Audio Defined

A 2-channel audio setup is also known as stereo. Using two distinct channels, the left and right front speakers, creates a 3D soundstage. Enjoyed by many discriminating music lovers, this system reveals a sense of space and depth with precise and accurate imaging. 

How to Get 2-Channel Audio

There are several ways to set up an entry-level stereo system. You’ll need speakers that create a convincing 3D soundstage and accurately reproduce the full range of frequencies without distortion, capturing every detail. 

The classic setup also requires an amplifier or a stereo receiver, which includes an amplifier, source selection, and a radio tuner. While a dedicated amp offers superior audio performance, the all-in-one unit is a common choice for beginning music enthusiasts. 

If you primarily listen to music through streaming music services, a modern approach is an integrated amplifier with digital music playback capabilities that support online services. At Sound & Vision, we recommend looking into music streaming services that offer lossless audio, which retains all the data from the original recording.

For those who have fallen in love with the warm, rich sound of vinyl and the listening experience, a high-performance turntable is essential. 

What to Listen For

Clarity is essential in 2-channel audio. You want to hear the full, dynamic range, from the softest nuances to the building crescendo, in detail. When balanced, you hear an accurate representation of the music, from the smooth treble to the impactful bass, as the artist intended.

You also want to listen for accurate soundstage and imaging. With the right equipment and set up, you experience a sense of place and distance, with the music from the instruments and singers sounding as if it's coming from specific areas of the “stage.” 

Tracks to Test Your System With 

When testing your system, it’s essential to listen to songs you’re familiar with. The following are good additions: 

• “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen—Complexity and dynamic range

• “Orinoco Flow” by Enya—High-Definition and range from bass to treble

Are you ready for the ultimate audio experience? Visit one of Sound & Vision’s three Ohio showrooms and experience an optimized system for yourself. To learn more about the art of listening to high-fidelity audio or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Sound & Vision today.