Hi-fi guide: building a high-end system

A hi-fi system is a chain: source, amplification, loudspeakers and the room they play in. Each link limits what the others can do, so a balanced system beats one star component surrounded by compromises.

1. Loudspeakers and the room

Choose loudspeakers first, because they and the room shape the sound more than anything else. A large floorstander can overwhelm a small room with bass, while a small stand-mount may sound thin in a big one. Dynamic box speakers, horns, electrostatics and ribbons each have different strengths. See electrostatic loudspeakers explained and loudspeaker placement and room acoustics.

2. Amplification that suits the speakers

The amplifier must drive the speakers comfortably: a speaker's sensitivity and impedance matter as much as the amplifier's power rating. Decide between valves and transistors, integrated and separate pre/power amplifiers. Valve vs solid-state amplifiers covers the trade-offs.

3. Sources: digital and vinyl

A DAC or streamer handles digital music. A turntable, tonearm, cartridge and phono stage handle vinyl. Vinyl rewards careful set-up: getting the best from a turntable and moving magnet vs moving coil cartridges are good places to start.

4. Cables, supports and mains

These are the finishing touches. Get the big decisions right first, then use cables and supports to fine-tune. See choosing speaker cables and interconnects and bi-wiring and bi-amping explained.

Listen before you decide

Specifications only tell part of the story. Listen to equipment, ideally in a system and room like your own, and with music you know well.

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