How to invest in a sound system
Considering the purchase of a new sound system can be more complicated than it seems. The eternal question immediately arises: what's worth investing more money in? Those looking to enjoy the best audio without spending a fortune often face this very question.
In this post, we give you the keys to getting the most out of your budget, with practical advice on where it's worth spending more money and where you shouldn't go overboard. All this with a realistic, accessible approach, and—of course—one that focuses on how to get the most out of your VULKKANO devices.
Priorities when investing in your sound system
Before purchasing any equipment, it's important to know which components really make a difference in the sound experience. Not all elements of a sound system have the same impact: some transform the listening experience immediately, while others are secondary additions.
The speakers: the heart of the system
Speakers are, without a doubt, the main protagonists of any home sound system. They are responsible for transforming the signal into a real experience , and their quality largely determines the definition, versatility, and listening comfort.
When choosing a speaker, the first thing to remember is what type of use we're going to give them. Setting up a surround-sounding home theater isn't the same as setting up a space to connect a turntable and enjoy vinyl. This is where the sound profile we're looking for comes into play: natural balance, punchy bass, or a fuller, more versatile sound. Factors such as driver size , equalization options, and materials directly influence that sound's personality.
As an extra tip: it's advisable to test them first , if possible, to see if the speakers really meet our expectations or, in any case, to be clear about where and how we're going to install them.
Another key aspect is the relationship between space and speaker size . In small rooms, active monitors can perform better than large-format tower speakers; furthermore, placement (wall spacing, height, or angle of orientation) can make as much of a difference as the speaker itself.
It's also worth considering the difference between active and passive speakers. Active speakers already have built-in amplification, making them more practical, easier to install, and require fewer cables. Passive speakers, on the other hand, require an external amplifier but allow for greater customization and upgrades. At VULKKANO , we focus on active solutions , which simplify the experience without sacrificing quality.
Connectivity is another factor that shouldn't be overlooked. In our case, we offer options like HDMI ARC or subwoofer output , designed to bring the user the experience of an affordable active home theater, but also to enjoy music with clarity and detail in everyday life.
Finally, we mustn't forget the aesthetics. Today, speakers are a fixture in the living room, bedroom, or study, and people are no longer just looking for technical features: they also require design, integration, and finishes that blend with the decor. That's why at VULKKANO, we strive for a minimalist and modern style, so that the sound system not only sounds good , but also looks good.
Acoustics and positioning: 50% of the sound
There's little point in investing in good speakers if the room isn't up to par. The acoustics of a space are just as important as the equipment itself, to the point that they can completely transform the experience. A poorly conditioned room can make even high-end speakers sound dull, lacking in detail, or with an annoyingly loud bass.
The size and shape of the space play a significant role. Small rooms tend to enhance certain frequencies, while large ones can disperse sound too much. Elements like bare walls, tiled floors, or large windows tend to generate reflections and reverberations that distort hearing. Therefore, simple details like adding rugs, thick curtains, bookshelves, or acoustic panels can make a huge difference.
Speaker positioning is another decisive factor. Placing them close to the wall often enhances the bass, while placing them slightly further apart gives a more balanced sound. Height also matters: ideally, the tweeters should be roughly at ear level. Additionally, slightly angling them toward the listening position helps improve the soundstage and the sense of immersion.
Ultimately, a good sound system doesn't end with the purchase of the speakers: it's completed with a suitable environment . Optimizing acoustics and positioning can make mid-range speakers surpass a poorly placed, more expensive system in quality. It's, without a doubt, the most rewarding, invisible investment.
The audio source: where it all begins
If speakers are the heart of a sound system, the audio source is its starting point. The quality of the signal that will later be amplified and reproduced depends on it, so choosing the right speakers for listening to music or movies is essential.
These days, we're faced with a multitude of options: vinyl records, CD players, computers, televisions, streaming services, and high-resolution digital files. The key is knowing which format we use most and tailoring the investment to that need. It doesn't make sense to spend money on a high-end turntable if most of our listening comes from Spotify or Tidal.
In this sense, it's crucial to have a good DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which transforms the digital signal into an analog signal that the speakers can reproduce. A quality DAC can make a difference in clarity, detail, and spatiality, especially when using streaming or digital files.
It's also important to remember that the quality of the recording and the format are more important than spending a fortune on the source. A highly compressed MP3 track will sound limited even on the best equipment, while a FLAC file or well-maintained vinyl can take full advantage of the system's potential.
At VULKKANO, for example, we focus on integrating digital and analog connections that allow you to make the most of any source, whether it's a TV for cinemas, a turntable for vinyl records, or an online music streamer. This way, we ensure that users can enjoy the best sound quality without any complications.
Accessories and cables: just what is necessary
When we think about upgrading a sound system, questions often arise about accessories, especially cables. The market is full of options that promise miraculous improvements , but the truth is that their actual impact on audio quality is much smaller than we often believe.
When it comes to audio cables , the most important thing is that they're reliable , well-built, and the right length for your installation. A poor-quality cable can generate noise, loss, or interference, but at a basic, well-functioning level, the differences between very expensive models and more affordable ones are usually minimal, almost imperceptible to the human ear.
Something similar happens with other accessories: anti-vibration mounts, stands , or speaker stands can help improve stability and positioning, but they don't have the same impact on the sound experience as investing in better speakers, room acoustics, or a good audio source. They're useful additions, yes, but they should be prioritized accordingly.
Ultimately, there's no need to spend a fortune on fancy cables or accessories. The key is to ensure stable connections, durable materials, and a tidy installation. At VULKKANO , we focus on accessibility and functionality , offering universal and standard connections that allow users to focus on what's truly important: enjoying the sound.
So what do I do with my money?
As you've read, setting up a sound system isn't about spending more, but rather investing wisely . The speakers are, without a doubt, the most important part: their quality and how we place them will determine a large part of the experience. The room's acoustics, positioning, and audio source make a difference, and these are aspects worth considering before considering fancy accessories or cables.
At VULKKANO, we understand that every user has different needs: home theater, vinyl music, digital streaming, or even gaming. That's why we design versatile, easy-to-install systems with full connectivity, allowing you to get the most out of every euro without complications.