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Before you start reading the tech specifications for high-fidelity speakers on Amazon, remember that your sound system should defer to your needs. Not the other way around.
So you probably don't want a room-shaking speaker set if you live in a tower block with thin walls.
Quite simply the first thing you need to ask when buying a new sound system for your home is: 'What do I need it to do?'
So you need to think about what you listen to and how you listen to it.
The best way to work out what you actually need from your sound system is to ask yourself a set of questions.
Click through to do just that...
11 Questions To Ask When You Buy A New Soundsystem
What do you want your system to play? (01 of11)
By this we mean: What are your audio sources?If you're setting up from scratch and all you have is an iPod, you could probably get away with something straightforward, such as a simple set of PC/multimedia speakers. But if you want to stream music from multiple sources (iPad, digital radio, TV, CD) you may need speakers with multiple inputs.The key is to make sure you know every device you want to play from. (credit:Dane Wirtzfeld via Getty Images)
What are you going to plug into your sound system? (02 of11)
Make sure that whatever speaker system you're looking at, you can attach all the devices you need.A set of speakers will have a limited amount of inputs, and you might need to spend more to get more.You can also stream your music to your sound system via your Wi-Fi network.This can be done using a media player, such as Apple TV, via a single input. Once it's done, you can then stream music from all your devices. (credit:Paul M O'Connell via Getty Images)
How big a space does the sound need to fill? (03 of11)
Be realistic about what you need.There's probably little point investing in a surround-sound system if you live in small flat.Ear-splitting movie action sequences tend to work best when you're not sitting next to the speaker.Two 20W speakers will fill the average living room with sound. (credit:Chad Baker via Getty Images)
Do I need an integrated stereo system?(04 of11)
If all your music is captured on iTunes or an equivalent music storage system, then you might want to consider just investing in speakers. After all, are you ever going to load a CD? A world without hard copies of music can be very space-saving! (credit:Fox Photos via Getty Images)
Should I ask a specialist? (05 of11)
If you go into your local supermarket and start asking about the sound quality of their stereos, then you might not get the expertise you need.Instead, head to specialist audio shops where sound engineers and DJs hang out. They honestly won't mind giving you simple practical advice. And it's better than trying to decipher technical speaker specifications with a frown on your face. (credit:Mark Harwood via Getty Images)
What does it sound like? (06 of11)
When you're considering which sound system to buy, make sure you test it out.And don't just give is a quick listen. Really test the range of the speakers.Take music that you regularly listen to, and load it up. Then turn the volume up to the max and listen for any sound distortions.Do the same with music that contains high-pitched and low-bass sounds, to make sure that the speakers have what's known as a 'flat response'. E.g. The sound quality is equally good at all frequencies.You want to find out how much the speaker distorts your music at high and low frequencies. (credit:Image Source via Getty Images)
Do I want music in every room?(07 of11)
If you care about listening to music as you move around your home, then floor-standing speakers might not be practical.In a small flat, portable Bluetooth speakers are an option. A multi-room system like Sonos or BOSE Soundtouch might also be worth the investment - and are easier to set up than you think.These won't give you as good a sound as bigger less portable speakers, but these days they're pretty good and provide a reasonable compromise between convenience and quality. (credit:Images by Fabio via Getty Images)
Are these speakers too expensive? (Not expensive enough)(08 of11)
If you spend any less than £20 on a set of speakers then you're likely to be dissatisfied. Any more than £500 and then we'll assume that you only listen to non-compressed CDs, and want cutting-edge design.Cheap speakers sound cheap, but at the high-end most people can't tell the difference except in perfect listening conditions (such as a perfectly quiet room, listening to a piece of music with a very delicate musical structure).You can buy a pair of excellent speakers for £100. Be aware of this. (credit:Phil Payne Photography via Getty Images)
How can I make my music sound better? (09 of11)
The answer to this question is simple. The quality of your listening experience depends on two things:The source and the speakers. If you are streaming all your music from your PC, then the sound will only be as good as those compressed music files. But decent speakers will amplify that sound to its highest available quality. If you want better overall sound, then keep those CD racks full. (credit:Blend Images/John Lund/Sam Diephuis via Getty Images)
Where should I buy my sound system? (10 of11)
This is a definitely a case of try before you buy. So avoid ordering anything online that you have't listened to in real-life. Saying that, there are some terrific online stores that offer great deals and 'sound' advice! (credit:Tom Merton via Getty Images)
Would you like your listening habits to be more efficient? (11 of11)
If it's been a while since you've investigated sound systems, you might have missed a few technological steps. For example. Do you know you can listen to digital radio, podcasts and your ipod's music through one set of speakers?If that sounds attractive, investigate Wi-Fi or bluetooth-enabled media players, such as Apple TV or PlayStation. (credit:Jamie Grill via Getty Images)