Bust that jargon: learn the hi-fi lingo

Bass reflex A speaker design using airflow from a port in the cabinet to help extended-bass reproduction

Biamping Each drive unit of a speaker is driven by a separate amp channel, so a pair of two-way speakers needs two stereo amps and two runs of cable to each speaker

Biwiring You need two suitable speakers (with two sets of inputs and a split crossover), then send twin runs of cable from the amp (if suitable) to each speaker

Cartridge The device that plays a record. It converts the wobbles in the record’s groove into electrical signals for your amp – either via a moving magnet or a moving coil

Coloration This is any kind of shift away from the natural rendition of the music. Coloration is undesirable ‘boomy’ bass, a ‘nasal’ midband or ‘splashy’ treble

Impedence A low impedance draws a high current flow from the source, while a high impedance draws a little. Speakers or ‘phones with low impedance are more difficult to drive Monobloc An independent mono power amplifier – so two monoblocs are required to run a stereo system

Midrange This is the frequency range within which most of the instruments and voices are heard. It must be of a high quality if singers, guitars, trumpets and the like are to sound natural

Power handling The highest wattage a speaker can safely receive from an amplifier. It’s easier to damage speakers with a low-power amp pushed too hard than with one that has too much power.

Preamplifier The control part of an amp. Built into integrated amps, but can be separate and used with a power amp or active speakers

Tonal balance Describes how a piece of hi-fi kit reproduces sound in relation to treble and bass balance

Transients Short and sudden events in music such as cymbal crash or the crack of a stick on a snare drum. Can be difficult to reproduce

Treble The highest frequencies, starting where upper midrange ends