Become an instant expert… Hi-fi separates

Matching pairs make for a winning combination We advocate separates over all-in-one systems. Sound-wise, separates tend to perform better, but when buying we still suggest you demo the same maker’s matching amp and CD player. The kit usually shares the same design team and the elements will sonically complement each other; if you like the sound of the amp, you’ll probably enjoy the CD player, too.

Position before you listen – and don’t stack it, rack it You’ve bought your shiny new system. But you’re not going to stack your new amp, CD spinner and turntable on that rickety table, are you? And don’t even think of putting the kit on the floor. To sound its best, hi-fi kit needs a dust-free, level and secure base. Invest in a dedicated rack and the sonic (and visual) rewards will justify the outlay.

Listen to your favourite music, not the dealer’s Hi-fi dealers should have a decent CD and vinyl collection for demo purposes, but we suggest you take your own. Take tunes you know so you can concentrate on how the kit is performing, rather than on the new music. And don’t just take your ‘good’-sounding CDS. If you listen to lots of compressed pop, take it and hear exactly how it sounds.

Give your amplifier room to breathe Well done for buying that nice equipment rack but, before you undo all your good work, make sure you give your stereo amplifier room to breathe. These machines get hot and the chassis vents shouldn’t be covered up. The top shelf of your rack is ideal, but if you also own a top-loading CD player and/ or turntable you’ll need clearance for all.

Hi-fi – live and unplugged We’ve avoided getting too ‘tweaky’ so far, but we’re all friends here, so try this: every 3-6 months, disconnect, and then reconnect all the cables. This cleans the contact points and, as a result, music sounds better.

There’s nothing optional about essential extras Before you hit the shops – and we recommend you buy from somewhere you can hear your kit – work out your total budget. Allow roughly the same amount for each component (including a pair of speakers) and then add 15-20 per cent for extras such as cables, speaker stands and a dedicated equipment rack.

Keep on running, keep on improving Hi-fi units are like South American footballers. No, not constantly feigning a blown fuse, but happiest playing in the heat. New kit can take weeks to reach its optimum level. Once run-in – unless you have an environmental conscience – we suggest you leave your kit on. If that seems just too extravagant, try to give it around half-an-hour to warm up before you hit play.

For more tips and advice visit us at www.whathifi.com