Accessories

The performance of your hi-fi or home cinema system is influenced most by your choice of major components, however, other seemingly less important items also play a vital role in the process. The cables, the stands and the supports under your system can all dramatically affect – and improve – the system’s performance. Spending relatively small amounts of money here can produce large improvements in quality. We aim to give you the best advice on finding the balance between what is truly worthwhile and running up huge bills on accessories you don’t need.

Stands and tables contribute significantly to the way loudspeakers and system components perform. Loudspeaker stands not only place your loudspeakers at the correct height, they also improve detail, dynamics and bass performance. Equipment stands enhance the performance of DVD/CD players and electronics by dealing with spurious air and structure-borne vibrations. There’s a vast range available in different designs, different materials and different colours, so there’s no excuse for not giving your system the support it deserves. What’s more, some now include cable management systems that keep that rat’s nest of wires tidy and hidden from view.

We are particularly keen on the stands now available for plasma displays. Apart from keeping your expensive investment safe from the younger members of the family and pets, they enhance the viewing experience by placing the set at the ideal height and can, we believe, make them look almost as attractive as when they’re wall mounted.

Good cables are crucial: the interconnects that come free with equipment rarely offer adequate performance and you should certainly consider replacing them. Poor speaker cables will also strangle the sound of your whole system. Likewise poor video cables will not exploit the full potential of your flat screen or projector.

Headphones can extend the time you can listen to music without disturbing others, and they can help ensure that others don’t disturb you! Some models simulate home cinema surround sound, while others use a wireless system that allows you to enjoy your music while you’re in another room or even outside mowing the lawn. These days we also sell a wide range of inexpensive headphones that we recommend to upgrade those supplied with iPods and the like.