It's not just a choice between two and five speakers; it's a choice between audiophile purity and a cinematic experience. In this expert guide, we delve into the technical and practical dilemmas: when is a stereo amplifier better than an AV receiver? How does budget affect the balance between quality and quantity? And how can you possibly get the best of both worlds with smart planning?

In this post, we'll focus on simple physics - how a simple "wire" in the air can pick up interference from your Wi-Fi, and why the material it's made of affects the final sound. It's not magic, but the final, often overlooked piece of the puzzle that allows your system to truly breathe.

Before you start thinking about buying new equipment, make the most of what you already have. Proper speaker placement is the most effective and free upgrade to any audio system. Here are five simple steps to unlock new levels of detail and spatiality in your music.