Audio

The 'HD audio' marketing push is built on a fundamental misunderstanding of how digital audio works. Here's what the numbers actually mean — and why 16 bit/44.1 kHz is all you'll ever need.

Build a surprisingly good HiFi system on a shoestring, courtesy of the cheap Chinese class-D amplifier revolution — with practical advice on speakers, amps, and sources.

A comprehensive ranked roundup of 13 sound bars, with full specs and editorial recommendations from best to least recommendable, covering every price point from $599 to $1999.

Is there unwanted noise coming from your speakers? Here's how to diagnose and fix ground loops and electrical interference in home audio systems.

A practical guide to building a high-quality second-hand Hi-Fi system — amplifiers, speakers, and cables — without being ripped off.

Audiophiles swear speakers and headphones need 'burning in' before they sound their best. A skeptical look at the engineering data behind the claim.

You already own several DACs without knowing it. Here's what a dedicated external one can actually do for your sound — and when it isn't worth the money.

A no-nonsense consumer guide to audio and HDMI cables: what actually matters, what's pure marketing hyperbole, and why you should never feel pressured to overspend.

Nine apps that have transformed mobile music production — from a professional 48-track DAW to a Korg-licensed synth, a dead-simple drum machine, and an app that composes music for an actual music box.

How to set up and calibrate a surround sound system — covering optimal speaker placement angles for 5.1 and 7.1 systems, the subwoofer crawl method, and SPL-based manual calibration.

Headphone amplifiers are viewed as essential by some and farcical by others. The maths behind impedance and sensitivity tells you which camp your own headphones belong in.

A clear guide to digital audio formats — lossy vs lossless, MP3 vs FLAC vs AAC vs Ogg Vorbis — and why most format decisions are simpler than they look.

Why audio enthusiasts split their pre-amp and power amp into separate boxes, what it actually buys you in headroom and dynamic range, and how to tell if your own system is a good candidate.

Six soundbars tested for the lounge room — which ones actually sound good enough for music, and which are just glorified TV speakers?

A step-by-step guide to digitising your vinyl records and cassettes using Audacity — including which turntables and soundcards make the job easier.

Get more out of your speakers without spending a cent — a practical guide to optimal placement, from wall distances and the equilateral triangle sweet spot to height and toe-in.

Six wireless music streaming units from Lenco, Panasonic, and Denon compared, including a look at the Qualcomm AllPlay platform that's finally bringing cross-brand interoperability to multi-room audio.

Object-based surround sound does away with fixed channel layouts altogether. A look at how Dolby Atmos and DTS:X work, what they need from your home theatre, and how they compare.

A guide to choosing, connecting, and calibrating a subwoofer — covering driver size, power, connection options, crossover settings, and phase calibration.

A buyer's guide to upgrading your TV's audio — comparing soundbars, self-powered speakers, and component A/V receiver systems, with budget allocation advice best supporting future upgrade paths.