How to Improve the Sound of Your Stereo System for Less than $100

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Introduction/Summary

Experimentation and free or inexpensive adjustments to your equipment or set-up can make a bigger difference in the sound quality of your stereo system than buying very expensive equipment. Try these "tweaks" to see if your system sounds more believable. 

Section 1: Cleaning and Maintenance

1.  Clean your stylus regularly. Clean records before each play and CDs periodically. 

2.  Make sure all interconnects have snug fits. Regularly clean all connection points in system. 

3.  Periodically clean the laser lens on your CD player. Spray canned air or use a commercial lens cleaner. 

Tip

Make sure vertical tracking angle (VTA) of your phono cartridge is adjusted correctly. 

Section 2: Cables, Wiring, and Power

1.  Leave your receiver or amplifier on all the time, or warm it up for at least an hour before listening. 

2.  Make sure audio cables and power cables do not touch. 

3.  Use interconnects and speaker cables that are no longer than necessary. 

4.  Reverse your AC plugs if they aren't polarized. 

5.  Keep CD player at least one foot away from analog equipment. 

Tip

Use interconnects with gold plated RCA plugs. 

Warnings

1.  Avoid using extension cords.

2.  Avoid overloading a single circuit. 

3.  Avoid circuits shared with dimmer switches or major appliances. 

Section 3: Isolate Components from Vibration or Dampen Their Vibrations

1.  Put spikes or metal Tiptoes under speakers and electronic components. Use stands for "bookshelf" or monitor speakers. 

2.  Replace component feet with soft pucks made of sorbothane or a similar material, or make your own from tennis balls, racquetballs, squash balls, or flexible packaging foam. Cut balls into two identical pieces. 

3.  Place concrete blocks or bricks on top of components to add mass. 

4.  Use a rigid, non-resonant equipment rack. 

Tip

Place components well away from speakers. 

Section 4: Speakers

1.  Position your speakers carefully and correctly. Read the eHow "How to Set up Stereo Speakers" to learn how to position speakers properly. 

2.  Remove grilles or grille cloths from your speakers. 

3.  Use absorptive wall hangings, such as rugs, behind the speakers in a "live" room. 

Tips

1.  Position speakers at least two feet away from back and side walls. 

2.  Use an LP or CD with test tones to evaluate flat frequency response as you move speakers or make other changes to your system. 

Overall Tip