1. Check the settings on your receiver. Many popular home theater receivers now include automatic settings based on the type of program you are listening to (movie, music, etc). The manual usually has detailed instructions on what settings to use, as well as how to adjust balance, fade, treble, and bass. This is usually a two-person job, so that one person can be in the normal listening area giving an opinion while the other person adjusts the settings. One more thing: make sure the television’s built-in speakers are turned off when you are using your surround sound.

2. Get a power conditioner. There are products that provide several different features. Surge suppression (what most people are familiar with) is just the tip of the iceberg. Noise filtration will help remove electrical interference caused by your components themselves, as well as noise in the power lines from your house. Voltage regulation provides steady, continuous power to your electronics, extending their lifespan and performance by reducing fluctuations in incoming power. And most reputable brands carry a warranty for any attached equipment if the unit fails during a power surge (like lightning striking the house). Read the rest of this entry »