Choosing high-quality speakers

WHEN the karaoke boom swept across Myanmar about four years ago, sales of VCD and DVD players started outstripping those of audio-only equipment.

However, many consumers are still concerned about good sound quality in their electronics, and some even splurge on high-end audio equipment to ensure that their favourite music sounds perfect when it comes out of the speakers.

The most common audio option is to buy an amplifier and speakers to enhance the sound of VCDs and DVDs.

“People have started to realize that adding an amplifier to a system that includes a TV and a VCD or DVD player can provide superb sound quality,” said Ko Tun Myat Oo, the owner of Laser Land Audio and Video Entertainment on Pansodan Street.

He also said that for maximum enjoyment a home audio system should include an amplifier, at least eight speakers and a subwoofer (a speaker designed to produce the lowest audio frequencies at an adequate volume).

“The powerful speakers will produce better sound quality,” he said.

Ko Tun Myat Oo explained that audio accessories can be divided into two categories: low-priced on one hand, and more expensive, good quality on the other.

“The low-priced equipment is made in China and sells for K15,000 to K100,000, while the more expensive branded equipment can cost K1 million,” he said.

“Sales of branded audio accessories are slow, while Chinese-made products are selling regularly,” he said.

Among the high-end amplifiers sold at Laser Land are those manufactured by Toshiba, Yamaha, Pioneer, Sony, Marantz and Denon.

“Depending on the quality and brand, the price of an amplifier ranges from K400,000 to more than K1 million,” Ko Tun Myat Oo said.

For speakers he recommended European-made brands like JBL, Mission, Infinity and Tannoy.

“Musicians in Myanmar like JBL speakers, which are priced from K200,000 to K1.5 million,” he said.

Ko Tun Myat Oo said that some people who assemble high-end stereo systems like to combine components made by different brand-name companies.

“The quality of sound produced from such a system can be great but it can cost a lot of money,” he said.

U Kyaw Tun, the general manager of Tun Electronic, said most of his customers buy less expensive Chinese products, and sales of audio accessories – such as amplifiers and mixers – were related to sales of players.

“It depends on the customer’s needs – if you aren’t satisfied with the sound produced from the speaker on your TV, you have to buy a powerful speaker, which will require an amplifier,” he said.

“And you will need a mixer for karaoke systems to make sure people’s voices sound good,” he said.