With the vast array of different brands available, choosing a good hifi system may seem a very difficult thing to do. Contrary to what people seem to think, the best way to go about this task is not to buy a system that has been rated five-star by a technical magazine, even if you can find it selling cheap.

Music sounds different to different people, so using a technical magazine to help you make your choice will not help you pick a system that will sound the best to you.

The size and furnishings of the room you intend to play your music is an important factor to consider. Sound will behave differently in a room that is huge and sparsely furnished, compared to a room that is small and has a lot of furniture in it.

The space you have available will also determine your purchase. You will need to consider whether you have room for free-standing floor units, or whether you are looking at micro hi-fi systems that will take up minimum space. There is a range of sizes available and you do not have to compromise on quality even if you do have to get smaller components.

For some people, a good bet is buying separates instead of an all-in-one system. This option allows you to put together different parts from different makers. For instance, if you feel that one brand has better cd players than speakers, you may want to buy speakers of a different brand. If you choose to go this route, be aware that the different parts may not be aesthetically pleasing when put together.

At the end of the day however, it all comes down to how your music sounds when played on your new purchase. Make sure to take the time to compare sounds from different brands before making your choice. Take some music samples with you to the shop and let the retailer play it for you. Do not buy a hifi system without listening to it in the shop.