TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Hi-Fi & Home Cinema Technical Glossary

A clear guide to the most common technical terms used in the Hi-Fi and home cinema world, written to help you better understand your system and setup.

A – C

Amplifier: A device that increases the strength of an audio signal so it can properly drive speakers.

Analogue Signal: A continuously varying electrical signal that represents sound waves.

Bandwidth: The frequency range a component can reproduce (e.g., 20Hz–20kHz).

Bass Management: Processing in home cinema systems that directs low-frequency sounds to the subwoofer for better bass control.

Bi-Wiring / Bi-Amping: Using separate cables or amplifiers for high and low-frequency speaker sections for improved control.

Crossover: A speaker's internal filter that divides audio into high, mid and low frequencies for each driver.

Calibration (Audio): Tuning the system—speaker placement, EQ, delays and levels—to optimise performance in your room.

D – F

DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter): Converts digital audio into analogue sound for speakers to reproduce.

Decibel (dB): A unit for measuring loudness. Small increases represent large changes in volume.

DIRAC / ARC / Audyssey: Advanced room correction systems that improve clarity, balance and bass performance.

Distortion: Unwanted changes in an audio signal. Lower distortion = cleaner sound.

Dynamic Range: The difference between the quietest and loudest parts of an audio signal.

F – I

Frequency Response: How accurately a component reproduces different frequencies. Flatter is generally better.

Gain: Controls how much a signal is amplified. Too much gain causes distortion; too little introduces noise.

Headroom: The margin before a system distorts during loud peaks. More headroom = cleaner sound.

Imaging: The ability of a system to place sounds (instruments, vocals) at precise locations in the soundstage.

Impedance (Ω): The resistance a speaker presents to the amplifier. Lower impedance speakers require more current.

J – O

LFE (Low-Frequency Effects): The ".1" channel in surround sound, dedicated to deep bass via the subwoofer.

Listening Position (Sweet Spot): The ideal central position where stereo or surround imaging is most accurate.

Loudspeaker Sensitivity: How loud a speaker will play with 1 watt of power at 1 metre (measured in dB).

Ohm (Ω): The unit used to measure impedance.

P – S

Phase: The alignment of sound waves. Incorrect phase can cause weak or uneven bass.

Parametric EQ: An adjustable equaliser that allows precise control over frequency, bandwidth and level.

RMS Power: The continuous power rating of an amplifier or speaker. More meaningful than peak ratings.

Room Acoustics: How the room’s reflections, surfaces and dimensions affect sound quality.

Sound Pressure Level (SPL): A measurement of volume in decibels. Cinema reference level is typically 75–85 dB.

Speaker Placement: Positioning speakers for best performance—distance from walls, toe-in, symmetry and height.

Subwoofer: A speaker dedicated to deep bass frequencies below roughly 80–120Hz.

T – Z

THX: A performance certification standard for audio and cinema equipment.

Time Alignment: Adjusting speaker delays so sound arrives at the listening position simultaneously.

Toe-In: Angling speakers toward the listener to improve imaging and focus.

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): A measurement of distortion. Lower THD typically means cleaner audio.

Watt: A measurement of power. Higher wattage does not always mean better performance—current capability also matters.