The anatomy of a stereo system
Source
The Source is the all-important choice of how you're going to replay your music and from what format. Examples include cassette players, turntables, CD players, hard drives, and digital streamers. The quality of your source media is equally as important as the source itself! A high end source component, such as the ones listed below, will always be constrained by the quality of the media replayed. As the old saying goes, "garbage in, garbage out!"
Integrated Amplifier
An Integrated Amplifier combines all the separate components of stereo electronics into one box: the source, the preamplifier, and the power amplifier. Integrated Amplifiers are an ideal choice for those who have limited space, but don't want to compromise on sound.
Loudspeakers
Loudspeakers convert the signal from a power amplifier into sound waves. The loudspeakers are the most important part of a stereo system. They have the hardest job of any component. The mark of a good speaker is transparency and naturalness with controlled, precise bass. Vocals should sound realistic; as though someone is singing to you in the room. Bass should sound tight and never bleed into other frequencies. Add a subwoofer if you're looking to feel the bass in your chest.
Subwoofers
A subwoofer is a specially designed, low frequency loudspeaker. Subwoofers that rely solely on a signal from the power amplifier are known as passive subwoofers. Subwoofers that further amplify low frequency signals independently are known as active subwoofers. We think the integration of the bass via a subwoofer makes everything better...and just like your loudspeakers, should be purchased as a stereo pair. The mark of a well tuned subwoofer is transparency; you should not be able to tell when a subwoofer is firing.