As I sat back in one of the “living areas'' at Dubai Audio Centre, owner Adil Anwar puts on a track on one of the most high-end sound products, “Naim''.

The sound was mind-blowing, which is exactly what the reaction should be each time you play your favourite songs. Every instrument and every beat should be heard.

Then again, this is not your average outlet. Dubai Audio Centre is designed to show the client how the product can fit into one's home.

They are not about the jargon or specifications. Here, it's simply about the sound and what it can do for true music lovers.

Matching it right

“Everything sounds different from one CD player to the other. It's just the sound you like and achieving that. What we will advise you on is how to match the system properly,'' Anwar says.

So, instead of purely relying on specifications, simply listen. Carry a CD you enjoy and test the sound on various brands.

It can be quite overwhelming standing in a superstore in the midst of hundreds of systems that all sound different. Remember to take your time and invest in a product that can last you a few years.

Personally, I bought a reputable sound system for about Dh700 which didn't even last more than a year and a half.

“Take your time because it is ultimately something that will give you enjoyment,'' Anwar says. “Investment in a specialist audio system will normally always be better, as you are buying something that will last.''

The initial investment might be higher but ultimately worth it.

“If you're buying a CD for Dh60, why only listen to Dh30 worth? There is a lot of work that goes into one of these. Recording engineers try to get the sound right for years and it is much more fun listening to those sounds through a proper hi-fi system,'' says Anwar.

Support upgrades

When you invest more on a higher quality system, you can enjoy it for at least ten years because, with specialist products, you will receive support through upgrades.

These companies know their customers will want to improve instead of starting all over again.

“If you want to listen to the upgrade, what we do is hand it to you to take home, you can listen to it so you can hear what the upgrade can do for you. In some cases, you can just upgrade it internally and just pay for the difference,'' Anwar adds.

One important point to keep in mind is that the sound will not necessary be better if the system is bigger in size, contrary to many beliefs.

“People sometimes believe that because of certain misconceptions, [but they] have just been misled,'' he says.

Sometimes it can be tricky because there are many products and companys. So make sure you do your research and find out if you will get support a few years down the line.

“Don't just buy a box! Have the retailer install the product if possible, because, otherwise, you buy a box and go home. But with specialist retailers, the service you get is important,'' Anwar says.

Home visits

The company can visit a client's home before they purchase a product just to make sure it is fine in the space they have. This will ensure the products work the way they are supposed to in that specific space.

“It shouldn't be up to the client to read a 50 page manual because it's too much. That spoils the entire buying process. They should get a crash course in the way everything works and is connected,'' Anwar says.

Everyone has a budget to work with, so make sure you take the best unbiased advice on which product can get you the best sound for your money. That, of course, also depends on how good a sound you want.

“We have lots of people who actually wait and save up for a hi-fi system. And if a Dh10,000 system is the one you want ... wait and get that one you want,'' Anwar says.

At the end of the day, it is a long-term investment that you can build up, otherwise you can end up making a compromise everywhere.

Brand buzz

Looking for the perfect music system?
Here are some of the most high-end companies that can be found at Dubai Audio Centre:

Linn

This award-winning, high-end brand and music label swears by the philosophy that if the music system is not good enough to change your life, then it is probably not worth buying.
Their products include the Linn Majik Ssytem, the Akurate System, full range of speakers and, of course, the ultimate Sondek LP12 Turntable.

Cyrus

For those with true enthusiasm for music, this brand promises to reproduce an audio-emotional experience rather than simply play music. Stylish designs are combined with build quality for maximum performance.
The Cyrus range comes in three groups of components — the Six Series, Eight Series and X Series, each offering the most advanced engineering elements.
Other products include digital disc players, amplifiers, radio and turntable.

Arcam

This brand is widely recognised as one of the world's renowned manufacturers of hi-fi separates.
From the slim design of the audiophile CD player Solo which can be used with iPod or Playstation to the precision of its Alto Loudspeakers, the award-winning company guarantees their client exceptional sound.

Naim

With world-class entertainment centres, turntables and amplifiers, Naim is sure to satisfy every music enthusiast.
The brand's CD555 and 555 PS power supply are known to be their best CD player.
The company's attention to detail is solidified through the product's performance.

Simple pointers to guide you

  • Retailer: Go to specialist stores as they can also advise you on how to start with a budget and what works best with your space.
  • Listen: Take a favourite CD and hear the difference between the brands. There is a difference in sound and that's why these companies exist.
  • Read up: Do some research on the company — how long it has been around, what reviewers say about it, what people around world are saying about it — just to make sure you are buying the right thing.
  • Start somewhere: Some people have an existing hi-fi, so you can simply buy separate components. Start from your most important source (such as a CD player), and work your way to the speakers.
  • Do not look at numbers: First-time buyers have fixed notions on specs but they are not as important as the sound you are hearing. For example, 100 watts can cost you Dh1,000 or Dh100,000 because products are different in sound quality.