Speaker's corner

ShoparoundFor the best in sound you need to consider your home's interior. "Before you buy speakers or invest in integrated sound systems you need to make sure your home is ready to receive the sound waves," says Aonghus O'Heocha, MD of O'Heocha, a Spiddal-based speaker manufacturer (091 558030).

There are room treatments that you must adhere to, to ensure you get the best banging tunes for your buck, says the former designer and group product research manager at BMW and LandRover.

Buying a brand isn't always the way to go. Some of the independent retailers will put together a package that is better suited to your needs and pocket.

But before you buy you need to select the room in your house that is most appropriate for the job, says O'Heocha.

"Try to put your home theatre into a room with a ratio of length to width of 1.5. The optimum dimensions for the room are an 8ft high ceiling, with a width of 12.5ft and a length of 18.4ft.

"Speakers should be positioned at 50cm from the nearest wall and 70cm

from the adjacent side wall."

Minimalspaces will need sound cushioning, says the former engineer. A room with a good combination of furnishings and non-reflective surfaces is crucial. Drapes, curtains, blinds, sofas, rugs and carpets all dampen down reflective sound.

An easy upgrade option is to invest in a feature wall of flock wallpaper, an excellent non-reflective surface and also very now.

Paintings or canvasses and wall hangings help, although glass-fronted canvasses will counter any positive effects. Don't position your speakers in front of windows or glass doors either, unless they are hung with curtains.

O'Heocha's D2 Saturn speakers, with their sexy curves, were designed to reduce diffraction.

These cost €8,000 a pair and featured in the film, Men in Black II. But the company's new SL Range starts at the much more affordable price of €800 a pair.

"Good sound is immediately apparent," says Noel Cloney of Cloney Audio in Blackrock (01-288 8477). Agents for Bowers and Wilkins, B&W, the UK's largest specialist speaker manufacturer, whose speakers have featured in Lucas' film studios as well as the studios of Decca, Sony, EMI and Abbey Road. Prices range from €300 to €54,000 a pair.

"Arcam Solo is one of the better independent manufacturers," says Clooney. "They have a product that incorporates a high-quality stereo amp with a CD player and built-in radio tuner." It retails for €1,500 not including speakers.

Both O'Heocha and Cloney offer consultation services, from €200.