Home Theater

Compressed Audio & Speakers 101

Founded as a speaker manufacturer in 1938, Pioneer has been dedicated to developing the finest in audio technology for more than six decades. Whether an action-packed movie scene, pulse-pounding music or dramatic dialogue, even sound files stored in today’s compressed audio formats – it should all sound crisp, clear and engaging. That’s all the more reason to use a high-quality home theater system. With superior audio components and innovative speaker designs, Pioneer products deliver encore-worthy sound performance for every listening session.

WMA, MP3 and AAC – What Do They Mean?

With the popularity of downloadable music, it is likely that a majority of music is stored in what are known as compressed audio formats. For example, WMA, MP3 and AAC files. These formats allow consumers to store their favorite songs in smaller file sizes for importing in portable music players. While these files sound fine when played back in small ear buds, listeners will likely notice a decline in sound quality when hearing the same songs on larger speakers – such as those found in a home theater system.

To enhance the sound quality of these popular digital audio files, Pioneer developed and integrated a technology called Sound Retriever in its home theater systems and A/V receivers. Sound Retriever works by helping to fill in the music “data” or information that gets removed from the file when it becomes compressed. What users hear is a fuller, warmer sound that is as close to the original version as possible. With a Pioneer system, users don’t have to worry about sound quality when playing favorite digital songs, sharing new music with friends, or playing personalized soundtracks during parties.

If you listen to music in the car, you might also want to consider a Pioneer in-dash CD player. The car stereos offer a technology very similar to Sound Retriever to make those compressed audio files sound great on the road as well as at home.

Speakers 101

To perfectly compliment Pioneer audio components consider some high quality Pioneer speakers. With several installation options from tall standing systems to in-ceiling units, there is a speaker solution for every room design. In-wall and in-ceiling speakers are ideal for hiding messy wiring to create a customized and sophisticated home theater. These styles deliver beautiful sound in rooms where floor space is minimal; and ideal for rooms where tall speakers don’t make sense. Pioneer’s in-wall speakers can even be painted the same color as the wall for smart interior design. For those who prefer flexibility of moving or fine-tuning the speaker placement, floor-standing and bookshelf speakers offer great sound and unlimited configuration options.