Building a Hi-Fi System: The Step-by-Step Guide 2026
A good hi-fi system doesn't necessarily have to cost a lot — but it needs the right components in the right order. Our guide shows how to perfectly match amplifier, speakers, and sources.
Order of Hi-Fi Setup: Speakers First
The most common mistake when building a hi-fi system: people buy the amplifier first and then look for matching speakers. The right way is the opposite. The speakers determine a system's sound character by 70 percent. Only once you know which speakers you want do you choose the right amplifier.
Step 1: Choose the Speakers
Decide first: floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers? For rooms under 20 square meters, good bookshelf speakers are perfectly sufficient. Recommendations from our range:
- Entry-level up to €500: Wharfedale Diamond 12.1, Mission QX-2
- Mid-range €500–1,000: Wharfedale EVO 5.1, Wharfedale EVO 5.2
- Premium from €1,000: Wharfedale EVO 5.3, Quad Z-2
Step 2: Match the Amplifier
Pay attention to the impedance and sensitivity of the speakers. As a rule of thumb: 6-ohm speakers with 89 dB sensitivity need at least 50 watts of amplifier power for normal-sized rooms. Proven combinations:
- Audiolab 6000A (50W) + Wharfedale EVO 5.1 — classic combination
- Audiolab 7000A (70W) + Wharfedale EVO 5.3 — for larger rooms
- Marantz PM6007 (45W) + Mission 778S — warm, musical character
Step 3: Connect Your Sources
Turntable, CD player, streaming — for every source type, there's the right connection. If you want to listen to vinyl, you'll need either an amplifier with a phono input or a separate phono preamp.
Personal Consultation in Goslar-Hahnenklee
We're happy to advise you in person — at the store or by phone. Bring your favorite music, and together we'll find the right combination. Request an appointment.
Browse our hi-fi catalog or get personal advice.