If you are an audiophile, you know that there is nothing quite like a properly installed home theatre system. The issue that many apartment dwellers run into is that they can’t turn up their system past 3 without broadcasting what they are watching to everyone in their building. Many of today’s most popular systems are made for homes not apartments, which means the first challenge you are going to face is finding a small enough system that still pumps out the sound quality you desire.

Once you have settled on a brand name you like, you will need to set your whole system up. Be aware that if you have an antique VCR or television, there is a chance it may not work with your new state of the art surround sound system. You are much better off with new or relatively new everything if you want to really capture the best sound.

Be sure to space the speakers around your living room properly. Don’t cluster them. Many of today’s systems come with speakers that you actually mount behind where you sit for that complete wrap around feel.

Perhaps the biggest decision you’ll have to make is based on wireless versus wired. No one wants their living room covered in ugly gray wires, so save up until you can afford the nicer wireless version. You’ll thank yourself later.

One final tip: if you can, get a surround sound system that is the same brand as the rest of your electronics. You’ll have a much better chance at getting everything to work together and you won’t need six remotes to watch a DVD.

Once you have everything hooked up, sit back and enjoy, it will be an item you’ll enjoy for years, but remember, be considerate and keep the volume down to a dull roar.