Yellowknife (Dec 15/03) - Today's home stereo systems are more than merely a plug-in to hear one's favourite tunes. They are "music to one's ears" -- so to speak.

Home stereo systems are a listening experience thanks to modern technology advancements, says Robin Williams, of Radio Shack in Yellowknife.

From the basic "theatre in a box" to a high-end high-wattage stereo system, Williams says stereos can be custom-designed to fit one's needs and price-range.

"Home theatres in a box will be the least expensive. They have the DVD player, the amplifier and speakers," Williams said.

Equipment can range in price from several hundred dollars to many thousand.

Buying an individual component system such as amplifier and speakers means one can upgrade their equipment eventually, Williams added, noting it was the most expensive way to go.

"However in that case, it gives you the most flexibility. It gives you the ability to really match up a very good system."

Few people now buy cassette tapes, he notes.

"CDs and DVDs are now the way to go."

But as for the good old vinyl record album, Williams says there is a definite comeback of the record player.

"People still have their records from away back when. We have more record players than cassette players," Williams noted, adding record albums bring back memories of life.

"You start to see a technology become obsolete when something better replaces it.

"With the vinyl, there hasn't been anything targeted to replace it, except the CD in a way. But they are very different formats," Williams said.

Eric Brown of Furniture Land, said purchasing a stereo system for one's home is like a theatre sound experience.

"If you have a high power system, people may think it's for volume, but in reality, it's there for clarity of sound," Brown said.

Speakers today are built so the subwoofer is separate, thus making them more compact -- ideal for smaller spaces, he notes.

And because of speaker technology, he says sounds overlap each other to give the illusion of sound travelling.

"People want to get that experience that is shown on their TV."