So what should you buy? Sound engineer Sameer Kripalani, says firmly while it is completely a matter of taste and preference, a lot depends on the budget and your taste in music. Also keep in mind:

The budget, which is the key. Decide how much you want to spend and mix--match the components accordingly.

Know your requirements and identify or assemble a system that sounds best to you, rather than what the salesperson is pushing.

Study the space where you would like to install the system. A system that sounds great in a small demo space may not do as well in a large space that you may want to fix it in.

Listen to your own music on the system.

Listen to the various components in isolation.

Pull out the stops in settling on the speakers