How to Choose the Right Sound System (and Installer) for Your Business Space

December 21, 2023

Century AV Team

Let us be your collaborative partner during your next Audio Visual Project

The right sound system is a vital tool that amplifies your business’s voice, connecting you seamlessly with clients, employees, and stakeholders across the globe. Imagine walking into a boardroom where the audio-visual setup isn’t just functional but an extension of your company’s professionalism and brand.

At Century AV, we understand that selecting the perfect sound system for your business space goes beyond mere technicalities; it’s about creating an immersive experience that resonates with every presentation, meeting, and event.

In this guide, we’ll navigate you through the nuances of identifying your unique audio-visual needs, selecting a system that harmonizes with your space, and partnering with an installer who won’t just sell you a solution but will stand beside you, ensuring your AV systems thrive for years to come. Whether you’re refurbishing your current office or setting up a new enterprise location, let’s embark on a journey to transform the way you perceive and utilize audio-visual technology in your corporate environment.

Step 1: Understanding Your Audio-Visual Needs

The first step to choosing the right sound system for your business is to understand the purpose, requirements, and location.

Assessing Your Space and Requirements

According to a study published on Nature.com, the sound level for most optimal physiological well-being is 50 dBA⁽¹⁾. So, when you’re looking for a sound system, you’ll want to keep this level in mind. However, the space you intend to include sound must also face scrutiny.

Reverberation and echo effects created by poorly soundproofed spaces can be a considerable distraction and detractor to the quality of sound within your space. When you assess your space, consider the reverberation effect and how it might distort your sounds. It might not seem critical, but when a key speaker is muffled, you’ll quickly understand how bad echoing and reverberating sound can be to your objectives.

Aside from reverberation, there are other considerations to take into account. These considerations include power availability, temperature and humidity (wet work environments, such as outdoors, need water-resistant or waterproof equipment), and equipment placement and controls. All of these factors need consideration, and that’s why we recommend setting up a site visit with a professional from Century AV.

Types of AV Systems and Their Applications

Assessing your objectives for your new sound system will help determine the type(s) of equipment needed. For example, you might need a public address system to page critical stakeholders, or you might need security systems that record both CCTV and audio. Determining your needs first will enable you to address the equipment features required to ensure a successful installation.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Sound System

Sound can be an incredible motivator at work, or, like the 22 million workers exposed to potentially damaging noise each year⁽²⁾, it can be a detriment. Choosing the right sound system for your workplace space is your best way to stay on the motivation side of things. Let’s take a look at a few things to consider when choosing a commercial sound system.

Key Features to Consider

As you have previously determined your needs for the project, the next step is to marry those needs to the features and capabilities of the equipment. You may want to consider some of the following:

Sound Quality Controls – Do you need adjustable equalization and other controls?
Connectivity – Do you need Bluetooth or WiFi-enabled equipment?
Ease of Use – How difficult is it to train personnel on the equipment’s effective use?
Integrations – Do you need the equipment to work with specific software or equipment integrations?
Operation Requirements – Do you need equipment that will run constantly, or will you only need periodic use?

Considering these features and other features relevant to your needs is essential when choosing the proper equipment.

Balancing Quality with Budget

When shopping for an audio-visual system as a business, balancing the quality of equipment against your budget is critical. Here’s how you can navigate this assessment in eight steps:

Define Your Needs and Goals
Consider the Basics of AV Quality
Compare Long-Term Value vs. Initial Cost
Check for Compatibility and Scalability
Consider the Total Solution, Not Just Hardware
Plan for Installation and Maintenance
Seek Professional Advice
Set a Realistic Budget

Step 3: Selecting the Right AV Installer

Expertise and Experience

Hands down, the most essential part of planning for and installing a new sound system is considering an installer who has the expertise and experience to ensure a positive project outcome. This stage is where you want to consider a professional, like Century AV’s team. With decades of experience, you can rest assured knowing that when you partner with Century, you partner with the best.

Post-Installation Support and Service

If there’s one thing we hear a lot about, it’s audio-visual installers that jump ship once the installation is done. Either poor or non-existent service seems to be the norm in Southern Ontario, but it doesn’t have to be. At Century AV, we support our clients long after the installation process is completed. That’s because we’re like you – we want to get equipment from someone we can trust, someone who will help when system errors strike. That’s why you need to have a supplier like Century AV that you can trust for years to come.

Customer Reviews and Case Studies

We don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. Please don’t take it from us. Listen to what our clients have to say:

{insert YouTube video link}

The Value of Ongoing Maintenance and Support

It’s no secret that regular and ongoing maintenance prolongs the life of equipment. It helps in identifying potential issues before they become big problems⁽³⁾. However, many seem to think that this concept does not apply to audio-visual equipment, but in truth, it does apply (maybe more than we think).

Audio-visual equipment is no different with respect to the need for maintenance. Sure, it may not need as frequent checks as physical equipment like vehicles, but the fact remains – even electronics need TLC.

Consider a sound system’s amplifier. These bulky and often heavy pieces of equipment are known to heat up when in use. Furthermore, depending on the setup, not only will they heat up, but connections can also corrode or loosen over time, especially in base-heavy applications like nightclubs.

Most AV equipment will require the following periodic maintenance:

Clean heatsinks to remove insulating dust and other debris
Inspect, check, and tighten connections
Adjust settings to suit changes in the facility, such as after soundproofing or moving furniture or other objects into the space.

Century AV’s Commitment to Our Clients

Century Audio Visual is Ontario’s premier supplier of quality, commercial audio-visual systems. We design, sell, install, and maintain systems to ensure our clients have the equipment they need and the support they want. Our #1 commitment is to our clients – to ensure that the right equipment gets installed to meet and exceed your expectations.

Sound Decisions: Amplifying Your Business’s Audio-Visual Experience

In this journey through the intricacies of selecting the ideal sound system and installer for your business, we’ve uncovered the essentials: understanding your audio-visual needs, choosing a system that aligns with your objectives, and partnering with an expert installer like Century AV. Remember, the right sound system is more than a mere technological addition; it’s a vital component that echoes your business’s ethos and professionalism.

At Century AV, we don’t just provide audio-visual solutions; we craft experiences tailored to your specific environment, ensuring every presentation and meeting resonates with clarity and impact. Our commitment extends beyond installation, as we believe in nurturing a long-standing relationship through unwavering support and maintenance.

You’re not just installing a sound system; you’re setting a stage for future successes, amplified through quality and expertise. It’s about making a good decision that resonates not just through your space but also through every interaction within it. Don’t let your business’s voice get lost in the noise. Reach out to Century AV for a consultation, and let’s ensure your message is heard loud and clear today and for years to come.

Contact the Century Audio Visual Team Today

Additional Resources

For further insights and a deeper dive into the world of optimal audio-visual solutions, explore our additional resources and keep your business tuned to the future of sound technology.