Many hi-fi and home theatre enthusiasts compare systems by their power output alone, paying little regard to other factors. Evaluating an audio system is often difficult without an alternative point of reference i.e. another system.

Evaluating a component in isolation is impossible. Other components in the system could significantly contribute to or detract from the determination of the overall performance. If the other components are entry-level then the potential of the component may not be heard. If on the other hand, all the other components are reference quality then it becomes more likely that any shortcomings will be revealed.

To evaluate any component a basic understanding of the various aspects of music will need to be understood.

It is difficult to describe what good music is like as there are so many parameters and variables. Reviewers often refer to terms such as imaging, soundstaging, tonality, dynamics, resolution, timing, transparency and so on. These are words used to describe music, which in essence is indescribable, but are a platform to allow a descriptive framework.

You have some money and have decided to upgrade your current system. Where do you start? You have read a few reviews about a particular product and it was rated with 5 stars therefore it must be good. However a well-rated component may not necessarily improve your own system.

Evaluating a hifi system is much more difficult without a set of guidelines. To evaluate any differences it is worthwhile using a set of parameters, which allows comparison of your system to another one. One such system is the PERREAUX FORMAL EVALUATION & COMPARISON TECHNIQUE (PERFECT 10, as there are 10 basic parameters).

The PERFECT 10 system is designed to evaluate a hi-fi or home theatre system as a whole and not a component in isolation. By breaking down individual components of the sound a novice can semi-objectively evaluate how a component will perform in his or her system and how the system compares to another system as a whole. You may feel that you are inexperienced when it comes to evaluating sound. However like test driving a car with a bit of careful listening you will soon be able to critically evaluate different systems.