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4.SOUND OFF Just as important as a speaker's sound is its looks. Before shopping for a speaker system, determine what décor issues might dictate where the speakers will be installed. Fortunately, whatever your needs, there's a speaker style that allows for first-rate performance.

Where size isn't an issue, large floorstanding speakers usually deliver the best sound. Their larger drivers reach lower to cover virtually the entire frequency range, and some include built-in subwoofers for even fuller bass.

If space is tight, smaller "bookshelf" models might fit the bill. You can place these guys on shelves or in a cabinet, but they perform best on stands and can produce terrific sound when paired with a good subwoofer.

Recently, on-wall speakers have appeared that are designed to be the yin to the yang of plasma and LCD TVs. Oozing style, they both look and sound great. (For a peek at three systems priced around $2,400, see "The Sound of Style".)

For décor-sensitive rooms where you don't want to see the speakers, nearly every manufacturer offers in-wall models that - when properly installed - can deliver sound rivaling that of their freestanding counterparts. Best of all, they virtually disappear.

When no space exists for traditional speaker placement, the ceiling can be your final frontier. Sonance, Triad, Niles, and Speakercraft offer ceiling speakers with aimable drivers that can create a realistic and engaging soundstage even when placed over your head.

Unlike a receiver, which can become obsolete with the introduction of new, must-have features, great speakers will last you a long time. Regardless of the style you select, you'll never regret it if you go for quality.