So you've got a smartphone or stereo, and you want to amp up the volume, but you've got no idea what all those numbers mean? We don't blame you - it can confuse even the most tech-savvy of us. It's for that reason we've put together an article explaining all the bits and pieces you need to know. This article should clear up all the major confusions, and will help you make a much more educated decision when it comes to buying speakers.

Tweeters and Subwoofers.

Tweeters and Subwoofers are two things you may have heard of before, and if you're a music fan then you're most probably completely familiar with subwoofers, or subs, as they're commonly known as. The sole purpose of a subwoofer is to deliver bass, and to deliver it well. There's a special channel that delivers the lower frequencies of the music to the subwoofer, and it's known as an "LFE" channel. LFE stands for Low Frequency Effects, and it's this channel that transmits the bass from the sound source (Like an iPod, for example) to the sub itself. If no subwoofer is present in your setup, the LFE channel will be redirected to other speakers, although the reproduction of bass won't be as rich.

Tweeters cover the other end of the aural spectrum - all your high pitched, high-frequency sound comes out through these speakers. Tweeters aren't always included in a speaker package - often this role is picked up by other, more generic speakers with a broader range. Dedicated tweeters do offer a much crisper, sharper sound than their generic substitutes, although often at a slightly higher cost.

Hz and KHz

Hz and KHz, also known as Hertz and Kilohertz, are two measures for frequencies. 1,000 Hz equals 1 KHz, and the average human can hear up to 20 KHz, or 20,000 Hz, at the most. The maximum range of most speakers are 20,000 Hz, which is a perfectly acceptable range - only your pet dog will be able to hear anything with a higher pitch than that. To make it simple, look for speakers with the broadest range - 10-20 KHz is a good, average range, although lower frequencies than 10,000 Hz will result in a better bass.

What is voltage, and does it matter?

While you're out shopping for your speakers, you'll notice that watts are a major feature that is advertised. Exactly what do all these voltages mean? Well, basically, the higher the watts, the louder they go. As a rule of thumb, 1 watt of power will provide 86 decibels of noise at a distance of 1 metre. 80 decibels is the maximum safe level of volume for the human ear, but don't think that 1 watt is enough power. Sound drops in volume hugely over even small distances, so more watts are better. If you're planning on filling a home theatre room, or even just a large lounge, be sure to get the most watts you can afford. Remember - you don't have to use them all, but it's good to have them there in case you need them down the track.

2.1, 4.1, and beyond.

Now don't worry - these numbers are a lot easier to understand than you may think. Let's take 2.1 as an example; The first digit, in this case the 2, is the number of main "channels". The second half of the number, in this case a .1, is for the LFE channel. Systems with LFE channels provide much better bass reproduction than systems without it.

Higher numbers, such as 7.1, are simply speakers with more channels, and therefore more speaker units, in most cases. 7.1 is one of the more common full surround sound systems, with each channel being assigned different jobs - which is why, if you've ever watched a movie with a surround sound system, you would have heard different noises coming from different speakers. The more frequencies present in a system, the more depth, which provides a much greater aural environment.

So what kind?

Once you've come to grips with the tech behind the speakers, it's time to actually decide on which kind you want. This completely depends on where you'll be using the speakers, and what you'll be using them for. We'll start off with a fairly straightforward variety; computer speakers. Computer speakers are generally smaller, and therefore more portable, than their larger, louder, and sometimes better sounding home theatre cousins. There are a few options with computer speakers, with one of the majors being the type of connection they take. There are USB options, RCA editions, and the classic 3.5 mm connection we're all used to. As far as versatility, the 3.5 mm connection easily comes out on top, as it can not only be used for computers, but also for MP3 players, such as iPods, which brings us to...

iPod speakers

iPod docks. Without a doubt, Apple has cornered the music player market. Because of that undeniable fact, accessories for iPods are as common as muck, ranging from the inspired to the abysmal. iPod docks use a special connection that plugs directly into the bottom of said gadget, and most of them charge the iPod as well as play your music. The usual speaker-hunting advice applies to iPod docks, same as every kind of speaker, but it's important to check for extra features that may be present - Bluetooth connectivity, clocks, and FM radios are all options that may come on your dock, as well as an extra 3.5 mm cable to connect your non-Apple tune-blasters.

Home theatre systems

Home theatre systems are one of the most expensive, large, and often highest quality options out there. Home theatre systems, in general, consist of a subwoofer, and up to 9 other speakers, each with dedicated jobs. The speakers are then placed strategically around the room, providing the perfect soundscape for your home theatre. As with all speakers, keep an eye on the Hz, watts, and channels. As a rule of thumb with these kinds of speakers, you get what you pay for. It always pays to have a listen before you actually buy - just because the stats look good, doesn't mean the speakers are going to be perfect.

Car audio systems

Car audio systems are very similar to home theatre systems in their layout - a subwoofer, followed by speakers dedicated to different channels. A 9.1 sound system isn't particularly practical for a car - there's just not the space for all the speakers - but that's not to say that it's impossible. A far more practical setup, on the other hand, would be a 5.1 or even 3.1 setup. Investing in a decent car audio setup is usually just that - a great investment. Good audio systems make long car trips a lot more enjoyable, particularly if you're used to something sub-par. Be sure to check that you =stereo is capable of channeling audio to the system you're looking at getting before you actually take the plunge though, as not all stereos support 5.1.