For years, the sound system at the EnergySolutions Arena has cut through the throngs of fans who cheer the Utah Jazz.

While the system wasn't utilized for concerts — the arena formerly known as the Delta Center relies solely on systems that arrive with the touring artists' technical crews — it is used during Utah Jazz games and other in-house events.

Basketball fans will now hear a difference when Carlos Boozer's name is announced. A new sound system was installed two weeks ago.

Scott Williams, senior vice president of facilities for Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment, said it was the right time because the arena just installed a new lighting system.

"We have wanted to (install a new sound system) for several years," he said. "And it made sense to do it when we changed out the lights."

Randy Rigby, president of the Utah Jazz and the Miller sports and entertainment group, said the old system created pockets of bad sound in the arena.

"We wanted a system that would be able to still cut through the noise of cheering crowds, but sound more clear than in the past," he said. "While we put in a new system, we didn't do anything with the arena's acoustics. But the system works well with them."

The EnergySolutions Arena management chose an EV (Electro-Voice) system, which is a division of Bosch. It features a total of 30 speakers and 29 amplifiers that put out 100,000 watts.

"We had been working on the system for eight months," said Rigby. "The system speakers are based on a four-ray cluster that have 12 speakers set up on each end of the arena, with 14 set up on each side and four below the scoreboard and video board in the arena.

"The speakers are adjustable, which means we can aim the sound to different parts of the arena. If there are more people on the floor we can give them more sound. If there are more people in the seats, we can aim them upward."

Rigby said the light and sound upgrades cost more than $1 million.

In the works for the future, he said, is premium seating, 16-by-9-ratio HD-quality video boards and new locker rooms.

Adding things like that, Rigby said, will help EnergySolutions Arena "really be functional in delivering NBA quality entertainment and revenues we need."

In another local arena, Rio Tinto Stadium, home of Real Salt Lake, features a sound system that is enhanced by acoustic fins protruding over the seats.