A wise direction
October 6, 2004
Hello and thanks for your website. I find it very
informative and useful -- much more so than websites that discuss and recommend equipment
very few people could possibly afford.
I have a modest system that I'm looking to upgrade -- I
don't think I'm ready to buy new components, but I want to get the most out of what I
already have. New components are on the horizon, but they will have to wait for many
rounds of spousal negotiations before being approved.
Here's what I'm currently using:
Pioneer Elite VSX-33TX receiver
cookie-cutter Sony DVD player
BC-Acoustique Tibre speakers
It's a decent setup for my needs, which I'd describe mainly
as casual listening. The BC-Acoustique speakers are by far the strongest aspect. For home
theater, I have another pair of Tibres and a BC-Acoustique Axe center-channel speaker, but
I only have a stereo setup right now given my room constraints.
I've been to several hi-fi shops in the Houston area trying
to find a few things to get that will get me the most out of what I have now. When I do
buy new, I want these products to work well with what I purchase. Right now I think I need
a line conditioner and new speaker cables.
Do line conditioners really improve the sound quality? What
speaker cables give me the most bang for the buck? The sales guy at a hi-fi shop here
recommended TARA Labs cables, some for about $300 a pair. Do you know anything about
BetterCables.com? Do you recommend them?
Randy
I think a wise direction in your case would be a good
line conditioner. The effect one will have on your system is dependent on many things: the
quality of the AC service where you live, the filtering capability of the equipment you
have, and the quality of the wiring within your house and system now. I have found line
conditioners very effective at improving both sound and video quality. There's another
reason to go that route, too: surge suppression. It gives me peace of mind to know that a
line conditioner/surge suppressor stands between my system and lightning strikes and power
spikes.
Cables are another matter. I'd wait 'til you're completely
happy with your system and then explore the world of cables. You can quickly spend lots of
money on cables and not accomplish anything. Worse, if you're system is likely to change
in the near future, you may end up with cables that don't match your new gear.
Speakers for use with NAD electronics?
October 4, 2004
I've got an NAD C370 amp with B&W CDM7 speakers. The
sound is harsh, but the bass is good. Is there any good speaker match with NAD? Is the
Dynaudio Audience 82 an upgrade?
John
To make a blanket generalization (which sometimes can
get me in trouble!), I've always found Dynaudio speakers to be a bit more laid-back than
B&Ws. Both do have excellent bass and dynamic capabilities, though, so you should not
lose that aspect of performance that you find in your CDM7s. Also, NAD electronics and PSB
speakers are often paired. Try 'em and see; if you have a dealer that will let you bring a
set home for a night you should be able to tell in short order.
"Refurb"?
October 3, 2004
I keep seeing the "refurb" tag on online
purchases I am considering. I am a little confused as to what this means. Is the equipment
new or used? What would be your advice on buying such equipment?
Randall
"Refurb" is short for refurbished. Usually a
refurb is a used or demonstration unit that the manufacturer has re-tested, recalibrated,
and possibly replaced/updated parts to make the unit as "new" as possible.
Strictly speaking, these are not new units, however -- they have been used, make no
mistake about it, regardless of what you're told by a reseller. However, if you're OK with
a blemish or two, the unit should work as new, and usually these units have at least an
abbreviated manufacturer's warranty. If the savings are substantial enough it could make
the choice to buy a refurb a worthwhile one, but don't expect a new component at a used
one's price.
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