| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by ndahbar
I'm being lazy in not doing a google search, but what is a Grado / Sennheiser? Headphones?
2 well known brands of headphones which are about the best you will find for under 100 bucks. Of course, they make more expensive ones. I just threw it in as an accessory! :) |
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| hondacuraworld |
If you're looking for headphones (or any audio gear), contact Brian at Venus Hi-Fi ( www.venushifi.com ), and tell him you know me :4:
He'll treat you right :) |
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| ndahbar |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
If you're looking for headphones (or any audio gear), contact Brian at Venus Hi-Fi ( www.venushifi.com ), and tell him you know me :4:
He'll treat you right :)
Cool thanks Tim.
Oh, I forgot, what is great is Cambridge SW gives you 5 years warranty on the system! Darn, that's a lot! The sales rep told me if you blow out the speakers, or fry your receiver in an electrical storm, just bring it in for free replacement. :D
Now that's peice of mind. |
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| nytflyt |
If you want to greatly improve your listening enjoyment with Headphones go to headphone.com and get one of their headphone amplifiers by Headroom.
Earl |
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| ndahbar |
Wow I checked out some of those Grado headphones online, WHOA, awesome. But eh, nice price for the top-of-the-line model, $795 :eek: :eek: :eek:
Ok anyone here know how good (truly, from an audiophile's perspective) the BOSE Acoustimass systems are? I mean the ones with those infamous cube speakers (they have been out on the market at least 12 years now yes?)
I was wondering if they really do sound great, albeit having a tiny driver diameter. Do they "cheat" in their design to fake stuff?
If it sux, why does it cost so much? :rolleyes: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by ndahbar
Wow I checked out some of those Grado headphones online, WHOA, awesome. But eh, nice price for the top-of-the-line model, $795 :eek: :eek: :eek:
You can get the Grado SR60 or 80 for under $100....and are great headphones for the price.
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.../it.A/id.426/.f |
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| hondacuraworld |
quote:
Originally posted by ndahbar
Wow I checked out some of those Grado headphones online, WHOA, awesome. But eh, nice price for the top-of-the-line model, $795 :eek: :eek: :eek:
Ok anyone here know how good (truly, from an audiophile's perspective) the BOSE Acoustimass systems are? I mean the ones with those infamous cube speakers (they have been out on the market at least 12 years now yes?)
I was wondering if they really do sound great, albeit having a tiny driver diameter. Do they "cheat" in their design to fake stuff?
If it sux, why does it cost so much? :rolleyes:
Read hhwc's post this thread.
For the most part, there is an absolutely ridiculous markup in audio gear, as much as 500%. It seems that to be taken seriously, it has to be way overpriced, because if it's cheap, it must not be good. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Read hhwc's post this thread.
For the most part, there is an absolutely ridiculous markup in audio gear, as much as 500%. It seems that to be taken seriously, it has to be way overpriced, because if it's cheap, it must not be good.
Excellent point. That's why one must make informed decisions before buying 'gear'. The prices on better (and even worse!) audio gear is not dropping like it is and most everything else in consumer electronics. And one reason is they play on the ignorance of the buying public. Educating yourself is the only way to go. Unless your interest level is not that great, then go buy the brand name off the shelf stuff. But over 2 grand for a sliver box that says Bose and a few small cubes and a sub similar to what you can buy for a PC is ridiculous. But it is good marketing, no doubt. Sorry if that offends anyone, but you have to see this for what it is. I also think $800 for a pair of headphone is ridiculous, but the difference is they WILL likely sound fantastic.
But the difference between fantastic and sounding just 'great' will save you a several hundred dollars. |
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| imraw |
Hey NDAH,
to answer your question: yes, Bose sucks. The other question: why is it so expensive if it sucks? I have no flipping idea. You are paying for the marketing is all I can assume. High end audio gear is actually pretty inexpensive if you look at it from strickly a marketing stand point. Could you imagine the price you would have to pay for a Levinson or ARC amplifier if they did the marketing that Bose does? You would have to pay not only out of your butt, but also the significant others butt. If you are happy with the sound of the equipment you purchase, then that is what it is all about. If you hear something better and can afford it, I say go for it. Putting together a great sounding system is not always about the $$$$ in your pocket, but the ability to match products well. It took me over 2 years to put together the system I currently have and it is by no means on the high end of the spectrum for price. The components are, however, very well matched and i would be willing to put it up against systems costing 3 or 4 times more. Go to an audio store to purchase audio. Go to the other places to purchase your music. you will be much happier in the long run. |
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| hondacuraworld |
Ndahbar,
Are you looking for a good two channel system? |
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| imraw |
Tim,
Does anyone really look for two channel stereo any more? ha ha ha Oh, gone are the days of walking into a great stereo shop and having a great selection of equipment geared toward "stereo sound". As we both know Home Theatre is driving the train now. Can you imagine how difficult it is to convince someone that a 4K CD player is really a great player when a person can purchase a $50 APEX DVD player that also plays CDs. I am so glad I am not in the business of selling audio gear any more. Hell, for that matter a HTIB system for $500 that has everything. My ears ring and bleed every time I listen to something like that. |
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| hondacuraworld |
To be honest, I was thinking about boxing up my McIntosh receiver and sending it to him to try out. I really want to stress to people that good audio, REALLY good audio, doesn't have to cost a king's ransom. Heck, if I can get one person on board to my train of thought, it will be worth it :)
As for CD players, I spent ~$700 on mine, an MCD7000 McIntosh. Loved my Rega Planet, but it was a top loader and kind of a pain in my audio rack.....
Here's the MAC1900 receiver.... |
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| ndahbar |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Ndahbar,
Are you looking for a good two channel system?
Hi Tim,
No, I certainly am not. Perhaps you are asking that due to my inquiry into the headphones. Nah, I got no use for any right now, was just curious and appreciative of the top-of-the-line stuff out there and the discussion.
Like I was saying in a previous post here, I ended up getting a Cambridge Soundworks system which is not just MORE than great sounding, but it's perfect for my living room's size. I got a great deal on it too, what with paying a mere $200 for the great Onkyo 6.1 receiver, which is a steal, and I got an extra discount just for being an employee where I work. Man, I fired up Gladiator DVD, enabled DTS Digital and watched a couple of the fight scenes, WOW. I know there is stuff out there that sounds noticably better but trust me this is just fine for me at this point!
I bet those Paradigms you recommended are wonderful, but, in the end I decided to spend only a grand, which is what I did, and that includes one of the very best receivers out there for the money. Very very happy with the system. |
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| imraw |
| OMG Tim, that thing does not have digital tuning on it. Do you honestly expect someone to sit there and manually tune in the radio station? And, WTH is the remote control. Does this person actually have to move off the couch to turn in on and off and adjust the volume? No front panel inputs? ha ha ha, just kidding you. I am quite sure that someone, if they just gave it a listen with a decent source would be very suprised at the sound quality, even without the bells and whistles. And I agree, you do not have to spend high dollars on audio to get quality sound. The most important part is the matching of components to include cables. An old Exposure integrated amp, a decent CAL CD player, and a pair of Totem speakers, or even a pair of the Paradigms would definately sound good for well under $1500 used. Could not go wrong with that set up. Tim, as you and I both know, trying to sway the masses away from Best Buy for audio equipment is a tough one. For slightly more money (generally under $200) a person can get a much better system then any of the "Great Buy" places can offer. Preach the word brother. You may just convert one person and that is a great start. |
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| hondacuraworld |
| Not a problem, more for me :D |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Not a problem, more for me :D
I believe that is the same Marantz model my dad still uses everyday to listen to music and what I grew up using. He also had a BIC tape deck I believe or maybe that was the turntable. He put the system together in 1978 if I remember at least that part correctly.
Beautiful sound. |
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| hondacuraworld |
The dates would be about correct, as Marantz made that receiver for several years. Mine has the wood case too :) and I use it with my computer with AOL Radio.
Some consumer reviews on the Marantz 2270, 5 out of 5 stars and 43 reviews!
http://www.audioreview.com/Receiver...46_1593crx.aspx
READ these reviews and then decide :D
Here's one:
Price Paid: $330
Summary:
WOW- I have been lusting for a vintage Marantz receiver and finally found it sitting in a vintage audio shop here in Seoul. After wearing the shop owner down, he agreed to let it go to me for the above mentioned price. I have only used it a few days, but suffice it to say--I will be unloading my $800 Denon A/V reciever that I was never quite happy with. The Marantz produces clean, clear sounds with no harshness (like the Denon). The unit is in excellent conditon and the wood case looked faded in the shop, but after getting it home and polishin it with Lemon Pledge, it looks lusterous and almost brand new! As you can tell, I am very happy with this unit and although I paid on the high side--it was well worth it. Now back to my Jeffery Michael piano selections.....
Strengths:
Sound clarity, wonderful looks--love the blue back-lighting, brushed aluminum...
Weaknesses:
Heavy, but who cares--I wont be lugging it anywhere soon....
I love this one:
The 2270 can only be described in terms of superlatives. This is the muscle car of receivers. At a true 70 WPC, the power of this receiver is incredible, delivering a bass that can make your internal organs quiver. Mid-range and highs put you into the recording studio. Melodic passages are Eiswein to the ears. And as for the 2270's aesthetics...well, there has been nothing like it before or since. Also reminds me of the pre-64 Model 70 Winchester: superb performance and classic style in one package.
In my opinion, the Marantz 2270 is too low tech, too antiquated, and so very far from tres chic for today's DINK's. However, it is ideal for us ORF's who understand true value and classic design.
So, My Bose 901's, Yamaha M-85/C-60/T-80 are retired while the Marantz/AR duo once again pleases me to no end. The kids will probably get the Yamaha/Bose. My 2270 will provide my audio satisfaction until the nursing home beckons. |
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| ndahbar |
Hi guys,
Is there some universal rule on breaking in home speakers / subwoofers that we should follow? Moderate listening volumes for 2 months? I read that somewhere as a recommendation. Some high-end stuff, they say, break it in over a whole year. ?
Now does this break-in really mean that "you better do it or it will never sound as good as it can" or is it simply another way of saying that you just have to wait a certain amount of time till they start sounding their best?
Bottom line: Can I shake my room with my brand new 10 or 12 inch sub or is that a bad idea for damaging it? |
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| hondacuraworld |
| I wouldn't worry about it. I beat the living snot out of my Velodyne CHT-12 sub right out of the box :) |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
I wouldn't worry about it. I beat the living snot out of my Velodyne CHT-12 sub right out of the box :)
I agree, for all practical purposes you can not break it. But it will get better with use. |
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| Pauls MDX |
I just received a Sony receiver model #STR-DE895/B as a gift. This is my first audio/video receiver and have a stupid question. Why would I want to loop all my video sources thru the receiver if it doesn't have an on screen display? The instructions say to loop all video even HD thru the receiver? I believe I should should just put all audio sources thru only, what is advantage of looping video thru the receiver? Besides the additional cost of cables wouldn't I loose something in the video by not going direct to the television?
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT...95%2fB&Dept=hav |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Pauls MDX
I just received a Sony receiver model #STR-DE895/B as a gift. This is my first audio/video receiver and have a stupid question. Why would I want to loop all my video sources thru the receiver if it doesn't have an on screen display? The instructions say to loop all video even HD thru the receiver? I believe I should should just put all audio sources thru only, what is advantage of looping video thru the receiver? Besides the additional cost of cables wouldn't I loose something in the video by not going direct to the television?
You don't have to loop all your video through. It is there for 'convenience'. The fewer cables, and fewer connnections, the better. Some folks have their equipment located at a greater distance, or lack sufficient number of inputs on their display for all their sources. That's why they use those in the receiver for swtiching.
I have the outputs of all my video sources going directly to my TV display. I only take out composite video output from my pre/pro (or receiver in your case) to go to the TV for the menu display.
The Sony receivers get very good reviews for digital processing as well as audio qualtiy. |
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| ndahbar |
MAY THE POUNDING BEGIN THEN! :18:
Heh, you guys shouldn't have told me this. My neighbors now are just gonna want to :11: :11: :11: :11: me on the spot. :p |
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| hondacuraworld |
| I'm gonna be a DANGEROUS man once again too.....I'm buying my A7s back :D |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
I'm gonna be a DANGEROUS man once again too.....I'm buying my A7s back :D
I bet that big puppy would get a few inanimate objects dancing in the house. |
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| imraw |
Tim,
I never knew you were a "horn" man. I am hoping that the Marantz tones down those highs for you. Or, do you have this hooked up the the McIntosh? |
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| hondacuraworld |
Neither.....solid state and horns just don't do it for me.....
I'm going to either build a Bottlehead amp and pre, get a nice SET amp, get another Fisher 500B (7591 output tubes and horns are awesome :) ), or possibly pick up a McIntosh MC240.
Although the MC2105 does make the horns and woofers blend very nicely :) |
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| hondacuraworld |
Mine are "souped up" from stock ;)
I have the horns crossed at 800 Hz rather than 500, and increased the bass response tremendously by installing JBL 2220A professional series woofers. The A7s aren't noted for bass response below 60 Hz under normal circumstances, these go right to the basement :cool: |
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| ndahbar |
I'm sure you guys have seen this before. I think it's a good read. It pretty much reinforces one's opinion as to how technically superior DTS's techniques are vs Dolby's.
click on the "DTS response to DOLBY" links, there are 2 parts (2 documents):
http://www.dtsonline.com/technology..._literature.php |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by ndahbar
I'm sure you guys have seen this before. I think it's a good read. It pretty much reinforces one's opinion as to how technically superior DTS's techniques are vs Dolby's.
click on the "DTS response to DOLBY" links, there are 2 parts (2 documents):
http://www.dtsonline.com/technology..._literature.php
Actually, I have not read up on DTS processing in a while. I know when I have the choice I invariably listen in DTS vs. Dolby.
I am not even totally sure why I do, except it seems to work better with regards to localization of sounds. Transitions seem smoother between speakers also.
NEO gets into a whole other realm. I have NEO processing on my pre/pro but have yet to explore all the possibilities.
Thanks for the latest info! |
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| ndahbar |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Actually, I have not read up on DTS processing in a while. I know when I have the choice I invariably listen in DTS vs. Dolby.
I am not even totally sure why I do, except it seems to work better with regards to localization of sounds. Transitions seem smoother between speakers also.
NEO gets into a whole other realm. I have NEO processing on my pre/pro but have yet to explore all the possibilities.
Thanks for the latest info!
As you can tell I am new to this whole "adiophile universe", nonetheless I swear I can tell the different between DD and DTS Digital. It sounds "cleaner". I am not sure what "transparent" means but maybe that's it. Somehow my ears can detect DTS as more "real" and "less muddled" but not by much at all. Nonetheless certainly discernable. DD is awesome, but clearly DTS is better, especially after reading the technical potential.
NEO:6 > DPL II as well, based on almost every single opinion out there on the net.
Dolby and their products are a great company, to be sure. DTS is a notch higher, clearly.
Anyway, I will always buy DVD titles with DTS, if they are available. Yes, they will come with less "extras" but I am of the opinion that most DVD extra just plain suck. |
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| DaleB |
| Some of the DTS 5.1 live recordings like Diana Krall's Love Scenes can knock your socks off! |
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| ndahbar |
Can you imagine how the movie industry must be forced to evolve in about the next decade? Fantastic receivers capable of 7.1 surround, feeding awesome speakers, for watching a movie on a 60 inch TV of some really nice kind, ALL for affordable prices.
I'd imagine cinema outings will drop by like 70%. LOL.
Personally, I *LOVE* going to the movies. It's one of the best things to do in this country, for sure. But, if I had an amazing 60 inch at home with a wicked sound setup and the latest tricked up DVD player....I'd imagine I would go quite a bit less. Even for action movies.
It's funny how oil companies fight "environmental" efforts in order to maximize their longevity on this planet, whereas the movie industry probably will not know what hit it before it's too late.
There must be an article about this somewhere out there... |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Some of the DTS 5.1 live recordings like Diana Krall's Love Scenes can knock your socks off!
Same thing with The Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" DVD that contains a DTS track. IT's my understanding that DTS is processed at a higher bitrate than DD5.1 and so therefore contains more "sound". It's the same theory behind MP3's and near-CD quality. The higher the bitrate (256k, 320k) the better the sound compared to the highly compressed 128k that the original MP3 enthusiasts pushed.
Hell Freezes Over is my reference DVD. |
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| MDteX |
quote:
Originally posted by crmsnidol
Same thing with The Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" DVD that contains a DTS track. IT's my understanding that DTS is processed at a higher bitrate than DD5.1 and so therefore contains more "sound". It's the same theory behind MP3's and near-CD quality. The higher the bitrate (256k, 320k) the better the sound compared to the highly compressed 128k that the original MP3 enthusiasts pushed.
Hell Freezes Over is my reference DVD.
Ditto. That has just incredible DTS sound! And the band ain't bad either.:2: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by MDteX
Ditto. That has just incredible DTS sound! And the band ain't bad either.:2:
Ditto ditto! HFO was my first DTS recording purchase. I still listen to it regularly. It is a landmark recording. |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Ditto ditto! HFO was my first DTS recording purchase. I still listen to it regularly. It is a landmark recording.
This sums it up nicely: http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Review...FreezesOver.asp
" This is one the highest fidelity recording I have heard to date (the other being The Police: Every Breath You Take DTS CD), with a quality of sound a modern studio recording would die for. The entire 360 degree soundfield is used to the full at all times, with vocals and instruments spread around the entire room seamlessly. Instruments are placed discretely, with pin-point imaging whether it be directly in front of you, directly centre behind you, or around the room. The audience is spread across the rear stage, not left and right, but spread across the rears, with different people heard in different places. There were many times I found myself clapping with them, forgetting myself, and then saying "what the hey" and clapping louder. When a song started, and the audience kicked in, chills went down my back, and I kept nudging the volume up. The quality of the sound is stunning, with a great weight to the kick drum and toms, and a sweet clarity to the percussion, wherever in the room those particular sounds might be. The guitars, especially Don Felder's, had a warmth and a tone that was just outstanding. Timothy B. Schmit's bass playing was sublime. Every DTS recording I have listened to has left me completely satisfied, and this recording cements that experience. This represent the pinnacle of concert reproduction in the home, it's that simple, and it's not exaggeration. " |
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| DaleB |
| Great review. Makes me want to throw that baby on there right now! |
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| Pauls MDX |
| I just received my Center Channel Speaker, it's a Klipsch RC-35. I can't believe what a difference it makes. I've always read how important the center channel was but it is truely amazed at the difference in sound quality. I was going to get the RC-25 but they ran out of stock, thank god for me because the RC-35 sound is amazing. In the future I have to get the Klipsch reference RF-5 for the fronts and the Klipsch surrounds. For financial reasons now using JBL's for the surround and an old Radio Shack high end Optimus Mach Threes. For the sub using a 150 watt Yamaha YST-SW-160. For the main receiver using a Sony STR-DE895. The sound is quite amazing. Now I can understand all the fuss about how the Bose don't give enough bang for ther buck. I feel if space is limited the Bose is still an excellent sounding system for the size. Here's a pic's of the system before I find some type of entertainment center to put around, and a pic of my cat franky who also approves of the sound quality. |
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