In past questions (
1,
2), I've described my stereo setup and my desire to build a stereo tube amp. I have no worries about actually
building the kit amp, but I'm not sure what I'd do with all my speakers. In thinking about this, I realized I don't know much about my stereo in the first place. Can you help me understand what it actually
means to have a stereo amp?
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posted by Admiral Haddock
on Apr 11, 2013 -
2 answers
I was at some live classical music the other night (Philip Glass, if it matters) and the experiencing was life-changing. I've got the music from iTunes but it doesn't sound that great over my normal cheapo headphones. I have never cared about audio quality before and it's not something I'm likely to get seriously into. But say I had up to 250 euro or so to spend on getting the sounds that's closest to what I heard in the concert hall - what should I buy or do?
posted by StephenF
on Feb 19, 2013 -
22 answers
I'm looking for recommendations for decent audiophile speakers (for music) that can be mounted on a wall.
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posted by UbuRoivas
on Jan 30, 2013 -
8 answers
An idle stereo upgrade question: If I were to upgrade any part of my stereo system, would I get more bang for the buck upgrading my receiver, my speakers, or it would it probably not make a difference given my listening habits? Details on my setup inside.
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posted by Admiral Haddock
on Aug 15, 2011 -
12 answers
Audiophiles, please help. Any recommendations for wiring a living room for decent audio (from TV, radio, other devices)? We're renovating the living room and now's my chance to run wires wherever I want them - in the walls, under the floor, wherever.
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posted by mark7570
on Jun 29, 2011 -
5 answers
Audiophile questions: HiFi CD player vs DAC. What benefit is there to a CD player compared to just getting a quality digital/analog converter? What exactly is a quality DAC? Help me avoid audiophile snake oil!
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posted by cotterpin
on Jan 24, 2011 -
15 answers
I found and immediately lost a link the other day that talked about a device that made mp3s sound richer, deeper, perhaps like vinyl (or at least not as compressed as they truly are). It was a rather simple device and the article talked about one brand as low as $150. I don't expect anyone to find the exact page especially as I am not being too descriptive. It was on an audiophile site and was recommended...not one of those 'buy this cheapie/crap product that screws up your music' sort of thing. If anyone knows what I am talking about or has something else that they know that works for improving mp3 sound through stereo, I'm interested. Pardon me for the nebulous post. It is the best my brain can recall. Thanks for your techie/audiophile input.
posted by snap_dragon
on Dec 30, 2010 -
22 answers
As Marantz has introduced a new (but hardly improved) model, Music Direct is selling the PM8003 integrated amplifier for half usual MSRP ($499 vs. $999). From what I've read, it's a splendid piece of kit, and a solid value before the drastic discount. My question for you; would you recommend something else, for $500 or less, that you feel is superior to the Marantz? In terms of sonic character, I favor impartiality, perhaps slight warmth, but balance and purity foremost, if that informs suggestions at all. I'd like to feel I've surveyed my options thoroughly before going through with the purchase.
posted by alexandermatheson
on Oct 13, 2010 -
6 answers
Found a great deal on a pair of very high end speakers but on one of them the center dome of the woofer is pushed in.
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posted by spicynuts
on Jul 22, 2010 -
10 answers
(audiophilefilter) Ok, mefi gear heads--- I am a recording engineer that recently acquired a new client. He wants to set up a small yet powerful home basement studio. He currently has an old Tascam cassette 4-track recorder. He also has DEEP pockets. Suggestions?
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posted by peewinkle
on Apr 8, 2010 -
24 answers
How to place a good speaker in a corner? After investing in some decent audio gear, I find that I cannot avoid placing the left speaker in a corner due to space constraints. As expected, this emphasizes low the frequencies on that side and makes the sound stage a bit wonky. Short of moving the speaker, is there any way to mitigate this somewhat?
posted by aladfar
on Jan 6, 2009 -
7 answers
I am a budget headphone audiophile with $250 to buy myself a toy. I do not want upgrade my amp or source at this point, would the AKG 701 headphones be a wasted investment?
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posted by jlowen
on Jan 3, 2009 -
6 answers
VinylFilter: Looking for a quality Turntable and PreAmp to fill the needs of a poor audiophile ($500-650 Budget)
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posted by robdon
on Oct 5, 2008 -
8 answers
Why are some of the high resolution MP3s I've encoded recently (at 320 kbps) still turning out with traces of faint, but audible jitter?
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posted by saulgoodman
on Apr 5, 2008 -
9 answers
Is running-in of hi-fi equipment nonsense? What have been your genuine experiences pre/post run-in?
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posted by humblepigeon
on Feb 11, 2008 -
26 answers
Does anyone know of an audiophile/hi-fi club in the St. Louis area? I have recently become interested in DIY Hi-Fi and being a college student with little electronics experience I am looking for a way to get myself better acquainted with everything before I start to spend too much money. The internet has been a great resource, but having some real people around me who know what they are doing and would be willing to provide me with some direction would be very helpful.
posted by Bengston
on Mar 28, 2007 -
4 answers
I received a new
turntable for Christmas. I’m having a hard time following the owner’s manual and
on-line resources that explain how to achieve the best possible sound quality. If my LPs play fine, to my ears anyway, how important is it to perfectly adjust the cartridge, tracking force, azimuth, etc.? Besides offending obsessive audiophiles, do I run the risk of damaging the records or turntable?
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posted by njm
on Dec 28, 2006 -
7 answers
Does it make sense to use a special power cord for hi-fi equipment? I'm a novice hi-fi enthusiast, and I've read that you should replace the stock power cords that come with your audio equipment, using designated hi-fi power cords (like those made by AudioQuest or Cardas) instead. But I'm wondering if laying out all that money will actually make an appreciable difference in sound quality to someone who isn't an audio engineer. My hi-fi system consists of a Cambridge Audio receiver & CD player and Hsu Research's Ventriloquist 6.1 speakers and subwoofer. My speaker cables & interconnects are AudioQuest.
posted by zembla3
on Jul 10, 2006 -
26 answers
Is there any evidence to support the idea that headphones need to be "burned in" to sound better?
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posted by Prospero
on Jun 5, 2006 -
18 answers
