Any good solutions for canceling out my neighbor's bass from their stereo without headphones? Headphones aren't an option all the time if I need to sleep. Are their nose canceling stereos? How well do they work? What else could I try?
[more inside]
posted by gilsonal
on May 25, 2009 -
13 answers
Loss prevention in a convertible with soft top - Lock the doors, or leave them unlocked?
[more inside]
posted by rinogo
on Mar 30, 2009 -
22 answers
New, generic AC adapter is causing my computer speaker system to hum. I thought it was a ground loop, but a cheater plug (fitted on the jack of the AC adapter) didn't help. (The speaker system itself is not grounded.) I know it's the AC adapter, because if I run my laptop on battery power, the hum disappears. Anything I can do, short of forking out $70 for an original adapter? This adapter has been working fine otherwise.
[more inside]
posted by ori
on Mar 23, 2009 -
8 answers
I just blew out an old Nakamichi stereo receiver because the signal from my computer's audio output seemed to overload the machine. The receiver clicked a couple of times (reverting to silence each time before resuming normal volume), then quite literally heated up and died.
I don't think it's the receiver's fault necessarily, since something similar happened with my previous stereo receiver--in terms of its getting overloaded from the computer's audio signal and shutting down with a loud click.
I'm just using the sound card that came with my 3 year old Dell desktop--and I want to make sure this doesn't happen again to the next receiver (I'm using a receiver because I need to drive some old ADS speakers).
Any suggestions? I tried using different inputs on the receiver (video, tape, CD, even phono) thinking it might be an issue of too strong a signal coming into the machine. But regardless of the input selection, the same problem would occur--whenever volume got too loud (and I did try lowering the volume on the computer itself) there would be a loud click, then silence.
Should I just forget using an external amplifier at all and just use the horrible computer speakers that came with the machine? Thanks
posted by quintno
on Mar 18, 2009 -
9 answers
Do I really need two or three separate boxes for just-OK computer audio? I need some kind of speaker to hook up to my laptop-used-as-a-desktop, but having three or even two separate components is cumbersome. I also don't think I really need an expensive, fancy system.
[more inside]
posted by amtho
on Mar 12, 2009 -
12 answers
Is there any way to play music on my external hard drive through a stereo receiver? That is, is there any sort of device that could play middleman between the two? My home computer is busted and all my music is trapped in my little Maxtor. Is this even possible?
posted by auralcoral
on Mar 1, 2009 -
6 answers
RFInterferenceFilter: This is a continuation of
this question. Summarizing: I'm experiencing a loud buzzing noise in my stereo, accompanied by interference from local FM radio stations. I've done more investigation and have eliminated my power as a (direct) cause of the noise.
[more inside]
posted by strangecargo
on Jan 26, 2009 -
7 answers
My surround sound system keeps cutting out at higher volumes. Please help me find a way to stop it happening.
[more inside]
posted by Beep
on Jan 21, 2009 -
9 answers
(Electronics|Stereo)filter: What is causing this infuriating noise in my preamp and how do I fix it? Links to sound files and long list of symptoms in extended.
[more inside]
posted by strangecargo
on Jan 15, 2009 -
6 answers
Can the standard (type II, I think) stereo/CD system in a 2007 Toyota Corolla play MP3 CDs? Or what are my options?
[more inside]
posted by Science!
on Jan 7, 2009 -
5 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
Once upon a time (the seventies), there existed a Lincoln Majorca live album that stores used to sell stereo equipment. Help me figure out what it was and where it can be found (on CD or mp3).
[more inside]
posted by phunniemee
on Dec 29, 2008 -
4 answers
Where can I find the correct speaker for my Panasonic CD Stereo System, model number SC-AK600? It still works quite well except for the left surround speaker. I need to find a replacement speaker. Any websites out there that sell these?
posted by Beep
on Dec 16, 2008 -
3 answers
I would like to set up a system where my turntable and my iMac all flow out of a nice set of speakers. I have no idea where to start.
[more inside]
posted by Foam Pants
on Dec 14, 2008 -
9 answers
I'm thinking of upgrading my car's stereo; I still have a tape deck in there! I've located a Sony unit that seems to fit all of my requirements, Sony MEXBT2600. It has built in Bluetooth. Has anyone had any experience with such units?
[more inside]
posted by aeighty
on Dec 8, 2008 -
1 answer
My stereo is off, unplugged even. I am not using my cell phone, neither is my adjacent roommate.. why do I occasionally hear loud conversation, almost sounding like walkie talkie two way radio communication, coming from my speakers?
[more inside]
posted by mediocre
on Nov 29, 2008 -
6 answers
Is it a problem for an AV receiver to be on it's side, instead of resting horizontally on it's feet?
[more inside]
posted by RustyBrooks
on Nov 21, 2008 -
16 answers
Why does this stereo mini to RCA adapter have a obscure image icon that indicates hazardous waste?
[more inside]
posted by silsurf
on Nov 17, 2008 -
6 answers
I'm moving and starting over just about from scratch. I'd like people's input on what I should do about setting up nifty integrated audio/visual/computing stuff in my new place.
[more inside]
posted by Echidna882003
on Oct 19, 2008 -
3 answers
I am confused about assembling a relatively budget, quality home stereo system. (long)
[more inside]
posted by Marquis
on Oct 13, 2008 -
14 answers
VinylFilter: Looking for a quality Turntable and PreAmp to fill the needs of a poor audiophile ($500-650 Budget)
[more inside]
posted by robdon
on Oct 5, 2008 -
8 answers
Amplifilter: Looking for a cheap SS guitar amp to complement my Fender Deluxe 90 so I can use my effects pedals' stereo features.
[more inside]
posted by relucent
on Sep 21, 2008 -
3 answers
Is there a wireless headset that will let me listen to beautiful music from my computer as well as make/receive phonecalls on my landline?
[more inside]
posted by dtgriscom
on Sep 3, 2008 -
6 answers
car audio filter: Trying to replace the head unit on my car and I'm getting lost in the wiring harness and install instructions. (lots of questions inside)
[more inside]
posted by ibfrog
on Aug 14, 2008 -
6 answers
I'm going to be relying on my iMac and the music stored on it for a while. I would like to get a set of speakers so that the computer sounds better. What reasonably-priced powered speakers have folks had success with? I'd rather not get a separate subwoofer. I'd be willing to get a small amp and use my small stereo speakers if all the other options are too crappy. Thanks.
posted by OmieWise
on Aug 7, 2008 -
9 answers
I'm looking for a cheap (about $200) and compact stereo system for my apartment. Mainly it'd be for playing CD's and streaming audio via my Airport Express. I'm interested in the Onkyo
CS-315S,
CS-325 and
CS-415 units, but I can't for the life of my figure out what the hell the difference is. Does anyone know about these systems, or have any other recommendations?
[more inside]
posted by DLWM
on Aug 6, 2008 -
6 answers
I’ve just started using my first PDA/Smartphone (Blackberry 8820) and I need some recommendations for a headset. I know there are tons of questions already—and even more online resources—for finding the best Bluetooth earpiece, but I’m not looking specifically for your standard Bluetooth.
[more inside]
posted by jckll
on Jul 16, 2008 -
3 answers
Car Stereo Recommendations: must have an aux input. Must have zen-like interface simplicity, and mostly pushbutton operation except for the few things for which knobs really make sense. A manual should be all but redundant for operation of this device. Would be nice if it has bluetooth built-in. Satellite radio is a plus. What am I looking for?
[more inside]
posted by wildblueyonder
on Jul 14, 2008 -
5 answers
Help improve my sound! After listening to some pristine, rich & dynamic music at a friend's studio, I've decided to improve my own setup. The catch? I don't want to spend thousands and have no interest in audiophile snake oil. Recommendations? Details on my existing gear inside.
[more inside]
posted by aladfar
on Jul 9, 2008 -
13 answers
Swapping a car's stereo head unit: I would really like to replace my car's ailing Blaupunkt CD player with a more modern head unit, ideally one with a front aux-in for my iPhone. Before I embarked on this I thought it would (should!) be as simple as popping out the old HU, slotting the new one in and simply reconnecting the connector block.
[more inside]
posted by dance
on May 11, 2008 -
11 answers
What's the best way to play Pandora on a stereo via a Mac (which I don't want to add speakers to)? Note the Mac can't be near the stereo all the time, and I'd like the free version of Pandora...
posted by jgballard
on May 9, 2008 -
6 answers
Looking for a home stereo setup that supports internet radio, traditional radio, CD's and MP3's without a computer in the middle.
[more inside]
posted by rouftop
on May 5, 2008 -
3 answers
Why does my cellular phone cause my home stereo speakers to make strange noises? Sometimes it happens when a call is about to come in, but mostly it just happens periodically for seemingly no reason. It sounds like strange beepy static and it happpens much more frequently now that I switched to an iPhone. Is there a way to stop this besides throwing my iPhone across the room?
posted by minicloud
on Mar 29, 2008 -
11 answers
I have a 2004 Ford Explorer with the OEM stereo (I think it's called the Audiophile; it's the one with the 6-disc in-dash changer), and I'd like to use the aux input with the headphone jack on my iPod and iPhone.
[more inside]
posted by jroybal
on Feb 28, 2008 -
5 answers
What and where are the best audio/home theater discussion groups/forums for someone wanting to learn about said items?
[more inside]
posted by Phyltre
on Feb 25, 2008 -
10 answers
Is running-in of hi-fi equipment nonsense? What have been your genuine experiences pre/post run-in?
[more inside]
posted by humblepigeon
on Feb 11, 2008 -
26 answers