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I was just visiting another audio site, where $$$ are treated like, well just that, symbols on a typewriter. How do these multi-figure amounts translate into sound, or satisfaction? Phrases like, "I'm strapped, I can only spend $2500 on a cd-player", or "college student, please help me build a budget system, $4000 max".
I happened onto this site by recommendaion from a friend. I was immedately thrown back by phrases like "Yes, you overspent. I wouldn't pay more than $30 for those speakers. Or, "If you can't find an adequate amp for $200 or less, you haven't been looking enough."
This attracted me. This caught my attention. I read further. I kept reading. I came back time after time to see what these guys were saying. I kept waiting for " If it's not free, it's not worth having". Yes, libertarians.
Actually, it got to the point I forgot about the fact that I was looking for a used receiver, I was just fascinated by the rhetoric. Actually I did learn few things., although I stiil don't know what SET is. After 1 and 1/2 years of this, I finally figured out what WAF is. But for a long time i thought it had something to do with "waveform factor", or something like that. So, I started looking looking in the garbge, it's free (at least for now). I always have, but this time I kept my eyes open for audio equipment. I have found some pretty good stuff in there. Some Sony speakers I still use, and are pretty nice, a Cal audio labs CD player, and most recently a very nice Yamaha yp-701(?) turntable.
So, I am grateful to you guys. I realized that it wasn't just my imagination, or blurred memory-those old Advents and that Panasonic receiver did a decent job. That was a time when I listened more recordings. I hadn't really paid attention as to why i gradually stopped listening over the years. But I see it had a lot to do with the advent of CD's and a smaller, 90's system, that I had evolved to. There's a lot of good modern stuff out there, but it's amazing how liitle one really needs to spend to get a good system.
So, thanks everybody. An incredibly gracious, and knowledgable group (and far more interesting than the other guys).
I have been drinking. I just wanted to get all this stuff off my chest.
Follow Ups:
... which need not cost a lot. Doc Bottlehead's a great way to taste SET for short $. You will need efficient (sensitive) speakers -- these come in all sizes, ages, and prices.To the point: I have a number of zero-cost systems at home; mostly sourced from the swap pile at our town "dump" (one of New England's few great traditions), some from friends and others who "knew you were interested in old stereos". Not a big challenge, for example, to find nice speakers discarded due to "foam rot". My best find in that regard was probably a pair of Allison Ones.
Yes, a very fine system can be had for little money.
An excellent system with separates can be had for a little more.
In my experience with audio, a system that earnerd excellent reviews is still excellent gear.
Don't let those who say you can't build a nice sounding system with small money mess with you. Enjoyable audio is available to anyone, even those who's desire outnumbers their money.Welcome to the vintage club. Please email me and I will give you instructions on where to send your dues. ;)
Don't worry, I can't even see my turntable.
Oh, and yes I'll be sending those dues in with all the money I've saved from buying, and finding, vintage.
who's been drinking =8^DI agree with you. I'd be lost without the patient advice I've received here.
I'm a literate drunk, I guess.Vince
nt
all the best,
mrh
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