tom_munro

Responses from tom_munro

Best HT speaker system
For HT I've become a fan of Aerial loudspeakers. They play loud and clean with good punch, and will provide excellent treble without getting harsh. You could run up front LR3/CC3B/LR3 (2x7", 1x5", 1x1" driver configuration), and for the sides and ... 
Hospital Grade Wall Outlets
I'm a little hesitant to ask this question, but while we're on the subject of audio grade outlets, does anyone know if there are specific brands or models of circuit breakers that provide audible improvements over the standard issue at most hardwa... 
Meridian 508-20 to 508-24 Upgrade
My 508.20 was updated by Meridian at their expense after I returned my unit a second time for a faulty drive mechanism. The upgrade is definitely worth considering. The .24 has better highs and lows, sounds more open, and is more evenly balanced t... 
Long runs- digital or video
I have all my components in the front of my room in a recessed 2'x8' bumpout, and run a 50' set of component cables from a Sony DVP7700 to a Sony VPLW400Q LCD front projector located in the back of the room. The picture quality is excellent. I've ... 
Pre-amp or Pre-pro,, which one to get ?
Two years ago Avitar I did the same thing you're contemplating. I sold a SF Line 1 and a modest receiver based HT system, and bought a Meridian 561 pre/pro. Since then I have bought new L/R speakers, and made some other changes to improve two chan... 
Cheater plugs with amplifiers?
Instead of cheater plugs, which may degrade the sound, I have, in the past, disconnected the grounds in each of my dedicated outlets. I realize the potential hazard of doing this, but this did eliminate hum in a previous system. Today I ground my ... 
Are dolby digital and AC-3 the same?
Dolby Digital comes in a few flavors: 2.0/5.0/5.1/EX6.1. AC-3 is the older term for the Dolby Digital format and you normally won't hear that term used today. Any DVD that indicates Dolby Digital will be supported by your receiver. DTS is a digita... 
Audible Illusions Mod. III
A little over 3 years ago I ordered the AI L1, in the interim the dealer lent me a demo Mod IIIA to use. About 3 months later my L1 still hadn't come in but the dealer exchanged the Mod IIIA out for a demo L1. In the end I cancelled my order after... 
How Much Do You Need to Spend on a PC?
Thank you all for the feedback on effective and reasonably priced PCs. I realize that these PCs are not the ultimate, but most of those suggested will improve on what I have. I still have other basic components, such as a good preamp, to look into... 
Home Cinema Poisoning my System?
Two years ago I sold my separate stereo preamp and modest receiver based ht system. I wanted to simplify (reduce the number of components & speakers) and also wanted to take advantage of the quality that my l/r mains could bring to ht. I'm cur... 
How Much Do You Need to Spend on a PC?
My system is a music/ht system: Meridian 561 & 508.24 (cd transport), Bryston 7BST monos, and Thiel CS7.2s. I have been seriously looking at upgrading the Bryston 7BSTs, but have also thought about keeping the Brystons and going with a tube pr... 
Room Treatment
I bought 24" wide insulation at Home Depot, the type covered in a translucent pick plastic with a white fiberglass fill, some 1/4" luan, and some reasonably transparent fabric that matched my room. I cut the 4'x8' luan into 2'x4' sheets, stapled t... 
Do Dealers think it is sinful..........
Avnut, the McIntosh line that you were interested in (based on your previous post) is normally not discounted. While my dealer has quoted a small discount (~5%) for a McIntosh amp it isn't even close to the discount they quoted for a Mark Levinson... 
Cheap bi-wiring?
I have found bi-wiring makes an audible improvement with some speakers, and not others. B&W Matrix series, and Aerials, in my experience, sound noticeably more detailed and open sounding when bi-wired, especially the Aerials. I have a pair of ... 
Genesis APM-1 or Thiel CS-7 speakers
I own the Thiel CS7.2s, but I am not familiar with the Genesis APM-1. No speaker is pefect, but the big Thiels do many things RIGHT IMHO. It is an accurate and neutral speaker, has great purity of tone, and is superbly integrated. I'm sure the McC...