How long have you been interested in quality audio?
The high-end audio business has been around for less than 40 years, with new generations signing on each year. When did you join?
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How would you categorize your audio system?
It's been a decade since the analog vs. digital debate began. Where has your system ended up?
How many CDs and LPs are in your collection?
Maybe it doesn't really matter how much music you have if you've got those three great albums that do it for you every time, but some folks just can't stop collecting. How about you?
Which speaker technology do you prefer?
There are some wildly different speaker technologies out there with one common goal: accurate reproduction of music. In your experience, which approach works best?
Where do you find the best bargains on quality used LPs?
Many audiophiles are also record collectors. There are many ways to add to your collection. Which one works for you?
Assuming you have good speakers of average sensitivity, how much amplifier power is necessary for good imaging and dynamics?
Audio amplifiers are now available in power ratings of as low as a few watts. At the other end of the scale are gigawatt amps of 1000W or more. Most fall somewhere in the middle. How much power does a good system really need?
Do we need to settle on one format, or should there be many?
WIth DVD-Audio on the horizon, the standards wars have led to a dizzying number of new format variations. Not only do we have different data-rate proposals, we're not even sure how many channels we need. Which do you prefer: a universal audio standard, or a niche-market approach?
Do you have a local audio shop that you like?
One of the keys to enjoying the tweak audio hobby is having a good place to learn about the art of sound. A good dealer can also help you make good choices for your personal needs when it's time to buy.
In your opinion, which of the following methods is the best way to obtain powerful, well-defined low bass in a typical listening room?
A continuation of last week's discussion of low bass. Many audiophiles agree that powerful, well-defined low bass is desirable, but they have many opinions about how to get it.
Assuming your system sounds good otherwise, how important is accurate, powerful deep bass for satisfying musical performance?
Low bass is probably the most difficult part of the audio spectrum for loudspeakers to reproduce accurately. Most speakers with "quick, tight bass" don't go very low. Conversely, most speakers that <I>do</I> go low sound muddy and undefined in the bottom octaves. A good subwoofer is the usual solution, but is deep bass really necessary for musical satisfaction?