BIG BOB 
GETS
THE BUG! 
I
think that my daughter, Carly, has
done more to keep my mind open than anyone else. If you are
a parent, you know what I'm talking about. Kids use their
imaginations to turn ordinary objects into rocket ships,
monsters, or other cool stuff. I had reluctantly promised to
keep an open mind and play around with Home Theater. It has
become apparent that there are two major reasons it has
caught on:
it's a shared experience, and
it's fun!
Here are some secrets for making Home Theater really work:
Rule 1: If you plan to use AC-3 format, use the same brand interconnect and speaker cable. You don't have to spend a bundle to get great sound. Many of the cable manufacturers have put together special "Home Theater AC-3 Packages". Depending on the manufacturer, you can get up to 20% off. But, before you buy just any cable, let one of our consultants help you find a good one for your system.
Rule 2: Subwoofer cables are not all alike. Dolby 5.1 has an effects channel that filters at 80 HZ. If you use a cheapo interconnect, you lose speed and dynamics. Check out brands like Synergistic, Monster, XLO and others.
Rule 3: AC-3 Digital links should meet the same standard as those links used for High End DAC's. The AC-3 Digital link has to meet a 75 ohm standard to get the best results. We are compiling data on which cable works best on what processor. Whether you own a Marantz Receiver or a Theta Casablanca, these digital links can make or break your sound.
Rule 4: Be careful choosing video links for Sony TV's. Their engineers have developed special color retention and contrasting circuits for their sets, especially on XBR's. Whether Sony's meet the ISF standards is not the point. I own an XBR and love the way it looks. But there are two brands that can really transform XBR's. Give us a call and we will take an extra 10 percent off of your video purchases if you mention this article.
Rule 5: AC-3 Decoders need isolation from vibrations. An AC-3 decoder is just like your DAC. If you decouple your processor with a set of PolyCrystal Cones your jaw will hit the floor. This is an inexpensive tweak that will transform the soundstage and dynamics of your gear.
If you want to take it up a couple
of notches, use a Signal Guard. Warning: unless you are actually prepared to
spend $299 (on special) on an Isolation Platform, don't ask
to try this device.
Deprivation is depressing! I have two and plan to buy more.
They are worth every penny. -Bob Cohen
What the Pro's know about VHS and head
cleaning:
...60% of VCR repairs relate to dirty heads. There are many junky and potentially damaging head cleaners on the market, but only one is endorsed by NESDA (Nat'l Elect. Serv. Dlr's Assoc.), and only one is neither a wet nor a dry cleaning system, instead using the same magnetic media you tape on.
Broadcast and recording studios know about the 3M Black Watch head cleaner for their expensive equipment. You should too. Good for over 400 cleanings. Use it once or twice a month, more often if you rent a lot of tapes. Only $19.99 ea., or two for $35 (great gift).
Best
tapes: 3M T120 Pro Broadcast VHS, $6.95 ea. Buy 5 get 6th
free!
.gif)
$99 Closeout on Michael Green
Designs Speaker Stands
You cannot get a better speaker stand at or near this price! We are proud to offer speaker stands of this quality for only $99/pr. Save $50 on good resonance control, good looks, and easy assembly. Limited quantities in 20 and 24 inch heights.
Still the Best:
"Audio Grade" Outlet from Hubbell
We call our 20 amp outlet made by Hubbell "Audio Grade", because it uses a cleverly simple, solid brass ground and "by-pass" power contact to offer sonics from the wall that are without equal. Upgrade your electric for only $14.95 ea. duplex outlet. 2 for $25.
Special AC Plugs: Hubbell Spec Grade, $12 ea. Eagle
Hospital Grade, $18 ea.
Tip For Tweakers:
Use some
fine steel wool to polish the blades on your power cords to
a bright gloss. The sound becomes instantly cleaner. - Glenn
Bienstock
Tice
High Current Solo:
Save $50. The newest addition to the Tice Solo line of AV filters is a high current device, specifically for big amps. Six 20 amp outlets, up to 2400w total capacity, with straight through power rails. Tranformerless parallel filtration with no current limiting.
Special $649, save $50.
Step Up For The Rega Planet
If you play around with our
favorite CD player for under $1000, the Rega Planet, you
will find one glaring flaw. Those spongy feet are a
disaster! Just listen to what happens when you pop this
player up on some good cones. The clouds lift, the sun peaks
through, the soundstage deepens, and the music starts to
breathe! Essential!
Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 4 | Order Page | Home | Cable Company Home | Cable Company Newsletter | Newsletter Archive