Biggest money waste in hi-fi audio

[skrivis]

More noise and crosstalk will show up on the specs. Now, what can be detected, is the issue.

Have you looked inside a pre, a tuner, how much space and extra space there is in there? Everything is on circuit boards and chips, not much space needed.

Yes, some separates can handle the demanding speaker loads

Some of the offshore stuff I've seen the insides of have more air than parts.

However, I've also seen some that are pretty crowded inside.

I guess it depends on the equipment. If you shop at places like Bestbuy, you get a lot of air.

On the other hand, you have stuff like: http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/preamplifier/transcendence_seven_ec.htm

It's pretty full inside. (That's not a current model. The new model has even more power supply.)

 

[mustang_steve]

1)Mechanical tweaks. Some electronic tweaks, like upgraded DACs, may be a poor value, but not bad enough to be a waste. Shiny rocks, vibration damping on solid state amps, etc are prety much just fluff.

2)exotic cables. I don't care if the pope blessed them with holy water...they won't sound any better than a set of cables, made from Canare parts, which crimper aside, is pretty darn affordable.

3) high-end analog computer sound cards. Seriously, no matter how high-end it is, there is still the problem of signal contamination from the other components....keep it pure, keep it digital. The worst I ever saw was a motherboard, that had a vacuum tube soundcard built in it (what the f--->?)

4) Bose. Just knock it.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Filters, conditioners and re-generators if they're not needed.

That gets my vote.

 

[ironlung]

Here's a Biggie

I don't think anbody mentioned the biggest waste/rip of all. The current lot of HDMI 1.1 switching recievers.

You essentially get last years model with cantankerous HDMI for a $500 premium.

The functionality that's advertised rarely match what happens when they get home. I'll stop just short of calling them snake oil.

 

[pikers]

More noise and crosstalk will show up on the specs. Now, what can be detected, is the issue.

Have you looked inside a pre, a tuner, how much space and extra space there is in there? Everything is on circuit boards and chips, not much space needed.

Yes, some separates can handle the demanding speaker loads

So, now you're dismissing the concept of separates being a step-up from receivers?

Excuse me while I ROFLMAO, then curl up in the fetal position sucking my thumb.

 

[pikers]

1)Mechanical tweaks. Some electronic tweaks, like upgraded DACs, may be a poor value, but not bad enough to be a waste. Shiny rocks, vibration damping on solid state amps, etc are prety much just fluff.

Upgraded DACs are a waste? Hmmm, better call Burr-Brown and tell them to pack up shop.

2)exotic cables. I don't care if the pope blessed them with holy water...they won't sound any better than a set of cables, made from Canare parts, which crimper aside, is pretty darn affordable.

Prove it. Better yet, try not to let your wallet think for you so much. Reality isn't dictated by price tag. Cheaper doesn't always equate to "better value." Sometimes you have to pay to play, and with certain cables, the differences are dramaaaatic.

3) high-end analog computer sound cards. Seriously, no matter how high-end it is, there is still the problem of signal contamination from the other components....keep it pure, keep it digital. The worst I ever saw was a motherboard, that had a vacuum tube soundcard built in it (what the f--->?)

Have to take your word for it. My advice is to try and listen before you dismiss. I realize that's en vogue here, but actually trying something with your ears may prove enlightening.

4) Bose. Just knock it.

Word.