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From: rfg@hound.UUCP (R.GRANTGES)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Re: audio techniques/equipment questions...
Message-ID: <859@hound.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 23-Jan-85 15:53:37 EST
Article-I.D.: hound.859
Posted: Wed Jan 23 15:53:37 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 24-Jan-85 19:00:39 EST
References: <383@bonnie.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 40

[!]
If you have really been reading net.audio "for some months," you
should know that asking some of your questions is like throwing
red meat to caged wolves. 
Let me give you a few opinions on some questions that are very
complex, dependent upon circumstances, and otherwise not
very amenable to objective treatment.
1) tuner,preamp,amp as separates vs receiver. Other things being equal,
which they probably never are, you can probably save money and get good
quality by buying a good receiver. Purchasing separates, however, allows you
to optimize each (on excellence or cost) and allows you to replace a unit
if there is an advance made you want to get. Many new audiophiles buy 
receivers as a good way to get started without incurring enduring poverty
before you are sure that THIS IS THE THING (you want to become poverty
stricken over - you see, some prefer boats, some cars, some persons of the
opposite sex, some persons ...etc).Most true believers buy separates.
2)mail order vs 'hi end' stereo store. This, again, depends on your
budget, among other things. First, do you know a store that has a good 
reputation for service. If you do, treasure it as a jewel beyond price,
if you can afford it. I have never known one. I do not know anyone who has
known one. Second, If you have unlimited funds then by all means go to a
high end store whether-or-not they give good economical (reasonable)
service.  If you are an ordinary frugal person, buy mail order from a reputable
store. You will get best price, rapid delivery, probably no sales tax,
quick replacement if initially defective and if you have a problem after
a few days, you can deal with the mfrs warranty service which is where you
will probably wind up if you go the 'high end' route, only this way you will
have saved time and money with the middle man.
3),4) no data
5) shame on you for asking. When all the  smoke clears, go out and buy
a Shure V-15MR for around $125 mail order. You won't regret it.
6)Suit yourself. Read the specs. Buy a good one of whatever kind but
if you spend more than, say, $500, you are kidding yourself.
7) no data. Who, after all, sells Carver at all? Darn few. Probably
Mr. carver prefers the markmup on his cd/vinyl transmogrifiers.
8)No comment at this time. Do you know of any?
Cheers.
-- 

"It's the thought, if any, that counts!"  Dick Grantges  hound!rfg