Comments on: Breathing space

By: David Charlap

David Charlap — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:00:54 +0000

First off, good luck house-hunting. You may want to look into getting a pre-approval for the loan, however. Pre-qualification doesn’t mean very much to sellers, because they may still turn you down afterwards. A pre-approval is equivalent to cash, as far as the seller is concerned. That can sometimes convince a seller to choose you over another prospective buyer, even if yours isn’t the largest offer.

WRT speakers, that’s where you want to put your home-theater money. Cheap speakers and a good amplifier will sound a lot worse than good speakers and a cheap amplifier.

I recommend you go to a store that has a listening-room and give a listen to everything you can afford. The best is not always the most expensive, and your ears may prefer something different from an expert you’ve never met before.

Also, when shopping, bring along a few CDs/DVDs that are typical of what you listen to/watch and see if the store will let you play them on the demonstrators. Your favorite content may be different from what the store has on-hand, and that will make a difference. Speakers that are good for pop music may be lousy for reproducing classical or jazz. Speakers optimized for movies may be sub-optimal for music, and vice versa.

I recommend buying separate components (speakers, amplifier, DVD player, etc.) instead of an all-in-one system. This way, you can upgrade the parts individually as your budget and preferences allow. Many all-in-one-box systems use non-standard connections, making it difficult or impossible to swap-out just one component.

WRT actual brands, I’d prefer not to give a recommendation. You’re the one who will be listening, not me. I spent a lot of money on a Bose 5.1 surround system and I’m very happy with it, but I know other people who absolutely despise the sound from Bose products. If you start reading reviews, you’ll find similar differences of opinion regarding many other brands.

By: Bert

Bert — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:29:18 +0000

“50″ ??!! I always sort of assume that everyone on the ‘net is the same age as me. Go get the big TV. Wow, an inch per year.

By: Tom Frank

Tom Frank — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:30:49 +0000

Since you’re going for a nice big screen, let me offer one small piece of advice. Make sure it has an input suitable for using it as a computer display.

There is nothing quite as impressive as surfing the web on a 46″ plus screen.

Besides, it will obviate the need for reading glasses, which at 50 become almost obligatory…

Happy Birthday (next week)!

By: Rahel

Rahel — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:00:23 +0000

Sounds worthy of a celebration, indeed. Kol ha-kavod and mazal tov.

(Oh, and I have a great idea on how to celebrate. Has to do with kittypics. Just sayin’.)

By: Sabba Hillel

Sabba Hillel — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:07:16 +0000

You sound much younger than that. I regarded you as young enough to be a daughter of mine

By: Angie Schultz

Angie Schultz — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:35:29 +0000

Fifty?? My dear! I thought you were younger than I am, by a decade or so (which would put you in your mid-thirties). Yes, I’d say you look darned good for an almost fifty-year-old.

I’m glad things are going so well. Don’t forget to treat the kitties!