So I notice that often people seem to cop an attitude in order to get their point across that basically says: Hey, I know what I'm talking about because I'm an Engineer! I myself am guilty of occasionally throwing out terms or arguments that are more things I've read or gleaned than from formal training. My degree was industrial design, which gave me a good understanding of manufacturing, but little in the way of circuit design, but I know how to talk the talk to sound like I do. So the question is- who's real, who's a wannabe and who's faking it?

I'm a college student looking to put together a sub-$1000 system. So what do you think? PSBs or Infinity Primus 162s? I listen mostly to classical & quite a bit of indie music, but I tend to stay away from the really loud stuff, unless the music is really good.

Also, it would be great if I can also receive recommendations on a stereo receiver. Currently, I'm deliberating between Harman Kardon HK3485 and Yamaha RX-397 for receiver. I welcome your other suggestions. Thanks, guys.

Hi folks,

My name is Joe. I am a self-employed man in the San Diego area who dabbles in the strange world of paranormal research in my spare time. In layman's terms, I'm a "Ghost Hunter."

After reading the issue I was wondering if this is a good choice for my situation. I will be moving into a dorm at the start of the new year and have been trying to come up with a good system to put into mine, and my roommates new room. Right now I have a vintage system consisting of a sansui power amp and two JBL 4312a studio monitors. I have liked the warm sound they produce, but also wouldn't mind even more clarity. In this new setting however space will be limited and having less equipment would be a bonus.

Here's a bunch of videos.

Good Times Bad Times
Stairway
Kashmir
Good Quality Black Dog Clip

Thoughts?

I have dCs Elgar Plus, Purcell and Verdi going into McIntosh MC501 which go to JMLab Utopia Nova. It presently sounds a bit analytical and dry though extremely accurate. I also have a Levinson 26S pre-amp but my dCs does not sound as good through this. In NYC Lyric, Sound by Singer and Stereo Exchange all suggest that I will get more bloom through a pre-amp. Two questions:

1) Is it true that I will get more bloom through the right pre-amp?