From: cal@gsbux1.uchicago.edu (Cal Lott)
Subject: Re: Stereo Upgrade
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 04:56:18 GMT

jpurlia@qualcomm.com (John Purlia) writes:

>Over the next several months I'd like to slowly upgrade my stereo and am
>looking to get the best possible components given my undetermined budget. 
>Most of my existing equipment is 9 to 14 years old, so I'd like to replace
>everything except my speakers (JBL 4311 studio monitors).
>
>In order, I'm planning on replacing:
>    (1)  My receiver with seperates; probably an integrated amp and power
>	  amp.

	Do you mean a preamp and power amp? Or perhaps you want a biamped
system. In that case, you should consider a preamplifier with two sets of
outputs. Few integrated amps would have this.

>    (2)  My CD player; possibly with a multidisc player

	If you're looking at a low-end player, audition Denon. CD players
are their strongest suit. If you want to step up in quality a bit, Adcom
has a well-regarded CD changer.

>    (3)  One of my cassette decks with another single play deck.

	I have never heard an analog cassette deck that was the equal of
a Nakamichi. Even their lower-end players (~$300-$400) are excellent.

>    (4)  My other cassette deck, probably with a MiniDisc recorder.

	I know of only one Minidisc player right now, and that one is a
portable from Sony. You may want to wait a while for the product to
mature. DCC might also be a viable choice for you.

>    (5)  My turntable and cartridge

	I can't help you here.

>While video is a small consideration, I'm primarily concerned with audio
>quality, so Pro Logic and all the A/V setup that salespeople are pitching
>are not of primary concern (I have a very nice TV and VCR, but logistically
>it doesn't make sense for me to set up surround sound unless I tear up a
>lot of walls and carpet).

	Well, stereo is nice enough for most people. If you later decide
to with A Dolby setup, the outboard processors are much better, anyway.

>So far I've looked at seperate amps from NAD, Onkyo, Harmon Kardon, and
>Denon in the $450 to $800 (list) range, but I'd really like to keep the
>cost down much lower.  I was quite impressed with the NAD components I was
>looking at, and the salesman was very helpful (not a chain, a "real" stereo
>store), but their prices were flat list.

	At the low end of that price range, consider amps from Adcom, 
B&K, and Parasound. (I prefer Parasound.) If you want to go as high as
~$800, you can get the Acurus A250, which will walk all over anything
mentioned above.

>What do others think of NAD equipment and can discounts be had on this
>level of equipment?  Any input would be very much appreciated, as I haven't
>purchased new equipment in a number of years and, as the say goes, things
>change as the years pass.

	NAD seems to to be the "vanilla ice cream" of equipment: most
people think that it is okay, but nobody is really enthusiastic about
it. 8-) Take some music that you are really familiar with and trust
your ears. Audition as much stuff as you can.

	As for discounts, the high end dealer that I just purchased my
Parasound gear from gave me nearly 20% off list price. (This store is
not a discount place-- the amplifier brands that they sell are Parasound,
Acurus, Aragon, Conrad Johnson, McIntosh, and Krell.) I would at least
try to feel the dealer out for a modest discount of 5-10%. If not, you
can probably find another dealer willing to give you a break.

	If you need to know what list price is on some specific gear,
just drop me a line and I'll be happy to look it up for you. (That way
you can go to the store with a specific figure for an offer.)

	Best of luck, and enjoy your new gear!

					-Cal
--
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Cal Lott          "Oh, I see-- I thought 'no' meant 'spoon'!" --Dan
Email me, baby!   cal@gsbux1.uchicago.edu   cjl1@midway.uchicago.edu
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