[net.audio] Audio Myths

wjm@whuxj.UUCP (MITCHELL) (03/23/84)

I agree with Greg Rogers article about audio myths.
In general, one wants a rather massive table for one's turntable (I and several
of my friends have put textbooks on the lower shelves of tables that the
turntable sets on in order to add more mass to the system).
You should also use isolating feet if your turntable does not have sufficient
isolation to eliminate rumble.
The best speaker position depends on the design of particular speaker you're
using - some models (Klipsch and Bose, to name two, without any particular
recommendation or condemnation) have very specific requirements.  I would
recommend that the generic bookshelf type speaker be raised about a foot
or so from the floor, and there are a number of stands that one can buy
for $25/pair or so for this purpose (or you can build them yourself).
I also find it hard to believe that a 4" speaker could, by itself, have a
significant effect on room acoustics, compared to all the other possible
factors that can affect them - like open and closed cabinets, number of people
in the room, overstuffed/regular furniture, hardwood floors vs carpeting, etc.
This is why an equalizer is often used with excellent speakers, to even out
any quirks in the room response.
I also agree that a high power amplifier is LESS likely to damage speakers
than a lower power one, since it is less likely to clip and generate large
amount of high frequency energy.
Bill Mitchell
Bell Communications Research, Inc.
Whippany, NJ (whuxj!wjm)