QuestionDear Robert,
I'm a newbie in audio tech and I'd like to ask 2 questions:
(1) Is it worthwhile to change my existing Bose 321 system to B&W Matrix 805 bookshelf speakers, based on the quality of the sound when I mostly use the speakers for TV/DVD/CD.
(2) If I were to decide to go ahead with the B & W, what kind of cables will I need? and do I need a receiver or amplifier of any kind? FYI, I just have my 50" HDTV, a Shaw cable box and a simple DVD player (the cheap one about $100).
PS Please let me know, how much I have to spend to get all these things set up, again without investing too much in it.
Many thanks/Ken
AnswerFor a new comer to audio you certainly know how to ask the right questions. There are many ways that I can answer them but in all fairness I'd like to ask you a few more questions to help you make a prudent decision.
Speakers are a very personal thing. The A/V industry has decided to add confusion and more revenue to the industry by creating two standards. One that's been with us since 1949 and the other taking off shortly after the first Star Wars movie. That is because it is a Lucas designed and approved and copywritten system know as THX (I'd love to be raking in the money that he's getting for liscensing of the system). Not the first of it's kind (Todao, Dolby) but probably the most profitable. According to that standard there is a level of articulation in the midrange (voice range) that is required. From an audiophile standpoint, purity goes out the window and subharmonic frequencies (the thunderous bass) and the ability to hear dialog becomes paramount.
Now that you know a little of the history, and that the Bose speakers will probably be closer to THX approved while the B&W model that is not THX are designed to sound differently (music listening).
Question: Are you going to use a surround sound reciever or processor?
What is the amount of TV vs music listening that you will do?
What kind of programs and music do you watch/listen to?
How loud do you like to listen?
Can you tell the difference between a good sounding and poor sounding system?
How much can you spend. I don't know if you've heard the name Mark Levinson. He is an associate of mine and I have seen some of his customers pay upward of $200K for great A/V. At the same time I have helped people find solutions for under $500. Your the one with the pocketbook and the final expectations so you are really in the drivers seat. I can help you navigate.
As far as cables go. It doesn't appear that you are shopping in a price range that would warrant anything other than good 16 guage lamp cord available from your local hardware store or a Radio Shack. Save your money on designer cables. They only make a difference when your using very high end components and they are precisely the same length left and right and run perpendicular to any power lines, for starters. There is no industry standard on cable sound quality. You either take the manufactures word and convince yourself that you hear the difference or you research the true cable specifications of the copper and manufacturing process. Splitting hairs!
