QuestionDear Steven,
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
AnswerHi Ken,
Whoah! The price tag on those B&W's is really steep! I checked out the technical specifications, and they seem very overpriced for what you get. In fact, the Bose system you already have has virtually the same frequency response! Of course, if you want to splurge, go ahead. The B&W's are really nice -- but they're also really expensive. You might be better off getting something in between what you have now and the really expensive B&W's, if cost is an issue.
Regardless of what you get, you will need an amplifier/receiver. Some systems come as an all-in-one package, which integrates the main electronics into the same box as everything else -- you plug all of your audio sources and all of your speakers into one box with a lot of plugs on it. Other systems are a la carte, like the B&W 805s. With these, you would need some sort of amplifier/receiver that would accept the audio from your TV, DVD player, and whatever else you want to use with it. This amplifier/receiver would also have ports for your speakers.
Make sure that, whatever you do, you match the speakers to the amplifier. For example, if your speakers are rated for 400 watts program, don't plug them into a 1000 watt amplifier! Conversely, don't cheap out on the amplifier either. It's usually better to spend more money on an amplifier, and buy cheaper speakers than vice-versa. The physics that make speakers work are essentially the same for every speaker. The electronics that drive the speakers are usually what makes the most difference in terms of sound quality.
As far as cables are concerned, the ones you're using now are probably fine. Don't fall for the hype surrounding all of these really fancy cables that cost tens of dollars. They really don't make much of a difference. Sound is just electricity, and electricity basically flows the same through a $5 cable as it does through a $50 cable.
Some electronics now support optical inputs/outputs that use a modulated laser beam to transmit audio data through what is essentially fiber optic cable. If your TV/DVD player/Whatever supports optical connectors, it might be worth it to purchase a system that supports optical connectors as well, so you can take advantage of all of that digital stuff. Personally, I don't find much audible difference between copper wire and optical cable, but some people claim to be able to tell the difference.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your purchases.
