Audio Systems: speaker/tv interference, cathode ray tube, column speakers

Question
I own a 32 inch JVC standard TV. I am considering adding a JVC Model FS-SD1000 shelf system for cd's and to play sound from the TV.

My setup would locate the column speakers beside the TV and the subwoofer on a shelf below the TV.
I've read that speakers can affect the color characteristics of a TV and I've been reluctant to invest in the stereo system if that kind of problem is real.

Do you think I should be concerned?

Thanks for your help

Carl Meyers

Answer
Dear Carl,

Loudspeakers which are not "magnetically shielded", when placed in close proximity to conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions, may cause skewing of the color elements in the picture tube. This is because the very large and strong magnets in the speaker's voice coil actually "pulls" the particle beaming of the CRT out of alignment.

To avoid this, purchase speakers which are "magnetically shielded".

I checked JVC's web site (www.jvc.com), and it does not say whether or not the FS-SD1000's speakers are shielded, although it does say that for other, so-called "executive" models (low powered, small, self-contained, shelf systems). I would double-check this before purchasing the system.

May I offer a suggestion? Instead of buying a small system which is designed for audio only, why don't you buy a system that's designed for DVD playback through your TV? There are a number of relative advantages to this. First, the speakers are guaranteed to be magnetically shielded. Second, the DVD player will play CDs (the electronics are for all intents and purposes equivalent--tho' the DVD player's are slightly superior, so there's no loss of sound quality). Third, the DVD player will play DVDs, so you can watch movies as well as listen to music, as well as get the TV sound through your stereo speakers.

Finally, the TV's sound, because of the connections a DVD-based system would require, will be better than with an CD-based system. This is because TV audio outputs, with the exception of newer HDTV models, are notoriously low powered, so you'll have to turn the volume on the receiver way up when you want to listen to TV through the stereo speakers on the FS-SD1000.

Of course a DVD system is a bit more expensive because it will also come with center channel and surround speakers, also magnetically shielded. Or you could opt for a component system (each item individually selected). For the $550 you'll spend on the FS-SD1000, you could get a Sony STR-DE598 receiver ($170), two PSB Alpha speakers (www.psbspeakers.com for dealers--and way better musical sound than the JVCs, about $250), and any cheap DVD player at KMart or WalMart ($50-100). Yes, you still have to get the subwoofer, another $250, but that can come later. Anyway, it's only a suggestion.

Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!

Kindest regards,

Kevin