Is it OK to buy a used Home Theater system?

Nov 18, 2005 by Ben Strong | Posted in Home Theater

I am far from an audiophile, but as a decent home theater sound. What do I need to watch out for buying a used system? I do not want to invest in a technology dead. At the very least, what do I look?

At minimum, you want both 5.1 audio with DTS and Dolby Digital. Beyond that you see diminishing returns, as there is a huge leap between Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital. For the bulk of 5.1 means that there are 5 independent channels with a full range completely independent LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel.

The difference between DTS and Dolby Digital are subtle at best, theoretically DTS is less compressed format with higher resolution but in the end it comes down to sound engineering behind the tracks of each individual movie.However, it is now virtually standard on all receivers and there are lots of DTS encoded dvds now.

There are some more recent standards like Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES, which adds a center channel or two behind, but in my opinion, the additional cost of the speakers is better spent building a Speaker 5 strong (+ subwoofer) system. Also, at home by placing a rear center channel is problematic and, in my opinion more trouble than it's worth. If you can get a higher end and better built (but older) 5.1 receiver is a much better use of your money at a lower end 7.1 system.Also, new formats are completely backwards compatible with older, so there are no compatibility issues with older gear.

5.1 The standards have been for about 10 years now, but there is no real progress on the front of home cinema. The only thing I would recommend in terms of future tightness is a set of 5.1 channel inputs on your receiver to an external decoder, but at this stage, I do not know what new audio standard would be.

I have not really mentioned the high definition audio formats such as SACD or DVD audio because there is not much media and take full advantage of the better sound you'd make a big investment in high - Speakers and improve the acoustics of your room.

For speakers, certainly does not skimp. My favorite brands (bang for the buck) are Paradigm, PSB, and Energy. Energy has a sub / sat line called Take 5, which is the set of speakers + subwoofer you need for about $ 700. There is a newer model, called act6 which is about $ 800 and is good enough.In terms of receivers, Denon is good all around, and Yamaha makes good receivers step towards the high end. Onkyo is also good. Sony is not great. Many features and Nice search engines but that does not sound as good as Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha or nicer. In case of doubt, to see if the receiver is manufactured in Japan. Usually, Japanese brands reserve their gear spec Japanese factories. There are many good things that are not made there, but if you're in good shape.

I have a Yamaha RXV-2095 that I bought in 1999 and I feel I have no reason to upgrade for years to come.It is a solid receiver with plenty of clean amplification.

In addition, if five speakers are very good foundation, you can always have a home theater with just the speakers 3 front and a subwoofer.

Has anyone used Home Depot to install a heating and cooling system?

Feb 19, 2009 by jeaners18 | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs

Has anyone used Home Depot to install a heating and cooling? If yes, do you need ducts installed. Did you like their work? What was the approximate price? What is your sq your house?

I would not recommend it. The odds that the guy who installs your device will still work with Home Depot a few years when you need service are pretty slim. Home Depot tries to pay these guys as little as possible, and how can it lead to better service and installation? Ask around your neighborhood. There are those out to make a quick dollar and there are those who earn their living by their customers referring others. If someone would not return a certain company for any reason, then continue watching - Heating and cooling companies are abundant. Unfortunately, good business and good reputation can be difficult to find.Ask for references, once you find someone.

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