looksgood_soundsgood's Profile

This post makes me sad...
I get it. Streaming is more convenient and easy. The content on there is "good enough" for most people, as is the video quality. I also accept that Bluray will likely be the last physical media format for movies.
But for better or worse, I'm one of those few people who really likes high quality content and has put together a system to take advantage of it. I'm willing to pay the premium to get the best video (and audio!!!) quality that's available. It matters to me.
Even though Bluray's are available now, I feel like everyone is being (or will be) forced down to the lowest common denominator - streaming.

Or hey - maybe I'm just a pessimist ;-)

Much cleaner from a wires standpoint. Good job in that regard.

My only concern is, in terms of sound quality, you took a step backwards. Placing speakers on the floor kills stereo imaging and clarity. While I'm not a fan of them, a soundbar (plus the existing sub) would be a good solution. Sound bars are better than the built-in TV speakers, and are wall mountable. That keeps the look clean and moves the speakers closer to their ideal height.
Just a thought...

Another Sony NEX-3 buyer here.
For me, the biggest determining factor is shooting performance in low-light situations. In my (limited) experience, the Sony is unmatched in this area. I didn't use the flash for the first two weeks I had it. The huge sensor makes all the difference. Beautiful pics, beautiful design, and if you buy the NEX-C3 (new entry level unit in the NEX 7 family) - good price.

These docks are a cut above many of the cheapie iPod docks available, but let's not overstate the case. They still don't stack up to even an entry-level hi-fi system (in the sound quality department). I've listened to each of the docks pictured in this post. While they are able to play louder without distortion, they simply can't produce the stereo imaging two separate speakers can. For less than $500, you can get a good pair of bookshelf speakers (check out the $149 Pioneer SP-BS41s reviewed in Stereophile) and a stereo receiver (the $299 Denon DRA-297 is a good start). You'll have a system that blows all of these docks out of the water, plus $50 left over to buy more music.

BTW - I get it. I know many people only want one music box in their living room, as opposed to 3+ boxes along with all their associated wires. To each his/her own. But with convience frequently comes compromises. And in this case, the compromise is sound quality.

Great combination of quality equipment, placement that combines style with acoustic sensibilities, and great use of space. I just wish I could get a chance to hear it.

As far as the place being cold/fetishistic, the owner did describe their taste as futurist/modern. Cold is a common criticism of that style.

All I can say is well played, sir. Well played, indeed.

It's pretty clear this person is leaning heavily in the function direction (better sound quality) as opposed to the form direction (improved aesthetics). Especially with the sound absorbing panels on the front and back walls. I also agree with Joey - the speakers are a bit out of scale for the room.

It's essentially a dedicated media room as opposed to living room. Bet it sounds good, though...

Let's also keep in mind that some buildings just have dinky walls. There are some buildings that allow even small flat-screen TV speakers (at moderate volumes) to be heard by the neighbors. It especially sucks if you and your neighbor are in a co-op or condo (in other words, no one's going anywhere).

My suggestion: BUILD. Investing in a more stout wall (double sheet rock, Green Glue, staggered studs, etc) will help reduce the transmitted sound. The cost isn't that bad if you're talking about a single wall and both parties are willing.

If not - well, I hear Grado makes good headphones...

OK - I get it. Blu-ray will die a horrible death because 90% of the world is fine with DVD or prefers the spontaneity of digital download. The remaining 10% of us who want the best video and audio quality we can get are "HD wankers" (to quote Molly Wood from a recent CNET Buzz Out Loud podcast).

My question is - why can't we have it all? Isn't a simple matter of video encoding and burn on-demand discs? Why can't the studios (or some Netflix-like entity) simply have 3 digital versions of a movie on a server somewhere. Those who want digital downloads get the lower res version. Those who want a disc simply click a "Buy Now" button and select the video quality the want (DVD or Blu-Ray). Once the order is received, the disc is burned on demand and mailed to the purchaser.

This ain't Laserdisc, people. There's no physical incompatibility here. With today's technology and cheap storage, no one should be forced to settle.

Am I far off here?

Nice idea, but why introduce it now if it won't be out until the spring?

one word: BACKUP!!!

Once you've lost everything to a 200GB hard drive failure, you don't really need to be reminded to cover your rear again...

BTW - I would really like the FreeAgent Go for Mac (that red is NICE!!!)