Dina and I were discussing the possibility of doing an Off Topic podcast where we would answer questions from our listeners about anything they wanted (within reason of course). If there is enough interest (and more importantly enough questions) we would do this as a “Tuesday” podcast and not in place of our normal podcast. Feel free to ask questions below or send them to me or Dina.

So I get this message from my wife today:

Any thoughts on this?

—–Original Message—–
From: Dude she works with
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 11:18 AM
To: My Wife
Subject: Surround Sound

I’m looking for a not too expensive, but good surround sound system. What does your man say about this?

Thanks,
Dude

The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link
attachments:

Shortcut to:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Yamaha-900-watt-Home-Theater-System/2524483/product.html

Oh yeah, I’ve got thoughts. My first thought is why would someone that knows that I work with audio for a living send me a link to a $200 POS system that he must at least suspect is junk. Is he looking for validation? Does he expect me to say, “Oh MAN!!! What a STEAL!!! I’m buying 3 for myself right NOW!!!” Yeah, not happening. It’s like asking your friend that deals Mercedes what they think of your impending Yugo purchase. Ummm… bad idea? Read more…

I hate posting a blog right after the podcast comes out because it knocks it off the top of the page but I have to let this out. I was at the auto parts store the other day picking up a new battery for my car (my wife was stranded and frantically calling me while Dina and I were taping our last podcast) when the guy asked me what I did. I told him and he said, “So you probably have the skinny on all this HDTV stuff huh? Is it worth it?” I gave him the “once you have it, you’ll never want to go back to standard definition TV” spiel and he balked. At first he said he didn’t believe me but then he admitted that he didn’t really understand what HDTV was. Read more…

Most of us that have been interested in this hobby for any length of time have found ourselves shaking our heads at the price of some of the high end esoteric gear. Sure it’s shiny and pretty but is it really worth the price of a brand new motorcycle? Some people obviously think so or these companies wouldn’t stay in business. Of course at those prices all they need to do is sell one to break even on the year.

Read more…

OK, I’m back. I’m just getting caught up in my reading so I don’t have time to post much but you should have a few things to look forward to. First, a NEW podcast this week which might actually be topical since Dina and I will record it on Wednesday! The Audioholics party is right around the corner and Dina and J are planning (as far as I know) of doing a podcast there. Feel free to send your “Wow, J and Dina are so much better together! You guys should get rid of Tom!” comments to IDontGiveACrap@avrant.com. Expect that Podcast to be posted over the weekend or early next week. The CEDIA video is up and posted so if you haven’t seen that, take a gander. Dina shows her true colors with her unending berating of yours truly. I’m calling the Domestic Violence Hotline. I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten until I saw the video. There will be a special bonus “Our Favorite Movies” AVRant up tomorrow so look forward to that. Or don’t.

Turkey was a blast as I’m sure I’ll discuss in the next Podcast. I will say this – no HDTV! What’s up with that? Not that they weren’t advertising big ol’ flatscreens ’cause they were. And were people buying them? Oh yes.