Brian Gaff wrote:
You might have been able to get the law behind you about fixing them for
nothing though. I do find that if you make the point that the law has been
changed and warranties are not set in stone any more that a surprising
mumber of folk suddenly have a better attitude. I guess its let the willing
and ignorant pay in the current economic climate.

Brian


If I had been willing (in the sense of dedicating time, money and
energy), or had knowledge of the law (especially precedent), then I
might have given it a go.

I'm more disappointed that the shop didn't seem to have tried anything on.

I've written to Dynaudio. I'll see what they say and let it drop.

Rob

"Rob" wrote in message
m...
Brian Gaff wrote:
You might have been able to get the law behind you about fixing them for
nothing though. I do find that if you make the point that the law has
been changed and warranties are not set in stone any more that a
surprising mumber of folk suddenly have a better attitude. I guess its
let the willing and ignorant pay in the current economic climate.

Brian


If I had been willing (in the sense of dedicating time, money and energy),
or had knowledge of the law (especially precedent), then I might have
given it a go.

I'm more disappointed that the shop didn't seem to have tried anything on.

I've written to Dynaudio. I'll see what they say and let it drop.


Reminds me that a good few years ago I'd decided to buy a Contax camera for
a not insubstantial 400 quid. I was standing behind a women in the shop and
saw that she had the very same camera and I twigged she was having problems
with it and had taken it back. The shop guy said summat like 'It'll have to
go back, I'm afraid - it doesn't matter what make things are, they all seem
to go wrong these days'! I pondered for a nanosecond, went into reverse
mode* and was gone.

Ever since then I have never let the 'brand' influence me from the POV of
quality and reliability and, it dawns on me, is probably one of the
contributing factors to making me want to explore cheap stuff like the
Chinese amps a while back. And, as nothing is what it appears to be any
more, it makes more sense than ever nowadays!


*Michael Jackson was there at the time and saw me - is how the 'Moonwalk'
was invented....

:-)

Keith G wrote:

"Rob" wrote in message
m...
Brian Gaff wrote:
You might have been able to get the law behind you about fixing them
for nothing though. I do find that if you make the point that the
law has been changed and warranties are not set in stone any more
that a surprising mumber of folk suddenly have a better attitude. I
guess its let the willing and ignorant pay in the current economic
climate.

Brian


If I had been willing (in the sense of dedicating time, money and
energy), or had knowledge of the law (especially precedent), then I
might have given it a go.

I'm more disappointed that the shop didn't seem to have tried anything
on.

I've written to Dynaudio. I'll see what they say and let it drop.


Reminds me that a good few years ago I'd decided to buy a Contax camera
for a not insubstantial 400 quid. I was standing behind a women in the
shop and saw that she had the very same camera and I twigged she was
having problems with it and had taken it back. The shop guy said summat
like 'It'll have to go back, I'm afraid - it doesn't matter what make
things are, they all seem to go wrong these days'! I pondered for a
nanosecond, went into reverse mode* and was gone.


Blimey, can't blame you.

Ever since then I have never let the 'brand' influence me from the POV
of quality and reliability and, it dawns on me, is probably one of the
contributing factors to making me want to explore cheap stuff like the
Chinese amps a while back. And, as nothing is what it appears to be any
more, it makes more sense than ever nowadays!


I am more fickle/conservative than you - I do like my brands, but not
labels. Having said this, about a year ago I came by/ended up buying a
newish Mini - worst of both worlds: bling made of cheese :-)

And I did try a Chinese EL34 amp - bought new for about £200. Had an
incurable hum that didn't bother me overly - it was the quite staggering
heat the thing chucked out that had me worried, and it's been ebayed
(for a small return) now.

Rob

On Sun, 10 May 2009 07:51:36 GMT, Rob
wrote:

And I did try a Chinese EL34 amp - bought new for about £200. Had an
incurable hum that didn't bother me overly - it was the quite staggering
heat the thing chucked out that had me worried, and it's been ebayed
(for a small return) now.

Back in the days of valve tellies, my engineering boss gave me good
advice about buying one. "Go at the end of the day, and sniff them
all. But the one that doesn't smell of burning".

d

On Sun, 10 May 2009 08:10:41 GMT, (Don Pearce) wrote:

On Sun, 10 May 2009 07:51:36 GMT, Rob
wrote:

And I did try a Chinese EL34 amp - bought new for about £200. Had an
incurable hum that didn't bother me overly - it was the quite staggering
heat the thing chucked out that had me worried, and it's been ebayed
(for a small return) now.

Back in the days of valve tellies, my engineering boss gave me good
advice about buying one. "Go at the end of the day, and sniff them
all. But the one that doesn't smell of burning".

d

Sorry - make that "buy the one that doesn't smell of burning".

d

"Rob" wrote in message
om...
Keith G wrote:


Ever since then I have never let the 'brand' influence me from the POV of
quality and reliability and, it dawns on me, is probably one of the
contributing factors to making me want to explore cheap stuff like the
Chinese amps a while back. And, as nothing is what it appears to be any
more, it makes more sense than ever nowadays!


I am more fickle/conservative than you - I do like my brands, but not
labels. Having said this, about a year ago I came by/ended up buying a
newish Mini - worst of both worlds: bling made of cheese :-)


That don't sound too good....

Relying only on *brand reputation* (because I already have one), I bought a
little Denon amp the other day. I haven't really had the chance to use it
properly yet but I'm sure I'll like it - tho' it seems the magazines didn't:

http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Denon-PMA-500AE/

:-0

If I had to comment, I'd say the sound was a bit 'sharp/brittle-sounding'
and I'm hoping it it will settle down. Here's a swift clip of a good example
of what *doesn't* sound too peachy on it atm:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/Milladoiroextract.mp3

.....the 'Penelope Cruz' quality of the voice is almost entirely absent
compared with what I normally get on that system.



And I did try a Chinese EL34 amp - bought new for about £200. Had an
incurable hum that didn't bother me overly - it was the quite staggering
heat the thing chucked out that had me worried, and it's been ebayed (for
a small return) now.


Oh yes! The Denon is to replace the valve amp I've been using since the
little Pioneer went iffy, but valves *and* a projector (fan heater) in a
small room with the door and windows shut for the sound is just a bit too
much, now that the weather is starting to warm up!!

Yesterday, even more brand loyalty reared its head when I upgraded the AV
amp on the main cinema setup - we've had a superb little Sony on the go for
probably 7 or 8 years now and its done a fine job and never missed a beat.
Anyway, I've upgraded to another (HDMI) Sony AV amp and, frankly, I am
staggered at what you get for your money these days!

Some pix here if anyone cares:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyFront.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyFrontFlash.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyRear.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyRearFlash.jpg

Look at the *connectivity* on the back, if nothing else - loopy VFM...!! :-)

While I'm on the subject, check the *size* of the main 'Full HD 1080p'
cinema setup now:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/Chicago2035.JPG

(I'm huddled in front of the screen, sitting on the floor to give you an
idea! :-)

Keith G wrote:

"Rob" wrote in message
om...
Keith G wrote:


Ever since then I have never let the 'brand' influence me from the
POV of quality and reliability and, it dawns on me, is probably one
of the contributing factors to making me want to explore cheap stuff
like the Chinese amps a while back. And, as nothing is what it
appears to be any more, it makes more sense than ever nowadays!


I am more fickle/conservative than you - I do like my brands, but not
labels. Having said this, about a year ago I came by/ended up buying a
newish Mini - worst of both worlds: bling made of cheese :-)


That don't sound too good....


Ah, it's a hoot really. Just come back from a blast round the Dales, and
it's great fun to drive. Looking at the warranty repairs it had before I
got it I wouldn't describe it as 'well engineered' though . . .

OTOH, while out I picked up a Technics SL-120. Now that *is* well bolted
together.

Relying only on *brand reputation* (because I already have one), I
bought a little Denon amp the other day. I haven't really had the chance
to use it properly yet but I'm sure I'll like it - tho' it seems the
magazines didn't:

http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Denon-PMA-500AE/

:-0


I almost bought one of those - I'm sure reviews elsewhere are OK?

If I had to comment, I'd say the sound was a bit
'sharp/brittle-sounding' and I'm hoping it it will settle down. Here's a
swift clip of a good example of what *doesn't* sound too peachy on it atm:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/Milladoiroextract.mp3

....the 'Penelope Cruz' quality of the voice is almost entirely absent
compared with what I normally get on that system.


Link doesn't work?



And I did try a Chinese EL34 amp - bought new for about £200. Had an
incurable hum that didn't bother me overly - it was the quite
staggering heat the thing chucked out that had me worried, and it's
been ebayed (for a small return) now.


Oh yes! The Denon is to replace the valve amp I've been using since the
little Pioneer went iffy, but valves *and* a projector (fan heater) in a
small room with the door and windows shut for the sound is just a bit
too much, now that the weather is starting to warm up!!

Yesterday, even more brand loyalty reared its head when I upgraded the
AV amp on the main cinema setup - we've had a superb little Sony on the
go for probably 7 or 8 years now and its done a fine job and never
missed a beat. Anyway, I've upgraded to another (HDMI) Sony AV amp and,
frankly, I am staggered at what you get for your money these days!

Some pix here if anyone cares:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyFront.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyFrontFlash.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyRear.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyRearFlash.jpg

Look at the *connectivity* on the back, if nothing else - loopy VFM...!!
:-)


They are fantastic value. I had a Cambridge (something or other) and
while (I know etc) all SS amps are supposed to sound the same, I really
do think some of that brittleness was tamed. I've got 3 HDMI sources
ATM, so may go back to an AV amp.

While I'm on the subject, check the *size* of the main 'Full HD 1080p'
cinema setup now:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/Chicago2035.JPG

(I'm huddled in front of the screen, sitting on the floor to give you an
idea! :-)


Keith, that is just bonkers :-)

I'm sure I remember seeing your first gen projector - best picture I've
seen outside a cinema. Dread to think what that little lot's like :-)

I was recently, ahem, forced into buying a new 37" LCD (Panasonic
something expensive). Very impressive I must say, but I'm not sure I get
any more out of it than the cheap 32" it's replaced. At least the sound
it half decent.

Rob

"Rob" wrote

[new mini]

Ah, it's a hoot really. Just come back from a blast round the Dales, and
it's great fun to drive. Looking at the warranty repairs it had before I
got it I wouldn't describe it as 'well engineered' though . . .


OK, not so bad then? The one thing that hits me with 'em though is that they
*ain't* mini!

There's a sweet little pale blue *new* Fiat Cinquecento flying about round
here - it's lovely little car but I bet the one thing it *ain't* is 500cc!!



OTOH, while out I picked up a Technics SL-120. Now that *is* well bolted
together.


Oh yes. My decks are 2 x Lenco and 2 x Technics these days!



Link doesn't work?


I changed my mind and took it down - it's copyrighted material and I
realised that posting it here was a pointless exercise and not worth even
the slightest possibility of any hassle with the FBI! :-)



(I'm huddled in front of the screen, sitting on the floor to give you an
idea! :-)


Keith, that is just bonkers :-)


It's the end of the line - we don't go any further than that! Who'd want to?

Reminds me - I saw yet another snide remark from Pucci about 'trailers' or
somesuch *over someone's shoulder* the other day! I don't think there's too
many 'trailers' with a 120" cinema screen *and* a grand piano in the same
room!

:-)



I'm sure I remember seeing your first gen projector - best picture I've
seen outside a cinema. Dread to think what that little lot's like :-)


It's absolutely superb - sharp as you want on the right material (BD) with
deep, rich colours that don't have the metallic, 'enamel look' of the modern
(LCD?) tellies, which I can't stand. (Actually, we've never watched a movie
on the telly since the first day we got a PJ and couldn't imagine doing that
now!)

The sound is staggering, as you might expect (in a *movie* sort of way, of
course!) - I picked up a sub this afternoon and will be having a bit of fun
with that after we've eaten!



I was recently, ahem, forced into buying a new 37" LCD (Panasonic
something expensive). Very impressive I must say, but I'm not sure I get
any more out of it than the cheap 32" it's replaced. At least the sound it
half decent.


:-)

"Rob" wrote in message
m...
Keith G wrote:


While I'm on the subject, check the *size* of the main 'Full HD 1080p'
cinema setup now:

Keith, that is just bonkers :-)


Here y'are Rob, a couple of snaps I have taken of screen logos (cropped
somewhat) specifically to give my son an idea of the image quality we're
getting atm (on brand new kit, not yet fully set up) that I thought might
give you some idea of why we *bother* with it:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/trailer-cars.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/trailer-toystory.jpg

.....and a 'quick and dirty' fullscreen pic which has come out a bit
contrasty compared to the image we're getting on the screen but it will give
you an idea of the *impact* of the 'bigger picture':

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/trailer-ladyinred.jpg


Trust me, when moving, that is pin sharp - full HD 1080p from BD disk to
screen with none of the up/down/up/down/up/downsampling mumbo jumbo that
Barmy Arny was frothing on about the other day! See the number display on
the Toppy peeking out under the screen for an idea of size!! (About 90"
wide, allowing for a small border!!)

In article , Keith G
scribeth thus

"Rob" wrote in message
om...
Keith G wrote:


While I'm on the subject, check the *size* of the main 'Full HD 1080p'
cinema setup now:

Keith, that is just bonkers :-)


Here y'are Rob, a couple of snaps I have taken of screen logos (cropped
somewhat) specifically to give my son an idea of the image quality we're
getting atm (on brand new kit, not yet fully set up) that I thought might
give you some idea of why we *bother* with it:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/trailer-cars.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/trailer-toystory.jpg

....and a 'quick and dirty' fullscreen pic which has come out a bit
contrasty compared to the image we're getting on the screen but it will give
you an idea of the *impact* of the 'bigger picture':

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/trailer-ladyinred.jpg


Trust me, when moving, that is pin sharp - full HD 1080p from BD disk to
screen with none of the up/down/up/down/up/downsampling mumbo jumbo that
Barmy Arny was frothing on about the other day! See the number display on
the Toppy peeking out under the screen for an idea of size!! (About 90"
wide, allowing for a small border!!)


Does the missus come round with ice creams in the intervals;?..
--
Tony Sayer