General Hi-Fi

Frequently asked questions about general hi-fi stuff including various types of equipment, technical concepts and advice for getting the best results.

I’ve read that I should replace any capacitors measuring 10% under spec – is this correct?

No, this is misinformation typically found on the interwebs and spread by folks lacking the knowledge needed to parse such ‘facts’. Reality Check I need to preface this FAQ by noting that with all technical concepts, the real answers are layered. Understanding the layering comes with education and experience. Just as most people lack the

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What are system resolution limitations and why are they important?

System resolution limitations or ‘bottlenecks’ are critically important as they define the maximum performance attainable with a given set of equipment. Think of it this way: You could have the best pair of speakers and source equipment in the world, but if your amplifier can only support a certain level of performance, maybe it has

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Do you recommend new speaker terminals, RCA connectors and detachable mains cables?

Sometimes, yes and I’m happy to fit these things, but people are often surprised to learn that, from a technical perspective, there is much more to this. Many of these topics are plagued by misinformation and pseudoscience. Certain “improvements” are not actually improvements at all, and in some cases are retrograde moves. No retailer selling

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What are your thoughts on buying equipment in poor condition?

Generally speaking, I suggest you don’t. I know that everyone wants a bargain and equipment in poor physical condition is often bargain-priced. Sadly, there is no escaping the fact that equipment in poor condition tends to be less reliable and less repairable than similar gear in good condition. It also doesn’t hold value as well

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