That Jazz - Monkey Max Music and File Download

Chapter 19: Ten Tips for Building and Enjoying a Jazz Collection
� Component system: Buy a receiver, CD/DVD player, two or more speakers,
and a subwoofer. If you’re willing to do some research, you can
handpick each item and get great deals from online sources. I bought a
refurbished Denon receiver for about $400 (less than half the list price),
JBL bookshelf speakers and subwoofer for about $400 online, and a 300-
CD changer from a discount chain for less than $200.
Stereo or multi-channel? If your system is only for music, get a really
good stereo receiver. If the system doubles as your home theater for
high-definition television programs and DVDs, get a multi-channel
receiver. For music only, you get more bang for the buck with stereo.
You need only two speakers (and maybe a subwoofer for full bass).
How much power do you need? Like mileage ratings for cars, power
ratings for audio equipment aren’t accurate or comparable. Generally
speaking, though, more power produces better sound. Even at modest
volumes, you need some oomph to push out good sound across the
range from low bass to high trumpet squeals.
� Old-school system: The best sound I’ve ever heard came from an analog
and tube-driven system (glass vacuum tubes look like cylindrical light
bulbs with a filament that glows inside). I’m not an expert, but you can
buy vintage or new equipment. There are Web sites, books, and magazines
devoted to this equipment. Most cities have at least one store that
specializes in this “audiophile” equipment. Before you even think of
buying it, take some of your favorite records and CDs and go listen to
them in a store. If the sound doesn’t blow you away, stick with less
expensive and more reliable digital equipment.
As if you don’t already have enough sources of music, here are three more:
� Cable television: My cable provider streams 40 channels of music that I
can run through my sound system.
� Satellite radio: A subscription to XM or Sirius satellite radio costs about
$13 a month, and portable receivers bring music into your car, living
room, or hotel suite.
� Web sites: Web sites such as live365.com offer free Internet radio you
can stream through your computer and into your sound system.
Avoid those bargain price package-deal home theater systems. They’re okay
for watching movies at modest volume but not if your primary purpose is to
play jazz, with all of its nuances, at all sorts of volumes.
In my opinion, you must own a turntable. If you’re assembling a sound
system from scratch, be sure it can accommodate a turntable. Some of the
less expensive systems don’t have a place to plug in a turntable, but most
component systems do. You can pick up a used turntable at a garage sale or
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