And so it came to pass, on 04-13-97 19:24,
   that Jagdeep Poonian spake unto All :
 JP> K guys.. help me out.. We need to buy a complete home package, with
 JP> the Dolby Pro Logic receiver, full speaker set, and perhaps a 5
 JP> disk changer or so. 
Ahh, toys!
 JP> My questions are: 1. What is DSP, and what is the next step up from
 JP> DSP? 
DSP stands for Digital Signal Processing.  Basically, it means that instead 
of running the signal through a number of discrete circuits processors to 
achieve a certain end effect, the signal is simply digitized and all effects 
created within the digital realm.  Rather than needing separate circuits for 
delay, reverb and EQ, they can all be done in a single process; the exact 
effect is determined by the programming of the DSP.
 JP> 2. What brand name of an AMP should I choose? I need it both for
 JP> theatre sound purposes AND to throw nice boom'in parties as well.. :) 
I'd go for something like QSC or Bryston amps myself, cuz then I could pull 
them out and use them for a live sound rig when necessary :-)  Asking what 
brand of home-theater amp to get is 'way too broad a question, because there 
are so many different brands, and most all of them have receivers covering 
the entire spectrum from "basic" to "full-blown".  Really, it largely comes 
down to how much you're ready to spend -- some manufacturers' "basic" models 
cost more than other people's "full-blown" models.
 JP> 3. Future shop sells Cervin Vega speakers or somethin, should i
 JP> forget FS altogether and go look at stuff like pioneer, etc? 
Again, cost is a major factor.  You'll find a lot of people in here would 
name as their "dream speakers", units that list well into the tens of 
thousands (I was recently impressed by some Genelecs that list for $17,000 
*EACH*)
 JP> I need at least a 400watt amp, I'm just new to this stuff and i
 JP> need some help... Although people have different opinions, i would
 JP> appreciate what you guys would have to say.. Thanks
Best bet: buy a *complete system* of matched components.  Choose one with 
components you like (looks and/or feature-wise) of course, but instead of 
mix-and-matching brands, just get a pre-packaged system.  You'll save 
yourself a lot of hassles.  If you have the money, forget Future Shop and get 
to a good shop.  Check your yellow pages :-)
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Love, luck, and lollipops...
Matt


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