> I've read the audio faq I got from rtfm.mit.edu, and now I've got some 
 > questions. For example, what's the matter with pre-amplifiers AND 
 > amplifiers?. Why so much hassle?. I have a JVC amplifier w/equalizer and 
 > other stuff that works like an amplifier and a pre-amplifier to me, and I 
 > wouldn't change it for anything I've heard!. It can feed 4 speakers at 80W 
       I am glad your happy with with your JVC. But there is a big difference 
in sound between combined receivers like yours and separate units with an amp 
and a pre-amp and a tuner, etc. Your JVC is what is called a consumer grade
stereo. While some people are completely satisfied with these, some are not 
and desire a better sound. The end result is a never ending pursuit of 
exact reproduction of a live performance. Take a ride to a "high end" stereo 
shop....not Best Buy or Curcuit City or Sears, and bring a couple of your 
best 
CDs. Demo a couple units and hear the difference for yourself.
 > different boxes?. What's going wrong in here?. Another issue is the power. 
 > Why is that everyone here runs for huge amplifiers?. 200 watts means lots 
 > of *noise*!. The JVC has a peak indicator with a wattage scale. When I 
 > really want to make everyone wake up I only use 5 watts at most, and 
       The Watts Per Channel each amp is capable of is not what the average 
audiophile is after. The more watts your amp is capable of delivering, the 
better control it can maintain over your speakers. The watts per channel also 
has little to do with your amps actual output. The amp will "peak" depending 
upon the frequency being duplicated, among other things. So even though your 
little meter is showing you 5 watts, your running anywhere from under 5 watts 
to over 40 in a single song.
       PA systems and PA System amps and speaker have nothing to do with high 
end audio. Yes they are noisey and awful sounding. The equipment isn't on a 
par with high end equipment, so the sound cannot be. 
       Before you can understand any of this you must listen to the 
difference 
between PA sound, consumer stereo sound and high end sound. Then you will 
understand the differences and can draw some conclusions from discussions 
here 
in the Audio Echo. There are many audio professionals that participate here 
and will be more than happy to answer your questions. But a FAQ isn't a good 
place to begin.
Cheers, John
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