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| Letters -- February 2006 Room treatments February 20, 2006 Editor, In the last year, I've moved into a new house and I am starting the process of treating my home-theater/music room. My problem is where to start regarding the various solutions available. Many seem to be virtual clones of one another, with generic applications of their products to address common problems (bass absorbers in the back corners, diffusion panels on the back and side walls). Some of the product lines are so similar it leaves you to wonder which firms know what they're doing and which are simply copying product types and competing on price or hype. Witness the Eighth Nerve products vs. the old RoomTunes products. Are they identical? I'm willing to spend $2000-$5000, but would like a tailored solution with effective, not "me too," products. In your experience, which of the many firms in this business can make specific, valid recommendations and have the products to back it up? Chris Valle I would look into Terry Montlick Labs (www.tmlaboratories.com), which I've used to great satisfaction. With them you can hire an acoustical engineer based on your needs and have someone who doesn't actually sell products give you advice. I've always been skeptical of companies that sell the products actually creating the treatment plan, simply because their business is supported by the number of boxes you buy. A third-party that can give you solutions based on need, not moving product, is a far better approach to me....Jeff Fritz Why not Select? February 6, 2006 Editor, I just read the excellent review of the Alpha-Core Goertz AG 2 Speaker Cables and TQ 2 Interconnects and was wondering how a pair of interconnects that is only $186 and sounds as good as or similar to (according to the review) a pair of $3300 Nordost Valhalla doesn't make Reviewers’ Choice or Select Component for 2005, especially as a budget award winner. Even $1088 for a set of speaker cables is a bargain if they are as good as the $7000+ Nordost cables. Frank You make a strong argument, Frank. In hindsight, especially given the comparison that Glen makes, Select might have been warranted (Reviewers’ Choice does not apply to Ultra Audio reviews). One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Select is not an award designed strictly for value-based components -- and there are a number of cables that compare favorably with Nordost. In fact, you can find several other comparisons with Nordost cables made by other Ultra reviewers auditioning other cable brands. In the end, though, your point stands. Perhaps we need to go back and re-look at this product. Regardless, Goertz deserves your attention and the fine review -- their cables appear to be a bargain….Jeff Fritz Exactly! February 2, 2006 Editor, Regarding this month's Opinion ("Audiophile Technology Wars at CES 2006"), when beryllium or diamonds or whatever become the industry standard for tweeter design, then it will have become a "breakthrough," like the automatic transmission, laser surgery, or the jet engine. Until then, it’s just a breakthrough in the company’s profit margin. Sal D'Agostino
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