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An Off Topic Question Re Off Topic Questions

When pondering a question, I try to remember to scan and research old threads and posts on Audiogon first.

Reviewing old threads, I am often reminded what a wonderful community of experts Audiogon has been since I first participated circa 2000.

In particular, I appreciate how many of you are wise, witty, intelligent and very generous with your time and expertise - particularly those of you who are not professionals, and those professionals who give disclaimers and/or do not relentlessly promote their own products.

Knowing that very smart, enthusiastic people are as close as the keyboard has inspired many of you to ask off topic questions, albeit usually cloaked in a cheeky audiophile context:

What do audiophiles drive? What kind of watch do audiophiles wear? Best drink, best bike to ride etc, before a good listening session?

Perhaps this is the best way to proceed, and we can all not so cleverly camouflage our questions within an audio topic and hope the moderators accept them.

However, I for one, would greatly appreciate being able to come to Audiogon, knowing our smart enthusiastic community would most likely come up with some good advice.

It would be nice knowing the moderators wouldn't mind, and without rephrasing questions in the style of:

Which Subzero refrigerator best preserves snacks and drinks to later enjoy during a Blu Ray home theatre demo? Which cardiologist in the New York area might maximize my life span to ensure listening sessions until the age of 100? Which new sports car has the best handling and 0-60 times, even if the trunk is not big enough for any audio equipment? Which lightweight winter parka best alleviates the need to curl up next to my tube amps after being outside in sub zero weather?

I trust you get my point.

Could OFF TOPIC be added to Audiogon as a subset of the Forums, as its own category alongside SPEAKERS, MUSIC, TECH TALK, MISC AUDIO etc?

Would anyone else use and enjoy OFF TOPIC?

Cheers,
cwlondon
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Thanks T Bone

In the tradition of off topic questions, I was just rambling another off the top of my head, while barely concealed in a nonsensical audio question.

I was just reflecting on my mistake to use the high performance stock tires last winter - even with the AWD it was really bad, much worse than I expected.

This year (2nd winter for the 2007 V 70 R)Pirelli "all season" tires seem to have been fine on all but the iciest of days and steep driveways.

The car is great - about as cool as it gets for a full blown "family" wagon.

Fun to drive and very comfortable too.
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
That's what I have always liked about the 'sporty' versions of Volvo wagons - they are generally as functional as they look, and you can surprise a lot of people off the line if you want.
markphd
667 posts
 
I have some relatives driving Volvos in the northeast. I'd put Michelins or Goodyears on them. Toss a coin. I find the winter Michelins wear down a little more quickly than the Goodyears when the road is bare, but perhaps have better grip on pack snow and glaze.

I drive a minivan. Maybe I could have a Volvo if I didn't have to spend my money on audio equipment.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 

You make a good point.

On reflection, maybe I could actively biamp my Tympanis if I didnt have to spend my money on the Volvo.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
An urgent appeal to the audiogon community, please:

Unfortunately I am writing to inquire about the best furnace to heat your listening room, without depositing soot all over your house and audio components.

On a cold day in NY, I have just been informed that a) the "heat exchanger" in our furnace must be broken which is why b) our ducts have spewed soot all over the house this morning and why therefore c) I need a new furnace.

They have offered to install either a "Hallmark or an Armstrong", have not yet specified the model but have quoted $4875.00 installed. Googling around, I have yet to see furnace for much over $1000 so I am little confused.

If anyone has any experience with these things, I would greatly appreciate it.

Unfortunately, we live in a landmarked community where it is not easy to get or install propane tanks, but perhaps with the appropriate permission that might also be a consideration?
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