EXPERTS ON CALL
Home Audio Video Expert: Natural Sound
Experts Home > Home Audio Video
Natural Sound
645 Victoria Street North
KitchenerOntarioN2H 5G3GEO:
43.461505,
-80.472929
Phone: 519-744-3111
Paul and Andrea ConnollyOwners Operators
Here is why they are an Expert
Natural Sound has been in business for almost 30 years in the Tri City area. As an independently owned family run business, they have been a leader in the Home Audio/Video business because they are passionate about what they do and are very customer focused. The Connolly family take pride in their store, their staff, the products they carry and the relationships they build with clients. This is proven by the long term loyalty they have with staff members like Greg Thomas and John Steele whom have both worked with them for over 20 years. They have also established long term business relationships with the leading manufacturers within the audio/video industry, like Yamaha, Paradigm and Pioneer. Most importantly, they have clients who have been doing business with them since they opened their doors. Paul and Andrea Connolly and all the staff provide their customers with the information they need to make the smartest decisions regarding their electronics purchase.
Tips of the month
- October: Converting Records to CD or VHS to DVD
Fond memories all on VHS that you don’t want to lose? VHS tapes will degrade over time, so why not ensure those memories don’t get lost. At Natural Sound we have the ability to convert your tapes to a DVD or your classic records onto CDs. Just because formats are changing doesn’t mean you have to lose the material that’s important to you.
- August: Digital Sound Projectors
Sound projectors allow you the ability to have true surround sound from a single unit. If you’re looking for surround sound without having the look of the typical “box” speakers and all the messy wires this is the breakthrough in home theatre that you’ve been waiting for! Using beam technology, the sound bounces off the walls creating the complete surround sound!
- Portable GPS
Never get lost again! Portable GPS units give you the ability to have worldwide map coverage with voice guidance that will lead you in the right direction, customized to your driving preferences. Important features to keep in mind when shopping around…how many points of interests does the unit have – does it have the ability to have map updates (as the town grows…you want to be able to have updated maps) – how quick is the route calculation (highway exits come and go quickly!!).
- Blue Tooth
Did you know you have the ability to integrate your bluetooth phone to your car audio system? The beauty of bluetooth technology is that it’s completely wireless, so you can keep your focus on the drive! Bluetooth integration offers the convenience of carrying phone conversations through your car audio system.
- OEM integration.
Automakers continue to abandon the standard-sized head-unit, making it far more difficult to add on aftermarket audio/video systems. Now companies such as JL Audio and Alpine have developed products to integrate your factory head unit to speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, iPod adaptors and so much more without interfering with the vehicle functionality, safety or reliability.
- APRIL: outdoor speakers
When it comes to outdoor speakers wired is always a better solution. The sound quality of wired speakers is far superior to wireless. Good quality outdoor speakers are built to withstand the elements our Canadian winters bring!! They can be left out all year-round if desired. Paradigm, Yamaha and Klipsch all great, reputable speaker companies offer great outdoor options!
- Wireless Speakers
We will always suggest a wired pair of speakers over wireless as they are not truly wireless (power plug). Wireless speakers do not sound anywhere near as good as wired speakers, they are expensive in relation to the sound they deliver and they can pick up interference. If there is any way you can run that wire, you will be happier.
Most recently answered questions
- What is the difference between Blu-ray, HD DVD and regular DVD players?
Blu-ray and HD DVD are a different format (different discs) than regular DVDs that deliver a far better resolution. You require a different player to play the discs. Fortunately the battle for a winner has been resolved as HD DVD has backed down and will not be made anymore. The Blu-ray player will output 1080P but do not worry if you do not have a 1080P TV, you can certainly appreciate the massive improvement on a regular High Def (720P) TV.
We are very proud at Natural Sound that we are always careful not to sell a product that we feel will not make it in the industry. For example going back over the years, we have never offered for sale Beta VCRs, DAT machines, or HD DVDs. We actually find it rather disturbing that some of the chain stores flooded the market with HD DVD players over the busy Christmas season when it was fairly obvious that it was a dieing commodity and then when business slows in February they announce there sole support for Blu-Ray. Hardly good customer service.
I've heard that some companies are misleading consumers by saying that a receiver has a certain power rating, when it really doesn't. How do I figure this out if I'm looking to buy?
Unfortunately many chain stores try and fool the consumer by stating the power of all channels added together which is sort of like saying the car will go 400 mph as each tire will go 100mph. They also might be using a peak power rating as opposed to the industry standard RMS rating which is more of an appropriate rating for continuous power. Always look for how the power is weighted, in other words, do they state the distortion level and the frequency range that the power is rated at. To be frank, learn more about the receiver before believing what look like great specs for a cheap receiver. At Natural Sound we will always talk frankly about the electronics we carry, we will not mislead a customer to try and sell a piece.
I want to buy a surround sound system but may have to do it in stages because of my budget. Which speakers are most important for me to buy? What does each of the speakers do to help me decide which ones to buy first?
You need to start with the front left and right speaker. We will have stereo and not surround, but that is where we start. We then need to add the rears next but if you can add the centre at the same time that would be best. Lastly we add the subwoofer for that final punch.
What is the difference between Plasma and LCD?
Plasma and LCD TVs operate on the same basic premise. They are both very slim devices that use light to project through a transparent cellular (pixel) medium with a red, green and blue filter to create colors. Plasma TVs actually use phosphorus like a traditional tube TV to create color. LCD TVs illuminate the panel by installing fluorescent light bulbs behind the LCD lens. The LCD (liquid crystal) acts like a shutter to allow light to pass through where needed and to block the light when black is required. Plasma TVs are not backlit thus each pixel of Plasma can be considered as an individual light bulb. Both technologies have advantages over the other depending on the room application.
Ask this expert a question
