Cart:
Acoustic Sounds' FAQ |
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General Help |
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• Adding Items To Your CartTo add an item to your cart, click on the "Add to Cart" button
• Removing Items From Your Cart
To remove an item from your cart, select "Delete" from the drop down menu, then click on "Go".
• I have created an account, but now I can't log back in.Use our Lost Password page to have your password emailed to the email address that you registered with. Your email addess is the login. Cookies are also required to log into our site. Click here for details. • How to change the login/password info.
You must be logged in. Go to My Account and select "Change Your Password". Sorry, but it is not possible to change your login name. This is the unique identifier for your account. If you wish to change your login, you will have to create a new account.
• I add an item to my cart, then it disappears
Our cart requires that your browser allows cookies. This is a setting in your web browser. Refer to your browser documentation or network administrator to see how to change this.
• I can't delete an item from my cart.
There are several ways to remove an item from your cart.
• I ordered the wrong item, how do I change or cancel my order?
Reply to your order confirmation email explaining what needs to be changed, or, call us at 1-888-9-ANALOG (26-2564) (Outside of the U.S.: 785-825-8609). Be aware that most orders are processed right away and may not be able to be changed.
• How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to the email newsletter list?
Go to our subscribe page to subscribe or unsubscribe to our newsletter.
• How do I change my email address?
To Change your email address for our newsletter, please go to the subscription page and unsubscribe your old email address, then subscribe with your new address. If you have an account with our online shopping cart, login and click on "Manage My Billing Information" and change your email from there.
• Ordering
Domestic orders processed same day if received by 3:00pm (CST). International orders, please allow 1-2 days for processing. We are closed Sundays. All orders received after 3:00pm (CST) on Fridays, will be processed on the next Monday.
• Sales tax
Only orders that are shipped to addresses in Kansas are subject to state sales tax.
• Payment Methods Accepted
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover credit cards. We also accept money orders and personal checks and PayPal. For PayPal, you will receive and email with your total with instructions on how to submit payment. If you choose to send a personal check or money order please wait until you receive the Payment Method email, this will include your full total including the shipping charges. Payments sent must be in US Dollars – otherwise your order will be delayed.
• Placing an Order Without a Credit Card
We do accept checks and money orders. Select the "Check" or "Money Order" option on the order form and then mail your payment to the below address. Include Order Number on your Check or Money Order. You can also download our order form (Requires Adobe Acrobate Reader), fill it out and mail it with your payment to:
Acoustic Sounds, Inc. P.O. Box 1905 Salina, KS, 67402-1905 • Checking the Status of Your Order
Login to our web site and under "My Account" select "View Your Order History". From there you can view the status of each order.
• What does the Status mean?
The order status lets you know what is going on with your order.
• Specials/Sales
Special discounts on quantity purchases, equipment and sales may not display pricing and or shipping correctly on the online shopping cart. These will be calculated on the final invoice.
• Backorders
We try to keep a current supply of everything that is listed in the catalog. At times, some items may be temporarily out of stock. By checking the "Backorder" box on the order form, you may put the items on backorder. We will ship in-stock items and place the out-of-stock items on backorder. Acoustic Sounds will not charge shipping & handling for backordered items, but all backorders will be sent the best way. Nothing is charged until it actually ships.
If you request to put an item on back order that we know will not be available within 30 days, it will be kept on backorder by us and shipped as soon as it arrives. You do not need to reorder that item again. Backorders are not available on International, Canada or non-continental US orders. • Preorders
Preordered albums are those that have been announced but are not yet available from the manufacturer. You will be charged shipping and handling for preordered items with the same provisions as apply to all regular in-stock items. If you do not wish to be charged this extra shipping, request "ship in full" and the whole order will be shipped at once.
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Music Formats |
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• What is HDCD?
The HDCD process is used during recording as well as playback. The HDCD Process cancels additive distortions and simultaneously provides additional data (music information). This can be played on a normal CD player or a HDCD CD player. The HDCD CD player will give you a higher level of playback of the CD.
• What is XRCD? XRCD2? XRCD24?
The Extended Resolution Compact Disc (XRCD) from JVC brings the listener higher fidelity and improved audio quality by enhancing the process of mastering and manufacturing compact discs. All of this is done within the current CD standard, so no special cd player or decoding box is needed to hear the benefit of the xrcd.
You don't need a "golden ear" to hear the improvement in an xrcd. The improvement in sound quality of xrcd over a conventional CD is not subtle. Obvious gains in clarity, transparency, dynamics and warmth of xrcd can be heard by all. xrcd allows the listener to hear what the producer and artist intended to hear the sound of the original master tape.
• What is DXD?
Back in 2000 when Sony/Phillips first introduced the Super Audio CD as the next best music format, they could not have envisioned the impact that it would have on the audiophile community. Audiophiles exuded the merits of SACD and wanted even more. Unfortunately having two similar formats, DVD-A and SACD, made people hesitant to adopt the newer technology. The main difference between the two formats was the added value of copy protection that SACD had to offer. This was also its downfall. Adding copy protection made the format more complex to record and edit.
Sound quality wise, SACD had the higher bandwidth as well as having dual layers for multichannel and conventional stereo programming. As the wave file is the native format for conventional Red Book CD's, the SACD is comprised of DSD files at l-bit/2.8MHz sample rate. One technical solution for recording, editing and mastering DSD for SACD production was a new format developed by Digital Audio Denmark and Merging Technologies and acknowledged by Sony/Phillips called Digital eXtreme Definition (DXD). DXD is represented by a 24-bit/3S2.8kHz sampling rate. As we all know, every time there is a sample rate conversion, you step further away from the source. As with SACD, any editing or mastering that is done, needs to be converted to the PCM domain, or in this case DXD. Before final production, the material is converted back into DSD for full SACD replication. At First Impression Music, they have taken this step further to bring you closer to the source. Instead of making two or more sample rate conversions as with SACD, they record the source in DXD! The data rate for a DXD mono signal is 8467.2MHz, or MORE THAN THREE TIMES THE DATA RATE OF A TYPICAL SACD! • What is DAD?
The Classic 24/96 Digital Audio Disc DAD™ is designed to be an audiophile musical reference. The process starts with the encoding of an analog signal from a live microphone feed or more commonly from an analog master tape. The highly sophisticated Analog to Digital converter (A to D) samples the analog signal 96,000 times per second (96kHz) and assigns a numerical value to each sample point. The 96kHz sampling rate is more than twice the 44,100 (44.1kHz) sampling rate used on standard CD's. The numerical value assigned at 96kHz - about every 10.4 microseconds - is stored as a 24 bit digital word. The significance of a 24 bit digital ward is that there are 16.8 million different potential values for each 24 bit word! By contrast there are only 65,536 different potential values for a 16 bit word on a normal CD. The additional 8 bits on a DAD allow for over 16 million additional voltage values to represent the original analog signal. Further, 24 bit resolution offers 144 dB of dynamic range from the softest to the loudest musical note. At 144 dB of dynamic range we greatly exceed even the dynamic range available on the world's finest analog tape machines. For the first time in the history of digital audio we can provide Master Tape Sound MTSTM.
After the analog signal is encoded, the resulting 24 bit/96kHz digital data stream is stored on a large computer hard disk. The raw data is then transferred to a post production facility for "authoring" - a process that results in the creation of a digital tape called a DLT that is sent to the disc manufacturing plant. At the plant, the DLT is used to make a "glass master" which produces stampers that are used to injection mold that DAD discs. In all, the process is quite a bit more involved than making CD's but we hope that you will appreciate the extra effort when you hear what this technological wonder has to offer. • What is DVD-A?
DVD-Audio is the latest member of the DVD family of pre-recorded optical disc formats and is designed to be the next-generation high-quality audio format, offering very high quality, surround sound, longer playing times plus additional features that are not available on CDs.
DVD-Audio discs can also carry video, like DVD-Video titles, and limited interactivity. Capacity of a single layer DVD-Audio will be at least 74 minutes of high quality full surround sound audio. In addition the disc can accommodate the same audio encoded as Dolby Digital for playing on existing DVD-Video players. DVD-Audio can be regarded as an extension to the DVD-Video specification allowing high quality audio which can be played on audio-only players. It has many of the features of DVD-Video plus the important features of CD audio, including tracks to divide the audio content. • What is DualDisc?
A DualDisc is a two-sided disc, with one side CD and other side DVD. The CD side features the complete album. The DVD side features the entire album in enhanced audio (many in surround sound) and also includes features like videos, interviews, mini-documentaries, concert clips, web links, behind-the-scenes footage and more. For more information on DualDisc, visit www.sonybmg.com/dualdisc.
• What is SACD?
Super Audio CD is a new format developed by Sony and Philips. It uses DSD (Direct stream digital) recording technology and a 4.7GB disc to give the consumer an audio experience so real you think you are in the recording studio or front row at a concert.
• SACD Disc variations
The massive increase in audio signal information possible on SACD has meant that improvements in disc storage capacity were also required. Combining this requirement with the need to ensure compatibility with the already well established CD format lead to the development of 3, SACD compliant, disc variations.
Three types of Super Audio compact discs were created to insure maximum sound quality while at the same time offering you reverse compatibility with existing CD players. These are: single layer, dual layer and hybrid. The single layer disc consists of single High Density (HD) 4.7 GByte layer of information. The dual layer disc contains two of these layers, providing extended playback with a maximum capacity of 8.5 GBytes. The hybrid disc contains both a HD layer and a standard CD layer. The high-density layer provides luxurious SACD quality playback, while the standard density CD layer allows compatibility with any of the 700 million home, car or portable CD players made since 1982. This ensures complete compatibility between Super Audio CD players and existing CD players. For all three types of discs, information reading is done from a single side. For the dual and hybrid discs, the outside layer is semi-transparent, allowing the inner layer to be read through the outer layer. Therefore, with Super Audio CD, there is never any need to turn the disc over. This also allows labeling and printing on the top side, just like with a conventional CD disc. • What is the difference between DVD-Audio and SACD?
DVD-audio was developed based on the video format (DVD video) while the Super Audio CD was developed based on the audio format (CD). DVD-audio is based on PCM frequency and longer word lengths. The Super Audio CD, however, is based on a superior recording technology called Direct Stream Digital (DSD) that more closely reproduces the shape of the original analog waveforms to produce a more natural, higher quality sound that more accurately captures the nuance and atmosphere of the source material.
• Can I play CDs on SACD players and can my CD player play SACDs?
All Super Audio CD players can play the existing 13 Billion CD's. Hybrid Super Audio CDs can be played on existing CD players because they have a CD layer and an SACD layer. Some Super Audio CD players will also play DVD Video, Video CD, and CDDA discs.
• Does SACD with Multi-channel data also have a Stereo playback option?
And is the Stereo data of higher quality than the 3+ channel data?
Yes, every Multichannel SACD also includes a two-channel Stereo mix. Regarding quality, each project is unique to itself, but no, there is no set rule that would dictate the superiority in quality of the Stereo mix over the Multichannel mix. Do be aware that many reissues were originally recorded in two-channel, and therefore the multichannel mix for the reissue can suffer as a bit forced or unnatural sounding. • Will SACDs play back on my CD player or portable CD player or car CD player?
Hybrid Super Audio CDs will. The Super Audio CD format offers three disc configurations: single layer disc, dual-layer disc and hybrid disc. The hybrid disc is a two-layer disc, consisting of one CD layer, and one high density Super Audio CD layer. The CD layer has playback compatibility with the over 700 million CD players worldwide. And remember, audio CDs will play back on Super Audio CD players.
• Will CDs play on a SACD player?
Absolutely. Every Super Audio CD player is fully compatible with every audio Compact Disc ever produced.
• What is DXD
Back in 2000 when Sony/Phillips first introduced the Super Audio CD as the next best music format, they could not have envisioned the impact that it would have on the audiophile community. Audiophiles exuded the merits of SACD and wanted even more. Unfortunately having two similar formats, DVD-A and SACD, made people hesitant to adopt the newer technology. The main difference between the two formats was the added value of copy protection that SACD had to offer. This was also its downfall. Adding copy protection made the format more complex to record and edit.
Sound quality wise, SACD had the higher bandwidth as well as having dual layers for multichannel and conventional stereo programming. As the wave file is the native format for conventional Red Book CD's, the SACD is comprised of DSD files at l-bit/2.8MHz sample rate. One technical solution for recording, editing and mastering DSD for SACD production was a new format developed by Digital Audio Denmark and Merging Technologies and acknowledged by Sony/Phillips called Digital eXtreme Definition (DXD). DXD is represented by a 24-bit/3S2.8kHz sampling rate. As we all know, every time there is a sample rate conversion, you step further away from the source. As with SACD, any editing or mastering that is done, needs to be converted to the PCM domain, or in this case DXD. Before final production, the material is converted back into DSD for full SACD replication. At First Impression Music, they have taken this step further to bring you closer to the source. Instead of making two or more sample rate conversions as with SACD, they record the source in DXD! The data rate for a DXD mono signal is 8467.2MHz, or MORE THAN THREE TIMES THE DATA RATE OF A TYPICAL SACD! |
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FAQ |
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• What is a cookie?
A cookie is a very tiny piece of text we're asking permission to place on your computer's hard drive. If you agree by configuring your browser to accept cookies, then your browser adds the text in a small file. On most browsers, the default settings enable you to accept cookies, so if you haven't changed your defaults, you most likely don't have to do anything to ensure that your browser accepts cookies.
• What will a cookie do for me?
Acoustic Sounds uses cookies to keep track of the items in your shopping cart. But we aren't the only web site that uses cookies. Almost every web site that offers advanced features such as online ordering and customizable content utiltizes cookies. Each web site's cookies are unique, which means that the cookies used by one site cannot be used by another site.
• What if I do not accept cookies?
If you choose not to accept a cookie you will not be able to purchase any products online. However, you may still place an order over the phone at 1-800-736-3553, or email to orders@acousticsounds.com.
• How can I control which cookies
Your ability to control the cookies you accept depends on the type of browser you are using. You can set your browser to accept all cookies or to alert you every time a cookie is offered. Then you can decide whether to accept one or not.
• Turn on cookies.
Your cart keeps forgetting stuff? Turn Cookies on! To function properly, the Acoustic Sounds Shopping Cart requires that "cookies" be enabled on your web browser. Enabling cookies allows the Acoustic Sounds web site to recognize you as you browse through our site; if cookies are disabled, our web site will lose track of you, and items will mysteriously disappear from your cart!
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Shipping |
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• Shipping Methods & Rates
Domestic orders processed same day if received by 3:00pm CST! International orders, please allow 1-2 days for processing.
• How much does it cost to ship to my country?
We base the shipping amount on the actual weight of your order. We have discounted rates through FedEx and UPS so we can compare shipping costs and find the best rate.
We advise placing your order online and in the "Special Shipping Instructions" asking to have the shipping amounts emailed PRIOR to charging your card. This is the easiest and most effective way to learn the shipping amount. • What is the best method to ship to my country?
The best answer to this question is based on your previous experiences. Which carrier you prefer to do business with. There are a few exceptions; FedEx and UPS do not deliver to certain areas. Typically we will choose the carrier that has the most efficient shipping rate to your area based on the weight of your order. If you specifically do not want it shipped by UPS or FedEx you need to make a comment in the "Special Shipping Instructions" on the order page.
• Can you ship using the US Postal Service or Airmail?
We can ship anywhere in the world using US Airmail. We typically do not use First Class Mail to ship internationally; this method is extremely slow for delivery. If you choose US Airmail or US First Class Mail, your order can not be tracked and we can not file a claim if your order is lost. We can ship your order using Express Mail International, please request this in the "Special Shipping Instructions" on the order page.
• Do you include customs duties and taxes in the shipping cost?
We do NOT include these fees on your order. Every country has different regulations. Either FedEx or UPS (or your Postal Carrier) will request payment for these duties or taxes.
• What happens of I refuse a delivery shipment?
Refusing a shipment can be very expensive. We assume you understand your individual country’s import rules. If you refuse a shipment you will be responsible for the shipping costs to your country, any storage fees your order incurred, any taxes your country charged on it and the cost to ship it back to us. We will charge you for these expenses after your item is returned to us. We will send you a bill for these charges. These charges cannot be declined or ignored and they are usually twice what you would have paid if not more.
• My order was delivered but the packaging and items are DAMAGED, what do I do?
You MUST keep all of the packaging and packing materials and enclosed items together. Immediately contact us. We will need a list of the items that have been damaged and the type of damage the items received. We are then able to make a damage claim to the courier services and with our insurance, which will allow us replace the damaged shipment as quickly as possible.
• What does Ship in Full mean?
We can hold your order until all items are available - this is SHIP IN FULL, this method will delay your entire order until ALL of your items are received in our warehouse. When using this method we DO NOT charge your credit card until we ship your order. Please pay attention to RELEASE DATES.
For International orders, we do not allow individual items to be back ordered. The other option is selecting “NO” to Back Orders; this also includes any PRE-orders. When you select this option any item that is not immediately available to be shipped is DELETED from your order. It will not be sent on this order or on any future order unless you order it again. The item is completely removed. |
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Privacy & Security |
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• Our Online Secure Ordering System
We make every effort to ensure that your purchasing experience at Acoustic Sounds, Inc. is secure. We use state-of-the-art data encryption technology to protect against loss, misuse or alteration of your user information. Secure Socket Layers (SSLs) encrypt the information sent between your computer and our database. and are certified by GoDaddy, an authority in online security services.
To be sure you're browsing secure pages, check your Web browser's status bar (located at the bottom of the window) for the closed padlock icon. This icon appears in the latest versions of Firefox, Safari, Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer to tell you that you are viewing a secure web page. Also, all browsers display an "s" after the "http" (https://..) in the Web site address to indicate that you're in a secure environment. |
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Returns |
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• Return Policy
We will accept returns of any defective or damaged item for replacement of the same item. Customer is responsible for shipping back to us. We will pay the shipping to ship back to you (Continental US customers only). For International customers, the customer is responsible for returning the item back to us. We will send your replacement with a $50 minimum order only. Phono cartridges and headphones are non-returnable. If defective, we will exchange for the same cartridge. There will be a **20%** restocking fee on non-defective merchandise. We will accept returns within 30 days of the order date. Please call for an RA# prior to returning.
• My order was delivered but one of the items has a DEFECT, what do I do?
We will accept returns of any defective or damaged item for replacement of the same item. Customer is responsible for shipping charge on returned items. We will pay the shipping back to you. Please read our Returns Policy for more information
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PreOwned |
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• Preowned Policy
Because of our constantly changing inventory, we can not guarantee the availability and prices of these selections. Please use this for inquiry purposes. We will e-mail a reply as to the condition, price and availability.
Most of these records have been visually graded only, but some have been play graded. Since we can only price them after they have been either visually inspected or play graded some do not list the price. Let us know which ones you are interested in, we will then clean, play grade, and verify condition and or stamper numbers and quote you the final price. It would be next to impossible for us to pre-clean, play grade, and verify stamper numbers on all listed LP's and list an accurate condition code with price. • Ordering
Due to the labor intensive process involved with filing orders for Used LPs, we encourage fax and e-mail inquiries for these orders. If you are placing orders by phone our operators cannot confirm availability or condition of any of these LPs. Please list and clearly indicate any alternate choices by order of preference. While we will make every effort to process these orders in the same quick manner as our regular orders, they may not go out "same-day" as normal new LP/CD orders.
• Returns
If you are not satisfied with the condition of your purchase - we will make a full refund of the purchase price of any returned used item only with an Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA number). In addition you must include a detailed written description of any defects - ie: side and band where problems occur, or any discrepancy concerning Condition Code. When negotiating a return, please ask the operator for your Return Merchandise Authorization Number. We will only accept returns with an RMA number AND description of problem.
• Return Postage
We will not reimburse any return postage on any items.
• Condition Code / Grading Scale
M = Mint:
Record looks and sounds new. No scratches, surface noise, ticks or pops. If there would be any surface noise, it would be very soft. If there would be a tick or pop, it would only be one or two soft ones.
M- = Mint Minus:
VG = Very Good:
+ = Plus: (such as VG++)
- = Minus : |
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© 2009 Acoustic Sounds, Inc. All rights reserved. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. |
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