September 22, 2001
I have a Pioneer DV-C603 carousel DVD player
(about $500 list). Is there a single-play DVD player for under $500 dollars that would be
worth buying to improve CD sound for my system?
John E. Colorado
Rather than doubling up on your DVD
hardware, I'd look into the MSB Link DAC III ($399). This is an outboard digital-to-analog
converter that takes its signal from the Pioneer's digital output (TosLink or RCA) and
improves the sound. The basic concept here is similar to upgrading your computer with a
faster motherboard -- the MSB adds computational "horsepower." This upgrade not
only remains in your budget, it also retains the convenience feature of your carousel
player's multi-play features for music.
September 20, 2001
Thanks for the great work you and everyone on
the SoundStage! Network do!
I have read your review of the Axiom Millennia M3Ti (as well as Doug Schneider's and Ian
Masters') with great interest. I was wondering if you have listened to the new Wharfedale
8.2 or B&W DM303 that have received such rave reviews from What Hi-Fi? and Hi-Fi
Choice?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated
since I am unable to audition any of these speakers in my area. The Wharfedales are
available through Amazon.com, by the way. Also do you have any thoughts on the new Marantz
SR-7200 receiver?
John Henahan
A pair of B&W DM303s is currently with
a writer on the SoundStage! Network. We're hoping to forward this pair to GoodSound!
next. Wharfedale's new products do look very interesting. If the company is interested in
reviews, I imagine that you'll see a Wharfedale review on GoodSound! sooner or
later. What already is in the pipeline are speakers by JMlab, Acoustic Energy, Paradigm,
Axiom and NHT.
I haven't yet personally heard the new
Marantz receiver. What I can say is that dealers I've worked with in the past are very
impressed with the new Marantz line and have, in some instances, brought it in to displace
prior favorites.
September 20, 2001
I am absolutely new to all this stuff (receivers, stereos, home theater, etc.), and
I am a little confused. I am not an English speaker and this adds to my uncertainty. So,
what's the difference between stereo, stereo receiver, surround receiver, A/V receiver,
receiver, and home theater?
Reading the articles, I found that a receiver can have
Dolby 5.1 DSP -- isn't this home theater? Please enlighten me.
Dan Ilioiu
Basically a receiver encompasses three components in
one: a tuner, a control/processing center, and two or more channels of amplification. If
it is termed "stereo," it has two channels to drive a pair of front speakers.
The terms "A/V," "surround," and "home theater" typically
imply that the receiver has processing functions for more than two channels. These
receivers can have anywhere from five to 12 channels, to support a variety of speaker
configurations. The basic functions you want to look for are Dolby Digital and DTS
decoding. Many people buy a receiver like this and start with two speakers. You always
have the option of adding more down the line, but it will give you the ability to listen
to two-channel audio right away (CD, AM/FM, etc.).
September 19, 2001
I recently bought an Outlaw Model 1050
receiver. My CD changer (Technics SLPD-9) has an optical digital output, and I was
wondering if you could give me some insight on what I should look for when I buy an
optical digital cable. (I am guessing more expensive is not always better.) I am new to
this and so not very well informed on the desired characteristics of the cables used to
connect the components. Any useful information is definitely welcome and appreciated.
Amar Ramakrishnan
Outlaw Audio has told us that they're
about to introduce their own TosLink cables. Contact them for details. They will also
introduce their own cable package called Short Stack to connect a DVD player to the 5.1
direct inputs of their receiver.
September 18, 2001
I saw Itzhak Perlman play a violin piece on TV
a couple days ago in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks last week. I
thought the playing was incredible. Do you have any suggestions for CDs of his I could
purchase with audiophile-level recording quality?
By the way, I just listened to a nOrh
4.0/Outlaw setup again, and it is definitely a close call between that setup and my Axiom
M3Tis. The nOrh speakers sound amazing. The person also had SVS subwoofers. Do you have
any plans to review any of their subs? I thought it sounded amazing. Also, I believe
you've heard the Swan computer speakers. Have you listened to any of their affordable
bookshelf speakers? If they sound as good as they look, they'd be worth the money to me
someday (although I would have a tough time parting with my M3Tis!).
Bryan
Try Bits and Pieces [EMI
75488227]. This is a recording with Itzhak Perlman and Samuel Sanders (piano).
The M-200 media speakers by Swans are
currently with GoodSound! for a forthcoming review, and future reviews of Diva by
Swans models look very likely. I'm not familiar with SVS but have asked our equipment
review coordinator to look into this brand. Thanks for the suggestion.
September 17, 2001
What speaker would make a good partner for the
Mesa Tigris and a Sony SCD 333ES CD player?
Jeff
Having owned the Tigris, I recommend a
superior two-way tower speaker like the Meadowlark Shearwater HotRod, the Soliloquy 6.2 or
Sonus Faber Concert Grand. All these speakers extend to about 35Hz and are easy loads.
Which one you'll prefer is a very personal matter.
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