January 17, 2002
Will you be reviewing more minisystems in the future? I ask
because the Sharp system looks enticing, but I would like to know how it compares with
other systems that take up the same space. I would also like to know if its sound is
better than what you can buy for under $1000.
Ben Duncan
We will be reviewing additional minisystems. Something
like the Sharp SD-NX10 does provide an alternative to separate components and speakers,
while not sacrificing performance. GoodSound! is all about high-performance
audio, so as long as it meets that prerequisite, I see no reason not to cover it here.
January 15, 2002
How does the Cambridge Audio A500 integrated amplifier,
Cambridge Audio D500SE CD player and Axiom M3Ti SE loudspeaker system compare to the sytem
you suggest in your "How To " section (Outlaw Audio1050 receiver and a
entry-level DVD player for around $200, along with the same Axiom speakers)?
S. Duffy
The primary difference is that the Outlaw/DVD-based
system has home-theater capabilities in addition to being an excellent music system. The
Cambridge system, by comparison, is really optimized for music only. If your future
involves surround sound or video, then go with the Outlaw/DVD system. If you listen to
music only, the purist approach would be to choose the Cambridge Audio combination.
January 14, 2002
Would you advocate the use of a mass-market receiver with
pre-outs, like the Onkyo TX-DS797, strictly as a processor and then use it with a
decent five- or seven-channel power amp in the $1000-$1500 range? I have been looking at
the Anthem AVM 20 with the Anthem PVA 7 but that setup, while very attractive, would run
me over $4000. Would there be that much of a difference in the sound quality as compared
to the price?
David Lawrence
The Anthem AVM 20/PVA 7 combination is under review now
at Home Theater & Sound and does represent a fine home-theater package. Short
of that combination, a receiver-based system makes a lot of sense. The ability to upgrade
the amplification while having the latest processing modes is attractive and cost
effective. Although you won't likely get the level of transparency from a receiver that
you would likely attain with the Anthem processor, you would have the benefit of a
separate power amplifier, and clean power is a real benefit with the dynamics presented by
movie soundtracks. If you start with the Onkyo/Anthem PVA 7 combination, you could then
determine whether eventually adding the AVM 20 is necessary for your system and tastes.
January 13, 2002
Is it best to purchase identical speakers for the fronts
and surrounds in a home-theater system, or is it better to use special speakers that are
meant to be used as surrounds for the rears?
Jordan Chandler
Ideally, it is preferable to use identical
direct-radiating (firing towards the listener) speakers as mains and surrounds. You assure
yourself of a timbre-matched presentation and consistent staging, which leads to a
seamless, enveloping sound when watching movies. This type of arrangement neccessitates
placement of the rear speakers well away from the listener, spaced as you would front
stereo speakers. However, this type of placement for the surrounds is often not possible.
Dipole-type surrounds fire away from the listener,
which gives a more diffuse sound. These can be useful if the rear speakers need to be
placed very close to the listening position, or disproportionate in distance to the
listener in relation to each other.
January 11, 2002
OK, let me be specific about what my needs are for a new
"household system." I need to evaluate what I need to have to drive five sets of
speakers. I like the idea of expandability/versatility, control from different parts of
the house without going to the source to do so. Are there calculations for driving that
many different speakers (to know what to look for)? Is there anyone who can make a good
recommendation for a complete system instead of me trying to guess and end up with a
mismatched mess?
Thanks again,
Tom Roehlke
Most conventional amplifiers cannot drive multiple
speakers without damaging either the amplifier or speaker system.Your needs necessitate a
whole-house distribution amplifier capable of driving five sets of speakers. Sonance and
Niles, just to name two manufacturers, produce amplifiers with ten or more channels. You
will also need a multi-room distribution and control system capable of commanding the
number of zones you wish to control. A custom installer/audio dealer is your best bet for
advice.
January 10, 2002
I am looking to replace the speakers that were
included with my Kenwood NV500 minisystem. I've narrowed my list down to two choices: the
PSB Alpha Mini and the Paradigm Atom, which it seems like everybody agrees are the two
best under-$200-per-pair speakers out there. If you had to choose between the two, which
would you pick? Please don't sidestep the question with an "only your ears can
decide" answer, unless you haven't heard both. I don't mean this in a snotty way, I'd
just like another opinion to see if it echoes my own feelings. Thanks.
Travis Cunningham
Your initiative to upgrade your speakers
is probably a good one. I believe that speakers make the biggest difference in an audio
system. As for the PSB vs. Paradigm, unfortunately we cannot give you a definitive answer
not because we haven't heard both, but because we haven't heard both at length. We did a
formal review of the Atom and found it to be excellent. The PSB has only been heard at
shows so a real comparison is impossible. I suspect, though, that you will be happy with
either.
January 9, 2002
I'm upgrading a cheap rack system that is
starting to fall apart and need to begin with the receiver section since
it is getting flaky. I'm looking to spend $350 or less, I need a tuner and would like to
have a remote for the volume. I only need two-channel channel stereo and will eventually
purchase bookshelf or small floorstanding speakers. We listen at low volumes so I'm not
too worried about power.
I have been looking at receivers by Onkyo,
Yamaha and Harman Kardon. However, I recently ran across the Pioneer Elite A-35R
integrated amp on the Internet. It delivers 45Wpc into 8 ohms (65 into 4) and is a
remote-controlled unit that has a MSRP of $250, but I have found it on the Internet for
only $180 including shipping. I would pair it with an inexpensive (possibly used) tuner
and should be able to stay within budget. I haven't yet found a local dealer, and
was wondering if you have heard this little amp. Of course, my main interest is
comparisons with any of the above receivers.
Jason Franz
Today I often suggest an audio/video
receiver for basic systems because it gives you an upgrade path to home theater. In your
case, however, you indicate a desire for only a two-channel system so an integrated
amplifier like you mention is likely the most cost effective. I have not listened to the
Pioneer product you mention, but their Elite series has a good reputation and the price
seems to make it very attractive.
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