Subwoofer for Magnepan MMG?
April 30, 2002
Which subwoofer would you recommend for use with the
Magnepan MMG speaker system?
Robert Jones
Magnepan has achieved quite good results, with their
smaller speaker systems, using the Velodyne SPL 800 subwoofer. One of our reviewers
confirmed this synergy as well. Although I suspect you could get good results with a
variety of brands, this is surely where I'd start.
Changing speakers and drivers
April 29, 2002
I have an 18W tube amplifier (push-pull) and a pair of KEF
104 speakers. I think that the amplifier can't drive the speakers efficiently, so I
want to replace the speakers with the new KEF Cresta 2s. Should I go with this? Why? I
also have a problem with one of the KEF 104 tweeters. I'm thinking about replacing it with
a Vifa or Scan-Speak tweeter. If I go with this, which tweeter should be the optimum
option? Please advise with a good solution.
Asep Sonjay
I would not advise you to replace the tweeter with
anything other than a direct replacement. A speaker's crossover and cabinet are optimized
for each driver. Even if you choose a "better" driver, it may not work well
incorporated into your speaker. Also, be sure the new KEF is equivalent to the wonderful
104. You just may find you want a more powerful amplifier so that you can keep the older
speakers. I'd check with KEF for a replacement driver, which you'll need to do in the
event you sell the speakers anyway.
Impedance
April 26, 2002
I have a Yamaha HTR-5450 receiver that has an impedance
rating of 6 ohms or higher for the center channel. Is it OK to use a center-channel
speaker with an impedance of 4 ohms, or will this cause damage to the amplifier?
Matt Piccoreli
Your receiver may be OK as long as you stick with low
volumes, but I would advise against using a 4-ohm speaker with your receiver. What is
likely is that you'll trip the unit's protection circuitry so often that it'll ruin the
experience. Without the protection circuitry, it is likely that when run hard, the
receiver would overheat, causing damage. Manufacturers are aware of this and therefore are
typically cautious with their designs. I'd look for a receiver that can handle 4 ohms, an
external amplifier, or another center-channel speaker with a higher impedance.
Two pairs of speakers?
April 25, 2002
My receiver (Yamaha RX-V1000RDS) can take up to two pairs
of front speakers (A+B). Do you think that connecting two pairs of B&W DM602 S2 as
front speakers would give any advantages in sound quality, especially in stereo mode?
Desmond
Stereo is best served with two speakers. The receiver's
capability to accommodate two pairs of front speakers would be for something like a
multi-room installation. If you feel you need more output, then larger and perhaps more
sensitive speakers would be advisable as a replacement for your current speakers. I would
not suggest an additional pair.
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