B&K or Adcom?
August 26, 2002
I'm looking for a small power amp to drive a set of older
JBL speakers. I know Adcom and B&K are highly regarded and have been for years. Any
experience with either of their newest offerings? Thanks.
Jody Williams
It's your lucky day, or at least it will be when we
update on September 1st. We have a review of B&K's smallest power amp, the ST2140.
Although I won't give too much away, I can tell you it's a review you'll want to see. Stay
tuned!
Line level or speaker level?
August 21, 2002
B&W subwoofers (I don't know about others) accept
line-level and speaker-level inputs. What are the pros and cons of these two types of
inputs?
Thanks,
Ashish
Unless you need the high-pass (high frequencies are
allowed to pass through) crossover provided by the speaker-level inputs so that you can
blend a set of satellite speakers with your subwoofer, you'll surely want to use the
line-level input. The line-level input will let you electronically access and control such
variables as crossover frequency and phase. This is typically a better way to connect a
subwoofer for these reasons, as these adjustments are important to integrate the subwoofer
successfully in your room. If you're using the subwoofer in a home-theater system, the
line-level connection will allow you to connect the low-frequency-effects (LFE) channel
from the receiver as well.
Executive or lifestyle?
August 20, 2002
I have really enjoyed your opinion so far. Could you please
give me your thoughts on executive systems and lifestyle systems like the Denon D-107 or
JVC VS-DT2000? Would you really like their reproduction of music compared to a system made
up of bookshelf speakers and compact components?
Hetal Shah
The primary advantages of executive or lifestyle systems
are compact size and cosmetic consistency. You'll have a system that looks well matched,
and will fit nicely in tight places such as on a desk. I really think that, sonically
speaking, you can attain better performance from a good set of bookshelf speakers and
separate components. The disadvantages are that you'll have to pay close attention to
component matching, and the larger size may make them harder to place. There are tradeoffs
in either case.
Alchemist?
August 18, 2002
I was trying to track down a company I purchased an
integrated amplifier from six years ago for servicing. Anyone know the story on the
Alchemist Nemesis? I found old links that are dead and cannot find them listed anywhere. I
live in a remote location, and have no local options.
Derek Bonnett
Unfortunately, as far as we know, Alchemist is out of
business. Your best bet is to contact an electronics service/repair company and see if
they can offer any advice on the repair. As well, if you can track down an ex-dealer, you
can ask them whether they know of any competent service available. Perhaps they've needed
service for units they've previously sold. Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck.
Preamp for active speakers
August 16, 2002
Again, I wanted to express my enthusiasm for your site.
It's wonderful, and I read it quite religiously.
My question pertains to the idea of a preamp upgrade, in my
stereo-only system. I am currently using my Musical Fidelity A300 integrated amp's preamp
output to feed my Paradigm Active/40 speakers. I have truly enjoyed the performance of
these active speakers. I was wondering how much of an improvement I would get from an
upgrade in the preamp section. Obviously, this is not easy to answer. Maybe my money might
be better spent elsewhere!
Manufacturers I am looking into include the following:
Musical Fidelity, Conrad-Johnson (perhaps used), Audio Research (perhaps used), or even an
affordable tube preamp. Any thoughts or recommendations on my dilemma?
W. Chung
Glad you like the site! Since your speakers have
built-in power amplifiers already, you are "wasting" the power amplifier section
of your A300 integrated amp, although I suspect you are already aware of this and that's
why you are looking for a standalone preamplifier. In that context, I would therefore
consider it a worthy upgrade possibility, just as in any other stereo system with a
separate power amplifier/preamplifier combination. A separate preamplifier has the
potential to offer better performance simply because it's optimized for that task. With
that in mind, the audition process would also be the same. I'd try to hear the potential
candidates in your system before buying because each system is different and what may work
well in one system won't work well in another. There's no shortcut to the process, and
trying before buying is the easiest way to ensure your long-term satisfaction.
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