Reasonable receiver
December 31, 2002
Love your site. Can I get a reasonably good A/V receiver
for under $600?
Dan
How about a B-stock Outlaw Model 1050 for $439? Here's the link.
It's a fantastic deal on a good-sounding, beefy receiver. Have a look at our archives for
the full GoodSound! review. There are also some fine models from Onkyo, JVC,
Marantz, and several other manufacturers. There's so much out there for the money these
days. Good luck, and let us know what you get.
Speaker grilles
December 30, 2002
I've read in some reviews that it is better to listen to
speakers without their grilles on. Why would you do this?
Pat Mellonson
Grilles, generally, do attenuate high frequencies, which
can cause the sound to change to a varying degree. This may or may not be a problem
though. Some speaker manufacturers design their products so that they sound best with the
grilles in place; in effect, the attenuation from the grille cloth is taken in
consideration when the speaker is still on the drawing board. The size, shape, and
material that the grille is constructed from can also have an effect on the sound. On some
speakers, grilles are just an afterthought.
Most users have to weigh the possibility of damage (from
kids, pets, dust) with the improved sound quality gained from removing the speaker grilles
(if in fact, it does improve the sound). It's up to you, and you can really only determine
your preference from listening and examining your own situation.
Totem upgrade
December 28, 2002
I have a pair of Totem Model 1 speakers that are about six
years old and have recently been damaged by an electrical surge. I have sent them back to
the manufacturer and am wondering if I will get them upgraded to the Signature series. I
live in Bermuda and can't listen to the difference and wondered if you have heard these
speakers and have an opinion? It's about a $550 (Canadian) upgrade, so not a cheap
decision.
Derek Bonnett
I am assuming that the upgrade price is over and above
the cost of repairing the speakers. Normally electrical damage is not a warrantied item.
While I have not heard the speakers in question either, and therefore cannot give you a
definitive answer, there are some points to consider and some things you may want to
discuss with Totem. First, are there areas that you feel performance can be enhanced? Are
these areas supposedly addressed in the upgrade? I'd find out from Totem what they think
has been improved via the upgrade and measure this against your listening impressions of
the speakers. You also should decide whether these speakers are going to stay in your
system long term. If so, then maybe the upgrade will be a good investment over time,
enhancing your listening pleasure for years to come. If, though, you have plans in the
next couple of years to upgrade speakers further, then I wouldn't count on recouping the
price of the upgrade at any point. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Sansui
December 24, 2002
Just wondering what ever happened to Sansui in the US.
Looking at their Japanese website, I see they are still producing quality hi-fi
components, including a very nice-looking tube power amp. But in the US, I haven't seen
anything with Sansui's name other than inexpensive VCRs and small-screen TVs. Can you give
us some insider news on Sansui?
Danny
I wish I could, but after researching it a bit all I
found was the same Japanese-language website. There does seem to be some very high-end
components still being produced by the company. But, alas, it doesn't look like they're
available here. As an aside, I recently saw a Sansui integrated amplifier on eBay that was
selling for multiples of its original list price. Evidently, some of the older Sansui
amplifiers have become classics, with a loyal following from collectors and enthusiasts.
It's a shame we don't have access to current Sansui products in North America.
Rotel?
December 22, 2002
Rotel seems to be a budget leader amongst electronics
manufacturers, along with NAD and a few others. I was wondering if I could expect to see
any Rotel reviews in the near future. Thanks for the great site, and keep up the good
work.
Aaron Taylor
We have a Rotel review right around the corner. Stay
tuned -- you'll see it in the next couple of months for sure.
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