Universal upgrade
October 31, 2003
I have the following equipment:
Front loudspeakers: B&W CDM 1NT
Rear loudspeakers: B&W CDM 1
Amplifier: Yamaha DSP-AX1
CD player: NAD 502
Whoch universal player would you recommend to me for this
system? Any other recommendations? Thank you very much.
Claudio
I'd take a look at Yamaha's universal player, the
DVD-S2300. It should work well with your receiver and give you tons of system flexibility.
It looks to be built to a very high standard, as well. You might be able to consolidate
your remotes, too, which is always a nice touch.
In-wall Sonus Fabers?
October 29, 2003
I know these speakers should be put on a stand for optimal
listening quality. However, can Sonus Faber Concertinos be mounted inside a wall? I don't
have space in my new home and the house is equipped with Niles in-wall speakers.
Mayank Patel
While it may be technically possible to mount those
speakers inside a wall cavity, depending on your wall depth, it certainly would not be
optimal. In-wall speakers have advanced dramatically over the last few years -- today's
models are engineered to perform in that specific application. Your Sonus Fabers, although
fine speakers I'm sure, just weren't made to be mounted inside a wall. In fact, when
mounted in a wall, I'd bet the Niles you mention don't sound half bad. If they don't suit
you, however, perhaps you could trade up to some even better in-walls. There are lots of
choices out there for you, and with a little research, you may find the perfect match for
your new home.
Noisy NAD
October 27, 2003
I have an NAD 7155 receiver/amp that has served me
excellently for over 20 years. But now one channel or the other randomly (mostly the
right) drops off. Adjusting the volume control can bring the channel back, but there is a
lot of static on both channels as the volume is adjusted. Is this something that is easy
to fix, or is it time to retire this venerable amp?
David Frankenbach
If you like the amp and have no need for more features
it might be worth the $25-50 it would take to get an estimate. I'd imagine the volume pot
needs cleaning and the capacitors need replacing at the very least. If you can get the
whole job done for a hundred bucks or so, I'd vote for keeping it -- but then I have a
soft spot for classic equipment!
Equipment abuse
October 24, 2003
I have an Onkyo TX-8511 stereo receiver and Paradigm Titan
speakers. I was testing how loud the system could go, and I got it to a very loud level
when I began to hear a clicking-type sound. I was unsure whether this sound was due to the
amp clipping or the speaker driver slamming against something. I lowered the volume and
everything seems to be OK. Is there any chance I caused some damage to the speaker or the
receiver? I have a test CD that does a frequency sweep and the speakers seem to sound OK
on the sweep. Is this a good test to make sure everything is fine? How tolerant is the
equipment to this type of abuse? Thanks for any info.
Tony
Not to overstate the obvious, but testing to see how
loud your system plays is not such a good idea. By the time you figure it out, you've gone
too far and damaged something. If I had to guess, I'd bet you pushed the speakers a bit
too far. Hopefully not, and I have no way of knowing for sure, but if you hear it again,
I'd seek service from Paradigm.
First reflection
October 22, 2003
I'd like to make a room-treatment device to tame each
speaker's first reflection from the walls on each side of my listening room. What is the
best way to determine where to place them on the wall? I don't want to go crazy and treat
the whole wall.
Frank Allison
An old trick is to use a mirror. Have a partner hold up
a small mirror on the left side wall, standing clear of the mirror's path to you and the
left speaker. Look closely in the mirror; when you can see the speakers' tweeter in the
mirror -- by simply turning your head slightly -- you've found the best spot to treat.
Repeat for the other side and you'll have it!
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