Alternative to Outlaw Audio

November 20, 2003

I was planning to order an Outlaw Audio Model 1050 A/V receiver to drive Athena Technologies Audition AS-F2 loudspeakers that I just ordered. But Outlaw discontinued the 1050. Can you recommend something similar in terms of price and performance? Thanks.

Bo Chen

It's too bad that the Model 1050 has been discontinued, which another reader just confirmed after trying to order one, as well. It was a solid product at a great price -- an unbeatable combination for GoodSound! readers. As for alternatives, have a look at products from NAD, Denon, and Onkyo. Those three in particular seem to be making well-regarded receivers that can be had for under $700.

Mixing home theater and music

November 19, 2003

How many of your readers would you say mix their home theaters with their stereo systems for music? I'd like to have one system that does both, but is it ideal?

Parks Daniel

Great question! My unscientific figure would have to be that about 80-90% have one system devoted to both home theater and music. The reasons are pretty obvious. Most people have one space in their homes they can devote to such a system, and usually one room where they have convinced their significant other that speakers and electronics can be aesthetically pleasing decor items! There's also the subject of budget to consider; most people simply don't budget for two systems. I think it's wise to combine the systems for other reasons, too. Multichannel music demands a configuration that serves both DVD-Audio and SACD software and that will also reproduce film soundtracks. A stereo system would be relegated to two-channel sources only. Therefore, strict division of music and film is not really possible these days. So you can see, there are lots of practical and technical reasons to have one system for all your music and theater needs, and most of our readers seem to have come to that same conclusion.

Refurbished Denon

November 17, 2003

I recently bought a refurbished Denon AVR-1403 receiver. When I hook up speakers and turn the receiver on, I get a lot of static from the speakers even when there is no source selected or the source is off. I need to know if I'm doing anything wrong or if is this a known problem with AVR-1403. Appreciate anything you can tell me.

Chary

It's difficult to diagnose the problem without examining the system. I'd suggest you go back through your manual, check your connections and cabling, and then have a look at any settings that may have been adjusted before you got the unit. Assuming all is OK as far as you can tell, I'd send the unit back to Denon, or your local dealer, for repair. Whether it's a known problem I can't say, but even if it's just your unit, it's a problem nonetheless.

Really low bass

November 13, 2003

In a recent letter you stated that regarding the low bass reproduced by loudspeakers, although 20Hz was really ideal, the "practical specification to look for is a bit higher, around 30Hz, which can be reached by most good subwoofers and many floorstanding speakers." This is consistent with my findings. I get to about 32Hz in my room. But am I missing any musically significant information from 20-32Hz?

Paul Jordan

It depends on the type of music you listen to. Some organ music extends below 32Hz, for example. Whether it's significant or not is a matter of opinion. My belief is that if it's on the recording then it is important and should be heard to experience a work the way the artist intended. However, that last bit of super-low bass is expensive to attain, and not all that common on most recordings. So I guess the answer is that you're not missing much, but you are missing something. How much trouble and expense you're willing to endure to get that last drop of frequency extension is up to you.