Receiver sounds better than tube amp
December 9, 2003
Can a $600 home-theater receiver (Sony STR-DA1000ES) sound
better than my $1000 tubed integrated amp (Jolida 502a) while playing in the two-channel
stereo mode? I thought today's receivers were mainly geared toward movies, and multiple
speakers. This receiver does sound better than my tube amp, and I am surprised by this --
so much that I am thinking of buying it for my two-channel stereo. Am I going weak at the
ears?
Brad
You've answered your own question. If the receiver
sounds better, then by all means don't second-guess yourself. Today's receivers are quite
good, as that market segment is intensely competitive, so manufacturers have to produce
better and better products. One thing I've found in this hobby is that common wisdom can
be wrong; I've heard things make a difference that really shouldn't have, and heard
inexpensive products better more expensive ones. That's why we always say, "You gotta
listen," which is just what you've done.
Axiom versus Ascend Acoustics
December 8, 2003
I have a problem. I'm buying my parents a pair of budget
speakers for Christmas to get them started on a home-theater setup (they are music/movie
buffs using stereo TV sound!). I have narrowed my choices down to the Ascend Acoustics
CBM-170s or the Axiom M3Tis. But I can't choose! Has anyone done a direct comparison
between the two? I think the Axioms look better, but do they sound as good as the
marginally more expensive CBM-170s? Arrrgh! This is so tough. Oh, and I will be setting up
the speakers with a Harman/Kardon AVR-125 receiver.
Jon O.
When you have two fairly neutral, similarly sized
speakers like the Axiom and Ascend Acoustics models you mention, it really does come down
to personal preference. And really the only way to know for sure is to audition them
yourself. In your case, your parents may actually prefer a different speaker than you.
When it comes to non-audiophiles, I wouldn't underestimate cosmetics, though. Axiom has
quite a range of colors to choose from whereas Ascend Acoustics sticks with basic black.
This may be more important than you know, especially if the speakers will be placed in a
family room or den.
Mono sub setup
December 5, 2003
I was wondering and have debated with a lot of people about
mono or multichannel for running a two-sub setup. I have had many different sub setups and
was wondering how much the sound will be affected with a mono amp. I know that it is not
stereo, but I will still receive full signal to the sub, just mono, correct? Will I notice
a difference going mono? The reason I want to is that I can get a much higher-rated amp
for about half the cost of a two- or more-channel amp, and it is just for subs.
Kyle
I'm not completely sure I understand your question, but
I'll take a crack at it anyway. Maybe there will be some useful information in there
somewhere. If you are considering a mono amp to run two subwoofers your primary issue is
assuring a proper impedance match. You'll need subwoofers rated at, preferably, 8 ohms and
an amplifier rated to drive loads below 4 ohms. I would caution you that the amplifier
will be working hard regardless, and distortion and heat output in the amplifier will be
higher. I'd go with a stereo amp for two subwoofers, even if you're running a mono signal
to both stereo channels. Stereo amps are plentiful so I'd think it just as cost effective
as a beefy mono amplifier, which being a rarer beast, may not save you money.
I'm a bit surprised you're needing to power your
subwoofers with additional amplification, as most commercial subwoofers are powered by
their own internal amplifiers. Unless you're into do-it-yourself and have subs that you've
built, the already-powered alternatives may still be cheaper than what you're proposing.
Subwoofer cable
December 4, 2003
Do you think the subwoofer cable makes a big difference?
I'm specifically talking about the analog RCA cable that connects from my receiver to the
powered sub. I know cables make a difference, but surely it doesn't matter much in this
case.
Robert Taylor
I'd say "it doesn't matter much in this case,"
too. In a perfect system with an unlimited budget, perhaps it would be worth worrying
about, but in the real world I can't say I've ever felt the need to attempt to audition
sub cables. As long as you have a solid connection and a cable that's competently
designed, I'd not spend too much time trying to improve upon it.
WBT?
December 2, 2003
I keep seeing reviews that mention WBT binding posts. I've
been out of audio for a long time and was wondering if this is some new type of connector
option or style?
Randy Burkett
WBT is a German manufacturer of connectors and cabling
accessories. So they are not a style, but rather a commercially available brand that many
manufacturers use in their own products. They make high-quality, solid parts, and they're
often mentioned when seen by reviewers and touted in marketing literature by the
manufacturers themselves. My experience is that WBT's fine reputation is well deserved.
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