Assembling a system from reviews
January 15, 2004
Here is an intriguing idea! Can someone who knows nothing
about audio/video equipment (myself) use the Internet to educate himself, do product
research and choose an outstanding home-theater system without ever visiting an A/V store
-- relying solely on reviews from sites such as GoodSound!?
This would make a great feature article. A super-review of
an entire configuration selected by a rank beginner solely on review scores. This could
certainly demonstrate the value of product reviews -- and could be extremely useful to the
many thousands, and soon to be millions, who will be making the very complex and expensive
leap to home-theater/HDTV technology.
I have spent roughly two months doing extensive reading and
research in order to configure an entire system, to include a 42" plasma and a
high-quality home-theater system. I have a budget of $6000.
Here are my choices.
- Plasma monitor: Panasonic TH-42PWD6UY 42" including
table stand and optional DVI interface card ($3323)
- HDTV tuner: Sony SATHD300 DirecTV satellite receiver ($680)
- A/V receiver: Pioneer VSX-D812 A/V receiver ($256)
- DVD player: Pioneer DV-563A universal progressive-scan DVD
($177)
- CD player: Technics SL PG4 CD player ($141)
- Main speakers: Axiom Millennia M2i including matching
stands ($335)
- Center-channel speaker: Paradigm CC-170 ($199)
- Three surrounds: Cambridge SoundWorks Newton MC50 (for 6.1
sound) ($150)
- Subwoofer: Pyle PSUB10 10" 200W powered subwoofer
($114)
- Power conditioning: Monster Cable PowerCenter HTS800 ($85)
- Extras: Zenith Silver Sensor UHF digital HDTV antenna;
cabling mainly from Monster Cable unit and universal remote control ($340)
Total price: $5800.
Some reviews that I relied on were from consumers. I had to
judge the quality of these reviews with more skepticism. What do you think of this concept
for a feature article? Also, wouldn't this be an excellent way to review an entire range
of equipment quickly?
Don Babin
You've put some serious thought into your idea, Don, but
unfortunately assembling a system of products based solely on reviews will rarely yield
acceptable results when there are other, more important factors involved. For instance, I
have no doubt each product you mention has merit, but how well do they work together? For
example, the loudspeakers you decided upon come from three manufacturers. It's unlikely
you'll get good sound with three dissimilar brands. It would be better to choose from one
maker so that your speakers tonally match at each position.
The point here is that a good review only means so much.
What is just as important is making sure everything works together properly, and this is
often where a good dealer comes in. A dealer's experience can be invaluable. As for
reviewing a whole system "quickly," that's not really feasible. The equipment
has to come from the manufacturers, and getting all of it at the same place at the same
time is impractical for logistical reasons.
I don't mean to rain on your parade here; you're
obviously learning quite a bit about home theater, so keep researching. Just
remember that a product review is not all there is to the equation.
Sub/sat speaker system for under $500?
January 13, 2004
First off, let me offer up a little bit of admiration and
praise for the reviews on your website. I continue to be impressed by their depth and
attention to detail. The reviews of home-theater systems that both you and your team have
put together have really helped thus far in my search for a budget home-theater system. I
have learned quite a bit over the course of the last couple of weeks researching what
system to buy for my apartment, but I still definitely consider myself a neophyte at best.
So here is my question: Could you possibly recommend a
solid sub/sat system for movies and video games that would cost at or under $500
(excluding cost of cables)? I would listen to music a bit but I mostly use my PC for that.
I currently own a Sony STR-DE695 receiver, and I'm mainly looking at sub/sat systems due
to space limitations.
Eric
A week ago I'd have had a hard time with your question,
but after attending the 2004 CES and seeing Audio Products International's newest
offering, it's a no-brainer. The Spherex Xbox 5.1 system, which you can see here,
is about the perfect fit for your situation. After hearing it, I was quite impressed with
the sound, but the decoding it offers for video-game buffs makes it functionally
attractive as well. Give it a whirl and let us know what you think.
System advice
January 7, 2004
I've decided to enter into the realm of home audio. I'm on
a budget, like the rest of your readers, so I'm looking for some advice in what direction
to go regarding some components. Here is what I have and what my upgrade path is.
Amp: Just bought a Carver PM-175 from a friend; it's a
two-channel amp pushing 175Wpc.
Preamplifier: Struggling the most on this one. I'm trying
my best to score a great deal on a used preamp. I'm trying to limit my budget extensively,
but I have some requirements. I want a remote. I want the preamp to have tone controls (my
integrated amp lacks these), and I want it to have a subwoofer output. So far, looking at
some Carver units, Sony ES, Rotel, B&K, and possibly an Adcom.
Speakers: The main focus of my funds. I hope to buy
Magnepan MMGs and pair them with a sub such as the Adire Rava or Hsu VTF-2.
CD player: Struggling on this one. I really like the
convenience of a carousel, but I read quite a bit of recommendations that do not point in
this direction. I've so far been considering older Sony ES players or if I go single-disc,
an older Rotel.
So there we go. I guess I'm looking for overall suggestions
on my plan, as well as possibly some suggestions on preamps and CD players.
Adam
Overall I think you have a good plan. Specifically, here
are some thoughts.
Starting with the preamp, that's an easy one. The Anthem TLP 1
fits your requirements perfectly. It has tone controls and a subwoofer output that will
let you limit the amount of bass going to the Magnepans, crossing them over to your
subwoofer for more dynamic range. When you throw in a tuner and a digital readout, along
with your need for remote control, I think you'll be quite happy with the Anthem.
As for the CD player, why not get a DVD-based
machine that plays SACD and DVD-Audio? Some of the Pioneer universal audio/video players
sound quite good, and with a street price of a couple hundred dollars, they're fantastic
bargains (you'll see a review in GoodSound! shortly). This will give you more
flexibility with regard to software, too, which you'll appreciate because you'll have even
more ways to enjoy your new purchases.
Your other choices, the Hsu and Magnepans specifically,
are favorites of ours. I'm sure they'll serve you well and give you many years of musical
pleasure. Good luck.
Custom speakers
January 5, 2004
I just built a new house with a room in which I was
considering putting a new stereo system. I want to match my hardwood floors with the
speakers' finish and want a nice, real-wood veneer. Would it be possible for me to have a
custom set of speakers built with an exact finish like I want? Do you know where I can get
these built?
Ron Montgomery
There are companies that will provide custom finishes to
readily available commercial offerings, and I think this is quite doable even without
spending a mint. Having a true custom-made speaker would not be cost effective, and if
finish is your only concern, not preferable. Most loudspeakers from reputable companies
have considerable research-and-development costs built into them, but since this is
recouped via selling many hundreds or thousands of speakers it's not cost prohibitive. A
custom finish, however, is often offered at only a slightly higher price. Axiom Audio, for
instance, offers a "Custom
Shop" with many colors of a very nice vinyl laminate, and RBH Sound has over 30
real-wood veneers available for certain models. Check around and I'm sure you can find
more examples.
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