Archives?
January 31, 2005
Do you have an archive of reviews?
Art M. Altman
All of the SoundStage! Network reviews are located on
our newest site, SoundStage! A/V,
under the AudioVideoReviews
tab. If you're looking for only GoodSound! reviews, those are kept right here.
Speaker system for apartment living?
January 27, 2005
I have been looking for a home-theater/music speaker
system, and I have read many good things about both Axiom and Ascend Acoustics products.
My listening ratio will be 60/40 for home theater. I am currently using a Pioneer Elite 52
receiver. I also live in an apartment. Are these systems overkill, and if so can you
recommend an alternative setup?
John
Both brands you're considering make models that will fit
your application -- and best of all their products sound great. I'd look at a good set of
bookshelf speakers from either company, perhaps the M22ti from Axiom and the CMT-340m from
Ascend. These models, although of the bookshelf variety, offer higher power handling and
more output for home-theater installations than conventional two-driver bookshelf
loudspeakers due to their two-woofer design. Both Axiom and Ascend also sell
center-channel and surround speakers, so you'll be covered if you go all the way to a
5.1/6.1/7.1 setup. That Pioneer Elite receiver should drive either speaker I've mentioned
with no problem, so I'd say your plan is solid.
CD player or changer?
January 21, 2005
Thanks for helping me make a decision on speakers. I had a
pair of 1977 Akai speakers and just bought Axiom M3Tis. It was between Paradigm and Axiom,
and because of your reviews, I purchased the Axioms and I'm extremely happy.
Now I have one more concern. I need a CD player. I had a
pretty good Yamaha player that died. I have a Denon PMA-920 integrated amp and wanted a
good-sounding CD player. Again, it's all about value, but I was wondering if there is a
difference in the sound of CD players. I would prefer a CD changer, but I can always hook
up my iPod if a single player is of better quality.
Thanks again for your great website.
Tom
Your best value in the CD-player market is still a
DVD-based unit. I've recently heard some good things about the new slim-line Samsungs,
like the DVD-HD841. This model is available for well under $200 and packs a surprising
amount of technology into a small, inexpensive player. The only multi-disc DVD players I
like are the Onkyos, and I've even seen a couple of these well-made units malfunction. I'd
stick with the single-disc player -- you'll likely get better performance, and will
definitely get better reliability.
RadioShack Optimus speakers?
January 20, 2005
Are the RadioShack Optimus speakers any good? The store
local to me is having a good sale and I can pick up a pair of the small monitors at a
great price.
You have a very useful website.
Sean J.
Years ago I remember reading about the small Optimus
speakers with the 360-degree-radiating tweeter. They were supposedly very good for the
modest asking price and developed a loyal following among audiophiles. A quick search of
the RadioShack website does not reveal these speakers to be available, however. My guess
is that they are long discontinued. Unless you come across a set of these (identifiable by
the metal mesh housing on top of the cabinet protecting the tweeter), be wary. I've heard
some of the RS speakers while passing through the store and was never impressed.
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