Subwoofer choices
February 7, 2005
I am shopping for a subwoofer to supplement my home-theater
speakers -- four Athena AS-B1s and an Athena AS-C1 center. As is the case with most
people, cost is an important factor, but not as important as good sound quality.
I've narrowed my options down to the Athena AS-P400 for
about $300, the Velodyne DLS-4000, which I can get on closeout special for $275, or a Hsu
VTF-2 for about $500. I would have to save for a few more months before I could afford the
Hsu.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for me to do a
side-by-side comparison of the three. Any suggestions that will help me make a decision?
Kurt Cannon
I'd probably stick with the Athena AS-P400 simply
because you'll stand the best chance of integrating it with your Athena speakers. This is
especially important in your case because the AS-B1s are bookshelf speakers and your
subwoofer will have to play a bit higher in frequency to provide a clean transition. A
subwoofer that doesn't meld seamlessly with the rest of your system can lead to some
serious headaches. From a sheer output-capability standpoint, the Hsu will likely win the
battle, so if that is the most important factor, then it may be the leading candidate. I
have no experience with the Velodyne. We have requested review samples and as of yet have
not received any.
To sum up I'd say the Athena is the no-brainer choice
for ease of integration and good sound with your current speakers, and the one I'd likely
pick. The Hsu would come in a close second based on prodigious output alone.
NAD C320BEE
February 4, 2005
Have you reviewed the wonderful overachieving NAD C320BEE
50Wpc integrated amp? I purchased this amp a while ago after my Plinius 8150 suddenly blew
its fuses and went out on me. Unfortunately, getting my Plinius 8150 properly repaired
turned into a real nightmare, so to fill the musical void in my life I purchased the NAD.
What an incredible piece of audio gear it is and also what an incredible bargain at $399.
Do you agree with my feelings about this NAD integrated
amp? For a while I used my NAD amp to drive my Alón 1 loudspeakers and the combination
was simply incredible. Indeed, it was a marriage made in heaven.
Charles McGraw
Although I have not heard this amplifier myself
I can tell you that through the years I've received other letters from readers singing the
praises of the C320BEE. It seems that a good many GoodSound! readers have made
the same discovery as you. Congratulations. Personally I have been impressed with other
NAD products such as the T743 A/V receiver. The company produces gear with an excellent
performance-to-price ratio, just what we look for here on GoodSound! As for your
purchase, think of all the money you can save by keeping the NAD and selling your Plinius!
Humming subwoofer
February 2, 2005
Hello, and great site!
I am using high-quality cables to connect my receiver to a
PSB Subsonic 6i sub. Even with the cables disconnected I am receiving a slight noise/hum
through the woofer. The power cord to the woofer is a two-prong number. Could this noise
be just polluted AC power or ground-loop hum? How would a filter such as a Monster Clean
Power Bar help with this?
James
It's impossible for me to diagnose your problem via
e-mail, but here are a few thoughts. I suspect you have an issue with the subwoofer
itself. Experiment by moving the subwoofer to a different circuit in your home and try
plugging it in. Listen for the hum. If you still hear it, the amplifier within the
subwoofer is likely causing the problem; perhaps there is a vibrating transformer. Now,
this could still be caused by your AC, and some sort of filtration might help. Some
amplifier power supplies are simply more sensitive to AC quality than others. Experience
has taught me that some components are more susceptible to hum than others, and although a
ground loop is quite common, it's not always the source of the noise. Experimentation is
the key. If you buy the Monster -- and only go this route after moving the subwoofer --
make sure you have return privileges in case it does not help. Your last resort is to have
the subwoofer examined by a technician.
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