Large speakers
March 28, 2006
I want some large speakers for a large room. I have the
Axiom M80 on my list, but what else can you suggest at the same price range? I need good
volume capability.
Randall
The Axioms would certainly be at the top of my list as
well. I know they will play loud and are durable while doing so -- a very important
consideration. In addition, look at their Canadian competitors. PSB makes the T65 and
Paradigm makes some large speakers in their Monitor series -- both would be around your
price range. Don’t forget API as well: Energy and Mirage would be prime competition
for the Axioms. As you go up these respective companies’ lines you’ll see more
drivers, larger cabinets, and the ability to play louder and with lower bass. But even
still, you do have the option of adding a subwoofer to fill out the bottom end. A good sub
can add dramatically to the amount of space a system can drive. Large rooms can be a
challenge, but appropriate systems in large rooms can also sound fantastic.
"The Return of the Single and the End of the
Album"
March 24, 2006
Nice editorial tackling something that has been worrying me for a while
now.
My additional thought is that it is not just the type of
album cited but another sort that could die. The ones you list are great music throughout,
and one could easily add some titles from the Beatles, or Brubeck; but there is also the
sort of album where a musical or lyrical or conceptual theme connects the tracks, and I
fear that these will become things of the past. Think of Genesis's Trick in the Tail
or Pink Floyd (choose your favorite). Whilst a musical or opera or symphony will survive
as an established art form suffering from the problems they already have, will
"concept" albums such as the Miles Davis/Gil Evans Sketches of Spain or Porgy
& Bess still be created? I can think of a lot more in this last category, because
they are the ones I seek out and listen to time and time again.
CXG
Tubes for HT?
March 23, 2006
What is your opinion on utilizing tube monoblocks for a
home-theater setup (amplification specifically for the three front channels)? I'm guessing
you folks know where I'm coming from on this one. Call it a dual-purpose system, if there
is such a thing. I would love to hear what you guys think.
Bobby
I know folks who use tubes for their home-theater
systems, and it seems to work fine. The same considerations that tubes present for music
systems would be there for home theater: reliability, heat, sufficient power output. But
if these factors are taken into consideration up front and pose no problems for you, then
by all means go for it. Many folks have a dual-purpose system due to space constraints,
not to mention the desire to sink the allotted budget into one great system rather than
two mediocre ones. Finding a way to enjoy one system with music and movies can be a
challenging proposition, especially with tubed components. But it can be done, and
don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
|
