Ordering Axioms
August 10, 2007
It looks like I will be ordering some Axiom M22 speakers
based on your articles and recommendations. I just wanted to say how helpful your articles
have been. It is hard to find really reliable information when you are shopping for
Internet-direct products, but your site has been a wealth of information. Keep up the good
work. Now if I can find the integrated amp that would be perfect to replace my older Sony
receiver I will be done with my upgrade experience (already purchased the Oppo DVD
player).
Thanks again, and keep the articles coming.
Andre
Listening distance?
August 6, 2007
Is there a correct listening distance for most
loudspeakers? I am sitting about seven feet from my speakers, which are about nine feet
apart. What is the optimal distance?
Raul
A good rule of thumb is that the distance from the
listener should be about the same as the speakers’ distance apart. This equilateral
triangle works for most loudspeakers and is a good place to start your experimentation. In
your setup I wonder whether you are getting a solid center image. If not, move your
speakers closer together, perhaps a foot each, to seven feet apart. That should tighten
the center image up considerably. I’m guessing that you may not be able to move your
listening position back because of a rear wall or some other consideration, though if that
is not the case you could try that as well. In the end the arrangement has to work for
your room and the décor considerations, so some compromises are expected. Choosing
speakers that sound good in varying locations then becomes a priority.
More power for better sound?
August 2, 2007
I am making the move to separates and have narrowed down my
amplifier choice to Anthem's PVA-5 or MCA-50. My Paradigm speakers (Mini Monitors all
around) are fairly efficient at 89dB and my listening room is small. From what I
understand, the electronics of the two amps are very similar, so it comes down to the
question of power. The PVA series is rated at 105W (all channels driven) versus 180W for
the MCA. In theory the PVA should provide plenty of power for my setup, and I'm not
worried about headroom or clipping; however, I wonder whether the extra power of the MCA
would sound even better. I am particularly interested in getting good clarity at lower
volume levels. Would the higher-watt amp have a stronger "low gear," or would
the lower-watt amp be more likely to hit its sweet spot at a lower volume?
Jonathan
Given your small room and speakers, and the fact that
both power amps will be working well within their power limitations, I don’t think
there will be dramatic differences in sound between the two. That’s not to say that
you won’t hear some differences, only that I believe they will be quite subtle. I
have not found that a higher power rating guarantees better sound. However, a better,
larger power supply is good for sound quality. A stiffer power supply -- all other things
being equal, as it might be in this case -- will typically provide better sound,
particularly when pushed hard. I would also expect some differences in the bass, where a
better power supply will usually make itself known. So although I don’t think there
will be dramatic differences between the two amps -- they’ll be subtle at best -- you
might hear a slight improvement with the MCA-series amps. If you’re going to choose
one, I’d go for that one.
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