Speaker stands

January 31, 2010

I’d like to get some decent speakers stands but I don’t want to spend a fortune. Do you have recommendations?

Kyle

You can certainly get some good-quality stands without paying too much. Parts Express and Axiom Audio are good places to shop.

New Image

January 29, 2010

I am looking for some new speakers and have been considering PSBs. The Synchrony series is too expensive for me. Even the Imagine is a little bit too much. Any plans for reviewing the new Image series? If so, what models?

Nick Baker

We just took delivery of the new PSB Image T6 and will not only have it reviewed, but also measured at Canada’s NRC. Since the product just arrived, the review probably won’t be published for a few months, though.

Biwire?

January 25, 2010

Hello,

My speakers allow biwiring. Right now I have them single-wired and the jumpers go to the second set of posts. Will biwiring improve the sound?

Tom Jacobsen

Maybe, maybe not. There's no clear-cut answer in this regard. One thing you can do is consult with the manufacturer and find out what they recommend. Another thing you can do is to simply try it and see if you hear any difference, providing you have a second set of speaker cables handy.

Preamplifier outputs

January 19, 2010

My integrated amplifier has on the back RCA jacks that are labeled Pre Out. What are these jacks for?

Jim Robbins

An integrated amplifier has preamplifier and amplifier sections in it. The preamplifier section controls the volume and switching, while the amplifier delivers the power to your speakers. Pre Out means "preamplifier output." These jacks allow you to use the integrated amp’s preamplifier with an external power amplifier, which is particularly useful if you need something that’s more powerful than what your integrated has built inside.

Vandersteen or . . . ?

January 15, 2010

In India, Vandersteen 2Cs minus the stands cost about $3500 after all duties, etc. and we have dealers for many major audiophile brands now: Revel, B&W, Magnepan, Totem, Monitor Audio, etc. Even much dearer brands are also around.

What is worth considering besides Vandersteen 2C speakers? In that price range, my only compulsion is to get a "full-range speaker," not perhaps a Spendor A6, which rolls off at 53Hz and costs about the same. [Bass to] 30Hz would be much better!

India has one audiophile brand which deserves review from you: Cadence. Have you any information on this brand? It is highly regarded here. Their main range is tube amps and electrostatic/cone-hybrid speakers (somewhat like MartinLogan). They too sell their next-to-top-of-the-range for about the same price.

Suggestions, please?

Amitabh Sinha

Vandersteen’s 2C is a very good speaker, but there are many other good speakers as well -- too many to list, frankly. But since you did bring some brands up that are available to you, I’d recommend looking toward Revel or Monitor Audio if you want a full-range design with really good bass. They have a few models to choose from.

We’ve heard and seen Cadence, but have never seen the brand available in North America. We’ll keep our eyes open, though.

Inexpensive turntable

January 12, 2010

Please recommend an inexpensive turntable. I want to get into vinyl, but I don't want to spend a lot of money.

Trevor Jones

We just got back from CES 2010 in Las Vegas and saw plenty of 'tables there. In particular, Pro-Ject's RM-1.3 that John Crossett wrote about seems like it would fit your needs.

Sub integration with Paradigm PBK?

January 6, 2010

Thanks for the subwoofer integration article ["Setting Up Subwoofers in a Two-Channel Audio System"], which appeared on GoodSound! on January 1. I'm planning on using a Paradigm sub with my two-channel system (my longtime Audio Physic Virgo IIs don't go quite as deep as I would like). It was unclear to me from your article if I need to obtain an RTA and microphone, etc., if I already have Paradigm's Perfect Bass Kit. Let me know, and thanks.

Best,

Saad Iqbal

The short answer is yes, and here’s why: the Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit is ideal for integrating a subwoofer into your room and optimizing it for smooth, even response. But what it won’t do is completely integrate it with your main speakers. For that purpose alone, it is ideal to have a setup such as that described in the article. What you’ll do is follow the article’s instructions as closely as possible, then run the Paradigm PBK software, which will put the finishing touches on your system.