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Details: Created: 08 September 2010

I'm comparing the Arcam A90 and Anthem Integrated 225 integrated amplifiers. They're around the same price point where I live. I'm using them with Tannoy DC6 speakers and a Paradigm DSP-3100 subwoofer. Any thoughts?

Many thanks!
K. Ashoo

It seems that you’re comparing two great contenders. We reviewed the Integrated 225 and think very highly of it. We never reviewed Arcam’s A90, but our past experiences with other products from Arcam have always been excellent.

To determine which is better for you, you’re really going to have to listen to them side by side. We won’t be able to make that comparison for you. The only thing we will draw attention to is power output, since there’s a significant enough difference. The Integrated 225 is rated to deliver 225Wpc into 8 ohms, whereas the A90 is rated to deliver 90Wpc into 8 ohms. Do you need the extra power that the 225 provides? That will depend largely on how loud you listen and your room size. It might also depend on whether you might look at different speakers in the future. If you buy something that needs more power than the DC6 does, you don’t want to be caught short. But, like the listening experience, this is something you’ll have to determine. . . . Doug Schneider

Details: Created: 05 September 2010

I'm looking to purchase a pair of nearfield monitors for home mixing and don't have a very large budget. I'm thinking $200 max. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for me.

Thanks,
Shane Gann

The most important thing to realize is that no good-quality $200 speaker will deliver much bass. That’s because the cabinets and woofers are small. But you can get good midrange and highs.

For that price, I’d look at the Audioengine 2, a surprisingly good self-powered speaker that sells for just $199/pair. They’re a clear step up from the speakers that most people use with their computer systems. If you don’t need something that’s self-powered (i.e., you have an amp) and you can spend a little more, you should consider the Axiom M2 V3 that’s priced at $296/pair. This speaker is notable for its superb neutrality from the upper bass through to the midrange and highs. . . . Doug Schneider

Details: Created: 30 August 2010

I'm an audiophile from Shanghai, China. I've just read your review on the Simaudio Moon 300D. At the moment I use Silverline Minuet speakers and a Simaudio Moon i-1 and CD-1. I’m considering getting a 300D for computer-based audio. I’m wondering if you compared the USB input of the 300D with one of its S/PDIF inputs being fed from a sound card's S/PDIF output. My suspicion is that Simaudio would recommend the S/PDIF input for higher resolution and was wondering what you think. Thank you very much!

Yours sincerely,

Wu Minggang

Nihao Wu! It's great to hear from a reader in China.

I didn't try an S/PDIF output directly from my audio computer to the 300D, just USB. However you are correct that the S/PDIF input will offer higher-quality sound. The USB input on the 300D is limited to 16/48, but its S/PDIF inputs will go all the way to 24/192. It was my plan to buy an Asus Xonar computer sound card and use its S/PDIF output into the 300D for up to 24/192 resolution computer audio, but instead I bought an iMac and will use it with Amarra software and USB, probably with an Ayre QB-9 DAC (to be determined). Of course, even limited to 16/48 with USB, the 300D sounds great. My plan to go to higher resolution isn't because I think something is missing from the sound of the 300D’s USB input, but because as a reviewer I have to be able to use the full capabilities of the products I review. . . . Colin Smith

Details: Created: 21 August 2010

Dear GoodSound!,

I need an audiophile setup to listen to my classical music CDs. Take in consideration that:

1) I only listen to classical music and recordings made from 1900 to 1960, because the best artists were in these years. So consider the fact that the recordings are not so good.

2) I like true stereo recordings (made with only two microphones), so I need speakers with a very sharp stereo image. For me, this is probably the most important thing.

3) I don t like colored sound, considering I listen only to classical music.

4) I ask you to recommend a complete setup with the minimum price to obtain an entry-level but audiophile-quality setup, from the CD player to the speakers. I will also consider active speakers.

5) I have seen speakers such as the Polk Audio RTi A1 loudspeakers and Infinity Primus P252 loudspeakers that were given Reviewers’ Choice awards on SoundStage!

6) My room is little, so for now I could consider a bookshelf-type speaker.

I hope you can help me.

Alessandro

A good pair of neutral-sounding loudspeakers will work well with any type of music. A neutral speaker is one that has very flat frequency response, both on and off axis, as well as good bass and high-frequency extension. You’ll also want the speaker to have very low distortion, particularly in the highs, given the nature of the recordings you listen to. You don’t need your speakers adding any nasty sounds to recordings that aren’t all that clean sounding to begin with. It goes without saying that your electronics should also be very neutral-sounding and free from distortion. Frankly, that’s not difficult to find these days given the general high quality of modern-day electronics.

The two speakers you mentioned are excellent in terms of performance and value. They’re a good starting point, but there are many more to listen to.

I won’t recommend specific models, or a specific system, because what you choose will come down to individual preference. Your own ears will have to decide. But I will point you to some brands that I recommend you look at, because they have various models that will likely fit your musical needs and budget.

For electronics such as amplifiers and CD players, consider NAD, Cambridge Audio and Arcam. They all have a number of products that would be suitable . For speakers, look at Paradigm, Axiom Audio, Aperion Audio, PSB, Infinity, and Polk. They all offer small to large speakers at a variety of prices. If your budget allows, look at Finland’s Amphion as well. I mention Amphion because you said how important imaging is to you. Their lowest-priced speakers tend to be priced higher than the lowest-priced speakers belonging to the other brands I’ve mentioned, but you might feel it worth it since their speakers tend to image extremely well. Don’t compromise on cables to connect it all together, but don’t go overboard and spend too much either. DH Labs (Silver Sonic) offers some excellent interconnects and speaker cables for a very reasonable price. Their White Lightning interconnects and ST-100 speaker wires are exceptional values.

I hope that helps. Happy shopping!

Details: Created: 18 August 2010

I am in college and my roommate and I are getting a projector for our room and need to buy a sound system to accompany it. I have read a few articles, but most of them are about systems or speakers that are out of my price range.

I have a price range of $200-$350 and the main use of the sound system would be for movies and video games. I was wondering what might be a good choice for a full sound system within my price range.

Thanks,

Will

You could buy one of those cheap home-theater-in-a-box systems that come from places like Best Buy, but most of them are junk. We’d recommend looking at something better. If you value good sound like we do, look at a speaker system from Audioengine (Audioengineusa.com). Their self-powered speakers are very well made, good sounding, and quite affordable. For example, the 2 starts at $199 for a pair, the 5 at $349 for a pair, which seems to fit your budget. They build the amps into the speakers. You can hook the analog outputs from a CD player, DVD player, or even an iPod to them and you’re in business.

Another option is to look at Axiom Audio’s Audiobyte computer speakers (AxiomAudio.com) that come with a dedicated amplifier that also allows for hook-up of a subwoofer (good for future expansion). The Audiobyte speaker system is $349 (two speakers and the amplifier, but no subwoofer). Audioengine and Axiom Audio both sell factory direct and offer money-back guarantees if you’re not happy with your purchase.

Details: Created: 04 August 2010

I am in the process of building a new system, the first since college. It has been downhill since then.

Currently, I have two MartinLogan Source loudspeakers, a MartinLogan sub, dual NHT A1 amps with an NHT X1 crossover, an older Sony CD changer (jukebox), my original Garrard GT-55 turntable (new cartridge, but needs a tune-up), and, finally, a Dell P4 computer with lots of disk space. The old Sony stereo receiver is history.

I will be using the system for 2.1-channel audio only. I may be over reaching, WAF is running thin, but I am looking for a XM/HD/FM/AM tuner and haven't found one yet with all four (I already have Verizon FiOS music channels), a DAC, and a preamp to pull it all together. I am hoping the computer will handle Internet Radio. I am looking at the Peachtree Nova, but am not certain this would be the best value.

Any suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Gregg Reilly

I cut and pasted "XM/HD/FM/AM tuner" into Google and it came up with the McIntosh MR88 and Onkyo T-4555 tuners. So there is equipment out there that appears to support all four. More than likely, those aren't the only ones. Or if they are, there will probably be others in the future.

As far as what would be the best for your situation, as well as the best value, you have too many options to list here. The Peachtree Nova is certainly one component to consider, but there are integrated amps, receivers, and preamps that have built-in DACs that can suit your needs. I could list a dozen different options right now, and that's just scratching the surface. You'll really have to do some shopping around and then come back with some specifics if you want better advice.

But insofar as Internet Radio goes, I can give you some direction there. There are tabletop radios as well as receivers that support it. However, I’ve found that a computer works as well if not better. But how do you get the music out of the computer and into your music system if your computer isn’t located anywhere near it? What we use here is an Audioengine AW1 wireless adapter that allows you to stream the music signal from your computer to your audio system. It works great and its sound quality is suitable for this application. In fact, we were doing this the other day when we were having a backyard party and wanted to listen to some Latin music that we ended up streaming from a station in Venezuela. Aperion Audio just released something similar called the Home Audio Link that does the same thing. Kevin East just reviewed it on SoundStage! Xperience, one of our sister sites.

Details: Created: 21 July 2010

I am looking to add a stereo preamp to my system. I am looking at a Rotel RC-1580, Cambridge Azur 840E, and Emotiva USP-1, or any other preamp that you may suggest.

Bernard Robertson

You’re not giving us much information to go on, but you seem to have a good enough start for your search. If you want some suggestions for other brands that offer stereo preamps for a reasonable price, look to: Anthem, Bryston, NAD, and Vincent Audio.

Details: Created: 12 July 2010

I currently own a pair of Quad 21L speakers that I partner with a couple of integrated amps (Rega Elicit and PrimaLuna ProLogue 2). The setup sounds fine, but I am considering buying another pair of speakers with the goal of achieving a lower bass response, an engaging and rhythmic sound, yet without any shrillness.

I believe Eric D. Hetherington has quite a lot of experience with the Quad 21Ls. I wonder if he has heard the PMC GB1s and the Totem Hawks as well. If yes, could he please share his experience regarding these speakers compared to the Quad 21Ls.

Thanks and regards,

Anand

Eric reviewed the Quad 21L in 2004; however, he no longer writes for us. But I think we can still help.

I have no idea how much money you’re willing to spend on your speakers, or if you’re concerned with buying new versus used, but there are other brands that you should be looking at if finding the best speaker for the money is a priority. All of the speakers you mention have been on the market for quite some time and, at least to my ears, can be bettered significantly by the newest offerings from companies such as Paradigm, PSB, Focus, Dynaudio, and more. For example, there are numerous modestly priced speakers that can deliver deep, tight, low-distortion bass. If “shrillness” is a concern, I strongly suggest that you look at the newest Signature series from Paradigm that features beryllium-dome tweeters. Their tweeter is state of the art and outperforms the tweeters used on many ultra-expensive, boutique-brand speakers that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. My suggestion is to not limit yourself to just those brands you’re mentioning but to go out and do some serious shopping to find the best that’s currently out there.

Details: Created: 04 July 2010

I want to know if there is a simple way to rig up my Technics SA-203 receiver so that I can hook up speakers with RCA cables rather than the raw-wire standard connections. I've attached a photo of the back of the amp for reference.

Thanks in advance for any help.

George

You don’t want to use RCA-terminated cables for speaker-level connections -- those are for connecting line-level components to your receiver, such as a CD player or a tuner. There are, however, alternatives to bare wire for connecting your speakers.

I looked at the picture you sent and from what I can tell the speaker connectors on the back have holes that can probably accommodate banana-plug connectors. I prefer good-quality banana plugs over all other connection types because they’re easy to connect and they don’t slip loose. If those holes won't accomodate bananas, I’m pretty sure that if you unscrew the connector you’ll see a hole in the binding post that can either accommodate a banana plug or a pin connector, which is another way to terminate speaker wires. If the binding posts won’t allow for pins or bananas (I’m pretty sure they will allow for at least one of the types), them I’m sure they’ll allow spade lugs, which are placed around the post and clamped down by screwing the plastic part tight.

Details: Created: 19 June 2010

Does anyone make stereo integrated amplifiers anymore? I went to Best Buy and couldn’t find any. I could only find surround-sound receivers. I am not into home theater. What do you suggest?

Hugh Burritt

Stereo integrated amplifiers are getting tougher and tougher to find, but they’re out there. Anthem, NAD and Cambridge Audio all make good ones. You won’t find those brands at Best Buy, but you will likely find them at a specialty retailer if you look around.

Details: Created: 08 June 2010

The binding posts on the back of my amplifier are quite loose. They’re not causing a problem, mind you, because music still plays through fine. But is it dangerous?

Claude Beaumont

I think it’s safe to assume that anything loose on a piece of audio component could be a hazard. So, definitely, tighten ‘em up. It should be a fairly easy job providing the posts aren't damaged or too worn. Depending on your level of technical proficiency, it might be something you can do yourself (please make sure the amplifier is unplugged if you try). Otherwise, find a technician.