May 31, 2001
I've been thinking hard about getting the
Cambridge A500, but then it hit me that the A300 is only $250. I have also been pondering
NHT SuperOnes, which also run about $250. I could later add a sub to this system.
My question for you is this: Have you had any
experience with the A300, and if so, is it as good of a deal as the A500? Or should I just
spend the extra money and get the A500? It has a lower power rating (50Wpc) than the A500,
but besides that, will it sound worse? I live in an apartment now, so I don't need
ear-cracking volumes. Also, would the SuperOnes be a mistake? I think they sound really
good in stores, but they are not paired with the Cambridge amp. They were powered by a
higher-end Yamaha receiver instead.
Thanks,
Bryan Donovan
The NHT SuperOne has become the SB2 ($400)
and we have requested samples of it and the SB1 ($300) for review. The small NHTs were
rightly very popular, but until the new versions show up, I can't claim personal
experience. Also read the review of the Axiom Audio Millennia M3Ti. This is another
speaker you might want to consider.
Regarding the Cambridge A300 -- I
requested the A500 for review because dealers I know recommended it very highly as a
no-brainer. Turns out they were right. You also might like to know that based on your
feedback and that of other readers, we have contacted Adire Audio and been promised a
review sample of their $399 Rava powered subwoofer. In the process, we've also been
offered a pair of the brand new Kanada 8" two-ways ($499).
May 30, 2001
I would like some help choosing a receiver. I
have the M3Ti from Axiom, and I am just starting my home-theater system. My choice so far
is the Marantz SR500 $350 or the Yamaha RX-420 $260. Help!
Thanks,
Peter
I'd also include the Onkyo TX-DS494 ($320)
on that list. It offers 55Wpc, is an update over an earlier version and now features Dolby
Pro Logic II.
May 27, 2001
Say I bought a system consisting of a pair of
$350 speakers and a $300 integrated amp. What price range/brands of speaker wire and
interconnects should I look at? I have never been able to figure out what would be
overkill on cables and interconnects. I see many systems where the cable itself will cost
well over the price of my system, which is obviously what I don't want. So what do you
think would be the sweet spot for cables and interconnects for a system of this price?
Bryan Donovan
That's a fair question. I'd say you want
to be one or two steps beyond the zip-cord thingies that manufacturers include with their
components. I like the entry-level TARA Labs Prism series -- $29 to $49 for interconnects,
and something in the neighborhood of $50 to $75 for a pair of speaker cables. Keep it
around $100 for both or less.
May 26, 2001
Wow, what a great site! I just visited for the
first time, and I am really excited to discover a professional reviewer with a realistic
attitude toward high-end audio. With so much hyperbole and super-expensive equipment out
there, I sometimes find I second-guess my own ears- - your site provides reinforcement
that I'm on the right track.
I just assembled a system that is my first
real attempt at something "high(er) end." It consists of a Technics CD player
with MASH chip, Denon 375RD receiver, and Mission 701 bookshelf speakers. Speaker wire is
original Monster Cable with pin terminators, and the interconnect is Acoustic Research.
Overall, I'm happy with the sound. But I'm concerned with the CD player; it is about five
years old and was received as a gift. What is a MASH chip, and is this CD player any good
or the type of cheap junk h-ifi writers always trash? I've also noticed that Denon
complete minisystems come with Mission speakers, which is what inspired me to make this
combination (at an electronics superstore I noticed the Denon/Mission minisystem just blew
away everything else there). What do you think of the combo?
Keep up the great work on the site and know
you have found a new faithful visitor in me.
Sincerely,
Travis
I have heard the Denon/Mission minisystem
combo and concur -- it's one of the category leaders. You might be right, though, about
the Technics being a bit long in the tooth. I'm never in favor of trashing something that
functionally still performs. I'd recommend looking at the MSB Link DAC III then ($399).
It's an outboard D/A converter that will bypass the internal DAC of your CD player. Your
Technics will need to have a digital output, either TosLink (the one with the little
square plug) or S/PDIF (regular RCA jack). If the Technics ever gives up its ghost, you
could then replace it with a Pioneer DVD player for around $200 street price. To my mind,
going the outboard DAC route right now would be the most cost-effective upgrade.
May 25, 2001
I'm trying to get to where my ears want me,
but without going bankrupt for my left and right front speakers. I love crisp, crashing
highs in a speaker. I listened to some Klipsch RF3s today, and I understand them to have
"horn-loaded tweeters." Is that best for those "highs" or should I
look more for ribbon tweeters in a speaker? Thanks for your great help!
David
Horn loading (in both tweeters and
mid/woofers) is a means to coax higher sound-pressure levels from a given driver. Hence
you find horn-loaded speakers in professional sound-reinforcement applications like
outdoor stadiums. The good ol' megaphone horn loads the voice of the user and is rather
effective. The flip side of the added efficiency of horns are honky colorations
(especially in the midrange) and a slightly strident, piercing quality in the treble. I
suggest that the initial appeal of this "sizzle" might wear off rather quickly
and turn annoying in the long run. To test this assumption (and if you have a treble
control on your receiver, integrated or car stereo), turn up the high-frequency tone
control to the max and live with that sound for a few weeks. I could be wrong, but you
might find that your listening sessions shorten from listener fatigue. As far as ribbon
tweeters go, they do tend to be very refined, transparent and "fast" as a breed,
but can be finicky in terms of reliability. They are usually also pretty expensive.
Frankly, I can't think of affordable speakers that use ribbons.
May 24, 2001
I purchased my first decent stereo while I was
attending college in 1974. Prior to that I didn't even realize that separate components
existed. My second system, which is about 15 years old, is ready to retire. In looking for
replacements for my receiver and turntable, I notice that there is not a lot of choice in
the way of two-channel receiver-based systems and even fewer professional reviews. I see
that the your old site has recommended the Onkyo TX-8511 and the Yamaha RX-496. I also
narrowed my choice to these same models. I intend on listening to the Yamaha next week and
would like your opinion. "On paper" the Yamaha looks superior in almost every
respect.
In looking for budget turntables there are
even fewer choices. I have a CD player, but I enjoy listening to my 120+ records. It takes
me back to my college days, and vinyl is still enjoyable to me. Is the Thorens TD170 a
decent value at $300?
I'm feeling a bit lost. There are no local
hi-fi stores, and no one to discuss matters with. To audition Yamaha or Onkyo, I'll drive
an hour. I plan to buy eventually the Thorens by mail.
B. Kanicki
I'm currently scouting for good receivers
and integrateds in the $300-$500 segment. Even certain HT receivers these days do a very
credible job for two-channel listening. To identify this capability in affordable
home-theater receivers is one of the tasks I've set myself. Many folks want to combine
movies and music in one system but insist (rightly so) that the music part be of superior
quality. Two-channel receivers are also on that list, for applications such as your own.
That said, I would also include an
equivalently priced Denon in my search. I talked with SoundStage! writer Greg
Smith, and he feels that the Onkyo right now is the piece to beat. "On paper"
specs often don't translate exactly into listening impressions. As always, I strongly
recommend that if a piece has all the essential features you need, trust your ears rather
than get swayed by promotional literature or a salesman's promises and claims.
Regarding a good turntable, check out the
Music Hall MMF-2.1 turntable with Goldring Elan cartridge ($299). I'm also copying Wes
Phillips of www.onhifi.com on your
turntable query. He may have personal experience with the Thorens and perhaps yet another
recommendation.
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