GOODSOUND!GoodSound! "Ask Me" Archives

...to August 31, 2001

 

August 31, 2001

I am buying a new audio system for my room. After a few tests, I decided on the Cambridge Audio A500 integrated amp and their D300 CD player. Which loudspeakers would be a good match? I've tried several -- Acoustic Energy AE Two, Tannoy MX3, KEF Q35.2, Infinity Alpha 30.

Branimir

You've already made excellent choices with the electronics. Continue to trust your ears with the speakers -- they're all winners. You've done a great job narrowing things down to these four. Think of it now like different premium ice cream flavors from different companies -- you probably can't go wrong, but pick the one you like best. The Cambridge integrated is a suitable amplifier for all of them.


August 30, 2001

I would like to know if there is any benefit to having two powered subs for a two-channel music-only system. My system consists of a CD player, Creek OBH-12 passive preamp, Odyssey Audio Stratos amp, NHT SW2pi. The NHT SW2pi is a separate subwoofer amp (SA-2) and a separate woofer box (SW2SI). I am running two boxes off of the one amp. This is obviously not stereo bass. Would there be a big benefit for each box to have its own amp for each channel?

Your website is great! Keep up the GoodSound! work.

Mike Campo

"This is obviously not stereo bass." It depends on whether the subwoofer amp derives its signal from both the left and right channels, and if so, whether it sums this signal to mono even if two subwoofer boxes are driven. Check with the manufacturer. Theoretical advantages of dual subwoofers are a more even distribution of bass because possible suck-outs (due to placement) can be offset by the second woofer, higher playback levels, and a more believable soundstage because stereo now extends full range.

In the real world, it's also true that our hearing sensitivity is much less acute with diminishing frequencies, and localization of bass becomes less and less distinct below 80Hz. This can offset some or all of the theoretical advantages of having stereo bass.


August 29, 2001

Is there a review of the Arcam CD72 in the works? I have noticed that this unit was in the system of recent when other pieces were under review.

Neal

Indeed, Arcam has sent both the CD72 and the A65 (integrated amplifier) for upcoming reviews.


August 28, 2001

I have read the article on the Hsu VTF-2/Axiom M3Ti combination. I have just bought a pair of Paradigm Atoms and the Hsu VTF-2, and I understand that you are presently reviewing the Atom speakers. It would be most interesting to see how the Hsu/M3Ti and the Hsu/Atom combinations compare in performance. Looking forward to your review.

Senior Chen

Ahead in the review queue are the Outlaw 1050 receiver and JMlab Chorus 707 speakers. The Atoms will follow the Chorus speakers, and I'll be reporting on how they match up with the Hsu subwoofer compared to the M3Ti.


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