Powering Dynaudios
November 20, 2002
I am contemplating purchasing a five-channel amp to upgrade
my home-theater system. I currently have a Yamaha receiver with 4-ohm Dynaudio Audience 42
speakers all around. I am considering buying either a B&K 5125 (good deal on a
closeout model) or a similarly priced Rotel RMB-1075. Which would you recommend? Or would
you recommend paying a little more to get a higher-quality three-channel amp and let the
Yamaha power the rear channels.
Kay
Either a five-channel or three-channel external amp
would be a nice upgrade to your setup. You have identical Dynaudios all around, so you
need fairly beefy amps all around. I'd look at either a very solid five-channel amp or a
stereo and three-channel amp combination and replace what's in the Yamaha altogether.
Regarding B&K or Rotel They're both excellent and I don't think you can go wrong
either way.
Value-oriented receiver
November 19, 2002
I'm trying to set up my first home-theater system and I am
looking for a good "value" receiver. I read your articles on the Marantz SR4200
and the Outlaw Model 1050. Both sounded awesome and at similar prices. The other one I
have looked at is the new Pioneer VSX-D811S at a cheaper price point. Just wondering if
you had an opinion on the three above or any other "value" receivers. Thanks in
advance.
Matt
A lot depends on what exactly your needs are. The Outlaw
has beefy amplifiers and would be my choice for a 5.1-channel setup. However, it does not
have the latest processing modes, specifically Dolby Pro Logic II, nor any of the 6.1
formats (although it has its own proprietary version). If these are of interest to you,
you definitely want to look at the latest products such as the Pioneer. Lastly, the
speakers you are going to drive may have some impact on your choice. It is imperative that
whatever you choose be able to properly drive your chosen loudspeaker system. Check with
your dealer to assure compatibility in this regard.
Speaker choices
November 16, 2002
I have narrowed down my search for quality bookshelf
speakers. It is a choice between the Polk Audio LSi7 ($550/pair) and the B&W
602 S3 ($450/pair). Also, Polk is offering a free PSW202 subwoofer with a purchase over
$500. Both sound great. Any suggestions?
David E. Leone
I think they are both excellent alternatives. Both
companies make good speakers and they stand behind their products. The Polk deal, though,
with the free subwoofer, seems too good to pass up. Based on that offer, between two
terrific products, you have a good tie-breaker. I'd go with the Polk Audio!
SACD
November 12, 2002
Nice article on the Sony DVP-NS755V. I picked up the Sony
DVP-NS500V for $170 to strictly play SACDs on my two-channel rig. The '500 is also a
multichannel/stereo SACD player. Circuit City is closing out this model. The DH Labs Air
Matrix cables I'm using cost more than the player! I was going to wait on SACD, but at
this price jumped in. Also, Verve is releasing new SACDs at $14.99! Again thanks for
letting people know SACD is so inexpensive to get into.
Tony Valdiconza
Thanks for the kind words. There are also a number of
new universal players out there too, and these will make it easier for folks to hear
everything available to them with one player. Glad you're enjoying high-resolution music
on your new player.
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