System building
March 31, 2003
I am trying to build a system from scratch that will be
used primarily for music as well as TV/DVD. Due to my location it will be nearly
impossible to home-demo various combinations of components. Therefore, I have tried to use
advice from friends and reviewers to construct a theoretical system before making the long
haul into the nearest metropolitan area. I would like your thoughts on this
yet-to-be-purchased system.
My budget is limited, but let me know if you think I would
be better served moving the money around, such as spending more on speakers and less on
the preamp, et cetera. System: B&K PT-3 Series II preamp, B&K ST2140 stereo
amp, Philips DVD-963SA, and Paradigm Esprit v.3 loudspeakers. Thanks for the great site!
George
It's hard to go wrong with so many "GoodSound!-Approved"
components on your list! What you propose here would make a fine system, and I am
confident you would be quite happy with the sound. For pure two-channel enjoyment I'm not
sure you could do better for the money, or even considerably more. One thing to consider:
You'll not be able to tap into DVD's surround sound with the system configured as you have
it. If that's not a consideration, or something for later down the road, then I'd say go
for it!
Home-theater bass
March 29, 2003
I have a pretty good HT system, but don't have room for a
subwoofer. If I'm using fairly large main speakers, but no subwoofer, how would I work
this? Does it really matter other than with the overall frequency response of the system?
Donald Miles
Your arrangement is workable as long as you adjust the
bass management (in your receiver or processor) for that type of configuration. By setting
your main speakers to "Large" and the subwoofer to "Off" you will
route the low-frequency-effects channel (LFE or ".1") to your left and right
speakers. If you find the bass sufficient, then you're set. The LFE channel is typically
routed to a subwoofer because that speaker is designed to play the deep bass found in
movie soundtracks. Many stereo loudspeakers simply don't extend that low, in which case
the LFE information is lost. If you know your mains do extend low enough to reproduce the
LFE channel (say, flat to 30Hz), and you're happy with the sound, then a subwoofer is not
a necessity.
Struggling amp?
March 26, 2003
I recently bought a Rotel RA-01 amp and Wharfedale Diamond
8.2 speakers. The amp power is about 50Wpc to 55Wpc at 8 ohms, while speaker sensitivity
is 86dB and impedance is 6 ohms. I don't listen to music at high levels, and I'm satisfied
with the sound. I read that the amp should have more power for speakers with lower
sensitivity. Is my amp struggling? Thanks!
Jadranko
The fact that it sounds good at the levels you listen is
really the telling statement. What you've read is correct, though A lower-sensitivity
speaker does require more power to achieve the same volume levels as a speaker with higher
sensitivity, but this doesn't tell the whole story. Your listening habits, room size, and
the overall quality of the amplifier (Rotel has generally rated their amplifiers
conservatively), play important parts. So I'd say that if you are happy with the sound,
there's nothing to worry about.
Speaker grilles
March 24, 2003
My brother recently gave me a pair of older KEF 104/2
speakers. They are missing both grilles and one is missing the port tube. KEF does not
stock this stuff anymore, so I am wondering about after market, or someone who would have
replacements. Any ideas? Thanks.
Louis Devos
If KEF can't help you I doubt you'll find any original
parts stocked at any dealer. I would look toward the do-it-yourself route. I'm sure you
can find someone with woodworking skills that'll cut the frames fairly reasonably and the
black grille-cloth material is readily available. This may sound strange, but I'd try a
good car audio shop. They stock the cloth, make cabinets (so will have a good woodworker),
and may even have the port material (typically PVC). Sounds like a long shot, but give it
a try and let us know how it turns out.
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