Digital receivers
February 17, 2005
I'm curious as to why there is nothing written about the
new digital receivers, no test reports/reviews. I would think that this is what we're
waiting for. But instead there seems to a hush-hush, keep-the-lid-on attitude. I want to
replace my current receiver, but will wait to see what's with the digital advancements.
Frank
We have not reviewed any of the new digital receivers
and that is something we will remedy soon. I would not make the mistake of assuming,
though, that just because it is "digital," it is better. In fact, if you notice,
the least expensive receiver models in many manufacturers' lines are digital, whereas the
flagships still incorporate analog amplification. I had a well-known amplifier designer
tell me he was "almost able" to get digital amplifiers to measure as well as his
analog designs. A telling remark. One of the primary advantages to digital seems to be
lower cost.
Strong bass from a small speaker
February 15, 2005
I have an NAD 7155 receiver that I purchased in 1986. At
the time, I paired it with some Celestion DL-10 speakers, which I still have. Problem is,
they don't work well from a decorating standpoint in the room where I need the sound
equipment. Ideally, some small speakers in the built-in bookcases in the 14' side of my
14' x 20' room would fit my needs. I am a symphony-orchestra double-bass player, so I need
to have a strong, clear fundamental bass sound (which was why I picked the DL-10s way back
when). I know manufacturers have made many improvements since 1986 in terms of getting
strong bass from small speakers. I listen primarily to classical music. Any suggestions?
James Allyn
I'd be hesitant to assure you that you can get strong,
low bass from a small speaker, regardless of the progress made over the past years. The
physical limitations of using a small enclosure and small drivers are still relevant to
designers today. Couple that with the cabinet interaction caused by placing the speakers
within a bookshelf, and I think the acoustical challenges would be difficult to overcome.
There is another option: use a subwoofer/satellite system. A pair of excellent-sounding
small speakers that don't need to reproduce low bass is an easy find. Look through our archives and
you'll see models galore. Coupling a set of these with a powered subwoofer will give you
true deep bass that is tunable to your room and tastes. The sub can be hidden under an end
table, within a cabinet, or tucked into a corner. You should be able to get low bass into
the 25Hz range -- something you just won't get with a small set of speakers, regardless of
what the specifications indicate. Look for the speakers and subwoofer from the same
manufacturer for ease of integration. Axiom, Athena, and Paradigm all make potential fine
choices, for example.
Replacing a B&O receiver
February 9, 2005
I am trying to find a replacement for a B&O receiver.
The unit still works very well, but I am fed up with the user interface. I am considering
an NAD receiver, but I don't want to go backwards in terms of sound quality. Can you make
a recommendation? I prefer sound quality over bells and whistles.
J.D.
By all means go with the NAD. The brand is all
about performance over bells and whistles. I listened to a T743 at length and was most
impressed with its smooth, powerful delivery and simple-yet-effective user interface. You
can read my thoughts on the T743 in my
"Surrounded" column on GoodSound!'s sister site, SoundStage!
Two receivers?
February 8, 2004
I am trying to figure out the best way to create a system
on a budget. I enjoy movies as well as music but understand that a receiver that does both
suffers in quality. Would quality improve if I had both a receiver exclusively for home
theater and a preamp for two-channel, CD-sourced music?
David
Buying two systems, when on a budget, is not the most
cost-effective way to achieve optimum sound quality for two mediums (CD and DVD). Buying
one good receiver and one good DVD player is a much better move. Receivers are better than
ever before. The genre, in general, has improved. Much better amplifier sections result in
cleaner, more dimensional sound. DVD players make good CD players, especially when
considering price. My advice would be to select the best speakers you can afford then pair
them with a receiver from the likes of Denon or Onkyo, along with the same company's DVD
player. It's the best way to maximize your budget and end up with a system you'll enjoy
listening to and using on a daily basis.
|
