New subwoofer
January 15, 2007
I need a new subwoofer and I am looking at a used
Paradigm and a couple of new models from Boston Acoustics and Audio Arts. What would be
your advice on what to buy? I want to spend about $500.
Paul
I would only buy used if I were confident that
the component had been well taken care of and not abused. Subwoofers can be beat on pretty
hard, and the last thing you want is to buy a used one that is on its last leg. Having
said that, I do know that Paradigms are pretty rugged and the company will be there to
support the product. I have no experience with the other two subwoofers you mention. If
you do decide to buy new, I’d shop around. There are a number of Internet-direct
companies that offer fine value, and don’t be surprised if you find a discontinued
model at a local dealer. At GoodSound! we’re all about getting the most bang
for your buck, and that comes with prudent shopping. Let me know what you end up with.
Sub for his Axioms
January 5, 2007
I am looking to pair a subwoofer with my Axiom M3s,
and I am choosing between the AV123 x-sub and the Hsu VTF-2 Mk. II. Both look to be good
subs, and both have a maple finish and a look that passes the spousal approval test. My
living room is fairly average -- 15’ x 30’ but with a 7’ ceiling. How do I
know which sub would give me the most bass for the space without overwhelming either the
Axioms or the room?
Steven
Either subwoofer would work, and either will
have enough adjustment capability to allow proper setup with your Axioms. I would add an
Axiom sub to your list of candidates, though. My experience is that many times their
subwoofers work better than others with their monitors. Whichever way you go, you will
have to experiment with placement and crossover frequency, not to mention match the levels
as closely as you can. Subs can be tricky, but once you have them dialed in, having
good-sounding low bass is hard to do without. Let me know which you choose and how it
goes.
New integrated
January 3, 2007
I'm a classical-music lover with a pair of Boston
Acoustics AR1 speakers. I listen to CDs and radio mainly. My Denon DRA-395 receiver died a
few days ago, and I was thinking about replacing it with a Yamaha RX-797. The problem is I
was never crazy for the sound of the Denon and nobody seems to think that the Yamaha is
that great either. I would like to get a package system or integrated amp and tuner that
would be a big improvement over these receivers. I am ignorant about sound details. But I
know that when I listen to a good recording of a symphony, I want to hear a natural
separation of the instruments, rich strings and a balanced bass. I also don't want my ears
to hurt! I have about $500 to spend. If a tuner won't fit in that budget, I can get that
later. What do you think?
Bill
I do believe you would be best off looking for a
dedicated integrated amplifier, leaving the tuner for later down the road. This will
maximize your sound quality for the amount you can spend. As for brands, if you don’t
mind doing a little leg work (calling dealers, checking the used equipment websites), you
should be able to find a demo Arcam or Cambridge Audio unit within your price range. You
might even find a brand new unit that’s being replaced by a new model. The great
thing about one of these units is that they will excel with exactly the type of music you
listen to. Most receivers these days are more oriented toward home theater and therefore
bells and whistles are where much of the focus is. You might also find something from
Creek, NAD, or Music Hall. The Outlaw RR2150 is a good option if Internet-direct appeals
to you. Any of these brands will be an improvement over what you had.
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