AV123, SVS, or Polk?
April 20, 2007
I know you have reviewed the AV123 x-ls
and the SVS
SBS-01 packages. I have been killing myself trying to decide on which speaker package
to go with. It will be used for 85% movies and games and 15% hard rock/metal. I am also
considering the Polk RTi6es, but the AV123 and SVS stuff seems to be better rated. I was
curious on your opinion. If I went with the AV123 or Polks I would use either a HSU or the
SVS sub. My room is 15’ x 20’ with 9’ ceilings and hardwood floors, no
carpet. The receiver is an Onkyo TXSR-604.
Chris
You’ve read the GoodSound! review of the
SVS system, but you might have missed our Home Theater & Sound review of a full 5.1
SBS-01 setup. In that review Randall Smith wrote, “The final challenge was
multichannel music, so I tapped the DVD-Audio version of Beck’s most recent release,
Guero [InterScope INTR-11373-9DA01]. 'Farewell Ride' explodes right out of the box. The
deep bass rattled the loose screws in my head as it attacked my senses. This sort of bass
can overload average subwoofers, but the PB10-ISD almost brought the house down.” I
think of the systems you mention, specifically for your application, the SVS system is
easily the best bet for you.
Power cord for receiver
April 18, 2007
I have a Harman Kardon HK3480 stereo receiver that I would
like to upgrade the power cord for ($100-$300 upgrade). When I called an audio equipment
store the salesperson was confused about the type of connection that I have from the cord
to the amp. My factory power cord connects to the inside of the amp. When I open the amp I
can see a white plastic square/rectangular piece with three pin holes at the end that
snaps (connects) into two pins (leaving the center hole empty). I was interested in the
Shunyata Diamondback AC cord. Could you recommend a power cord that would fit my unit?
Bill
You have a non-detachable power cord and I would be
surprised if you could find an easy replacement for it. Most aftermarket power cords are
made for detachable IEC-style connectors. What might be an option for you is to have the
receiver modified to use aftermarket cords. This would involve adding an input for the new
cord and is work best left to a professional. While you’re at it you could also have
better input jacks and/or other improvements made to the unit. Some would question whether
these would be cost-effective upgrades on a receiver. You might be better off taking the
money that you would spend on the mods and buy a better receiver. But that is for you to
decide. If you really like the receiver I’m quite sure you could spend a couple
hundred dollars on it and make it that much better. As for who to use for the
modifications, perhaps pose the question on www.diyaudio.com, where I believe you’ll find all the advice
you’ll need.
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